Vote

My preference is to listen or view before I buy - especially in the case of speakers, but sometimes it may not be possible as a manufacturer may not be in the area of where a person lives. In that case, the best bet is to reach a reputable online company/dealer that has an excellent return policy.

Notwithstanding the above, I have had success on Audiogon even though, in most cases, one may not receive a factory warranty on a purchase.

One other point - with smart phones and tablets, it's easy to comparison shop in a brick-and-mortar store like Best Buy or HHGregg.

I bought my speakers and AVR from a local dealer, because I wanted to be able to listen to them before I bought them, and I got them on sale so the local prices were actually better than the online prices. Even if they cost more at the dealer, though, I'd still have bought them there after taking advantage of their listening room.

I got my TV from Amazon, because it was way cheaper there than anywhere I could find it locally, and Amazon is supposed to have a really good TV return policy. It even had free shipping, which probably paid for my Amazon Prime account for several years. Since big box stores are useless for demoing TVs, I don't feel bad about not buying this locally.

I got all my cables from Monoprice, because local stores will gouge you on cables. They were super cheap and they work flawlessly.

I prefer to find a store where I can listen, view and purchase... as well as experiment with differing speakers, settings etc...

Unfortunately these are few and far between, most stores "demo" the gear in a huge space, with dozens of screens, speakers and other kit blaring simultaneously.... in other words there is no demo possible at all.

If I have to choose between this kind of store and online - I prefer to do my shopping online...

I am willing to pay a premium products from a bricks and mortar store that provides good service - but that premium should be 10% to 20% over the online pricing not 50%+

I almost always listen/view before I buy. The only exception is my Oppo Blu-Ray player. We have some smaller boutique stores in town that specialize in high-end audio and video where you can really relax and have a listen or watch.

My main speakers are 20 years old (B&W 804s) and purchased from the same small store I got my centre channel and latest subwoofer from last year. I would never purchase expensive speakers or amplifiers online but neither would I buy anything from a big box store where the atmosphere makes it impossible to properly evaluate the equipment.

The boutiques may charge a bit more but they provide an invaluable service. If you keep your stuff as long as I do you want to make the right decision and these small stores really help.

Given that a lot of the products I'm currently interested in aren't even available in stores (Aperion, Oppo, Emotiva, Rythmik, Velodyne), I've had to develop a habit of gathering information online and trusting in reviews, word of mouth, and good return policies.

A few months ago I walked into a higher end Home Theater store and struck up a conversation with the owner, who was dismissive of my opinions because they were formed through reading countless articles, websites, and online forums(as opposed to just accepting everything he said). I almost chuckled when it came to the topic of buying online. "We need each other", he said. I didn't bother telling him he was wrong.

I don't buy from stores much anymore because they're usually either like Best Buy, which is usually staffed by under-informed people who try and tell me that I need a $90 3 foot HDMI cable, or they're like that high-end store, where the staff are arrogant and patronizing. When Magnolia was still its own entity, I actually had a salesperson respond to my request to demo a pair of speakers by saying, "Before we start, are you planning on buying anything today?"

That said, there are local stores that are staffed with knowledgeable, polite salespeople and I shop at them whenever I can.

I prefer to buy locally, that way, if there is a problem with the equipment, it can be quickly returned and replaced or serviced. Too much of a hassle returning something ordered online.

The ability to research both performance and best pricing simply can't be beat on-line. At times, my final decision from that on-line research will be bought at a store if they can offer competitive pricing. I don't expect price-match from a good store that provides service and support that I could never get on-line.

I did just buy a Definitive Technology SuperCube Reference from an eBay seller, new, un-opened, for $300 below list. I will forgo "service" for those types of savings, not to mention the tax savings potential. And it has performed flawlessly for 2 months now. (Great speaker BTW:)

I find having my decision generally made, and product choice selected also prevents last minute impulse decisions.

You know it's kind of ironic, I can remember when the big box stores came out the local guy was saying I give all this real advice and then you buy from the discounters. Now the discounters are saying you look at my product but buy online. What is going to happen next I wonder?

I wish that the little guy with personalize service and advice would come back especially in electronic gear.
Bob

I prefer to buy local but most of the electronic stores in our area stock low to medium grade merchandise. I purchase mainly from Abt.com, Listenup.com and Crutchfield.
Abt Electronics sells higher end units from Denon and Definitive Technology and Higher grade of Sony HX929 LED LCD TV,s.

Abt Electronics has special ordered me several pieces like the Definitive Technology BP7000 tower speakers and they are great if you run into any problems and there a authorized dealer so you have a full factory warranty.

FYI
I do not work for any of these companies just a very happy customer.

I work at a speciality Audio Video retailer and am paid on commission. Many other retailers are paid an hourly wage but are judged on productivity, or dollars sold per hour.

Those of you who "shop" at local stores and then purchase on-line are ASSH__ES! When you waste my time, I could have had a sale from a real customer. Also, when you have a problem, why do you come to us for help? And then you have the nerve to call us names and say you'll never do business with us...actually, we don't want to see you in our store!

How would you like it if I were to come to your place of employment, waste your time, and not get paid for "helping" me. I have a family to feed, just like most of you.

Incidentally, I do purchase items on line. The difference is, I do my research on-line and with publications and NEVER, EVER go into a store and waste a salesperson's time. We'd all appreciate it if you'd do the same.

For those of you who purchase on-line to save on sales taxes, you're nothing but a bunch of lowlife freeloaders. Those taxes pay for education, roads, social programs, police, fire etc etc etc. If you agree to not take advantage of tax supported services, then okay.

For those of you who purchase at Brick and Mortar stores, ...a big THANK YOU.