marbles -
Jim, how does that trade in (up) policy work?
It is not exactly a formal policy. But we try and work with each customer on a case by case basis to help him or her make something happen.
On many occasions, we have been able to allow a trade in at full value on a higher priced model. We have allowed trade-ins of HT1's for HT3's with the full amount of the original HT1 purchase price applied toward the new speakers. If the price differential between models is less (or if the speaker cabinets are quite worn), it becomes more difficult to do that. But in each case, we do whatever we can.
We are often approached by individuals looking for B-stock speakers (which we never have). But when we take something in on trade, we generally re-finish the cabinets and sell them as used speakers at a slight discount. They basically look like new in every respect and, of course, we make sure they perform to spec. For people looking for b-stock products, this is a good alternative. They are happy and we are able to offer full trade-in value to an existing customer wishing to upgrade.
We have also made arrangements with some customers to purchase a pair of these trade-ins while they save for the speaker they eventually want. For example, they purchase a trade-in pair of HT1's and when they are ready for HT3's, we consider the money spent on the HT1's as their deposit. When they HT3's are finished, they pay the difference, return the HT1's and we ship the new speakers. In this way, they get to enjoy great music while waiting until they can afford the speakers of their dreams. I think this is a great way to proceed.
I hope that makes sense.
- Jim
