In light of another discussion going on elsewhere in Audio Circle, I have received a few phone calls/emails asking me if I felt the same way. I first want to say that the people who contacted me were some of my customers or regular acquaintance who were simply curious and in no way rude. In fact, they were very enjoyable conversations. I am starting this thread simply so others can hear my thoughts publicaly on the subject.
This topic has been raised before here at AC and primarily is about whether or not dealers/manufacturers feel like AC is a waste of time.
Okay, where to begin? I have been a member with AC since the early days. Yes, I do have a circle here and do post product information. Sometimes it pays off while other times it produces nothing in the way of sales. Does this bother me? Absolutely not. Do I feel like I am wasting my time? Again...no. It depends on your expectations and reasons for being here I guess. I too receive a LOT of PM's, phone calls and emails about our products from AC members with very few of them resulting in sales just as I receive numerous inquiries everyday from those who have never heard of AC. Does it get frustrating spending hours upon hours with a potential customer only to have them go elsewhere.... well, yes. Being a modifier, I get daily phone calls from DIY'ers on how to modify their own gear. This also becomes frustrating and time consuming to the point where you cannot always cater to their needs.
The way I look at this is that it is part of doing business. Being a business owner has an infinite learning curve. You learn and figure out new things everyday. Patience is key, especially in such a tricky industry as audio. Like some of the other dealers/manufactures here, Response Audio is by no means a household name and I am not naive enough to believe it ever will be. I don't expect every inquiry to turn into a sale. In fact if 2-3% became sales, I feel good about it. Another way to look at it is that even if no sale comes about, at least your name and product are now in the head(s) of those you speak with. You may never hear from them again or they may continue to gain interest in your product and come back down the road. I have had quite a few who have contacted me to tell me they have been "following" certain threads and/or products on AC and now want to discuss it further.
For myself, I come to AC to hang out and discuss things audio (and non-audio alike) with the many 'friends' I have developed relationships with over the years of being a part of AC. Some of the people I communicate with the most are not and never have been a customer of mine but I do consider them friends even though we have never met in person. I like being a part of AC and have spent many late nights (my wife works evenings till midnight) just hanging out on AC after the children are in bed. Sometimes I even learn something
It's better than staring at the TV all night. Even dealers, manufacturers, distributors like to discuss audio as just another audio buddy but we will always wear the title of a commercial member. Some of my customers were already customers that came to AC, some became customers from AC and some may become customers in the future but a good portion of them will never spend money with me but I realize if I treat them right and with respect, they may refer me to their buddies who may become potential customers in the future. At the very least, a new acquaintance has been made.
It's about not burning your bridges.
I realize there are a lot of AC members that are DIY'ers and they too have some great ideas to share while on the other end of the scale are those who don't have the time or desire to build their own gear. Some are very cheap (and have admitted it so don't yell at me
) while others know what they want and don't mind paying for it. With over 8000 members, Audio Circle is a melting pot of all types just like any online forum. We as dealers, manufacturers, DIY'ers and plain 'ole audiophools simply have to respect the thoughts, theories and opinions of others whether we agree or not. There will always be debates, even fights among each other
buy hey, that's just human nature.
I still feel Audio Circle does a good job of maintaining a down to earth place for many to share their passion in audio.
