Disappointing salespeople/showrooms

[joeparaski]

So I'm shopping around for a projector, and 4 stores I visited had projectors in the ceiling not hooked up, but of course I could buy one but I can't see it in action. One place had it hooked up, but it took the guy 10 minutes to figure out how to get it going...ok fine, I got you unprepared, now lets see what it looks like. That $4,000 Panasonic projected an image that looked like total crap....if that's the way it looks I wouldn't want it if it was free.

Why don't these people have their act together and show something that is appealing...and above all, be ready to show it at the press of a button.


So now I'm considering a large Plasma tv, on the order of 63-65". Again, different stores, different sales people, and not one of them seems interested in selling me a tv. I find myself being the one doing the talking and it looks like I'm bothering them!

Maybe I need to walk in there wearing a suit and not jeans? Is there a shoppers "dress code" that I need to know about? With a little bit of effort the sales guy could have sold me that 63" Samsung plasma...I was ready. But apparently, I must not look like a serious buyer.

Joe

[snow]

It never ceases to amaze me Joe, poorly set up showrooms, incomptent sales people with poor attitudes are everywhere, at least its comforting on some level to know that it isnt only here in the USA.



REGARDS SNOW

[Keiko]

I hear ya, Joe. That's how it is with retail nowadays. Customer Service has taken a permanent vacation. Consumers do their own leg work these days.

[TouchOfEvil]

I feel the same way often. I know of at least 5 times i went into a place knowing what i wanted/ready to buy and the salesman turned me off from making the purchase with the poor service.

[comfortablycurt]

I hear ya. I've went into Best Buy's and other stores to look at gear, and practically ended up having to educate the salesmen on the product that he was trying to sell me.

[Sherardp]

63" inch plasma can't really compete with a projector image of 100" or larger. Not sure which PJ you saw, but if you saw a Panny projector for 4k, I would advise you look elsewhere. The Panny's and Epson can be found for well under 4k and offer a gorgeous image. If your spending 4k I would suggest you look into the JVC models.

I understand your gripes though, BB never have the projectors setup properly. I would advise you check around your area for HT stores that specialize in them. In order

What's the budget? I encourage not to give up bro, the Projector/Screen is where it's at.

[mdaudioguy]

I usually do my research on my own, so that I don't even need their help. More often than not, I find that I know more about the products that the salespeople depend on for their livelihood than they do. Not just electronics, but appliances, lawnmowers, computer stuff, and even cars. I'm not dissing all salespeople, but I can't understand why so many of them think their only job is to ring you up and take your $$. When I was in retail, I committed facts about what I sold to memory. When someone asked a question I didn't know the answer to, I admitted as much and endeavored to find the answer for them. It's just that simple. Wow, I'm ranting now... Sorry! This obviously struck a nerve. As I implied at the beginning, I feel it's my responsibility to ensure that I'm a well-informed consumer. Nobody else will do this for me. Of course, there are always exceptions.

[engtaz]

Most places don't have a clue about projectors. Yes, dress according to respect you espect. The bad then is that people tend to snap judge your ability to purchase. When you ask about something they believe is out of your price range the look the other way. mdaudioguy is right, read online reviews about the items you want to purchase.

Good luck.

[mantis]

It's embarrassing for me as I see this all the time. But around here the art of "the demo" has not been fully lost. We and a few other shops are holding on.

[billbillw]

I've not been happy with any retail electronics sales in more than 10 years! I e-shop, research online, and only go into store when I have a product and price already set in my mind. To do otherwise, usually leads to disappointment.

[joeparaski]

63" inch plasma can't really compete with a projector image of 100" or larger. Not sure which PJ you saw, but if you saw a Panny projector for 4k, I would advise you look elsewhere. The Panny's and Epson can be found for well under 4k and offer a gorgeous image. If your spending 4k I would suggest you look into the JVC models.

I understand your gripes though, BB never have the projectors setup properly. I would advise you check around your area for HT stores that specialize in them. In order

What's the budget? I encourage not to give up bro, the Projector/Screen is where it's at.

The budget is $3,000 taxes in, all work done, sit down and enjoy.

The reason I'm considering a large plasma is because of the SRS speakers. If they are set up as per Polk recommendations, there is no room in between for a 100" screen.

Also, by going with the t.v. I don't have to chop up the ceiling and pass wires to get to the system. There's probably a couple of hundred bucks of wires to purchase as well.

One thing is absolutely for sure....if I don't see the "projector to be" in action, I'm not buying. One store said that they'd be happy to order the Epson 9100 Pro for me, but they can't set it up because if I don't buy it, it will be "used".

Joe

[tonyb]

Shame really, I wouldn't give a nickel of my money to any store with that kind of customer treatment. You are correct Joe on the dress code thing. I've walked into higher end places with jeans and a baseball cap only to be ignored. You wear a suit and they are all over you, only problem is they think you have money but are too stupid to know what your buying and try and sell you overpriced garbage. These places can't figure out why people are moving to the internet to buy electronics ?

You should be able to find a great projector in your price range. That field is pretty crowded. If a Plasma is up your alley,a Panny or a Kuro,end of story there. If you go the projector route,get one thats quiet,fan noise has always been an issue with me,doesn't bother some, but for me, it's a deal killer. My neighbor has the epson 1080p,while good, picture quality goes down hill with the amount of light in the room increases. You have to watch it almost in the total dark. Keep that in mind too,some projectors do better with more light in the room than others. Sherardp can best direct you there. Good luck on the search.

[Sherardp]

The budget is $3,000 taxes in, all work done, sit down and enjoy.

The reason I'm considering a large plasma is because of the SRS speakers. If they are set up as per Polk recommendations, there is no room in between for a 100" screen.

Also, by going with the t.v. I don't have to chop up the ceiling and pass wires to get to the system. There's probably a couple of hundred bucks of wires to purchase as well.

One thing is absolutely for sure....if I don't see the "projector to be" in action, I'm not buying. One store said that they'd be happy to order the Epson 9100 Pro for me, but they can't set it up because if I don't buy it, it will be "used".

Joe

I completely understand where your coming from. Joe check out projectorpeople, they will allow you to demo the PJ in your own home (up to 4hrs), which should give you a good idea of what the PJ can do performance wise. Nothing better than to see the PJ in your own room and making a final decision from there. Here you go, I also listed Visual Apex as they too will allow you to demo pj in your home. Call for details.

www.projectorpeople.com

www.visualapex.com

[engtaz]

I second the places listed.

[mdaudioguy]

I second the places listed.

+2! projectorpeople.com did me well.

[Tony M]

63" inch plasma can't really compete with a projector image of 100" or larger. Not sure which PJ you saw, but if you saw a Panny projector for 4k, I would advise you look elsewhere. The Panny's and Epson can be found for well under 4k and offer a gorgeous image. If your spending 4k I would suggest you look into the JVC models.

I understand your gripes though, BB never have the projectors setup properly. I would advise you check around your area for HT stores that specialize in them. In order

What's the budget? I encourage not to give up bro, the Projector/Screen is where it's at.

I read on the forum here about Epson projectors and then my Home Theater mag.(I believe) also raved about its beautiful picture and affordable price compared to $$ you would've had to spend say 5 yrs. ago for this quality.

[Rivrrat]

When I shopped for our first plasma a few years ago, I spent around a total of 45 minutes on a couple of occasions at a chain that went out of business comparing models. In that time not one salesperson asked if I needed help.

[apphd]

Shame really, I wouldn't give a nickel of my money to any store with that kind of customer treatment. You are correct Joe on the dress code thing. I've walked into higher end places with jeans and a baseball cap only to be ignored. You wear a suit and they are all over you, only problem is they think you have money but are too stupid to know what your buying and try and sell you overpriced garbage. These places can't figure out why people are moving to the internet to buy electronics ?

I had the same happen at an auto dealership. It really is sad and I can't understand it. Did they ever think about those that maybe you wore the suit all week and really want to relax when they aren't working.

I tend to think the CE market has the worst sales people you'll find anywhere, except for most of the true hi-fi shops. I'm with you on this tony, when I'm ready to buy, I figure I worked hard for my money I'm not going to just hand it over to you without you putting some effort into. If not, I'll just walk out and find someone who is.

To the OP just keep looking until you find what you want, and someone who really wants to sell it.

Good luck

[snow]

Did they ever think about those that maybe you wore the suit all week and really want to relax when they aren't working.


Good luck

Agreed. I think unless they are taking you home to mom it really shouldndt matter if you come in wearing jeans and a T shirt or a suit, you are there to buy and they should be there to sell not date you :p



REGARDS SNOW

[VR3]

I hear ya, Joe. That's how it is with retail nowadays. Customer Service has taken a permanent vacation. Consumers do their own leg work these days.

This comment struck me as offensive. Given that I have worked retail for close to 4 years now -- I can say that mentality is because of consumers. Hell, why should I help some dude who is only going to go home, research it himself, try to beat my price, and NOT buy from me?

I will sell you the carpet you stand on if it were possible -- and I can tell you that if you come in my store I will find a way to sell to you if you are reasonable.

People dont trust salesman and would rather NOT pay for customer service every time.