Are sales reps we get advice from bought and paid for???

T

ts211

New member
I have tried to seek input form NUMEROUS companies as I look to upgrade my studio.

Interfaces, preamps, processors, etc etc etc

Every sales rep seems to push really hard for certain products at different companies. OK We all understand that people have their own preferences but I have become EXTREMELY CONCERNED that I may be getting advice STRICTLY based on the reps income.

LET ME EXPLAIN...

I am REALLY into getting the APOGEE ENSEMBLE but numerous reps have tried very hard to pressure me into getting the apollo DUO. I ask about Vintech Pre's they push API, I ask about this they push something else. You get the picture.

MY QUESTION is doe anyone have any insight into how often these companies are reimbursed or take high profit margins on certain products by the manufacturer sweetening they real based on units moved. Happens in all business, yes but are we wending up with bad advices or being pressured away from our original wants to create greater sales volume for the companies alike Sweetwater, Vintage King , Etc Etc Etc??

I am interested in others opinions and if you have felt the same before with certain companies. I am not here to defame their names bout I would LOVE if someone suggested a company they feel GIVES 100% unbiased input
 
Go to sweetwater.com, look up what you want, read reviews, then call up a salesman and discuss your concerns and other options....When I get confused I really rely on reviews from people who have used the product, not a salesman.
 
I've seen occasional adverts on freelance forums, asking for someone to write a five start review for $X.
I'm sure it's rare, but because of that I don't even really trust reviews anymore.

Independent forums, friends, and hands on experience are about the only things I trust now.
 
I pretty well never take the advice of a sales rep. Usually they push gear that's more advantageous to them in terms of profit to the company, commission, etc. Even if that's not the case, all to often they are non-specialist and don't have personal experience of the gear.

Luckily there are lots of places to get unbiased reviews from users or independent magazines--things like Sound on Sound (and even this forum!) are good for getting the views of people who actually use things.
 
Lol, why ARE you capitalizing RANDOM WORDS. It looks QUITE strange...

Kidding aside, I've seen plenty of sales reps who aren't bad at all. In guitar center, and my personal sales rep at Sweetwater. They were pretty good. When a rep is pushing a product DOWN your gullet however, I suspect something is FISHY.

Sorry, I just had TO DO that. :D
 
I have not dealt with "sales reps" for purchases in a long time...but when I did, or do, I just tell them that money isn't the main issue (even if it is), so I tell them not to just sell me a "product"....becuase if I don't like it, I will return it and then buy elsewhere.

If you find a good rep, they can transcend their desire to just sell "product"...and at that point they will sell what you need/want, 'cuz they realize you will only come back for more if you are happy. :)
It's only the "dumb" or novice sales reps that push their sales agenda without listening to you.
 
Bobbsy said:
Luckily there are lots of places to get unbiased reviews from users or independent magazines--things like Sound on Sound (and even this forum!) are good for getting the views of people who actually use things.
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I wasn't aware of any internet when I started recording and getting balanced views on anything meant reading magazines. And to be honest, when I read music magazines, I wasn't into gear reviews. On top of that, I didn't even know anyone I could ask even though I knew loads of musicians. Whenever I did go into shops, I generally had an idea of what I wanted but I don't ever recall any sales rep trying to palm anything off on me. Unlike gas, electric and telephone company sales reps who never stop, even when I start off by telling them "I'm not in the slightest bit interested in anything you have to say !".
 
This i amy 1st post so Thanks for the feedback. I like Sounds write ups as well but even in the magazine business you have to be careful because they make their living on advertising so I don't rely on numerous mags. The tips and how to's are def more valued than the reviews
Presonus isn't going to pay them to advertise if they are critical of some of their products.

I know it may seem stupid to act like reps ar ethe only source of info. Obv friends in the sam fine of work are good people to speak to but I live in a city where the is no high end audio on the shelves.
If I want Neve, Vintech, etc I have to order it and you can be pretty sure not many people in this area have used a lot of the products so there care times where, if you haven't personally u hope that a rep can better inform u to the gear.

Crows :) I capitalize to emphasize something which I thought was a generally accepted practice PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGY :)
 
ts211 said:
Crows :) I capitalize to emphasize something which I thought was a generally accepted practice PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGY :)
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lol, there's no need to apologize man. I do that too actually. They just seem like random words, as opposed to words that needed to be emphasized. I shouldn't HAVE been such a DICK though, so sorry ABOUT that. :D
 
I just CUT a FART! :)

Nick Church at Sweetwater has been nothing but gracious. He has never forced anything down my throat, and cut the price of my Vintech X73i to the lowest price possible. Even threw in extra cables. There are good ones out there. I have a buddy that is a manager at GC. I recently purchased a new Lexi Alpha for my son, Mopads, bass strings, and sticks for cost. Ended up being almost 50% off the best internet price. The Mopads were $15.

There are good ones out there, you just have to build a relationship with THEM.

:)-sorry, I had to do it again....It is just TO fUn! <I just did something new there. I get royalties fOr half cAps!

rEp MySelF! lol!
 
I have found the Guitar Center and Sweetwater guys helpful and not pushy. Yes, the GC guys will try to sell you an extended warranty, that's what they are trained to do.
 
mjbphotos said:
Yes, the GC guys will try to sell you an extended warranty, that's what they are trained to do.
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Which is perfectly acceptable. "Would you like to buy a five year warranty ?" is cool. Just take it no further when the answer is "no". I hate going into branches of my bank because no matter where it is, someone tries to sell me home contents insurance or travel insurance or a new zingy mortgage or a credit card or something I don't want. I could live with that except that when the "no" comes, fast approaching is the demand for an answer why ! Blimey, you're not my Mum !!
 
This >>
jimmys69 said:
IThere are good ones out there, you just have to build a relationship with THEM.
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If you are a regular customer and have established a good relationship with the staff, they will give you sensible and considered advice. But just as you would like them to do this, they will need to know that you understand what it is you are seeking to achieve.
 
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