Hi All, I just thought I would pass along a fantastic audition experience I had recently. I was in Scotland for 6 weeks on vacation and one day in Glasgow while walking to the Kelvingrove museum in typical Glaswegan weather - driving rain and cold, happened upon a hi fi shop - Loud and Clear. Given the weather and my interest in hi fi my wife and I ducked in. Fortunately they are a Naim dealer and I have been interested in hearing some Naim gear for my home system (nearest dealer to me is about 600 km from home). I asked if I could have a listen to the Naim Nait XS but was pretty clear that I'm on holiday from another country and am probably not going to purchase anything on the spot. If they didn't feel they wanted to do all this work for me I was ok with that. That didn't phase them at all - not a problem sir - go grab an espresso down the street while we set and warm this up for you. When we came back we were escorted to a very nicely appointed listening room - Naim Nait XS, CD5XS and MA 6's set up. There were plenty of CD's and we were just left to it. It was amazing. We spent probably 45 minutes just listening to tunes. The sales guy came down a little later on and we chatted about naim stuff, Hi fi, the weather in Scotland, the weather in Canada - it was fantastic. I thought to myself - this guy would be cool just to hang with. It was so relaxed and enjoyable. On our way out he printed some google maps for us and suggested some things to see in and around the Kelvingrove.
I don't think I have ever had a sales experience like that. It was fantastic. As for the gear - I really enjoyed it - felt as though I was drawn into the music and heard some stuff on one particular song that I know pretty well that I had not heard before.
I didn't buy anything - would love to have been able to - but have to pay for the vacation. But I've been wondering how easy/painful/expensive it would be to call them up and order something and have it shipped over (to Canada).
Anyways, I thought good service should get noticed and wanted to mention this - Loud and Clear in Glasgow. If you are ever there - check it out.
Sorry - not familiar with the forum blogging jargon. I was worried that somehow my post had managed to conjure up visions of Andy Griffith strolling with OP(ie) to the fishing hole......
Great experience. I'd love to visit Scotland. We've got some UKayers on this forum, so who knows, the dealer may get some business from treating you so well.
When a dealer and salesmen are honest, helpful and truly love their work...the business will come.
I don't mean to sound over cynical, but it's too bad that such a positive experience as this is the exception rather than the norm.
If (planning stages) I ever revisit the UK, Scotland is on the agenda and I'll be sure to pick a rotten day to drop in to 'Loud and Clear'......I'll tell 'em I heard it here!
I need to go to Nairn, where a grandfather was born.