Well, what's the difference when it comes down to bottom line. And yes you did strike a nerve, because I recommend gear for a customer's unique situation, not only for how much it might pay me at a particular moment.

If a company decides to spiff something, I'm not going to tell them to stop because it doesn't jive with someone's ethics, that's their perogative if they think it will help sell the product. But in my experience, the lines I carry are all pretty decent, minus some loss leader sony gear, so I don't feel like I would be recommending wrong gear in the first place. You said yourself denon or yamaha, I carry both of 'em. Is one worse than the other because I manufacturer decides to spiff somebody for selling it. I would say no.

And for everyone anyone who thinks salespeople look at how much a product pays them before they recommend it, you're crazy. Salespeople like that do not last long in this business. Good salespeople do it like they should. Listen to want the customer needs, ask questions that help narrow down the selection, then recommend the best gear for the situation. If it happens to pay less, then another piece of gear, so be it, let the chips fall where they may.

Mike,

You also may want to look at Rotel or NAD. Both Rotel and NAD has a very good reputation for stereo sound. If both receivers can produce great sound for stereo, imagine the sound for home theater. It is awesome. Some other names that you may want to audition are Arcam, Cambridge Audio, and maybe Lexicon. Go check them out.

rga2k4

I looked at Lexion, unfortunately they are slightly too expensive for me over here in the UK - well the stuff i like anyhow!
I will check out the others you mentioned.

Thanks for the advice

That's great, dude. Don't kill the messenger, though. I've met about 3 good salespeople in my lifetime, by your definition. Out of dozens or maybe hundreds I've dealt with. I was ready to hit the last guy I talked to about appliances at Sears. Wouldn't tell me a damn thing about anything but "Kenmore". Why have it in the store if you won't even look at it?

Hoop,

I go into Tweeter, CC, BBY occassionally to see what the salesstaff is selling. I had been told on a few trips to Tweeter that the Yamaha RXV2400 was junk and I should buy the Denon. I have no problem saying the salesperson likes the Denon more but don't portray the Yamaha as being junk because of little or no spiff. In my experiences I would have rather heard them say they like the Denon better and given reasons. I personally don't sell Denon but never call it junk because its I do think its nice stuff.

I personally sell 1 brand of electronics. Small custom installers cant/shouldnt try to sell 5 different brands. I sell Yamaha and Audio Control for higher end applications. If a customer wants Marantz I offer my experiences on why my stuff is better and if they don't like it they can go hire a Marantz dealer.

This topic strikes a nerve with me too. I have had a few of my customers go into Tweeter specifically and been told Yamaha is junk and they should buy the Denon. It makes me look bad (worse than I already do) and confuses the consumer. Sales people should qualify the customer and sell gear that meets their needs . PERIOD. I can't tolerate sleazyness.

Well, I'm sorry OEX but those guys just straight suck, and they shouldn't be working for tweeter. I personally like Yamaha better than Denon, but only because I have been a Yamaha fan ever since I can remember. Denon does make a good product and I have recommended it over something else, but never because a never product of mine or anyone elses sucks. I recommend it on the merit of the product.

The thing that pisses me off is the broad brush characterization of a company because a couple of dudes said Yamaha sucks. If you try hard enough, you can find a jacka@@ anywhere, that doesn't mean everyone associated with them are jacka@@es.

Well Hoop,

In light of this thread I went back to Tweeter today and asked consumer level questions and asked what was the best receiver for $1,000. The rep pointed to both the Yamie and the Denon. He poo poo'd the other brand - I laughed and whole heartedly agreed. His personal preference was the Yamie but said both were great pieces. I agree. I actually thanked him for providing USEFUL info in my Q&A session. This was the first time out of 4 or more visits that accurate info was provided, IMHO. I am not impressed that he agreed with me but with the info he provided. I actually grabbed his manager and told him he had a great employee. He is the exception not the rule.

OEX and Hoops welcome to competition! OEX it sounds like you are a small custom dealer and Hoops obviously from Tweeter. It sounds as though both of you are concerned about the customer and that’s good to see! I’d take advice from either of you! OEX how many times do you think that small custom guys have played the “box stores won’t take care of you or don’t know what their talking about” card? The opposite is true of box store people talking about over inflated pricing from a custom store. Electronics is a very competitive industry and there are those that give both sides a bad name. At least where it seems the two of you are concerned you are both on the same side. Just my opinion after watching the two of you go back and forth.