This Is Why We Use Brick and Mortar Audio shops...

[sqcomp]

http://ceoutlook.com/car-stereo-disc...und-customers/


"Car Stereo Discounters Ordered to Refund Customers
May 23, 2011 by Amy Gilroy
Filed under Car News, Home Page Featured, Industry news
16 Comments
Fellas, here’s one to post on the store wall.

Dealer Cost Car Audio and related stores/Web sites owned by Ravi Ghataode were fined a total of $200,000 by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office this month. They were ordered to pay $130,000 of that back to customers. The remaining $70,000 were fines.

The stores were discounting products on the Web and advertising goods that were not in stock. When the consumer placed an order, his credit was charged immediately. But in hundreds of cases, the product never shipped and consumers were told it was backordered. They waited because the prices were so low, said the prosecutor Michelle Cipolletti.

A complaint to the District Attorney’s Office resulted in an investigation.

The stores charged include Dealer Cost Audio, Gold Star Audio—a high end car stereo store in Irvine, CA. selling top brands–, Gold Star Audio Sound, Inc., National Audio Center Inc, and Indo Audio. Prosecutor Cipolletti, said Dealer Cost Car Audio was also involved. That web site alone received 1337 complaints to the BBB in 36 months and had an “F” rating by the BBB.

Dealer Cost Car Audio also shows many products selling for below cost from what we could gather.

Owner Ghataode also goes under the name Robert Ghataode or Robert Jones, said the DA’s office. He admitted no fault or liability in the case.

For at least three years, the defendants advertised low-priced audio and car audio products on the Internet. While some were shipped properly, hundreds were not. Consumers were also given false refund and confirmation numbers. Or they were falsely told their credit card had been refunded.

The stores must now deliver products within 30 days or provide a refund and are enjoined from making any false statements about product arrivals or advertising products that are not in stock without disclosure."

[Betrivent]

There were 1337 complaints. Lol.

[why?]

Originally Posted by Betrivent

There were 1337 complaints. Lol.

that number alone makes it suspicious.

But 1 bad story and all online companies are suspect? really?

Now if it was crutchfield or amazon, I would understand, but some no name company?

I guess it is free advertising.

Of course, that is if they can stay in business, in my area 3 years ago we had 3 independent shops, there is only 1 still afloat, and they moved to a much smaller shop to boot.

[sqcomp]

Yeah...it's a fake story.



Keep buying. It's going to be alright. No one who buys this way would really tell you if they got shafted anyway. I see this $hit all the time.

Of course I'm probably in on the conspiracy as well...

I don't know though, our shop just put on a rather successful IASCA competition. We just landed two big jobs off the competition. We're not shafting anyone. We're charging people correctly, not over charging and not losing our shirts. The difference between a local customer and an online purchase is that we can actually support the customer through real warranties and hands on troubleshooting if something indeed goes wrong...oh and we're bonded and insured.

[yarisugi]

Call me old fashioned but I still like to "see" what I'm buying. Brick and mortar? Love 'em.

[sqcomp]

...and if something goes wrong you can physically take it back to that store, get it tested, and replaced that same day (for the most part).

[mazilla]

I've dealt with brick and mortar shops for the last 12 years...just because they are an actual shop doesn't mean they don't pull scams just as hard as the online shops. I've had more than my fair share of headache dealing with scumbag shop owners and employees. Around here(southern California) you'd be lucky to find 1 or 2 out of 10 shops that are worth a shit.

[why?]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

Yeah...it's a fake story.



Keep buying. It's going to be alright. No one who buys this way would really tell you if they got shafted anyway. I see this $hit all the time.

Of course I'm probably in on the conspiracy as well...

I don't know though, our shop just put on a rather successful IASCA competition. We just landed two big jobs off the competition. We're not shafting anyone. We're charging people correctly, not over charging and not losing our shirts. The difference between a local customer and an online purchase is that we can actually support the customer through real warranties and hands on troubleshooting if something indeed goes wrong...oh and we're bonded and insured.

so you're 1 shop is exactly the same as every other shop on the entire planet, and all internet shops are also identically alike, but they are all evil.

right, i am sure...


So all the stories about shops installing alarms and systems and keeping a key fob to steal it all back later is fake, all the stories of atrocious installations by half assed clueless losers are lies, all the swindlers and fakers that tell you they will install something, and then not only don't, but install a fake phony system, all the shops that disappear overnight after a year or two of operating because they stole everything, from their customers, the government, their suppliers, etc didn't happen because you're one shop does things the right way?


Yea, i don't think so. Take your holier than thou bs somewhere else.

[sqcomp]

Indeed...

Holier than thou? Looks like we're at an impasse.

Where in my posts did you read, "All brick and mortar shops are better"?

Yes, my shop IS better! I can absolutely guarantee that.

I will take issue with you personally however insinuating that the shop I frequent is a fly by night operation. You have NO idea, you're in Massachussetts. I'd invite you to come out. A fly by night shop doesn't put on a full fledged IASCA show attended and officiated by Moe Sabourin, the director of world operations for said sanctioning organization. A fly by night shop doesn't attract world champion sound quality vehicles to compete at its events. A fly by night shop doesn't have vehicles that come from Canada, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California to compete at the event held by the shop. A fly by night shop doesn't have corporate support from Elettromedia, Hybrid Audio Technologies, Mitek, and Digital Designs not only on a regular basis but whose shows are sponsored by afore mentioned companies.

Now, I do agree with you on the sad sack shops that are out there that DO rip you off. We get that type of install crawling though the doors multiple times per week. In fact I have a close friend who owns a shop down in Las Vegas who trades pictures with me every week of jobs that come in from other shops in our areas that completely rip consumers like you off because you're clueless.

On the other hand, it's consumers like you that want things done for free. You have NO idea what goes into a business. If you did, you'd realize that what a good shop offers easily trumps an internet "store" or a fly by night operation. Wait! But you don't want to pay anything for the time and expertise.

Fine...when you screw up your car's electrical system, start a fire, can't manage to install something...come crawling. I'd be happy to show you what real value is. The first lesson is stop letting your dong lead you around in search of the lowest price on earth. Just because a shop whether it be internet or B&M offers the lowest price, doesn't mean that there's no catch. In the internet shop's case it's usually a bait and switch, if it's a B&M, it's usually hidden charges.

Also, I'd invite you to a drink in Las Vegas for CES or even a drink at the Spring Break Nationals in Daytona this year. I'll be at both places with Hybrid Audio Technologies and IASCA.

Can you make it? No? Didn't think so.

[sqcomp]

Here's a copy of the press release that is going to be put out primarily on ME Mag, CA&E, 12 Volt News:

"Thanks to the efforts of Streamline Audio, John Davis and Hybrid Audio Technologies, IASCA Worldwide held its first Judges Training Seminar and DPE (Double Point Event) in the Northwest in 5 years.

IASCA wishes to extend special thanks to John Davis (event and training organizer), Jim Hergesheimer (owner, Streamline Audio) and Scott Buwalda (owner, Hybrid Audio Technologies) for their efforts in making this event become a reality.

“Both the training and event were huge successes thanks to the efforts of John Davis, Jim Hergesheimer of Streamline Audio and Scott Buwalda of Hybrid Audio Technologies” stated Moe Sabourin, Director of Operations at IASCA Worldwide “There were twelve attendees at the training (all passed) and close to 40 cars at the IASCA DPE (2X) event, which was held on the store property. We were happy to help Streamline Audio gain some valuable exposure for the store and the product lines they carry; customers were in the store throughout the whole day. It was great to see some excitement at a shop and customers walking out with products in hand.”

John Davis, main event organizer, had this to say “I really enjoyed arranging and producing this event. It has brought so many like-minded people together, that even the meeting alone was worth it. I have a dozen new friends now and I wouldn't have it any other way. The IASCA judge's training brought people together and started the discussion of how we can get IASCA back into the NW. The answer is with events like we had! It's a great opportunity to gauge where one is in the whole realm of car audio while meeting some new people and seeing new ideas come to fruition. Thank you to everyone who helped and attended for helping to make the event a success!”

Streamline Audio owner Jim Hergesheimer said “The training was a valuable tool not just for the competitors, but for retailers as well. I think IASCA can be a valuable asset on a retail level in an industry that doesn't have much in the way of certifications. Being able to show specialized knowledge and expertise is one of the few ways that smaller specialist shops can separate themselves from the big boxes that don't seem to even care about sound or installation quality.”

Travis Chin, Head Judge for the event, said “The Streamline Audio event was amazing. It was great to bring back IASCA to the Pacific Northwest. Not only did we have a great competitor turnout that overflowed the parking lot, but these competitors were asking for more shows in the days afterwards. Also, pairing the event with a judges' training the day prior was a huge impact. We've added 8 judges to the regional pool and recertified 4. And among the new judges were competitors who wanted to know more about the rules, and were able to apply the information the next day at the event. I’d like to thank to Jim and his staff at Streamline Audio for their hospitality all weekend!”

For more information on Streamline Audio, visit their website at www.streamline-audio.com, or call Jim and the team at (360) 944-5055. For more information on IASCA Worldwide and its Dealer Membership and event hosting programs, visit their website at www.iasca.com or contact Moe Sabourin at moe.sab@iasca.com, or call the office at (386) 322-1551."

...so, Why?...

It is about business, but we all know that there are bod places to do shopping out there. A lot of us have been burned by one or the other type (or both). Let's not be obtuse here...there are good places. The shop I work with is definitely one of them.

[mazilla]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

A lot of us have been burned by one or the other type (or both). Let's not be obtuse here...there are good places. The shop I work with is definitely one of them.

Seems to be the case.

[sqcomp]

Look, I don't want to come off as elitist or holier than thou. I understand that there are good and bad of both types of business. We've seen it.

I actually take the opportunity once or twice a year to "have a problem" with my setup and take it to another shop to have them look at my issue and try to fix it. The last one I went to was owned by a top 100 installer. That same person actually took a blowtorch to the back of my car. You cannot believe with as much time I have invested into my setup that I was actually able to stand still and watch him do this. All I needed done was to re-attatch a 1/0 terminal to the wire that went into my second battery...this fool is all up in the back of my car with a friggin blowtorch. I just watched him struggle with it, declare he couldn't do it, and went on my way. I went home, grabbed a new terminal, soldering iron, and some solder and went to work. Wouldn't you guess? I got it to work just fine for me without an open flame. Hmmm.

[why?]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

Indeed...

Holier than thou? Looks like we're at an impasse.

Where in my posts did you read, "All brick and mortar shops are better"?

Yes, my shop IS better! I can absolutely guarantee that.

I will take issue with you personally however insinuating that the shop I frequent is a fly by night operation. You have NO idea, you're in Massachussetts. I'd invite you to come out. A fly by night shop doesn't put on a full fledged IASCA show attended and officiated by Moe Sabourin, the director of world operations for said sanctioning organization. A fly by night shop doesn't attract world champion sound quality vehicles to compete at its events. A fly by night shop doesn't have vehicles that come from Canada, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California to compete at the event held by the shop. A fly by night shop doesn't have corporate support from Elettromedia, Hybrid Audio Technologies, Mitek, and Digital Designs not only on a regular basis but whose shows are sponsored by afore mentioned companies.

Now, I do agree with you on the sad sack shops that are out there that DO rip you off. We get that type of install crawling though the doors multiple times per week. In fact I have a close friend who owns a shop down in Las Vegas who trades pictures with me every week of jobs that come in from other shops in our areas that completely rip consumers like you off because you're clueless.

On the other hand, it's consumers like you that want things done for free. You have NO idea what goes into a business. If you did, you'd realize that what a good shop offers easily trumps an internet "store" or a fly by night operation. Wait! But you don't want to pay anything for the time and expertise.

Fine...when you screw up your car's electrical system, start a fire, can't manage to install something...come crawling. I'd be happy to show you what real value is. The first lesson is stop letting your dong lead you around in search of the lowest price on earth. Just because a shop whether it be internet or B&M offers the lowest price, doesn't mean that there's no catch. In the internet shop's case it's usually a bait and switch, if it's a B&M, it's usually hidden charges.

Also, I'd invite you to a drink in Las Vegas for CES or even a drink at the Spring Break Nationals in Daytona this year. I'll be at both places with Hybrid Audio Technologies and IASCA.

Can you make it? No? Didn't think so.

bla bla bla. You don't know me. You have no clue. Don't pretend you do.


You equated your one shop with all other shops. You equated one unknown online shop with all the others.

I made it obvious such equations are foolish.

You might be a great shop, and that is good. Be great, do great. Don't equate yourself with all shops. You cannot win.

No, I have no interest in Iasca, although I know what it is. I am not going to waste money going anywhere because someone as thin skinned as you are is mad because I told you everyone on planet earth is not you. You seem like an intelligent person, you should already know that. You chose to equate yourself with all other audio shops. I showed you why that was bad.

On that same hand you make it seem like figuring car audio out is rocket science. It isn't. There is a reason audio competitions that IASCA holds can even exist, and that is it isn't that hard to figure it out if you take the time to do it right.

And to make you look like even more of a fool than you already do, when I bought a deck an a 8" sub, I bought it and had it installed at a local shop. They did all the labor and wiring and everything else, and I happily paid them a small fortune to do all that crap right.

[sqcomp]

Wow...it's not rocket science. That being said, you obviously can't seem to do it yourself.

I offered an olive branch. You sat on it.

How is you not being able to install your own gear, being forced to go to a local shop, spending a "small fortune" to install a deck and an 8" woofer, making ME look like the fool? Sure doesn't add up. And really? A small fortune? What is that? A couple hundred at the very most? If this source and woofer install is as it seems on the surface there is absolutely nothing challenging about it. Why would I be the fool because you broke down and went to a shop? Throw some pics of what you have going on...'cause this is now officially worthless without pics to talk about what you've got going on without them.

Equating myself with all other shops is not a true statement. Read through what I posted.

The offer still stands to join me at CES or SBN/INAC. I'm not mad, it's just not that hard to get the drop on you. Stay in Massachusetts. You're just fine there.

I submit that you should broaden your horizons, it seems that you won't. Stick with what you've got.

You know...how about this. Why don't YOU tell me why IASCA holds competitions. Something tells me I've already reached that avenue and passed it.

[sqcomp]

Oh, since your reading comprehension isn't up to par...

There's more than one online retailer that was mentioned by the press release:

Dealer Cost Audio, Gold Star Audio, Gold Star Audio Sound, Inc., National Audio Center Inc, and Indo Audio.

"One unknown" is not the truth to what I said, posted, or insinuated.

One edit to add that goes towards the point of your lack of reading comprehension:

YOU'RE the one that tried to make the claim that I think all internet shops are the same and all B&M's are the same, not me.

"so you're 1 shop is exactly the same as every other shop on the entire planet, and all internet shops are also identically alike, but they are all evil."

I never made such claims, you reached (too far) for the conclusion...and in fact with YOUR posting, YOU made the very conclusion you're blasting me for. I addressed YOUR claims regarding that in a later post.

[_S7V7N_]

I take advantage of both, like RCA cables, they have the same monster rca's at Best Buy for 50 bucks as they do on Amazon for 12 bucks. But Best buy also offers some killer Warranties so i bought my Xbox there, T.v. I don't think i'd wanna order a 1000 dollar t.v off amazon..js. My car cd player i found on amazon for 100 bucks which i switch out every 6 months or so cause i get bored with it...So no use on buying a warranty on that..Just depends on what you're buying i guess..

[sqcomp]

^I can totally dig that.

In my install I've used Stinger's best RCA's. At the cost I was getting them I could have made my own RCAs (which I've done since) with the best components save for WBT connectors. I'm talking Canare Star Quad cable with Neutrik Pro-Fi connectors.

I ordered the Canare cable and connectors online...since I have no idea where to get them around here...or at least I haven't spent the time to look. That being said, I purchase a lot from Madisound, Parts Express, and Markertek. My last purchases online were crossover components and a pair of home audio tweeters from PE.

All that being said, all those places aren't places like the ones in the news release at the beginning of this post. They're very much like Crutchfield with their customer service. I actually had an issue with one of the home tweeters and PE, without any questions, sent me a replacement diaphragm overnight at no charge.

Now the garage is wired for sound off an old Sansui receiver and an SACD player with the home MTM T/L enclosures I put together.

[sqcomp]

Here's the link to the 12v news site:

http://www.12voltnews.com/?p=26039

Not F'n around...