Have your say & ask the experts

I visited this shop for some advice on speaker cables (my living room is arranged as such that there is, unavoidably, visibility in the cable department) and commented that, aesthetically, a dark colour would be preferrable.

The 'gentleman' I spoke to replied, 'Speaker cables aren't meant to look nice, their purpose is to provide a high-quality connection between the amp and the speakers..' - Oh, wow! Thanks for that, dude.. I had no idea??! Without even bothering to ask what components my system comprises of, he 'recommends' a £40 per metre cable (despite the fact I previously confirmed that my budget was £15 per metre MAXIMUM).

Eventually, he asks what speakers I own, I confirm MA BR5s.. he gives this a moment's careful thought before replying, 'Hmm... not bad.' (??!)

I didn't go to this shop to have both my system and myself judged by a (very shoddy) salesperson who doesn't know me from Adam.

Hence I won't be returning and I won't be recommending it to anybody. Ever.

Poor. Very poor. Its a wonder hi-fi dealers survive when they approach paying customers in this way.

I had a simular experience in a differant shop where after being asked what equipment I had (list below) the salesman discribed it as "Average at best" and basically went on about changing every component in My system when all I went in there for was a HDMI cable!

That reminds me of the car salesman that spent almost a whole test drive criticising my current car, which I happen to like so much I've had it for years, needless to say I didn't buy his car and I won't be going back to his garage, back to dodgy car dealer school for him!!

I have say that I'd have to laugh.

That is not good Debagio! Martin do like to push cables sale...I wonder why!
Expernsive Cables is like a restaurant's Sancere! open a cork and 200% profit come puring out...I mean in!

Mr. Martin is quite a nice guy though but he seem not to do a lot any more compare when his shop was just a tiny one in King's Lynn.

There is another HiFi shop at the bottom of Prince of Wales road (newish shop), worth a try!

Well I have to say I disagree with your comments on Martins Hifi. I bought 2 full systems from Martins HiFi about 10 years ago and I cannot say anything bad from the service and help I received from this store. I recently returned to the store after 10 years as I needed some advice and the same gentleman who sold me my systems still works there and I was quite surprised but he remembered me and even my name which I thought was very professional service. I have been in 4 or 5 times recently and all the other salespeople are just as helpful and I certainly wouldnt refer to any of them as "shoddy". I like to go and look at their hifi equipment and although I cannot afford to buy much at the moment they still are helpful and don't give the impression they want me out as I am not spending too much money with them which you can get from certain shops if they feel they are not getting commission from a sale.

 I have a reasonably low budget and all I wanted from them this time was some speaker cable and speaker stands. I said what sort of thing I could afford and they showed me a cable within my budget which came to a total of £60 (£6 a metre) and dealt with me the same way they would deal with someone spending £40 a metre which was their most expensive cable on show.

 I then enquired about speaker stands and they did me a very good deal on a set which they said would be ideal for my current speakers. I never once felt like they did not give me their full attention just because I was only buying cable and not a full system from them at this time but I would have no hesitation to return to the store once I am in a position to upgrade my separates.

I would hate to think that Debagio's opinion stop others from going to Martins, what I would say is please visit the store if you are looking for good quality HiFi equipment and service and judge for yourself.

Finally, I really dont think that they will miss your custom Debagio.

I can not belive this thread. !

I went in and found ALL the staff really knew there job.  were very pleasent and extreemly helpfull   and I found that I was treated with respect and a great depth  of knowlage. 

I have been to a lot of other dealers and yes had some bad times  but NOT HERE.   I personaly can not recomend them enough.

after some time spent in shop  then over the phone and emails  I went on to purchase a very good system.  I only walked in wearing jeans and a tee shirt   not dressed up.  was I talked down too  NO.

So my friend I will return.  and will recomend

therussianbear:

Finally, I really dont think that they will miss your custom Debagio.

Don't you think that kind of attitude might be part of their problem?

You see, the shop must be good. At least two people have signed up today just to tell us they think so...

Andrew Everard:

You see, the shop must be good. At least two people have signed up today just to tell us they think so...

:-) Would they become regular posters?, I wonder!.

We are a bit out of "HiFi Civilization" here in Norfolk! I have to bought blind or from memories for most of the time.

Thaiman:

Would they become regular posters?, I wonder!.

I wouldn't hold your breath...

Simon,
‘Debagio’ requested and I quote ‘a dark colour would be preferable’.

Although we have an extensive range of cable, due to our stock profile, all the cables we have between £3.00 and £20.00 per m are in white! The only cable we have in a dark colour is the excellent Chord Epic Twin @ £40.00 per m. (We would like to thank the ‘gentleman’ for bringing the lack of coloured cables to our attention).

This was explained to the customer straight away - in a friendly, polite way. It was not a recommendation –

We got chatting about Hifi (it’s what we do at Martins) asking the customer about his system – I genuinely believed (after a moment's careful thought) the customer had chosen his system well (not purchased from ourselves). What is wrong with that!

The customer came in for advice – We gave the ‘gentleman’ the benefit of our time and experience free of charge - we did not try to ‘sell’ him anything, we had nothing that fitted his requirements.

I hope this will by way of an explanation help to clear the air.

If you're posting as a retailer or other member of the industry, can you please identify yourself as such in your signature

Done for next time.

Steve