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Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...

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Debagio
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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.

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matthewpiano
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Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...

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

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D.J.KRIME
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Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...

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!Angry

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Diamond Joe
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Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...

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!!

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PJPro
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Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...

I have say that I'd have to laugh.

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Thaiman
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Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...

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!

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therussianbear
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Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...

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.

pete sowerby
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Re: Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...


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


Simon Lucas
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Re: Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...
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?

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Andrew Everard
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Re: Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...

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

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Thaiman
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Re: Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...
Andrew Everard:
You see, the shop must be good. At least two people have signed up today just to tell us they think so...



Smile 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.
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Andrew Everard
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Re: Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...
Thaiman:
Would they become regular posters?, I wonder!.

I wouldn't hold your breath...

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Fozzi
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Re: Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...


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.


Andrew Everard
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Re: Martin's Hi-Fi, Norwich...

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

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Fozzi
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missed that bit on account set up - sorry

Done for next time.


Steve

Andrew Everard
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Re: missed that bit on account set up - sorry

Thanks, Steve - just avoids confusion about who is saying what

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