I am opening a Car Audio store in Austin, TX, need some input on brands

[Alpineforever 10+ year member]

I don't want to sell JL, so no issue there. I will do whatever it takes to get Alpine. I'm not sure if they are area controlled. I hope not so I can save some cash LOL

I've seen alpine in a couple of shops here in Austin, I don't know if that helps you or not, but I don't think any one shop has a monopoly on their stuff here in austin

 

[GLN305 10+ year member]

Incriminator Audio subs & amps,dbdrive subs and amps,

kinetik and|or powermaster batteries.

cactus sounds stuff

Is jacob doing brick and mortar? Sundown Audio

Incriminator, dB Drive are both good ideas, they will be added to my list, Thanks!

Cactus Sounds is expensive in my opinion, but I know the Christoph and maybe he can do something for me.

 

[GLN305 10+ year member]

I'd love to see a dealer for Sundown Audio here in austin. Nearest one is a 3 hour drive, and I know a lot of people who would love to run their stuff but are too stupid for the internets.
But that was a serious post, I'd love to see sundown audio in austin

Looks like I have another oned to add to the list, thanks!

 

[GLN305 10+ year member]

I've seen alpine in a couple of shops here in Austin, I don't know if that helps you or not, but I don't think any one shop has a monopoly on their stuff here in austin

Custom Sounds has JL in all of their stores.

 

[GLN305 10+ year member]

So far I am really getting some solid information and suggestions from everyone, I appreicate it. Keep them coming because there is no such thing as too much information when it comes to customer needs. I want to be the shop that people want to visit not because we think we are better, but because we prove that we are by treating customers with respect and educating them so that they can make a good choice on what equipment to use. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[dbhittin 5,000+ posts]

what about rockford and kenwood? alot of people dont wanna try things they never heard of and like people said, most that come in dont know anything and will want cheaper stuff

 

[GLN305 10+ year member]

what about rockford and kenwood? alot of people dont wanna try things they never heard of and like people said, most that come in dont know anything and will want cheaper stuff

I have owned Kenwood head units and installed Kenwood amps and in my opinion they aren't as good as equally priced alternatives. Rockford may be an option, but I have seen so many failures in their low end subs and amps that I'm not too excited about them either, on top of that Best Buy carries them.

 

[mjf 10+ year member]

So far I am really getting some solid information and suggestions from everyone, I appreicate it. Keep them coming because there is no such thing as too much information when it comes to customer needs. I want to be the shop that people want to visit not because we think we are better, but because we prove that we are by treating customers with respect and educating them so that they can make a good choice on what equipment to use. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

well the one thing i hope for you employees is that they are knowledgeable and not arrogant about the brands you carry.

the biggest problem i ever see is the fanboys for whichever brand claiming its the best no matter what a customer could be looking for.

For example

"I'm looking for a loud sub to use for spl"

dumbass: Buy a W7

"I'm looking for a good sub for sq"

dumbass: Buy a W7

Make sure they at least have a diverse view of the car audio world, or are willing to learn at least. The more knowledge they have, will help your business a lot. You don't want to gain a reputation based on your employees being idiots about the equipment you carry.

 

[dbhittin 5,000+ posts]

none of the shops around here carry kicker either cause of to many problems with there amps.. mostly jbl, fosgate, alpine, kenwood and pioneer..and low end dual lol, soundstorm

 

[GLN305 10+ year member]

well the one thing i hope for you employees is that they are knowledgeable and not arrogant about the brands you carry.
the biggest problem i ever see is the fanboys for whichever brand claiming its the best no matter what a customer could be looking for.

For example

"I'm looking for a loud sub to use for spl"

dumbass: Buy a W7

"I'm looking for a good sub for sq"

dumbass: Buy a W7

Make sure they at least have a diverse view of the car audio world, or are willing to learn at least. The more knowledge they have, will help your business a lot. You don't want to gain a reputation based on your employees being idiots about the equipment you carry.

That is exactly what I hope to find. I know it's good to be proud of what you sell, but there is always something better out there. I know exactly what you mean about the fanboy thing. Here in Germany there is a few stores that sell JL and some other brands. The distributor is so hyped about JL that he doesn't even advertise the other brands and JL is very expensive here. The guy was so proud of JL that he GAVE me a ZR component set and when I told him that the tweeters were too bright for me and didn't play low enough he told me that was impossible because the ZR set is the best component set made. I'm not downing JL, but there are better and worse options out there.

 

[GLN305 10+ year member]

none of the shops around here carry kicker either cause of to many problems with there amps.. mostly jbl, fosgate, alpine, kenwood and pioneer..and low end dual lol, soundstorm

I am kinda leary about carrying real low end stuff, but I think I will need to find at least one line that's cheap and reliable. I hate seeing places sell junk that you know is gonna be coming back because of build quality. I won't carry Dual LOL

 

[sickofsoyo 10+ year member]

JBL, make sure you get the GTi Subs, and the Crown amps. The 660gti speakers are nice to. Maybe some mcintosh amps.

 

[GLN305 10+ year member]

JBL, make sure you get the GTi Subs, and the Crown amps. The 660gti speakers are nice to. Maybe some mcintosh amps.

I have seen a couple people mention JBL, I might have to look into them. I haven't been too impressed with JBL that I have owned in the past, but it's worth another look. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[sickofsoyo 10+ year member]

well the main thing of JBL is people know the brand, they will see and identify with it, and purchase it pretty much by name. You like money right? =-) And yeah the JBL\Crown amps, and GTi subs, along with theose 660gti speakers are VERY nice equipment.

 

[GLN305 10+ year member]

well the main thing of JBL is people know the brand, they will see and identify with it, and purchase it pretty much by name. You like money right? =-) And yeah the JBL\Crown amps, and GTi subs, along with theose 660gti speakers are VERY nice equipment.

OK, then I will definitely look into them. Thanks again!!