Well, I can’t speak for all the companies out there, but I have seen and dealt with 'the good, the bad, and the ugly' in this industry; and I have come to two conclusions:
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You get what you pay for
- Be aware of who you are dealing with: The Manufacturer, The Seller & The Installer
Now, I guess further explanation is warranted.
In electronics you get exactly what you pay for. Now this does not mean the more expensive the product the better it is. This just means there is a direct correlation to the cost of manufacturing advanced electronics. The problem begins when you try to figure out whether you are getting the best ‘bang for your buck’ or are you just paying extra because a corporation is really good at advertising its name. I have found a lot of times that the name brand falls short of itself.
That is one of the great advantages of a custom design company; we have already done the foot work and research for you. We also know that there are products available to us that you cannot order anywhere else. They may not be a name you know but we know that this equipment is designed and built to a high standard.
These are the key items we look at when designing electronic systems:
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Is the equipment of good quality; does the manufacturer stand behind its work?
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Are you paying more for a ‘Name’?
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Is the equipment designed in such a manner that it will be easy to use?
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Is the equipment using the latest technology, or are you purchasing something that is already out of date?
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Is the equipment going to meet your current and possible future needs? Are you paying more for a bunch of extras you’ll never use or will you have to spend more money than you need to later?
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Is the equipment supporting your TV going to give you the picture quality you are expecting or will your new TV seem like a waste of money.
One of the other factors you may want to consider is: Who you are buying from?
Now I’m not talking which retail store you go to, rather are you really getting a better deal by doing it yourself? Now most of you are going to view this part as ‘Self Promotion’. But listen to what I have to say anyway. There are a lot of tricks to the trade.
Some examples are:
- Feeding a higher quality signal to a TV that has a higher profit, and feeding a lower quality signal to a TV with a smaller profit. This way when you look at them which one do you think you’ll pick? Or do you really understand what all those numbers mean that the manufacturer listed with the description?
- Selling a TV at a discounted rate knowing that most people will need accessories (wire, mount, etc.) at the normally over inflated amount; which can be 100-500%.
- Buying the manufacturers last year clearance equipment and selling it as if it’s this year’s new line.
- And the classic approach: a fast talking sales person who will tell you what you want to hear.
Most custom installation companies can usually sell and install your electronics for the same or a cheaper price than you can buying it yourself and with less of a headache, and a better manufacture warranty. The only question is who do you call? Well once again we are at another self promotion part…
I honestly do not care who you choose just be aware of a few things when making the decision.
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This industry is still in large ‘Referral Based’; so ask around or ask for referrals.
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Be comfortable who you are dealing with, this is a luxury industry…so enjoy it.
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Be aware that no matter how good your installer is things do not always go as planned…but be assured if you picked a good company they will make sure you are taken care of and satisfied.
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Just because a person or company has a license dose not mean they know what they are doing, or they are license improperly. I must explain this further as it is a constant irritant that I deal with. What most people don’t realize is the there are many different Contractor Licenses, and just because a person or company advertises that they do a particular line of work does not mean they are qualified.
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And as I like to say: “A good installer can perform magic, not miracles”. In other words if the manufacturing companies doesn’t make it or there is not a demand for such a design, there is not a whole lot we can do. But that is rare.
I hope you find this information useful, and please view the rest of our site for other helpful information, or if you have something to submit for others to read or have questions you want answered please send them.
