Q. Why doesn't The Audiophile Boutique have the same Web address as UHF Magazine?
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A. Because it is operated as a distinct division, we thought it should have its own address. However the same people are involved in both the magazine and the store, and both the address and phone number are the same. We are not trying to hide our identity.
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Q. Doesn't selling equipment constitute a conflict of interest?
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A. We were asked the same thing when we opened The Audiophile Store many years ago. But the store presented no conflict, because we didn't need to boost a product the store sold, nor to bash a competing product. The reason is that we aren't wedded to any brand. If something is not superior, or if it isn't good value, then we don't offer it. It's the same with recordings: if someone here doesn't think it's good both sonically and musically, we don't list it. We have adopted the same principle in setting up The Audiophile Boutique.
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Q. Where does the equipment sold by The Audiophile Boutique come from?
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A. It comes from manufacturers and distributors who see an opportunity to make room in the warehouse, and whose dealers are not prepared to help out. Initially we recruited three distributors, and we have invited others to join us.
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| Q. Is what you sell new? |
A. It is either brand new in factory-sealed boxes, or it has been opened only for inspection and evaluation. We don't propose to sell used equipment through The Audiophile Boutique.
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| Q. Is it covered by warranty? |
A. Yes. We require that the manufacturer or distributor extend the same warranty as that offered to all other purchasers.
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| Q. What if I buy a product and I don't like it? |
A. It is possible to try a product and return it. There are some conditions, as you might expect.
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| Q. Such as? |
A. You have 21 days to listen and decide. If you return the product for refund, you must (a) do so within 21 days of receiving it, (b) return it in perfect, resalable condition by insured shipping, (c) in the case of an international shipment, insure that paperwork is done correctly so that we are not charged for duty and/or taxes on our own gear. Any fees that the transaction costs us (the VISA/MC fee, typically 2%, or the cost of a bank draft, will be deducted from the refund.
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| Q. Do you ship anywhere in the world? |
A. Yes we do. Of course some products we offer will work only in certain countries, because of electrical power differences. Shipping costs outside of North America are inevitably higher, and the whole transaction will take longer. Some countries may impose duty and taxes on the product. However we have long experience sending products to the four corners of the planet.
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| Q. I'm a distributor of audio products, and I have a product that is not going anywhere. How can I get in on The Audiophile Boutique? |
| A. Call us and we'll discuss it. It needs to be a product of exceptional quality, because we won't offer anything else, and the price needs to be right. If we don't know the product we'll want to hear it. |
