John Wood Audio, a tale of woe

[Eagle owl]

I used to run my own company, we supplied parts and accessories for classic and sports cars. For many years I was like Mr Wood. I genuinely believed that the customers were idiots and the only person that knew what he was doing was me. I would argue to the death on each and every return or complaint. I avoided refunds to the very last possible moment. Business was ok, but never did more that pay the bills. After long conversations with other retailers, reading many many articles by my peers and taking a very long hard look at both myself and the business, I did a complete U turn and introduced a 100%, no quibble, 90 day returns policy. 100% of your money back, no questions, no arguments, no limitations, just a straight refund.

In the following year, our turnover and profit doubled. In fact, it doubled, year on year for that and the next five years and within ten years we sold the business to a group of venture capitalists for a very high seven figure sum.

In business, as, I think, in life, the first loss is the best loss. Refund the money, all of it, and move on. As a businessman, it goes completely against the grain, but I can assure you it is the the best, if not the only, way to run a successful business.

Reading stories like this sadden me greatly, I am sure that John Wood is a genuine, honest and passionate man who sadly is just not cut out for running a business unless he can understand the above lesson, act on it and move forward.

Val

Hi Val,

Mr wood I'm sure, builds very good amplifiers, that's why I placed an order with him after reading glowing reports on the Wam, I'm also sure he's passionate about what he does, however, he's certainly not honest.

[Marco]

So, Geoffrey, what do you intend to do about my offer? If you accept it, I will contact John and see if he’s in agreement.

Then we can hopefully bring this sorry mess to an end without any further involvement from the courts!

Marco.

[Eagle owl]

So, Geoffrey, what do you intend to do about my offer? If you accept it, I will contact John and see if he’s in agreement.

Then we can hopefully bring this sorry mess to an end without any further involvement from the courts!

Marco.

Hi Marco,

thank you, it's very kind of you, however, I doubt that Mr Wood will be interested to be honest.

[Marco]

Well, we’ll soon find out when I phone him!

Marco.

[synsei]

Hi Marco,

thank you, it's very kind of you, however, I doubt that Mr Wood will be interested to be honest.

Even so Geoff, the door is open a crack so surely it would be worth taking a peek, don't you think? This way the transaction is facilitated through a trusted third party thus neatly sidestepping the aura of personal mistrust which has developed between yourself and John. It needs the two of you to subscribe to this in order to finally put this nightmare to rest...

[Rick E]

Any progress with getting this concluded?

[Marco]

Nope, because I’ve still to get hold of John - been too busy. Don’t worry, I’ll update the thread as soon as I’ve made contact with him

Marco.

[DSJR]

I used to run my own company, we supplied parts and accessories for classic and sports cars. For many years I was like Mr Wood. I genuinely believed that the customers were idiots and the only person that knew what he was doing was me. I would argue to the death on each and every return or complaint. I avoided refunds to the very last possible moment. Business was ok, but never did more that pay the bills.

Reading stories like this sadden me greatly, I am sure that John Wood is a genuine, honest and passionate man who sadly is just not cut out for running a business unless he can understand the above lesson, act on it and move forward.

Val

I can think of a sales director of a manufacturer of little active speakers that has felt this way about dealers and customers for twenty five years or so - and went online-selling as a result. Fortunately for him, their products are generally extremely reliable and long lived, but 'party' the products at your peril if they've been 'developed further' since purchase!

Sad for me, because the products do have merit IMO...

[Marco]

Yes, Ashley James of AVI (and his even more ‘ancient’ side-kick, JC) fit that grossly arrogant and dogmatic business model rather well

They’re very lucky that there’s a market currently for their boring little ‘speakerettes’!

Marco.

[Rick E]

Yes, Ashley James of AVI (and his even more ‘ancient’ side-kick, JC) fit that grossly arrogant and dogmatic business model rather well

They’re very lucky that there’s a market currently for their boring little ‘speakerettes’!

Marco.

They'll be 'Legacy' products next year, and nobody at AVI will want to know when they go tits up, or someone needs something as simple as a manual!