Marc
Jun 30 2006, 12:14 AM
Car Audio Australia
Approved Dealer Network
Car Audio Australia is dedicated to supporting and promoting all aspects of the Australian Mobile Electronics industry. The CAA forums and communty make up the single largest medium and audience of consumers and enthusiasts in Australia. Traditionally, members have been supportive of those industry members taking part in the community via the forums, or as banner advertisers.
A banner advertisement does not necessarily equal quality service and advice, or recognition of CAA's members, nor does it protect the consumer from poor workmanship or after sales service. For these reasons a concept has been created to overcome these challenges, while protecting both the consumer and retailer.
The Car Audio Australia 'Approved Dealer Network' or 'ADN' is a listing of carefully selected (and approved) retailers around Australia whom have qualified for ADN status and officially recognise members of Car Audio Australia.
What using an ADN member also means for the consumer is an official recommendation by Car Audio Australia for that dealer. In the event of a consumer (CAA Member) being unsatisfied with the work performed or pre and after sales service, Car Audio Australia is willing to mediate and discuss the issue with both parties. Simarly, Car Audio Australia will also offer this service to the approved dealer if they are unhappy with the consumers actions / comments.
ADN Members will also publish the promotion / specials or ongoing discount on products and / or services via the Car Audio Australia website.
ADN Members will be recognised by a sign prominently displayed on the front of the premises, an accrediation plaque displayed in the showroom, and also via a ADN Member Listing on a dedicated section of the Car Audio Australia website.
There is no association (or requirement) for ADN Members to be commercial advertisers on the Car Audio Australia website, and no preference or leniency will be given for commercial advertisers. ADN Members may however choose to additionally advertise on the Car Audio Australia website.
Selection and approval of ADN Members will be based on criteria such as but not limited to: Store front / established premises and showroom, demonstration boards. Experienced staff and installation technicians, Quality installations, Return policy, Minimum 10% off RRP of all products sold for CAA Members, Good range of products - including mainstream brands, Reputation (business ethics etc).
A small token fee is payable per year by ADN Members to Car Audio Australia for administration and promotion.
A dedicated ADN section of the Car Audio Australia website is nearing completion and can be viewed
here. Discussions are currently taking place with those established businesses deemed to be likely candidates for ADN Member status, however they must still submit applications and be approved by Car Audio Australia Administration.
This is a big plus for you as CAA members, and you can rest assured that when dealing with an ADN Member they conduct their business to the highest standard, recognise CAA, and are official endorsed by Car Audio Australia.
Fudd
Jun 30 2006, 10:32 AM
I quite like this idea, it's about time something like this came about that is not allied to certain companys etc.
Now hopefully consumers will know where the best places to go to get quality workmanship and service.
This has been in the planing stages for a while now and will definetly give CAA members peace of mind.
Bodyjar
Jun 30 2006, 10:42 AM
Great Idea!
~thematt~
Jun 30 2006, 11:04 AM
This is one of the best Idea's I have ever heard.
Now CAA can stand up and become the community leader that it so rightfully deserves.
Well done to all those whose efforts and contributions are making this possible. This is a giant leap in the right direction for ALL consumers. Lets use this to clean up the industry and promote it in the best way possible!!
Congratulations and thankyou to Marc and the Team.
advance
Jun 30 2006, 02:14 PM
great idea, but, is there a way to assess businesses who don't have a store front such as online buinesses (Advance AE being my case) and mobile installers? or are these businesses automatically exempt and therefore put at a disadvantage?
...James
Marc
Jun 30 2006, 02:58 PM
I think the term "disadvantage" is probably inaccurate in this case. The ADN is designed for consumers that are intending on visiting legitimate showroom retailers, and considering services such as installation etc.
In this case, online businesses are not a concern for them, and from our end not what the ADN is about promoting, or protecting consumers from (dodgy workmanship, over inflated prices etc).
RadMaz
Jun 30 2006, 03:46 PM
The Car Audio industry has needed this for so long, at last there will be standards and some backbone!
ProClass
Jun 30 2006, 05:03 PM
All I can say is, "Its about time"
Great idea with some real benifits.
Similar to the MECP program in the USA and Canada it will give consumers a guide. Now all that needs to happen is getting the public to understand and accept the premise.
Tell me how I can help in that regard!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marc
Jun 30 2006, 05:10 PM
Will do indeed
There are so many finy details that have had to be established so that both CONSUMERS and RETAILERS have a full understanding of the benefits, and also the expectations of each.
Its all progressed very nicely ... and will be published very soon.
HBD
Jun 30 2006, 06:29 PM
Great idea, everyone wins on this one I think
Liquidity
Jun 30 2006, 07:51 PM
Wow. Simple concept, but theres going to be a LOT of work going into this. Thanks to the CAA team.
Andrew S
Jun 30 2006, 08:36 PM
Well done guys, great idea and I think it again shows how much CAA is doing for this industry.
So lets all do our bit and spread the word about this when we can...
Marc
Jun 30 2006, 09:13 PM
Its encouraging to see the support on this. I've also received emails from those Industry members who read but dont post on the site with encouraging comments.
Yes it will be a lot of work, but its a concept I believe in and am prepared to see through. It has been a long time in the works.
Brycestro
Jul 3 2006, 09:22 AM
I live in a small town that doesn't have any car audio/electronics specialists as such and i'm still liking this idea even though i probably won't be able to use it much to my advantage. It's good to see the community building up around here and seeing the real deal businesses getting the credit for what they've done for people where it's due. For those who have these 'ADN' installers accessible (i.e. you can drive to them) i'm sure alot of people will appreciate knowing their not going to get straight out jibbed when they hand over their money. Keep up the good work ey
Audio Express
Jul 3 2006, 07:35 PM
is this going to be set up similar to CAM. where there is a buyer group with a range of products? if its like the MECP idea- perfect!
Marc
Jul 3 2006, 07:46 PM
There are no similiarities between the CAA ADN and any other organisation or association.
This is a Car Audio Australia initiative designed to benefit consumers (or more so Car Audio Australia members) and also specialist dealers. It is not designed to compete with any other "group" or similar.
Marc
Jul 4 2006, 10:29 AM
The pages with more information are now in progress. You can view them by clicking on "Approved Dealers" in the side menu.
the[K]id
Jul 4 2006, 01:15 PM
Very good idea, should especially benefit newer members who may not know a lot about the stores in their area, or know previous customers.
Just a comment: Why not have on-line stores also? With the growing number of reputable shops (Advance, Web Audio Direct, just to name two) it seems there could be a place for this. Obviously it would slightly differ (eg a Banner/Link rather than plaque) but it would not be a bad idea to have a list of 'legit' and trustworth sellers to choose from. Online shops especially can look very good, even if they do not provide the back up to support the flash.
Just my 2c, still think it is a great concept regardless.
Cruiser
Jul 4 2006, 02:53 PM
Selection and approval of ADN Members will be based on criteria such as but not limited to: Store front / established premises and showroom, demonstration boards. Experienced staff and installation technicians, Quality installations, Return policy, Minimum 10% off RRP of all products sold for CAA Members, Good range of products - including mainstream brands, Reputation (business ethics etc).
Unfortunately on-line stores don't meet these criteria, neither do backyarders and mobile fitters.
There are good reasons for each and everything listed which I'm sure most of you can understand
Audio Express
Jul 4 2006, 06:35 PM
so that rules me out since I have both a workshop and an onsite service??
Marc
Jul 4 2006, 06:38 PM
Only "specialist dealers" with showroom / workshop need apply. That is specifically what the "ADN" is about. Specialist Retail Outlets. Not mobile fitters, not soley online stores, or a combination of the two.
This is for Car Audio Australia members that are walking into glass front shops. It's designed to encourage more of that type of shopping (as opposed to eBay shopping) and protect both the members, and assist the dealers.
I don't know how much clearer we need to make it.
advance
Jul 6 2006, 01:56 PM
QUOTE (Marc @ Jul 4 2006, 06:38 PM)
This is for Car Audio Australia members that are walking into glass front shops. It's designed to encourage more of that type of shopping (as opposed to eBay shopping) and protect both the members, and assist the dealers.
I don't know how much clearer we need to make it.
this leaves the mobile fitters and online stores at a disadvantage however.
by endorsing one part of the industry and not the other you could be effectively driving business away from the mobile fitters and online stores....doesn't seem right...
...James
Marc
Jul 6 2006, 06:52 PM
Mobile Fitters and Online Stores put themselves at a disadvantage by not having retail outlets, further disadvantaging themselves purely by access to a range of products etc.
This is not for that aspect of the industry. Its supporting the specialist dealers in Australia!
I'm not going to go around in circles on this one ... I've tried to explain.
Audio Express
Jul 6 2006, 07:05 PM
I'm not going to argue here..
so you are telling me for the $38K I spent fitting out a retail shop/workshop with signage, retail floor space, displays and a decent demo board that I cannot qualify for this scheme. depsite the fact that also run a mobile service. the shop side is manned. now by the same note there are a LOT of mobile fitters that would benefit if there was a section of this dedicated to them. most have full acounts with audio/security companies. As an example VERY few people will let a VERY expensive car out of site . most will request that a onsite fellow comes to their residence works on it then goes away. this relates to car security and to a point car audio. this is teh general consensus I see daily. there are 4-5 businesses here in brisbane that are set up in the same fashion and they have the same rules.
this fellow is one of them:
http://www.alexminassian.com/your idea is valid but there are some that are being left out that are specialists as well. ( I do not hold a $26m council ferry contract for nothing.)
I'll be quiet now.
Cruiser
Jul 6 2006, 07:21 PM
Just because you have a shop front/factory space doesn't even come close to meaning you qualify.
By all means come back when you qualify for all the criteria above till then nothing is going to change.
Marc
Jul 7 2006, 12:50 AM
If you indeed have a retail area, shopfront and are open during traditional business hours, then you are just as eligible as any other specialist in Australia to submit an application.
All applications will be considered.
I think it's good that not just anyone will be accepted. There's a few stores who 'think' they're car audio but most people here wouldn't touch them.
APS
Jul 14 2006, 11:19 AM
Got my answer
George
Adelaide Pro Sound
Marc
Jul 14 2006, 11:46 AM
I don't think you've read the link to the pages on this site that are being developed for the ADN. They answer most of your questions already.
If you don't see the benefit of being part of the ADN - that's all good and fine. Other dealers around the country do. The dealer AND consumer protection has already been outlined in the ADN pages. There will be no bulk buying or similar with ADN. It is not a buying group. That's what Car Audio Masters is for.
Its time for many in this industry to stop harping on what once was, and look at their own business practices and adopt where necessary to be smart in todays was of doing business.
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