WHO CHOSE THE TOP 20 U.K. HI-FI, HOME CINEMA & CUSTOM INSTALLATION DEALERS?

From an initial small core group, all the dealers were chosen and invited to participate in these listings. Dealers were chosen following consultation with manufacturers, distributors and other industry experts. Quality of advice, product knowledge, demonstration facilities, service, and installation skills are all essential factors that have helped to decide the selection of the participating dealers. In common with many other trades and areas of commerce, the best dealers are known within the industry. Their reputations have often been built up over many years and are very important to them because much of their custom comes through recommendation. For example, a survey carried out by one of the participating dealers, Rayleigh Hi-Fi, revealed that over 90% of their customers had either purchased from them previously or had come to them on the recommendation of someone who had purchased from them.

All participating Hi-Fi, Home Cinema and Custom Installation dealers are service orientated and employ fully-trained, skilled personnel to ensure their customers get the best results possible. Their distribution is also normally over a large geographical area.

There are two main trade organisations covering the Hi-Fi, Home Cinema and Custom Installation retail and installation industry, British Audio-Visual Dealers Association (B.A.D.A.) and Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA). These organisations help to raise and maintain high standards and offer various safeguards for consumers purchasing through their members. Most of the Top 20 Dealers are members of one or both trade organisations.