I’ve written an FAQ about it, so that should tell you something!

I’m old-school when it comes to loyalty, honesty, integrity, etc. These things are baked into me, and I stand by customers, friends, family, and all who support me and my business. Dad always told me, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” Life is too short to do things any other way.

Benefits

For customers, loyalty and integrity mean quality of service and support that are almost impossible to find elsewhere. I supported a customer in getting this guy banned from StereoNet, for example, and I’ve helped many deal with shonky ‘repairers’ and deadbeat sellers, and through my community service, exposing crooks.

Beyond customers, I educate the hi-fi community despite it helping my competitors, and I even support people like YouTuber Stephan Fischer, who was sued for pointing out issues with DCS Lithium Iron batteries. Supporting good people is the right thing to do. Stephan won, BTW!

Reciprocity

Just as I support my customers, fitting them in when I’m full, fixing ‘unfixable’ equipment, and rectifying issues caused by shonky repairers, I expect them to reciprocate and support my business. That means engaging ethically and honestly, leaving factual reviews, contacting us first regarding work we specialise in, etc. Simple, reasonable expectations, no doubt.

Unfortunately, a handful of people I’ve significantly helped have done the opposite and dishonestly or disingenuously interacted with me or others, engaged competitors, copycats or Hall of Shamers when they should have come to us, or attempted to trick or mislead me. I won’t go into the details, but they are very disappointing.

Reciprocity 2

So we are all on the same page, it’s not acceptable to receive all the help and enjoy the many benefits we offer – specialist knowledge, technical expertise, support with RF’ed equipment, etc – but not return the favour in terms of goodwill and support. That ain’t OK.

Disloyalty, dishonesty etc neither align with my values and business practices, nor the sorts of people I wish to assist. While they may not get someone blacklisted, they will preclude any further assistance from Liquid Audio, a bad outcome for lovers of classic hi-fi gear.