I’m OK with it because most realise that the price of doing so is far higher in the long run.

What do I mean by that? Well, folks who’ve sought my advice and then taken their business elsewhere often realise at a certain point that I’m probably the only one who can help them again with a particular question or request for advice. When they discover that this option is no longer available, it can be a tough, though very useful, lesson. The process is somewhat self-correcting, though.

Take this real example:

Mike, I bought a vintage Pioneer turntable you recommended, and bought the cartridge and headshell you recommended elsewhere. Can you tell me how to set it all up..?

Now, why would I help this person when I’ve already helped them and they sent nothing back but want free help again?!

Trust

A lot of hard work has gone into building our trusted reputation and this 650,000-word resource. We’ve had well over two million views here, and people worldwide seek out and trust our assistance. Many other small businesses also copy my work, content and style. When you support independent, creative specialist small businesses like Liquid Audio, you’re supporting people doing the hard work to create unique resources like this one.

Online discounters and copy-cat businesses ride on that wave of knowledge and interest, yet offer nothing, other than products they buy in bulk and know nothing about. Corner-cutter copycat repairers steal ideas and then pretend they came up with them. Why would anyone want to support businesses like this?

Another real example:

Mike I read your article about repairing a JVC turntable. I don’t want to bring my equipment to you but can you tell me what parts you used and where to get them..?

I have no interest in assisting someone who thinks this is a reasonable question to ask!

Small and Original = Better!

If you enjoy this website, if you’ve found inspiration here or if you’ve learned something, you can say thanks by shouting me a drink using the donate button in the footer. Better still, grab some advice and support us by giving us your business and engaging us to work on some equipment for you.

By utilising small specialist businesses, you’ll be building a relationship with someone who rolls up their sleeves, contributes, educates, and helps, rather than just selling boxes and cashing in on other people’s hard work.