• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Just had my first "White Van" offer

Illusio

Illusio

Golden Member
I was on my way out to my car in the parking lot of Meijer today, when two guys in an SUV drove up and asked if I wanted to buy some home theater speakers. I told them I was good. He then tried to tell me about how high end they were and how they needed to get rid of them.
I told him I just bough a set of orbs (which I absolutely love) and no thanks. He looked really puzzled and asked what orbs were. After rolling my eyes, I told him briefly. The funniest part was he then proceeded to tell me his were better. You see, they were, in his words, "made by apple, you know, the makers of the iphone." Oh, and "they retail for $4600"

I suppose he didn't know he was talking to a massive apple fanboy and I think if apple had a $4600 set of home theater speakers, I'd know about it. 🙂

After laughing at him and telling him, I was happy with my current setup, he drove off in a huff.

Glad i had read the post on here about the white van scam months ago, or else I might actually have given the guy a second look. (doubt it, but you never know).
 
I got accosted at Home Depot some months ago. I laughed and said I didn't think the white van scam was actually going on. His reply? "It's not a van, it's an SUV!" (Still white, though.)
 
I've gotten the white van treatment, and a few years ago my friend actually bought a set of them (he knew about the scam, he just wanted to actually hear how they sound). He talked them down to $75 for a pair of 3-way floor speakers. Honestly, for $75, it was a good deal. They're not particularly well made, but they have a relatively good sound, and for a pair of basement stereo speakers they serve their purpose.


 
Originally posted by: Slick5150
I've gotten the white van treatment, and a few years ago my friend actually bought a set of them (he knew about the scam, he just wanted to actually hear how they sound). He talked them down to $75 for a pair of 3-way floor speakers. Honestly, for $75, it was a good deal. They're not particularly well made, but they have a relatively good sound, and for a pair of basement stereo speakers they serve their purpose.
Click to expand...

Its the feeling of letting the guys feel they made a sale of them that is enough to bother me. I have had guys have me roll down my window while driving to try and sell them to me, its rather funny when I start telling them about my Paradigms etc.
 
I had that happen to me for the first time last year. Basically the same pitch, minus the Apple claim, and literally was an older white van.
 
One of the simple joys of working in the CE industry is hearing customers stories about how they scored such an awesome pair of speakers so far below retail and/or how they want the speakers to be, and I quote, "The centerpiece of their new home theater". "Chrome plated", extremely pointy tweeters are the wave of the future.
 
Originally posted by: Baked
Should've wrote down his number and called the cops.
Click to expand...

Why? There isn't anything illegal about it. The stuff isn't stolen, they just imply it to make it seem like you're getting a sweet deal on hot merchandise that they just need to unload quickly.

The reality is they're just knockoff speakers of varying quality. Some of them are complete crap, some are ok.
 
Originally posted by: Slick5150
Originally posted by: Baked
Should've wrote down his number and called the cops.
Click to expand...

Why? There isn't anything illegal about it. The stuff isn't stolen, they just imply it to make it seem like you're getting a sweet deal on hot merchandise that they just need to unload quickly.

The reality is they're just knockoff speakers of varying quality. Some of them are complete crap, some are ok.
Click to expand...

Solicitation....
 
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Solicitation....
Click to expand...
Isn't illegal
Click to expand...

It is if its done in a parking lot without permission by the owners of the lot/store.
Click to expand...
Nope. We've had some customers get stopped by these people before in our parking lot. We called the cops who took forever to get here (which is nice since I work for a bank) so they missed the people in the "white van". The cops said there was nothing they could do in the future. The only way to get anything to stick was if we told them not to come on our property any more while a police officer was standing there.
 
I actually warned my wife about this kind of thing, since we've been talking about doing the home theater thing. Educate your friends and family!

I've had it happen to me multiple times in college.
 
The worst part is that a friend's friend/roommate apparently has a pair...I saw 2 years ago and I could never get myself to tell him. I just bit my tongue and cried inside every time I went over there.
 
I had this happen a couple years ago. I was pulling into a shopping center when I noticed this white van tailing me and they swerved into the turning lane behind me. When I got out of my car, they were there with their sales pitch for speakers. I figured they were probably stolen...
 
I got the white van treatment in high school (around 2001) I was walking out of a gym and got harassed by them. I was a total noob so I listened to everything they said, good thing I was broke. It's always funny reading these posts though, I can't believe how many times this happens and who actually signs up for this kind of work.
 
My old boss brought a set then gave them to me. I think there still in a box around here somewhere -- never bothered to hook them up. When you can get speakers like the Polk R50s for great prices I don't see the point even bargaining with the "white box" people.
 
"No thanks but I was in a donut shop and overheard some cops talking about buying a new sound system for their lounge. Shall I go find them for you?"
 
Originally posted by: shortylickens
"No thanks but I was in a donut shop and overheard some cops talking about buying a new sound system for their lounge. Shall I go find them for you?"
Click to expand...

:laugh:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top