HONESTY IS HIS POLICY — Cali Boyz Customs owner James Allshouse will never steer you in the wrong direction. You can be sure of that. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
For all those stereo enthusiasts out there, Cali Boyz Customs in Clarks Grove just may be your sound system heaven.
A stereo junkie himself, James Allshouse, makes certain that all of his customers are hooked up with the best equipment for their price range and lifestyle.
“We hold the most inventory, period,” Allshouse said. “People can actually pick out what they like, unlike most other shops that just hand you a catalog.”
From the start, Allshouse has made it his mission to distinguish this “ma and pa shop” with plain old honesty.
“We give customers advice and answer any questions they might have,” Allshouse said. “We try to educate our customers and explain to them what they are paying for.”
Customers will also be pleasantly surprised with the affordability of the equipment, yet another quality that most online stores simply don’t offer.
“Almost any sound system you desire, we have,” he said. “We carry tweeters, receivers, equalizers, crossovers, DVD players and so much more.”And, whenever customers simply can’t something in the showroom, Allshouse does whatever it takes to find that particular piece of equipment.
“We are mainly into sound pressure levels here,” he said. “We also do installations too, if that’s a concern.”
If repairs are needed, he will first make sure the customer will get the most bang for their buck. Or, as he puts it, “If the parts and labor to fix it are more than the
amp’s worth, don’t waste your time.”
“Cali Boyz can figure out system problems immediately,” he said. “We just tell you which part to buy and you can be done with it real quick.”
Unbeknownst to some, breaking in subwoofers takes a little bit of finesse. That’s why he gives his customers the lowdown on things even before a purchase is made.
“Monster subs need to barely move for 30 hours solid, and then you can blast them,” he said.
Someday, customers that follow those kindly delivered strict instructions will maybe thank him. At the very least, a good foundation of respect will be laid.
“We don’t try to sell you anything,” he said. “You have to sell it yourself.”
This non-hassling policy will be in place forever, he says.
“I’ve been working on stereo systems since I was 12 years old,” he said. “Over the years, I have touched hundreds of cars.”
In that time, he perfected his skills so much so that repair work and installations are a breeze. So, really, what gets him excited is seeing the smile on customers’ faces.
“I see guys go to Best Buy and spend thousands of dollars,” he said. “Their friends come here, spend $500 and they are allotted a whole system.”
Someday, he hopes to have a much more massive showroom, almost like a “Best Buy world.” But, just the fact that Cali Boyz is going four years strong means the world to him.
“I’ve always wanted to do it, but never believed it could happen,” he said. “We were home-based for three years, so it’s great to have a showroom now.”
So, the next time you cruise down Main Street, he welcomes people of all ages to stop and check out the retail area.
“This Hot Wheels car here can be taken to a beach party and is hotter than most people’s cars are,” he said. “The older generation is covered too with a good selection of CD players and equipment for surround sound systems in their home.”
Again, curious souls will be guaranteed honesty, good advice and a laid-back atmosphere.
“If someone wants to have a little bass for an old ‘69 impala, we can hook them up,” he said. “Or, if you want your hair to go flying, that we can do too.”