Charging A Fee To Demo An Amplifier In A Brick & Mortar Store


I Saw a pair of pre-owned tube monoblocs for sale on an onlline forum for around $17k.
The seller has a retail store for hiigh end audio. The seller mentioned that there will be an up-front fee for the demo if a prospect comes to the store the amps are not purchased. The demo fee may also be used for credit towards any purchase in the store.

This is the first time I’ve ever heard of this. Is this now a common occurance in high end audio stores? I sent a note to the seller asking what the demo fee amount was....two weeks and I didn’t get a response.

Does anyone know what amount of fees are charged for a demo?
mitch4t

Showing 1 response by dsper

I think the dealer's business model is not "sound".

If the store is open, his time, like his inventory carrying costs, is simply overhead. 

The biggest draw for a bricks and mortar store is to hear equipment and share info with supposedly knowledgeable people.

Given that a high end audio store does not have customer traffic like a discount or grocery store, you would think the owner would want to get people in and listening.

Combine that concept with an extensive used inventory and a bricks and mortar store can make it.

My guy even lets me take used pieces home for audition, at no charge.

Dsper