«Similarly, when I tried to test drive a Honda S2000 back when they were new, the dealer declined to let me. Reason? He was getting inundated with requests for test drives with very few buyers. »- DualMarantz
The same thing happened to me!
Since I anticipated it, I showed to the unfriendly rep my NSX key and said: If you think I do not qualify for a S2000!
Would have never bought from him, and this seller made a mistake because I bought one later ...
Regarding OP situation, I concur that nowadays it is difficult for B&M businesses, but it is part of their job to spend time promoting and trying to sell what they have to offer.
Obviously, I would consider as serious a guy who owns Pass Labs gear and shows interest in tubes monoblocks and would not try to put unnecessary and unfriendly obstacles in the process ...
For those saying that he will buy elsewhere online, we are not talking about common pieces of hifi gear ...
I would not pay that 500$ fee, customer is king, I would even convince him, after an in store listening, to try them at home, and for free!
You want to sell them? Well, you’ll have to work and convince me.
You don’t want to take this route, you only want to make a quick and easy sale and wait for your sucker? Then you will have to accept a nice discount over your asking price !!!