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?
128x128mitch4t
Perhaps the seller is trying to recoup the electricity cost of turning the amps on 😂
mitch4t,

My current system is here:

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/876

Nice system, no doubt about it, but what launches it into different galaxy is your tuner. Hats off.
I have bought items from this dealer and he was always respectful and gave me a great price. Most of the items he carries are way out of my price range but he genuinely tries to accommodate my needs as best as he can.
stringreen,

You are certainly right, but that was the only car around I could fit in, had a trunk, and could hold the road as good as any (Evo, I think it was IX but may be wrong about it as it was a while back).