Many audio stores allow in home auditions of their demo gear, both used and new. While it may be only extended to existing customers with an established relationship, some allow it for any serious buyer with a credit card used for security. Many such stores are closed on Sun & Mon so they prefer to do loans on Sat and have you return or purchase on Tue giving you a couple of days for evaluation. That way they're not without their demo gear for too long in case you don't purchase it. The only way to know if they have such a program is to ask them, or ask some of their regular customers since they would know. The stores will either allow it or not as a policy, it's not something that you'll have to convince them to do.
Convincing your local dealer to let you try speakers at home
So, I had a great experience listening to some Devore 0/96 speakers yesterday. The challenge for me is that the room I heard them in is wildly different than any other room I’d ever listen in. (I’ll share a photo, below.) I really have no idea if spending $13k plus on these speakers would work out. I’d need to try them at home.
For all I know, these dealers might be ok with me trying some speakers at home. I don’t know and am not yet ready to ask.
But I’m curious whether folks here have any stories to tell about the reactions they’ve gotten when they’ve asked to try speakers at their home. If you have a story, especially if it’s a more expensive speaker, I’d love to hear your story. How did you convince them? If they turned you down, what was the reason? Did you agree?