I notice a lot of reviewers buy the sample piece


When I read Absolute Sound or Stereophile I notice quite a few reviewers will buy the sample gear. Do they get the piece at dealer cost or even below that? I wonder if they have to keep it for a period of time before they can resell it?

taters

Showing 1 response by zavato

Industry accommodation pricing, which is below dealer cost (dealer cost typically is 60% of msrp). 

Includes a a commitment to keep the gear for a period of time, at least a year. Some gear is shipped to reviewers under extended loan. 

Not it all reviewers are Boy Scouts, though.

Buying the gear is a critical endorsement-.ie, putting your money where your mouth is, but it's not entirely genuine. The phono cartridge which just got a rave may cost you $5000 but it might cost the reviewer $2000.