Would you pay to audition speakers

How can any dealer assume that because he didn't make a sale that someone is running to the internet to buy it online? I am sure it happens, but how does the dealer know that maybe that person decided to go to another dealer that was more pleasant and had a better attitude! There is no other industry where prospective buyers are treated this way! Most of the gear on Audiogon is used, so I don't see how Arbuckle's post appplies in this instance. If I was in that situation, I would write a letter to the equipment maker and let them know that I was very interested in their gear, but the dealer I went to wanted $500 from me to audition it. I wonder how that wouild go over! I have read a few posts where people want to establish a relation with a dealer and you can't get that from the internet. Who would want a relationship with a jerk like this? Many people just want to purchase something and a working relationship with a dealer is not part of their plan. It doesn't matter whether the $500 would be applied to the purchase, that is just bad business, and a lot of BS.

Is it even legal? Are there any lawyers here? If car dealer would charge me $500 to let me test drive a car and would not return the money if I decide I don't like it that would be illegal and I would report him. New car dealer doesn't have license to rent cars or perform similar service. I'm pretty sure audio dealer cannot force me to buy something I don't like by holding my money either. I would report it to authorities and reveal his name on the forum. Any lawyers here?

Another point to remember is that in sales the object is too make the sale and not everyone will pay full price.
So smart dealers do just that, Make deals. I have purchased some of my ARC gear new from a dealer who wanted to make a sale, even if not at list. I prefer to purchase cd players especially new with a warantee if the used to new spread is not that great.

Weisberg - that's good point. The problem is that I won't ask dealer without listening and he can still hold my money if we won't agree. I would just stay away from such places. They prices are often insane because they have high overhead caused by lower sales that are caused by high prices to start with. The name for that is greed. I would always pay, let say 10% more for the expertise but not more than that. Internet is helping to level the field and get rid of greedy or just plain bad dealers - a very positive process.

I would pay for real service - eg, if the dealer brought speaker to my home, set it up etc.

I would also pay "rent" if I needed to evaluate them at my home for an unusually long time.

If he loaned them to me for a few days and I had to carry and set them up myself, then I wouldn't pay anything except perhaps leave a deposit if requested.

I would not pay for in-store demos. Showing something you are trying to sell is part of retail. The customer may not buy or buy elsewhere - all retailers take that chance and those who can't should not be in retail.