Do Dealers think it is sinful..........

PS to Awdeeofyle -- for every newline that you want (two for a new paragraph), try adding the following four characters: <BR> (I think this will turn out).

kthomas is right. we all need to use the same math. to clarify my prior post: (1) the lion's share of highend harware (speakers, amps, etc.) is sold on a "40 point" margin to dealers, i.e., if the "retail" on an amp is $10,000, the "dealer cost" is $6000 + freight; (2) much of the wire/accessory stuff is "50 or 60 point" product, i.e., if the msrp is $1000, the "dealer cost" is $500-600 + freight. it does cost a lot for a dealer to inventory product, particulary since competant one's use at least some of the inventory for auditioning. the auditioning/demo equipment usually can't be sold as "new" and thus provides a lower margin to the dealer. all of this, and more, must be factored into the "discount calculus."

I thought that was what I posted? Anyway, IMHO, I think it is unreasonable to expect a High End dealer to discount 15% or 20%. After all, they need to make enough money to stay in business. For those who have owned a business, all of the expenses incurred in the running of the business are all too familiar. The dealers who maintain a decent inventory especially get hosed because they pay tax on it the same as if it was profit resulting from sales.

I don't know what dealer you worked for but I highly doubt that high end speakers have 100% markups.

I don't have any experience working for an audio dealer, but just from watching prices on various sites for "demo" speakers, 100% markup doesn't seem that unlikely. I'm sure many brands don't, but there appear to be many that do.