Would you pay to audition speakers

I'm not too old to remember the day that customers came FIRST and salesmen were knowledgeable, courteous, respectful, and jumped at the chance to help...

Now-a-days salesmen are rude, bothered-to-help, and have no idea about what they are selling or even if they have it in stock...

And we are supposed to wonder why sales have fallen off the cliff -- well, it doesn't take a PhD to see. Vote with your dollar (ie -- go somewhere else).

I suspect it's only used against audiophiles. A "civilian" customer talks and acts differently than us veterans and the dealer can readily discern the difference. Nearly all the successful dealers I've discuss the subject with say they make no money on audiophiles.

well.... I wouldn't pay a car salesman $500. to look at his cars. And, don't see why I (or you) should pay any other salesperson for the 'privilege' of looking at/listening to their equipment. Heck of an attitude for a retailer facing a market slump. This salesman is appallingly arrogant and more than a little delusional.
A deposit on an in-home demo, is another story, however, and a legitimate one.

Can you name the dealer?

If not, what is the point of posting this ridiculous poll? I would want to know so I can avoid him and warn others about his policy when it takes into effect and then report the dealer to the manufacturers of the product he carries.
What would you think the manufacturer will do? Especially on the present economic climate, this idea of charging potential buyers for a demo is plainly absurd.

Why don't we boycott this speaker brand that the dealer is carrying and see who will cry in the end? No customers, no demand, no demo, no time wasted!

I might " rent to own" a pair of speakers for $300 a month to see if they work out long term (and with different electronics). Just a thought.