Store auditioning and then buying on-line from others. How do you feel about it ?

Great topic , with gentlemen responding. I’m glad to read this thread . I live in Clovis, Ca. Fresno has zero audiophile shops ! ZERO ! Magnolia is high end here. 1 million people in this county and zero . I am totally dependent on you guys for advice . However, I have a local friend that is a former shop owner . He moved into estate law and closed his business. Recently I wanted an item from Rogue . He contacted them on my behalf and asked for dealer price . Being honest, he stated that is was not for him . Rogue politely declined and said “ they support their dealers “. So I went on line and contacted a Midwest dealer . I asked for a “ discount “, and stated there was not a dealer in my area . As a new customer , the rep paused and offered “ 10% off and free shipping “ . Dealer price is about 60%. I thought that was very fair and made a purchase from an authorized dealer with a full warranty . Now to the question of the thread . If I use a store for an audition and advise on compatibility, I buy from them . This pays off too if I have a problem requiring service or repair . I’ve also found that by politely asking , most stores will give a modest discount . Also I lack the knowledge and skill that an expert possesses and the help is well received. So I try to be frugal , but I support the Local Guy, where applicable, like the Local Trek bicycle dealer and the local Gunsmith . Regards , Mike. 

Personally speaking I wouldn’t do that.  I haven’t done it. 

However...one of the MOST annoying aspects of purchasing equipment on A’gon is the 3-4% “fee” most sellers, individuals and bricks and mortar retailers alike, tack onto their merchandise classifieds. 

In the past I have tendered offers on classifieds with the caveat that I don’t expect the “fee” to be included in the final agreement.  I have sold a fair amount of stuff here and have never levied a fee like that.  And I won’t. 

When B&M dealers on here state extra fees for credit cards and/or PayPal,  I have to wonder if they would have the audacity to try that if I walked into their store. Really?  “Thank you sir, and now I must add 3% to the total because you’re using a credit card.”
That is total, utter B. S.  

Think about the margins here folks; 40% or more, most of the time.  When you audition $20,000 in gear, if it's new, $8,000 or so goes right into the dealer's pocket.  Now I know bricks and mortar are expensive and so is keeping on the lights.  But, how many folks do they need coming in the door looking to drop that kind of coin before they realize they should at least be civil to the customers?

I never do it..... our customers do it all the time and I think it sucks.   If you are a dealer , and spend time with me without steering me I will buy from you if you can be somewhat competitive.    I made a recent purchase where I did better at a mom and pop than an internet dealer . That is partly due to no tax or shipping but still....  They always treat me right so they are the first to come to mind.

" When you audition $20,000 in gear, if it's new, $8,000 or so goes right into the dealer's pocket."

Ok, then you have shipping cost, could be $500.00+, so now we have $7,500. Does the dealer offer home delivery & setup, I did, so we have that cost. Then there is rent, utilities, advertising, insurance, security, store furnishings, employees wages, taxes, computer system, etc.,before he realizes any profit. And, many times the profit goes back into inventory. If one wants to get rich, one is already or chooses another path other than a high-end B&M audio store.

While it might initially go "into the dealers pocket", it doesn't stay there for long.