PS Audio Revises Marketing to a Direct Sales Only Model

maybe its time for someone to set up a "demo dealer" someone that is not there to sell to you but to allow you to listen, feel and spend time with an item. maybe the manufacturers can pay them or you pay for the services maybe both. I'd love to go into a spot listen and look at new stuff and if I like something buy it online directly. I don't know if it's is a financial model that would work but interesting anyway.

An interesting idea but you're right it's not a workable financial model.  It's hard enough to make a profit as a dealer based on the sale of new and used gear.  How could anyone manage the overhead without sales revenue?  Based on my experience, I doubt that many (any) audiophiles would be willing to pay for this; at least enough to offset actual operating expenses and a modest profit.  And who goes into business, working his/her arse off with the idea of limiting themselves to a modest profit?

Home demo (purchase with right of return or clean demo) is a better way to go.  I wish more manufacturers supported and promoted this method.

 Travis is the Man at P S Audio   Let's get that right Joyce MG .

It seems that there are fewer and fewer "brick and mortar" high end audio shops and many of them have branched out into other things to stay current.

I have been a PS Audio customer since I bought the DirectStream DAC, just after it was introduced.  I also have their DirectStream disk and P15 power unit, and haven't had much of a need to contact them for support, but when I do, the response is always very timely and excellent.

I think that, with their 30 day money back policy, they should do well with this new business model.

Shipping....$95 ground to ship with $2k insurance from Boulder to Rogue Audio (heavy preamp) in Pennsylvania.  I think it was $55  shipping without insurance.
Insurance is $$$. (Imagine the cost for shipping a $12,000 PSA power unit back to them .....wow). All just to try it for a month?  Maybe $25/$1000. If they charge to ship it to you, too, You’re out <$200 just for a $2000 unit for a trial.

Agree with michaellent, shipping long distance high end, heavy, hi-fi is fraught with problems. In the local dealer model, the dealer ensures the delivery is made without damage, and is there for any issues. I have done both long distance shipping and local dealer, and will always pay more for dealer peace of mind rather than be stuck with damaged gear and begin the long process of contact and resolution.