Charging A Fee To Demo An Amplifier In A Brick & Mortar Store


I Saw a pair of pre-owned tube monoblocs for sale on an onlline forum for around $17k.
The seller has a retail store for hiigh end audio. The seller mentioned that there will be an up-front fee for the demo if a prospect comes to the store the amps are not purchased. The demo fee may also be used for credit towards any purchase in the store.

This is the first time I’ve ever heard of this. Is this now a common occurance in high end audio stores? I sent a note to the seller asking what the demo fee amount was....two weeks and I didn’t get a response.

Does anyone know what amount of fees are charged for a demo?
mitch4t
Simple answer no.  A tire kicker today can be a customer tomorrow if you treat them well.
This could be easily avoided with a fair return policy.  Buy it, listen at home for XX days, and if it doesn't float your boat, return the items.
Run away fast run away now.  Sign of things to come. If you have a problem with these he is not going to take care of you! His attitude towards customer service 17k to buy something. I can’t hear it for free? He needs your money more than you need his Amps.