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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?
128x128mitch4t
wturkey's avatar
wturkey
768 posts
 
If one has to ask the amount of the fee.......
big_greg
6,623 posts
 
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.
rsf507
2,311 posts
 
Come back this time next yr and this dealer will be out of business.
calvinj
2,315 posts
 
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. 
denverfred's avatar
denverfred
252 posts
 
3 cheers for Mammothguy! The guy everyone wishes they could sell to. I’ll give thumbs-up in advance if he brings us a report. It would be especially interesting if you go in there with cash and then get “blown out” by some crummy shenanigans.
That’s more salesperson jargon: a “blow out” is when you cause a customer to leave the store without buying. The customer is always right. But when he/she is wrong, a good salesperson doesn’t make a “weenie-wagging” contest out of it. (Especially with women!)
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