2. amps-preamps
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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?
mitch4t
tubes444
91 posts
 
Mitch41

Nothing real new! Happen to me, at the time I went to a S.F. Ca. to visit the Highest high end audio dealer
there at the end of the last century. To hear Sound Labs A.1 panels $25 bucks & no choice on records.
Here’ WHAT I told him. Will hear them somewhere TRUST ME! I did on a 737 down to L.A>
I listened and bought, them plus (2)ARC big Mono blocks to drive them all on the same ticket. Got home sent a copy of the sales ticket to the S.F. Ca dealer and a not so nice letter to him and C/c same to Sound Labs.
He’s no longer there dealer in San Francisco. Call me a real S.O.B. Ha!!!!

carey1110's avatar
carey1110
568 posts
 
I don’t think it is unreasonable to give a dealer a couple hundred bucks for the time and inconvenience of packing and unpacking them if you don’t buy.  However if you have a good relationship with you dealer and have made purchases from him in the past he probably won’t ask for it. 
carey1110's avatar
carey1110
568 posts
 
Sorry did you mean in store demo Charge. Lol!!  That’s ridiculous. Never heard of it. 
skypunk's avatar
skypunk
499 posts
 
I think they are very clear and upfront about it.

they said in the ad that they are packed away and stored so it will require unpacking, and setup.

My my hats off to them because they are weeding the tire kickers out.

Got to pay to play......
rlb61
792 posts
 
@skypunk ... And, that's likely why he's still stuck with super expensive amps that he can't move.
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