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
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. 
Sorry did you mean in store demo Charge. Lol!!  That’s ridiculous. Never heard of it. 
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......
@skypunk ... And, that's likely why he's still stuck with super expensive amps that he can't move.
Their time is paid for by the mark up.
Just like cars.

i wouldn’t dare purchase from this person. 

Brick and Mortar is dying, he’s just making it happen quicker.