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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?
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ianellis
10 posts
 
Maybe, just maybe, in these current times I could understand a charge for a demo. IF and only IF the store owner stated that the cost was to cover sanitizing the store/demo room/equipment to CDC guidelines before the demo and then also afterwards.

But they didn't state that so I would just go elsewhere.
david12
1,454 posts
 

Just a thought, which might explain the dealers reasons. How has the current economic situation and Covid, affected Hi fi retailers viability? I don't know the answer, but I suspect it isn't good. In theory, spending more time at home, you might look at an upgrade, but unemployment is rising, so buyers confidence is falling. If the retailer is doing his job, he should be doing some cleansing after a demo, which takes time and expense.

So I'm not supporting the charge for a demo, even in store, but maybe I understand it's part of a survival plan for the retailer

phd
1,314 posts
 
Was there a meter in the showroom where you have to keep inserting money for every 30 minutes of listening? Are you kidding me? This dealer is over the line. I could see a restocking fee for an amplifier you purchased then decided to return. Stay clear of this freak-zoid and shop elsewhere.
dsper
663 posts
 
I think the dealer's business model is not "sound".

If the store is open, his time, like his inventory carrying costs, is simply overhead. 

The biggest draw for a bricks and mortar store is to hear equipment and share info with supposedly knowledgeable people.

Given that a high end audio store does not have customer traffic like a discount or grocery store, you would think the owner would want to get people in and listening.

Combine that concept with an extensive used inventory and a bricks and mortar store can make it.

My guy even lets me take used pieces home for audition, at no charge.

Dsper
iopscrl
196 posts
 
Change the product to HE Real Estate.   Realtor wants to charge a fee to "show" the house....Fee will be credited back at closing, but if you don't buy you forfeit the fee.

Wonder how many sales this realtor will have ?

Regarding the original post- the items in question are not unique and are available from other sources, but some effort on the part of the buyer will be required.   Some referenced Auto Sales- yes I am aware of situations where the price included a "market premium" for a hot model in short supply- no negotiation, pay the price or leave.   But sure as rain, 6 mos later the same model was in stock and available at a discount.  

Seller can do what the they want, but unless the seller has a monopoly (this seller does not) the buyer drives the transaction.  And this seller is driving potential buyers away.
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