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

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.

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

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.

Store in calif..SF charging 250.00 to listen to setup..for up to 2 hours. 250 csn be a credit towards purchase..must be paid in advance.  Thst is utterly extortion. Raidho dealer SAN FRAN

Call me old fashioned but I think that this is ridiculous and I would literally get up and walk out.    There are still plenty of full service audio dealers out there,   many who are happy to set up a demo within reason.   And if you are the type of buyer that is a "tire kicker" and wastes a sellers time, them shame on you too.....  I never ask for a demo unless I am ready to pull the trigger on something.