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

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.  

If a store/dealership charges to demo equipment that is not a problem with me.  It is my choice if I want to do business with that establishment.  As long as that policy applies to everyone.

However, my opinion is also that if the dealer wants to or is trying to sell me something, then I'm not paying to listen.  Depends on who is the driver here.

Just like with wineries.  When I go to Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, etc. there are some small producers that will not let you taste, limited production wines.  They expect you to buy based on their word alone.  That does not happen with me.  I tell them that If I like the wine, I will buy it, but I won't buy wine that I haven't tasted or am unfamiliar with.

this typically works at roughly 90% of the wineries I visit with my wine expert friends.  They typically figure out pretty quickly that I am serious about wine and will actually open a bottle for myself and my friend to taste.  The wine has to speak for itself.  If it is good it is good.  if it isn't well...

Same for audio equipment.  Except a lot depends on the associated equipment connected and the room.  All of which has to be taken into account in demo'ing equipment.

Stopping into a store just to listen is one thing and shouldn't be a big thing if the equipment is already connected and running.  If it isn't, then yes, I can understand the issue.  However, I will stop into stores to get a feeling as to how the salespeople react to me.   How they treat me.  Completely ignore me as if I don't exist or can't possibly afford their equipment and therefore, write me off?  Discriminate?  Whatever.  I am feeling them out. 

Stereo Design in San Diego was great (owner retired and closed the shop).  They knew I was serious and had no problem letting me sit and listen to their top of the line stuff. 

Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica is the same way.

Even Stereo Exchange in San Diego has no problem letting me listen to the top stuff. 

They can't possibly know if you are a tire kicker with no intention of buying anything of a high roller.  So, easy questions help.  Are you in the market for anything in particular?  What do you currently have?  Are you seeking to upgrade?  What is your musical taste? What is your budget?  Are you willing to hear equipment slightly outside your budget that may be better that what you wanted?  

Just getting to know the customer.

Also, I would bet a lunch that this particular dealer doesn't treat every customer this way.  If a "beautiful person" walked in or an associate or recommended customer, they would probably set up the equipment and let them listen free of charge.

enjoy