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Demos - To Charge a Fee or to Not Charge a Fee?

One common dealer complaint is that customers sometimes use them to audition equipment only to later purchase it elsewhere.

How much of that is true is not known but it must happen. Such is the nature of some folk.

Therefore, how about abandoning the time honoured practice of free demonstrations (also shared by the car industry) and start charging a fee?

Would $10 an hour be sufficient? 

Surely, even in quiet part of a quiet day it must cost the dealer considerably more than that to provide the facilities and staff to facilitate a satisfactory demonstration.

I don't know how others may feel, but I'd be more than happy to pay for the service.
cd318
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,194 posts
 
That’s the chance you have to take I was a dealer for a number of years ,if you know how to help build system synergy  with other products ,and and are competitive in $$ pricing then no need to loose the sale many dealers that loose the sale are cheap many times plain and simple you should get a minimum of 15-20% off 
the price especially if buying more then one item . I used to offer lay away also ,no refundable for 6 months to lock in sales ,
this way too ,you lock in   a good price ,as well as the sale.

ebm
9,311 posts
 
At least $50.00 an hour for time wasters.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,163 posts
 
When I was shopping for a pair of speakers a few years ago, a dealer about 50 miles away had a pair. I made the drive and auditioned them. I really liked the speakers and was prepared to buy their demo pair which had been on the floor for a few months. I knew I could get them on the internet at a 25% discount from MSRP. But when I asked about even a 10% discount for this pair, the dealer said absolutely not. Retail or no sale.

So I was fine with buying from the brick n mortar guy. But I walked out and did the internet deal. This is one reason why they can't keep the doors open.

Oz


builder3
763 posts
 
Depends on whether retailers want more potential customers, or less.
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello, 
I think if you go into the store and listen in the store no fee is required. If you want to demo the item in your home then you should pay. You technically are renting the equipment. If you end up buying then you get you rent back as store credit. A lot of people do not know what it costs to run a business. Can you imagine the electric bill for an audio store. Just put yourself in the owners shoes in todays market. Also, If everyone started to take advantage of the brick and mortar stores there will be none to visit in the future. Remember this in a few years when your paying fees to keep YOUR money in a bank. Some banks have already started this. Don’t worry no charge for $25,000 or more left in the account. Because I am sure everyone has $25,000 to leave in an account. 
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