Fee for home audition

Of course dealers make a profit from the sale. What we are discussing here is the expectation of getting their expertise and home demos of expensive equipment without the sale. Free demos when you have no existing relationship; expecting a huge part of the dealer's margin as upfront discount; and/or taking the dealer's time, demo equipment or expertise and then buying from a cheaper source is what I'm talking about. I never implied that this was you @svenjosh. I'm replying to other posts on this thread and industry trends. And @svenjosh, I clearly said "perhaps this is a big misunderstanding" about the "5% for 1 hour" thing. I never suggested you were "misstating facts". Perhaps the dealer misunderstood what was going to happen or perhaps you did. As a dealer, I just doubt that what he really meant was he would bring it to your house and charge you for 1 hour. That's why I think someone misunderstood. 

@svenjosh

I think I know the dealer you are referring to. If it is, he is the gentleman who sold me my Grimm. He is a stand up guy and once you’ve developed a relationship with him, you will understand why he does what he does. Its rational.

For instance, (if he is who I think he is) he is typically setting up 6 figure systems and time is money. For a new customer with whom there is no relationship, returns are a serious thing. Not you nor I but many “buy” only intending to demo, return and then shop for the best price. Why dont you take your dac to his store and that way you can test your dac with the multiple server/streamers he sells?

This dealer is one of the best in the business. Full stop. Is the demo fee high? Yes. Would I pay it? Not when I’m local and demo there with my dac.

But this dealer is one of the good guys in our hobby, he is worth developing a relationship with and he is an easy recommendation. In fact, he gets a note from me once a year thanking him for the relationship we share. The other trusted dealers with who I do business do as well.

Xtrremefidelity Music Direct gives you 60 days trial, No question ask if you return it.Of course you have to buy it. I also agree where some will Audition the gear ? Then buy elsewhere? That’s is wrong.The dealer did not read the OP intentions. He is a serious buyer.

Ghasley the dealer you are talking about ? He has done business with you and made money from you ? Why you receive annual card? My Persian rug store send me card before I bought the rug. Typical audio highend dealers who won’t treat newbee nice. I have experienced it so I know.

@jayctoy 

I send and receive notes to/from those with whom I have business or personal relationships. Its something thats done in certain circles.

I have found that clear expectations up front has helped to establish some great relationships while enhanced expectations usually follow excellent transactions be they any size of one to one purchase. I've never shopped for Persian rugs although I certainly wouldn't rule it out in the unlikely event the Persians somehow begin to weave rugs to an aesthetic standard that would fit our decor.

In the old economy, the dealer/retailer had to get on bended knee to earn the business...but they were only competing with others in the same business. With the advent of online sales, there are so many more options for the consumer that the local dealer/retailer must prequalify the potential client. This is one way.