Fee for home audition

Seems like a lot of whining going on by dealers here. Learn how to adapt and use your inherent competitive advantage to your advantage and let potential customers demo a piece at home on a day when your store is closed  Let a new customer know after they demo a component that you will compete with other offers they may see and discuss the advantages of buying from you versus buying online. Adopt manufacturers who either don’t sell online or disallow internet sales where there are local dealers. Offer to help set up a component in their system or help set up their whole new system. You have a considerable competitive advantage here, you just have to creatively think about how you can leverage it rather than just feeling like victims. The days are gone when you can just demo something in the store and have the customer walk out the door with it while you count your $$$. Adapt or die. It’s as simple as that. There are lots of people here who are loyal to their local dealers precisely because they offer services that go over and above what any online retailer can deliver. If you’re not prepared to provide that level of service to earn business and rather just charge your prospective clients egregious fees just for people to hear stuff, I wish you luck.

@svenjosh 

I am not sure you know the dealer. 

I’m almost positive I’m right about the dealer…in fact, I would wager the cost of an in home demo that I’m right LOL! I hope you like the Grimm.

@soix 

I don’t think we’ve seen any dealers whining…your points may be valid…or not, depending on the dealer’s goals.

If it’s the dealer I’m thinking of, this person enjoyed a very successful career, retired and started his audio shop. He carries some super high end gear and imports certain other high end, well regarded gear. I’m so very sorry the OP and this dealer found themselves with opposing goals because the OP seems like an outstanding individual and i know, first hand, that the dealer is. This dealer is indifferent IMO as to whether he sells a box or not. He would probably be the first to tell you that he doesn’t sell boxes. You say adapt or die? That doesn’t apply to this dealer I assure you. I would say that he curates systems rather than selling gear.

All’s well that end’s well and the OP was able to accomplish his goals.

Crutchfield also has a good return policy and offers online support. I bought a Cambridge Evo 150 there awhile back because it was a safe bet for me in that the Evo was a huge experiment and I had no idea exactly how it would turn out. Much of this hobby is that way. You take a risk buying expensive, complex lesser known boutique products from boutique dealers. Worth it to some but not for many.

If I’m a local dealer and I have a chance of selling a $12,500 DAC, I DAMN WELL LET HIM HAVE IT FOR A DAY OR TWO!!!  What???  What’s absolutely wrong with this dealer???  HOW ARROGANT, and I’m so glad you decided to go elsewhere.  When you buy this excellent streamer, and I have a strong inclination you will, go back and rub it in this dealer’s face.  He needs to know what a disservice he’s doing to his prospective customers versus what other dealers are willing to do.  He’s an idiot. 

I think it makes sense that the dealer does not want to "loan" you the unit, even with CC hold.

The problem is that you could damage the unit, possibly not even realizing it.  Or realizing it but then not wanting to buy the unit.

The headaches would be huge either way for the dealer.

Buy from Amazon and don't deal with all this nonsense...