Volti does it again!

@soix 

@snapsc 

In recent years I've brought in a few very well regarded speakers that I had high hopes for but when compared to what I was replacing they didn't make the cut. Some sold off, some returned. Adjusting Volti's policy would possibly result in far more business which seems like a win win. But for now, no no.

I agree with @soix. I'm no longer interested in buying these speakers, new. Too great a risk. @snapsc can see, then, at least two here on the forum who will not buy his speakers, so perhaps Volti is at capacity and doesn't need our business --good for them, I'd say. But we prove wrong the idea that "his policy isn't hurting his sales." And if there are two of us saying it here -- and not just to be snarky or make a point (we're not) -- it's reasonable to imagine there are many others who agree. 

In the long run, Volti may not care about this reaction. Or maybe there will be a point coming when sales are down or the buzz has cooled off. That will be when these comments resurface and the policy gets a second thought.

I don't think that Volti is taking a harsh or unreasonable position in that I don't really know, how on a practical basis, when you are making more or less one off custom made products you can have a return policy.  I guess, in theory, he could have a "generic" tour model...but then again, how are people going to feel about eating two way shipping costs of $500+ if they don't like them....let alone all the finger pointing that could very well occur when a 110lb speaker gets dinged, even slightly, by the shipping company

I totally understand anyone not wanting to take the risk of buying an expensive 100lbs speaker with not hearing at home first...and just because it sounds good in someone else's house, guarantees nothing about how it will sound in your house.

I don’t really know, how on a practical basis, when you are making more or less one off custom made products you can have a return policy.

"More or less" custom = not that custom. These are not so very customized. And really, return policies are all over the place. Fritz does it. Jim Salk did this for years. Spatial does this. Tekton does this. Zu does this. Others do this. It’s a thing.

Volti doesn't WANT to have this policy. That is totally their right. But saying it's not done or not reasonable to have such a policy is directly and quickly contracted by available facts. And there are other companies that do not allow returns. To each his own.

When I sell my used gear on these websites I certainly do not want an item returned.  I describe the item exactly as it is and buyers should have the understanding that the used market is not a buy and try proposition.  Speakers are the most susceptible to damage- through either under/over powered amps or through physical damage.  When I sold my Thiel speakers, I wanted the buyer to pick them up in person.  That person got to hear them in person and inspect them thoroughly.  I certainly wouldn’t have appreciated him coming back two weeks later to return them because they didn’t sound good in his home.

Buyers must take responsibility for their decisions at some point.  Where dealers offer money back guarantees, that’s great and gives us some assurance about the product and I wouldn’t hesitate to return an item on those terms if I were not satisfied.  When it is a no returns or a no cash refunds deal, then I think real hard first before buying.

I quit selling on fleabay 10 years ago for that reason.  Buyers would decide to return things for no good reason and I was forced to accept the returns with a full refund- and pay the return postage.