restocking fees

Understood. I would expect nothing less than a company owner acting in his best interest. In some cases, that may be finding a way to get rid of tire kickers. But the model for no obligation returns is out there. Circuit City, Sound City, Amazon, Crutchfield, Audio Advisor, Music Direct, J&R and countless others offer such a policy for on line electronics shoppers. While they don't all sell high end products, there policies make it less likely that high end consumers will be willing to pay a restocking fee.

From your initial post:

More high end manufacturers are selling direct and offering home auditions

Not one of the companies you mention in your last post is a high end manufacturer.

Narrod, off the top of my head I believe that Hawaii offers consumers something like 60 days to return non-customizable items with out a restocking fees unless the merchant clearly advertises a different time frame.

Boa2, My point is that those companies I mentioned in my last post create a climate that will make it difficult for high end manufacturers to demand restocking fees. I doubt that consumers willtake the risk when they have so many other options including products from other high end manufacturers that don't ask for a fee. In any case, the horse is long dead, and I'm going to stop beating it now. Thanks

My point is that those companies I mentioned in my last post create a climate that will make it difficult for high end manufacturers to demand restocking fees.

As is aparent from the responses to this post, many here seem to expect service for free. I personally like Mitch2 idea the best: Having a travelling demo piece of equipment with no pressure to purchase would be ideal and I think viable in North America.

Of course, the market will decide, but if restocking fees will help small amnufacturers survive so be it. Maybe we should call these fees rather equipment trial charges as there is a service provided; retocking does not seem the correct term as the items will not (or at least should not) be sold as new again, as it would be if an item in a store is "restocked".

Rene