Avnut, the McIntosh line that you were interested in (based on your previous post) is normally not discounted. While my dealer has quoted a small discount (~5%) for a McIntosh amp it isn't even close to the discount they quoted for a Mark Levinson amp. For dealers to survive I think its necessary for them to add value to a sale. One of these services is allowing clients to audition equipment at home, or at least have the products available to audition in their demo rooms. However, I would agree with Perfectimage, the dealers are alot more warey about loaning out equipment to just anyone, many people will simply buy it used on the net afterward. I can't entirely knock those who do this. When used prices drop to nearly 50% of retail or less within one year of use, paying retail seems silly. I have a good relationship with a dealer who allows me to audition stuff at home, will normally give me a fair discount, provides the ability to trade up for full credit within a year on specific types of components, and has given me excellent assistance when I've required warranty work.
Do Dealers think it is sinful..........
..... to give a customer a break on the price of high end audio equipment? is there something ethically wrong with this? why is it that i can negotiate down the price of a car or real estate many thousands of dollars, but i cant even get a discount on something the dealer (1) doesnt stock, (2) will not let you bring home for a day. i feel that when you are spending big $, like 8k + on a sale there should be some give and take. what do you think?