Fee for home audition

Why don’t you just buy it and if you don’t like it then return it. That’s how the system works. If the dealer gives you trouble, send you phone off visa and say that there’s a problem with the dealer not wanting to give you a refund. The last thing that he wants is visa Snooping around his business. It makes him look bad and raises his rate that the credit card companies charge for interest.

Which streamer? As @lalitk points out- 5% of what? Let’s say your product is $2K, that’s $100 directly to him. Where you offered a discounted price or full pop? Is he bringing a brand new unopened unit as well in case you decide to buy? 

Why don’t you just buy it and if you don’t like it then return it. That’s how the system works

+1

I was able to audition integrated amp and speakers together in local shop, so no need to return.  I bought many big budget new items at 20% off and 60 day trial and no questions asked return.  Returned items are sold open box.  I purchased big ticket items used from a dealer that I trust and didn’t need to return, but pretty sure if I paid return shipping of items in good condition, he would have refunded the purchase price.

I would never pay 5% for a frankly worthless 1 hour demo. You need to listen to it for longer than an hour to know if it really sounds good to your ears with various types of music and a DAC pairing(s). For say a $2,500 streamer that’s $125/hour. Either this guy is new and won’t be in business for long or he really doesn’t take your potential business seriously and is using this scheme to turn you away. Either way, take your business elsewhere and make sure to tell him why you are doing this. Either he learns from it or he doesn’t care and deserves to suffer financially from lost sales.