Fee for home audition


I am in the market for a music server/streamer. I was discussing with one of the authorized dealers for a streamer. He had a demo unit and was willing to bring to my home for an hour and let me try. He is located around 10-15 minutes from my home. He wants to charge 5% for home demo. Is this the industry standard? I am not meaning to disparage anyone so not going to name the dealer. I am just trying to see what the standard practice is. 

svenjosh

@dznutz No one will ship expensive stuff to random strangers. I did give my credit card and authorized a hold of the full purchase price. If I like it I send it back and get a new one shipped. If not, I send it back and pay only for shipping. I like it so far. I am still waiting for the AES cable before deciding. PM me if are really interested, I can hook you up

I believe in respect and relationship.  I only purchase audio gear from dealers that want to build a long tern relationship with me and also treat me respectfully.

If it’s been said and I missed it sorry but…

I don’t think the idea of the 5% is ridiculous but for one hour is crazy. If it was for a weekend or week or 2 weeks. Yeah I could get that and it comes off the purchase price that you obviously can’t really negotiate at that point. Negotiation is what makes the world go round. 

@svenjosh

"He wants to charge 5% for home demo. Is this the industry standard? I am not meaning to disparage anyone so not going to name the dealer. I am just trying to see what the standard practice is."

Tossing a question out there in an open forum will yield many responses. That’s what forums are for. And, you received opinions from both consumer’s and dealer’s perspective. Some responded with one-sentence comments. Others drilled down a little deeper. 43 years of experience working as, or for, a Hifi dealer in my case.

I may have missed your system profile, but someone who has the wherewithal to purchase a $12k streamer is probably not connecting it to a Bose Wave Radio. You’ve certainly achieved a level of success that allows you to build a stellar music system and made very good decisions along the way. Congradulations!

I just regret that the guy who took you from 0-60 was not there at the finish line.

@waytoomuchstuff, I too regret that I am unable to work with my regular dealer. He is not into digital and does not offer much more than basic stuff. Yes he helped me get to where I am right now and I love my system