Restocking Fees, 30-Day Free Trials

It would be fraudulent to sell a returned item as new. Could the dealer lie about it? Sure. But anyone can lie about anything.

Usually I suspect what happens is the dealer sells a returned item as a demo unit. You see a number of dealer ads selling demo items.

Is a 15% restocking fee reasonable versus an arbitrary cap? From the dealer point of view, absolutely. A new $25K preamp will not sell for $24K used or demo. It's going to be much less than that. Oh, say at least 15% less, and probably worse.

If you believe the dealer is above board and would not sell a used item as new, then you should also believe that a percentage based restocking fee is reasonable.

Some dealers and manufacturers have a restocking fee and others don't. If you personally do not want to do business with those that do, well, it's a free country.

I would prefer to take a dealers demo home for a weekend then buy a new peice of equipment for a 30 day in home trial. It takes longer than 30 days for equipment to break in properly. I figure the dealer demo is well broken in and is a true representation of what my system will sound like over time. You cannot underestimate the advantage of a brick and mortar store in the decision making of a good and balanced system.

Forgot 15% restocking charge is not a FREE 30 day in home trial by any means.

True. It isn't a free trial. But are these being advertised as "free home trials" or just as having "a 30 day return period" etc.? But also not a biggie how they decide to phrase it, unless the buyer is not clear that there is a restocking fee.

If we think as a seller, restocking fees its a way to protect them. @Wilsynet point makes sense.