Would you pay to audition speakers

Would I pay to audition? No

Do I see where the dealer is coming from? Yes

I wouldn't waste a dealers time to set up speakers if I already knew I was going to buy used. Instead, buy the speakers used and audition them at home to see if they are keepers. Pack em up and sell them for a marginal loss, or perhaps a profit if they aren't your cup of tea.

If the speakers are already set up and you want an audition, it should be no charge, but if the dealer has to go out of his way to setup and position two large full range speakers and he knows that there isn't a sale, then his time is wasted.

I bet this policy is based on the customer as others have mentioned. However, I would find another dealer if you are a repeat customer and this policy still applies.

When i purchased my first wattpuppies i went to the store and ended buying both used on audiogon and also a new pair of 7's from the dealer. You just never know when i buyer might change hhis mind and buy new. Sometimes a good salesperson can turn lookers into buyers!

As far as buying a car without driving them isnt the same as speakers. I have purchased all kinds of speakers over the net without ever hearing them. If you buy them right enough you wont lose much if you decide to sell them in the future anyway.

I live in Lansing Michigan and the vast majority of the speakers I am interested in are miles and miles away

The dealer charging $500 to auditon speakers ought to get out of the business. Sounds like he is on his way as we speak!

It's only a "waste of time" of the salesman if there is an opportunity cost associated with me auditioning in a B&M store. The store is open. It is staffed. If one is not interfering with a revenue or goodwill generating activity, then there is no "waste of time". I will not interfere in an opportunity for them to demo equipment or make a sale.

On the very rare instance I actually step into a B&M store, I make it very clear that I'm just checkin' out what's new, and not interested in purchasing. I do believe that it is completely unethical to demo locally and then buy used on-line.

I would never purchase from a dealer that charged to evaluate his goods. I go out of my way to avoid bad business practices - I drove 4 1/2 hours to buy most of my gear at list price to avoid a dealer that was only 30 minutes away (and may have even discounted).

Agree with Tvad. Wait for the "going out of business, everything must go" sale, and then strut in there with your best sh*t-eating grin.

If he had every speaker you could buy then it might seem less insane but I can't help thinking

'What if you don't like any of the speakers he sells?'

Would you lose your $500.

Let's say you really liked a Thiel speaker another dealer has and he has some speakers in the same price range but doesn't sell Thiel. After listening, what if you preferred the Thiel but now you are forced to buy a speaker you think less of.

It's absurd.