Store auditioning and then buying on-line from others. How do you feel about it ?

Part of it is that +$20k (pick a number) amplifiers aren't meant to be sold to people who search for hard bargains, they're meant to be sold to people who want the attached service aspects of a brick and mortar dealer.

After which..regarding not fitting the intended market window... it gets complicated and into individual cases.

Or something like that. (kinda goes like.....)

Zavato said: “Item X available at a traditional store for $2,000, new with warranty, and available on line, new with warranty, for exactly 1/2 the price.”

Now, you have to remember the online “dealer” is likely a broker that has no stock and will have the unit drop shipped from the distributor or factory with virtually no overhead.

When I was in the business in the 90's, dealer discounts where 40% to 50% in small numbers for electronics + SHIPPING and sometimes up to 60% with cables.

A B&M dealer would loose money if he sold that $2000.00 unit for ½ price.

Also think about that warranty, where would you take the unit if you had a problem? Back to the dealer you did not buy it from to handle the warranty service? Or, send it back and hope for the best.

What I did was, if there was a problem under warranty and I had a demo in stock, I would let the buyer use the demo until the unit was replaced or repaired so he would not be left without.

It is unrealistic for B&M dealers to match online prices, provide demo spaces, pay rent, utilities, wages, taxes, supplies and still make a profit.

As far as paying 'fees' for a dealers time when yr at their store.  I'd try to always buy a few accessories or LP's (if available).  The dealer never knew I was doing this to ease my conscience!;)

+1 Chazro