Never. I would not trust them. I have had enough bad results with others in c=various areas that i would not risk the chance to have someone build something for me after i paid.
Now if i saw something already built, and it was what i wanted, and i could take the risk, then yes.
Way too many folks have been seriously burned by promises and no show or very poor show ... for me to ever part with money and no product in front of me.
(though i have ordered product like a Bryston amp from a dealer i have known a long time.. No problem there. In that situation.
And yes plenty of other folks have prepaid and gotten great stuff. Fine. just NOT ME.
Now if i saw something already built, and it was what i wanted, and i could take the risk, then yes.
Way too many folks have been seriously burned by promises and no show or very poor show ... for me to ever part with money and no product in front of me.
(though i have ordered product like a Bryston amp from a dealer i have known a long time.. No problem there. In that situation.
And yes plenty of other folks have prepaid and gotten great stuff. Fine. just NOT ME.