Restocking Fees, 30-Day Free Trials

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.

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Another option for dealers is to specify one or two units that they use specifically for trials only. Charge a 10% fee if the guy does not buy a new unit. If the unit goes out on trial ten times in a year...he's just sold a new unit and he still has his trial unit. Even with a trial unit, he should be able to sell it for 50% off list after he's collected several trial fees off of the unit....and still make a profit.

The bottom line here is, buyers do want to hear the unit before they buy it. Sellers have to figure out a way to get the unit into the hands of serious buyers.

Right now there is a large contingent of audiophiles that wait a couple of years until the flagship drops to 60% or 70% off of the new asking price...if they like the unit, they keep it. If they don't like it they can easily put it back on the market with little or no loss.

There has to be a middle ground that's equitable where the buyer and seller are protected.

Paying $25k for a new amp to find out that it's not your cuppa tea scares the hell out of me.