For the same reasons every other specialist and working person does.

People consult with specialists because they are seeking the highest calibre of expertise, guidance and insight. Whether it’s an accountant, doctor, electrician, or lawyer, if we want truly insightful, tailored advice, it’s always the best option.

Free vs Specialist

Our advisory consults deliver unconflicted expertise and factual information, bringing numerous benefits to recipients. The service is, of course, expert-powered, meaning a university honours degree-educated human provides energy, expertise and time to drive them. Expertise, delivered over time, is how all specialists earn a living.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’ve not worked for free since I was about 10, and I don’t plan on reverting that any time soon!

“So, you charge for advice?”

No, we charge for the time needed to craft and deliver it.

“But I can get advice free on the internet!”

You can, so let’s see what the internet itself says about that, via a Google AI summary:

“Free advice offers accessibility but risks being unspecific, unreliable, or lacking depth, whereas a specialist provides tailored, expert guidance for complex or high-stakes situations, though it comes at a cost … For simple or less critical matters, free advice might suffice, but for important decisions, investing in a specialist is often the more effective and safer choice.”

Google AI, October 2025

Time is needed to engage and respond to questions, analyse equipment and use cases, research and calculate technical answers, and provide robust solutions and guidance. It’s precisely why customers love this service, but it’s work, and all work is billable. It’s also sensibly priced and pays for itself.

Get the best advice you can find from Mike, and please, stop quoting forum posts as authorities. Only the guys who actually work, live and breathe this stuff really know.

Jon S

Entitlement

These days, too many folks mistakenly believe they are ‘entitled’ to assistance, something I addressed in an article that received overwhelming community support. It’s as though they imagine me sitting here with nothing else to do, eagerly awaiting lengthy and costly (for me) calls and emails about equipment I’m not even selling.

That’s right – many of these people don’t even live in Australia, let alone generate any business, yet they expect my help!

Liquid Audio doesn’t ‘owe’ anybody anything, but this concept yields some amusing examples:

G: ‘G’ sought technical assistance with his expensive Sansui amplifier after enjoying my articles. When I suggested he purchase some discussion time, G exploded: “F*** you, I’m not going to pay you.” G became more upset after realising he’d become an example here.

K: ‘K’ read my KD-600 turntable articles, received some free phone advice, and then sought KD-600 improvement guidance after realising how helpful I’d been. When I suggested he purchase a consult, K threatened that he knew “Someone in the Australian Tax Office.” K tried to obtain my help some years later, hoping I’d forgotten. I haven’t.

M: ‘M’ purchased a 30-minute consultation, yielding a game-changing Accuphase amplifier purchase. Later (possibly after drinking), M bizarrely claimed he’d “Paid for 60 minutes but only received 20”. I sent proof of his 30-minute purchase and the 50 minutes of assistance he received. Acknowledgment? Apology? People like this don’t apologise.

Fair Exchange

Our advisory service is designed to provide expert advice and guidance specifically tailored to the unique needs of our customers. This flexible approach aligns with our core values ofquality, value, and premium services.

Our pre-paid consults reduce time/energy/goodwill-draining interactions with entitled or ungrateful individuals and foster positive, often transformative exchanges with decent people. Customers receive the highest calibre of assistance, saving them time and money and delivering outstanding results.

Mike … you, of course, are a gem. We are so lucky to have someone as passionate, intelligent, ethical and hardworking in little ol’ Perth.

David H