The same reasons everyone else does!

People consult with specialists to receive the highest calibre of expertise, guidance and insight. It’s why we engage accountants, doctors, electricians, lawyers, etc, and if we want truly insightful, tailored advice, it’s the only good option.

Free vs Specialist

Our advisory consults deliver expertise and factual information without conflicts of interest, bringing numerous benefits. That said, the service is expert-powered, meaning an informed, educated human provides energy, expertise and time to drive them.

Expertise delivered over time is how specialists earn a living; anyone earning money for work is charging for their time. I don’t know about you, but the last time I worked for free, I was 10!

“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. Like all our services, it is 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

Oddly, some feel ‘entitled’ to assistance, something I addressed in an article revising the way we engage with the public, which received overwhelming community support. It’s as though those folks imagine me 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 – most of these people don’t generate business, or even live in Australia!

Liquid Audio obviously doesn’t ‘owe’ anybody anything; the concept is absurd, but it yields 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 of quality, 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