Well, my advice is that you should stick to your local dealer. Sometimes you can get a deal that more or less matches the online offer. My story goes like this. These megastores make a living out of brainwashing you about getting the newest s***t around. I fell once. The started a "trade-in-cash-out" thing, where they basically offer pennies for your instrument, and re-sell it for top $$$. A couple of years ago, I tried it by submitting a 2003, supposedly Limited Edition Flamed Maple top Standard MIM Strat I got for ~$350 at MF, and asked between $250 and $500, since the instrument was basically "Mint" condition. They offered $209 pre-inspection. I filled the UPS form the send by e-mail and shipped it. Well, a week later, a guy from TICO, calls saying that even when I had sent all original documentation, there had been a printing error on the invoice and the catalog. What I had purchased was a "Quilted Maple Top", not a FMT, and my guitar was not as valuable as the FMT. But that's not all, the guy also tells me that it had a couple of deep dents in the arm rest (If you own a strat, you know what that is), and this would affect the re-sell prices, so they ended up offering $100. And I have read about worse offers, like $200 for 5 guitars. Of course, I wanted my Fender back, and when they shipped it, I saw the dents, which can only be caused by dropping or smashing the guitar. But in lack of photo evidence or witnesses, legal action does not proceed. So if any of you is thinking about using the TICO service, don't. It's just another scam...
Good deal not so good. I purchased a new (not used or pre-owned) clarinet for my son from MF as they had 15% off, which "was" a good deal. The first clarinet arrived with several keys bent and the instrument not playable. Damage was not due to shipping as this instrument had no warranty cards, was not wrapped in plastic as a new instrument shipped from the factory would be, the cork grease was used and there was no reed. Immediate return to MF and upon reciept of the return a second one was sent out. The box of number 2 showed a label from 6 months prior evidencing a return to MF from another customer who apparently returned the instrument. Although number 2 was wrapped in plastic and had the warranty cards, this one did not play either as one of the springs was broken rendering one of the keys inoperable. After number 2 was returned, a 3rd one was sent out. Shipping was delayed by MF not getting the package to the shipper so the expected delivery date changed. I contacted MF to delay delivery and they did not get to the shipper on time so delivery occurred while I was away for vacation. When I returned home there was no package, yet the email tracking I received showed delivery. I contacted MF and they said they would contact the shipper. 3 days later they had not done so, and had to do it myself. The shipper said only the sender could make a claim not the receiver. The shipper got MF on the line and fortunately a claim was made, but I have a charge on my credit card for this instrument and have to wait until a resolution is made. MF and the shipper are going to duke it out and one will be responsible, I have no say so in this matter but I am responsible for payment of the instrument. Never again as MF does not sell new instruments. They send you rejects that are damaged, have awful customer service and are no bargain as I now know.
Heheh .. I used to own one of those stupid, obsolete old Brick & Mortar stores that Musician's friend basically put out of business .. Every time I hear about the big machine f****** up an order where someone wanted to save $3 and 8 minutes I just laugh my ass off .. Does anyone still *really* *actually* expect customer service from big on-line retailers? Man, my country must be dumber than I ever thought ..
I wish I had an excuse for the website issue, but I don't. I've got a slight explanation for it, but I don't expect you to come back, just thought I'd take the time to explain. With the new warehouse we moved in to 2 years ago (about 3 months before I started) the whole process was CRAZY rushed. Over the past couple years though, we've been figured the new systems out and how to run them better and more efficiently. In MF's defense, we did have to rely on Temps for a good portion of the first year in massive amounts, without the staff or time to train them all extensively. Since then, I believe things have gotten 200% better. The website, however, has taken a bit of a second priority. Have you ever tried ordering by phone to see if the order was completed a little better than the website? Either way, thank you for your past business, and I'm sorry you won't be doing business with us anymore. I work in the warehouse, not customer service, otherwise I'd offer you a sweet discount, LOL. Thanks again!
Some times we just don't have an completely accurate number of how many we have left due to any number of reasons. Sometimes we run out before the system thinks we should have and it isn't noticed until the customer calls and asks. With two different operating systems (one for customer service, one for the distribution center) things don't always line out for clearance sales. I'm sorry, and thank you for your understanding.
I personally apologize for it taking so long to get your item. I work for MFI and my main priority is to work with overdue orders. I'm sorry to say that I can't possible get to them all. I am given priorities by my management and yours might not have been on there. I am however sincerely sorry and hope you continue to do business with us in the future. You never know, you could tell me what you ordered through here, anonymously, and I could make sure it gets to you in a timely manner, lol. Thanks for your understanding!
You all have to realize that Guitar Center now owns most of the well-known online musical supply store, ie: MF, WWBW, West Music, Music123.com, etc. That's why most everything is shipped from Lenexa, Kansas or Colorado. They've all had plenty of burps if you check online blogs...
I will NEVER buy anything from "Musicians Friend" again. The friendly colorful "In stock & ready to ship" graphic they have in the description of everything they sell means "We'll backorder that eventually". Of course they DO charge your credit card the millisecond you submit the order. They have a "fast shipment guarantee" that says you get 20% off your next order if this one isn't shipped the next day but the ... person I just talked to says that only applies to "in stock" items.
The fact that their web page said what I was ordering was in stock, and has said that every day for the last week somehow "doesn't count" as far as the guarantee goes. It only applies to "in-stock" items. I'm looking at the page for the item I ordered right now and it STILL says "In stock & ready to ship".
This is not an isolated incident. It's happened with at least part of my order EVERY time I've dealt with them for the last couple years. I have spent literally tens of thousands of dollars over the years with these people and they didn't offer me so much as a free guitar pick for the hassle.
This is what I blow my money on. I don't have a Harley, kids, quad-runners or a boat. I work in a damn prison to get money to buy tools to create my art with and I get treated like a dope, and I guess I am one for continuing to deal with these people.
Done. I'll take my next multi-thousand dollar order to another shop. I'm off to cut up my Musicians Friend gold account credit card. Fool me once....... (Doesn't sound like I'm pissed does it?)
Reading all of these complaints makes me feel obliged to point out that, in almost 15 years with at least 6-7 orders per year, I've never had a negative issue with Musician's Friend. They've handled returns and the like with no hassle and are geniunely pleasant on the phone.
They shorted me a 3-pack of strings once, but took care of it. You can call them and get 15% off most anything right now since the economy's so slow, and I don't have to pay 7% sales tax using them as opposed to Guitar Center or my local shop. Really I couldn't reasonably ask them to be much better then they've been.
I don't doubt there are going to be some horror stories with a company doing that much business. Reading the first post though... you gave them the wrong address, what do you expect? They re-routed the package and the carrier needs to adjust for that. You couldn't just wait the week, instead of demanding MF jump through hoops, shipping out another unit and processing a return, because of your mistake? They probably already lost a couple bucks to the shipper for your massive $59 order.
You couldn't find a guitar pick and a set of strings in NYC to hold you over a week?
I retract my previous statement about musician's friend.
I did end up getting my guitar, it just came much much later than it was supposed to.
My apologies.
I ordered a $400 studio desk during a clearance sale to save some cash. About a week after I ordered it, the desk still hadn't shipped, and no money was being taken out of my account. I called and they said it would be shipped out the next day. I got an email the next day saying they were out of stock, and it wouldn't ship for at least a month.
I've never had a problem with these guys, so I canceled the order and ordered something else. The stuff shipped the next day. I would recommend not buying stuff during clearence since the stock clears mad fast.
Brotacular, your website is looking awesome! I especially like the cookie monster clip, although I realize in retrospect that it bothered me as a kid that they never fixed his eye and that he had this insatiable need for cookies. I also LOVE the ganglion cyst clip from google. You're so good at the internet! And I also love that you documented your laptop breakdown moment for moment. I know you weren't a big fan of "the crapple" at that point. Anyway, see you.
They should rename themselves musician's enemy. They are fucking garbage. I ordered a combo amp from them 3 weeks ago. They sent me the wrong shit. I called them up 2 and a half weeks ago to figure out what the hell was going on. They scheduled someone to pick up the wrong item friday, 12/26. I called in friday around 1:30 to make sure they were coming. They said everything was on schedule. Well, no one showed up on friday. Called monday (last week), they said it wasn't even scheduled to be picked up yet. They said they would schedule it for tuesday 12/30. Called on tues, shipping company came and picked up cab. Was told that everything would be handled by end of week. Called up today to see what status of order was. They haven't even gotten the wrong item back yet and they won't send out the new one. BULLSHIT! The shit they sent me is still in Denver, only about an hour from my house. Tomorrow will be one week since it was picked up and it's only an hour away from my house. Musician's friend is total shit. I hate this and If I had enough money, I would have just gotten a head to match the cab they sent in error. THE WORST EVER!
I have twice given up coffee each time for 8 months.
Starting Monday 5th January 2009, I am giving it up again.
I sometimes get the headaches / sometimes not. Depends totally on how much I have been consuming prior to giving up.
At most they (the headaches) last 2 days.
And it is so so so worth it to give up. You sleep better and deeper, which means you awake more refreshed AND you have more energy, plus coffee robs your body of hydration which is NOT good for your skin.
Coffee also a killer for cellulite.
There endeth my sermon, but Ezra, I'm with you.
I work for MF and can say they hire some pretty dumb people. People who have no idea what musical equipment is. There are some things I don't know about however I do know who to ask. Most of the time it is dumb customers who don't know the difference between a guitar case and a bass case. Most all the screwed up orders that are placed are placed using the internet. Take your time using the interent. If you do want to track your shipment ask to have shipments UPS. You cannot track using USPS. The worst part of Musicain's Friend is the treatment of employee's. Ask the next time you call how they are treated.
Theres an old addage that says don't buy anything if you don't have the money...Of course the charge more after the twelve months. Pay it off in twelve months or don't buy it at all. Fucking duh... Musicians Friend has never been a problem more me and i've spent somewhere between 3 and 4 thousand dollars with them. They've always been helpful, and when Roadway fucking up my shipping, Musicians Friend refunded my shipping for me.
Beware of Musician's Friend Platinum Membership and any of their other no interest plans or payment plans that they offer. You save no money on this deal. You end up paying more and in some cases it could end up being double for the piece of equipment you bought, it is a major scam. If you think your not paying interest, they just add it on at the end of the 12 months, to include your elevated payments. By the time you are done paying if off, even if you do lump sum payment, you probably bought yourself a guitar or amp.
Well, my advice is that you should stick to your local dealer. Sometimes you can get a deal that more or less matches the online offer. My story goes like this. These megastores make a living out of brainwashing you about getting the newest s***t around. I fell once. The started a "trade-in-cash-out" thing, where they basically offer pennies for your instrument, and re-sell it for top $$$. A couple of years ago, I tried it by submitting a 2003, supposedly Limited Edition Flamed Maple top Standard MIM Strat I got for ~$350 at MF, and asked between $250 and $500, since the instrument was basically "Mint" condition. They offered $209 pre-inspection. I filled the UPS form the send by e-mail and shipped it. Well, a week later, a guy from TICO, calls saying that even when I had sent all original documentation, there had been a printing error on the invoice and the catalog. What I had purchased was a "Quilted Maple Top", not a FMT, and my guitar was not as valuable as the FMT. But that's not all, the guy also tells me that it had a couple of deep dents in the arm rest (If you own a strat, you know what that is), and this would affect the re-sell prices, so they ended up offering $100. And I have read about worse offers, like $200 for 5 guitars. Of course, I wanted my Fender back, and when they shipped it, I saw the dents, which can only be caused by dropping or smashing the guitar. But in lack of photo evidence or witnesses, legal action does not proceed. So if any of you is thinking about using the TICO service, don't. It's just another scam...
Good deal not so good. I purchased a new (not used or pre-owned) clarinet for my son from MF as they had 15% off, which "was" a good deal. The first clarinet arrived with several keys bent and the instrument not playable. Damage was not due to shipping as this instrument had no warranty cards, was not wrapped in plastic as a new instrument shipped from the factory would be, the cork grease was used and there was no reed. Immediate return to MF and upon reciept of the return a second one was sent out. The box of number 2 showed a label from 6 months prior evidencing a return to MF from another customer who apparently returned the instrument. Although number 2 was wrapped in plastic and had the warranty cards, this one did not play either as one of the springs was broken rendering one of the keys inoperable. After number 2 was returned, a 3rd one was sent out. Shipping was delayed by MF not getting the package to the shipper so the expected delivery date changed. I contacted MF to delay delivery and they did not get to the shipper on time so delivery occurred while I was away for vacation. When I returned home there was no package, yet the email tracking I received showed delivery. I contacted MF and they said they would contact the shipper. 3 days later they had not done so, and had to do it myself. The shipper said only the sender could make a claim not the receiver. The shipper got MF on the line and fortunately a claim was made, but I have a charge on my credit card for this instrument and have to wait until a resolution is made. MF and the shipper are going to duke it out and one will be responsible, I have no say so in this matter but I am responsible for payment of the instrument. Never again as MF does not sell new instruments. They send you rejects that are damaged, have awful customer service and are no bargain as I now know.
Heheh .. I used to own one of those stupid, obsolete old Brick & Mortar stores that Musician's friend basically put out of business .. Every time I hear about the big machine f****** up an order where someone wanted to save $3 and 8 minutes I just laugh my ass off .. Does anyone still *really* *actually* expect customer service from big on-line retailers? Man, my country must be dumber than I ever thought ..
Hahaha.. just found this looking for DrupalCamp 7... DrupalCamp 6 brings back such fond memories!
I wish I had an excuse for the website issue, but I don't. I've got a slight explanation for it, but I don't expect you to come back, just thought I'd take the time to explain. With the new warehouse we moved in to 2 years ago (about 3 months before I started) the whole process was CRAZY rushed. Over the past couple years though, we've been figured the new systems out and how to run them better and more efficiently. In MF's defense, we did have to rely on Temps for a good portion of the first year in massive amounts, without the staff or time to train them all extensively. Since then, I believe things have gotten 200% better. The website, however, has taken a bit of a second priority. Have you ever tried ordering by phone to see if the order was completed a little better than the website? Either way, thank you for your past business, and I'm sorry you won't be doing business with us anymore. I work in the warehouse, not customer service, otherwise I'd offer you a sweet discount, LOL. Thanks again!
Some times we just don't have an completely accurate number of how many we have left due to any number of reasons. Sometimes we run out before the system thinks we should have and it isn't noticed until the customer calls and asks. With two different operating systems (one for customer service, one for the distribution center) things don't always line out for clearance sales. I'm sorry, and thank you for your understanding.
I personally apologize for it taking so long to get your item. I work for MFI and my main priority is to work with overdue orders. I'm sorry to say that I can't possible get to them all. I am given priorities by my management and yours might not have been on there. I am however sincerely sorry and hope you continue to do business with us in the future. You never know, you could tell me what you ordered through here, anonymously, and I could make sure it gets to you in a timely manner, lol. Thanks for your understanding!
You all have to realize that Guitar Center now owns most of the well-known online musical supply store, ie: MF, WWBW, West Music, Music123.com, etc. That's why most everything is shipped from Lenexa, Kansas or Colorado. They've all had plenty of burps if you check online blogs...
I will NEVER buy anything from "Musicians Friend" again. The friendly colorful "In stock & ready to ship" graphic they have in the description of everything they sell means "We'll backorder that eventually". Of course they DO charge your credit card the millisecond you submit the order. They have a "fast shipment guarantee" that says you get 20% off your next order if this one isn't shipped the next day but the ... person I just talked to says that only applies to "in stock" items.
The fact that their web page said what I was ordering was in stock, and has said that every day for the last week somehow "doesn't count" as far as the guarantee goes. It only applies to "in-stock" items. I'm looking at the page for the item I ordered right now and it STILL says "In stock & ready to ship".
This is not an isolated incident. It's happened with at least part of my order EVERY time I've dealt with them for the last couple years. I have spent literally tens of thousands of dollars over the years with these people and they didn't offer me so much as a free guitar pick for the hassle.
This is what I blow my money on. I don't have a Harley, kids, quad-runners or a boat. I work in a damn prison to get money to buy tools to create my art with and I get treated like a dope, and I guess I am one for continuing to deal with these people.
Done. I'll take my next multi-thousand dollar order to another shop. I'm off to cut up my Musicians Friend gold account credit card. Fool me once....... (Doesn't sound like I'm pissed does it?)
I have given up coffee but started tea as a substitute. Earlier use to have headaches but overcome with that in a month.
Reading all of these complaints makes me feel obliged to point out that, in almost 15 years with at least 6-7 orders per year, I've never had a negative issue with Musician's Friend. They've handled returns and the like with no hassle and are geniunely pleasant on the phone.
They shorted me a 3-pack of strings once, but took care of it. You can call them and get 15% off most anything right now since the economy's so slow, and I don't have to pay 7% sales tax using them as opposed to Guitar Center or my local shop. Really I couldn't reasonably ask them to be much better then they've been.
I don't doubt there are going to be some horror stories with a company doing that much business. Reading the first post though... you gave them the wrong address, what do you expect? They re-routed the package and the carrier needs to adjust for that. You couldn't just wait the week, instead of demanding MF jump through hoops, shipping out another unit and processing a return, because of your mistake? They probably already lost a couple bucks to the shipper for your massive $59 order.
You couldn't find a guitar pick and a set of strings in NYC to hold you over a week?
I retract my previous statement about musician's friend.
I did end up getting my guitar, it just came much much later than it was supposed to.
My apologies.
I ordered a $400 studio desk during a clearance sale to save some cash. About a week after I ordered it, the desk still hadn't shipped, and no money was being taken out of my account. I called and they said it would be shipped out the next day. I got an email the next day saying they were out of stock, and it wouldn't ship for at least a month.
I've never had a problem with these guys, so I canceled the order and ordered something else. The stuff shipped the next day. I would recommend not buying stuff during clearence since the stock clears mad fast.
Brotacular, your website is looking awesome! I especially like the cookie monster clip, although I realize in retrospect that it bothered me as a kid that they never fixed his eye and that he had this insatiable need for cookies. I also LOVE the ganglion cyst clip from google. You're so good at the internet! And I also love that you documented your laptop breakdown moment for moment. I know you weren't a big fan of "the crapple" at that point. Anyway, see you.
Love it Ezra!
Great mashup of the event! Funny and informative stuff.
Hilarious!
Calling someone a criminal is a strong accusation. Can you provide any more information about what happened?
What can I say? I ordered a 400 dollar guitar on clearance a month ago, never came. Called them, nothing they would do. Criminals.
They should rename themselves musician's enemy. They are fucking garbage. I ordered a combo amp from them 3 weeks ago. They sent me the wrong shit. I called them up 2 and a half weeks ago to figure out what the hell was going on. They scheduled someone to pick up the wrong item friday, 12/26. I called in friday around 1:30 to make sure they were coming. They said everything was on schedule. Well, no one showed up on friday. Called monday (last week), they said it wasn't even scheduled to be picked up yet. They said they would schedule it for tuesday 12/30. Called on tues, shipping company came and picked up cab. Was told that everything would be handled by end of week. Called up today to see what status of order was. They haven't even gotten the wrong item back yet and they won't send out the new one. BULLSHIT! The shit they sent me is still in Denver, only about an hour from my house. Tomorrow will be one week since it was picked up and it's only an hour away from my house. Musician's friend is total shit. I hate this and If I had enough money, I would have just gotten a head to match the cab they sent in error. THE WORST EVER!
I have twice given up coffee each time for 8 months.
Starting Monday 5th January 2009, I am giving it up again.
I sometimes get the headaches / sometimes not. Depends totally on how much I have been consuming prior to giving up.
At most they (the headaches) last 2 days.
And it is so so so worth it to give up. You sleep better and deeper, which means you awake more refreshed AND you have more energy, plus coffee robs your body of hydration which is NOT good for your skin.
Coffee also a killer for cellulite.
There endeth my sermon, but Ezra, I'm with you.
I work for MF and can say they hire some pretty dumb people. People who have no idea what musical equipment is. There are some things I don't know about however I do know who to ask. Most of the time it is dumb customers who don't know the difference between a guitar case and a bass case. Most all the screwed up orders that are placed are placed using the internet. Take your time using the interent. If you do want to track your shipment ask to have shipments UPS. You cannot track using USPS. The worst part of Musicain's Friend is the treatment of employee's. Ask the next time you call how they are treated.
Theres an old addage that says don't buy anything if you don't have the money...Of course the charge more after the twelve months. Pay it off in twelve months or don't buy it at all. Fucking duh... Musicians Friend has never been a problem more me and i've spent somewhere between 3 and 4 thousand dollars with them. They've always been helpful, and when Roadway fucking up my shipping, Musicians Friend refunded my shipping for me.
No problems.
Get some brains.
Thanks so much for this! I am in the process of setting up a server here at home, and this is precisely what I needed to find! Thanks!
Beware of Musician's Friend Platinum Membership and any of their other no interest plans or payment plans that they offer. You save no money on this deal. You end up paying more and in some cases it could end up being double for the piece of equipment you bought, it is a major scam. If you think your not paying interest, they just add it on at the end of the 12 months, to include your elevated payments. By the time you are done paying if off, even if you do lump sum payment, you probably bought yourself a guitar or amp.