Competitive prices, good selection, excellent service, speedy delivery
Written: Jan 07 '05
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I continue to be amazed at the number of on-line e-tailers who just don't get it, and dumbfounded at the few who really do it right. American Musical Supply seems to be in the second category. They have a wide selection of musical and audio-related gear, an easily navigable website, and excellent service.
Shopping for a specialty item like a professional grade (not consumer) CD-recorder gives you relatively few options. Retail chains do not carry these. Same issue if you're looking for musical instruments, amplifiers, and related gear. So I searched a few websites; AMS and Musicians Friend are the two that popped up most frequently. The product I wanted was also available through Broadcasters General Store in Ocala (but on back-order).
AMS has a wonderful price-matching policy. You can e-mail them a price you found elsewhere, or fax them an ad or quote, and they may match it. There are a few catches: no auction site prices (sorry Ebay'ers), no prices your brother-in-law will give you on his cool guitar, no yard sales prices, etc. Just reasonable and legit quotes from other retailers and e-tailers. I e-mailed them a quote on one machine gleaned from their own recent catalogue. I sent it in on New Years Eve fer gosh-sakes (I have no life), and they replied with a match the next morning (New Years Day). The match e-mail has a link that sends you to the product on their website with the price they have matched. You have five days to take advantage.
The second CD-recorder I price-matched was a different brand, and I e-mailed the details and checked the box stating I was faxing an ad or quote. After doing so, my price was matched within 30 minutes, and I saved $60 (about 12%). Did I mention that AMS is staffed 24/7, so your e-mails or phone calls are always answered. Even, apparently, on New Year's Eve/Day.
So I placed my order on a Monday evening. It was very easy, the website works smoothly, and even allowed me to use their Easy Payment plan (although one part of the site states that you cannot use it when getting a price match). This allows you to have them charge your credit card in three equal portions over three months. No interest, so service charge, and you get to stretch out the payment even longer with the credit card float. I was also pleased to discover that AMS warranties some items for an additional year at NO EXTRA CHARGE. I did find other e-tailers who charge up to $40 for this service.
After paying no sales tax (except in New Jersey I guess) and no shipping charge (on orders over $200), I received an e-mail receipt that evening. Another e-mail on Tuesday informed me that the item had shipped out that afternoon, and a third e-mail contained a FedEx tracking link on Wednesday. Shipment arrived early Friday morning in perfect shape. AMS has a 45 day return policy- no questions asked, no re-stocking fee. Again, excellent and really consumer-friendly.
After getting the product I wanted at the price I wanted in record time with free shipping, generous return privileges, and an additional years guarantee, I can wholeheartedly recommend AMS.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Tascam CD-RW 750
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Epinions.com ID:
mrnews
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Member: Eugene Lisansky
Location: Tampa Bay
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 5 members
About Me:
Trained in psychology & filmmaking, 30 years in radio, now do website design & photography.
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