banjochuck - Posted - 11/17/2006:  18:38:29

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Hi, y'all - I'm brand-new to the site and to the banjo world at large. I had sought advice on which new, low-cost banjer to buy for clawhammer style. With the help of several kind folks here I chose the Gold Tone Cripple Creek, and found a very tempting price from Instrument Alley in Utah. Well, I went for the plastic, ordered the basic model, tweaked w/ planetary tuners...and waited. And waited.
My card was charged, but no acknowledgment of payment or any email notification of shipping advice. It's been a week since I ordered. I've called several times and gotten only a recording. I've emailed several times w/ no answer.
What do you experienced buyers suggest? Does anyone know these folks? Their web site looks darned good, but that could be just a front. I dunno what to do, but wait...
Thanks for letting me vent. Caveat emptor...

Chuck

Banjo MD - Posted - 11/17/2006:  19:50:17

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Chuck, a quick search found this:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports...ff134466.htm
Good thing you paid with plastic cause the next call might be to AMEX, MC, Visa et.al.
Sorry

William

skirt - Posted - 11/17/2006:  20:59:09

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I've got to say, I did order from them last year. I got my order in about a week and a half. They were hard to get a hold of. But I ordered my Morgan-Monroe from them and still playing. I think you will get order.

PawneeDan - Posted - 11/17/2006:  21:39:55

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Banjochuck,
I ordered a Gold Tone banjo from them and received it 7 days later. It was a Gold Tone and was shipped from the Gold Tone factory in Florida. I would probably order from Instrument Alley again. I bet you'll get yours soon.

PawneeDan
Sometimes I sits and picks,
Sometimes I just sits.......

bikebum - Posted - 11/17/2006:  23:59:31

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I think a lot of GoldTone products are shipped from the facility in Florida. I would either email Goldtone or call them and ask about your order.
My banjitar was shipped to me from Florida (ordered from a different dealer)

banjochuck - Posted - 11/19/2006:  21:30:18

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Thanks, guys for the feedback. I'm glad to hear 2 out of 3 ended successfully. However, in checking Gold Tone's web site, they do not list Instrument Alley as a distributor. Definitely NOT encouraging. I will try to reach Gold Tone on the phone or via email tomorrow, to see if they are at all in contact w/ Instr. Alley.

It is starting to smell like this is a bonafide ripoff, and my bank tells me they cannot do anything until the payment clears, which, in a full week, it has not.

Chuck

TnFrosty - Posted - 11/20/2006:  00:12:53

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Chuck,

I ordered from them and it took about a week and a half as well to receive my banjo. It was drop shipped from Gold Tone. I emailed a simple question and never got a reply, but I did get every thing I paid for.

Bottom line is, I wouldn't freak out...yet

banjochuck - Posted - 11/20/2006:  20:38:50

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TnFrosty, you are quite right. I'm happy to give you the latest: As Bikebum suggested, I called Gold Tone directly this am, and they could not have been more helpful. Yes, they received my order from Instrument Alley last week. The office manager, who dealt with me even before they had officially opened for the day, said they were running a week behind their orders, and had worked on my order over the weekend and were shipping my Cripple Creek out TODAY!

As it would have only arrived on Friday, with the Tksgiving holiday upon us, I paid the extra $40 to have it shipped 2nd day air to arrive here in NYC on Wed. So, all is indeed well that ends well.

I appreciate all the input and support that the fellow travelers on this site have shared, and will report on my new axe once it arrives.

Best to all and Happy Turkey Day.
Chuck

TnFrosty - Posted - 11/20/2006:  21:05:23

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Good deal Chuck!!! Glad it worked out for you...
Gold Tone was always a pleasure to deal with when I had to call as well.

PawneeDan - Posted - 11/22/2006:  19:31:27

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Banjochuck,
You should have received your Cripple Creek by now, how did it come through? I've had several dealings with Gold Tone and have always been pleased. They are nice people to deal with.

PawneeDan

Sometimes I sits and picks,
Sometimes I just sits..........

bikebum - Posted - 11/23/2006:  11:29:14

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Chuck, I'm glad your concern/worry has been alleviated at present. Let us know when you receive your new toy and what you think about it.

Jerry

gottasmilealot - Posted - 11/24/2006:  13:07:50

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Chuck, the mandolin I have was originally ordered from them. After they had the money, they informed me that it was not in stock, even though their website indicated otherwise. They promptly refunded my money upon request without hassle (the same night) and First Quality matched the price and had one in stock, so I purchased there.

Keith

Alex1757 - Posted - 11/24/2006:  20:29:19

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I recently got a banjo from them. the first one was damaged and it took a bit to get them to take it back(and they made me pay for shipping back), but the second one was perfect. I was also wondering after a week and when i finally got an email back they said it took time to set it up, but it wasnt set up well at all. I got the free shipping so I assume thats why it took a longer. It will come.

quote:

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Originally posted by banjochuck

Hi, y'all - I'm brand-new to the site and to the banjo world at large. I had sought advice on which new, low-cost banjer to buy for clawhammer style. With the help of several kind folks here I chose the Gold Tone Cripple Creek, and found a very tempting price from Instrument Alley in Utah. Well, I went for the plastic, ordered the basic model, tweaked w/ planetary tuners...and waited. And waited.
My card was charged, but no acknowledgment of payment or any email notification of shipping advice. It's been a week since I ordered. I've called several times and gotten only a recording. I've emailed several times w/ no answer.
What do you experienced buyers suggest? Does anyone know these folks? Their web site looks darned good, but that could be just a front. I dunno what to do, but wait...
Thanks for letting me vent. Caveat emptor...

Chuck

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lovin' the banjo

Fantombanjo - Posted - 04/30/2007:  19:17:00

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Well I am new here and stumbled accross this post while searching for anyone having problems with Instrument Alley. I wish I had seen this post before I ordered from them....or him which ever. I suspect that they (he)( Ben) the supposed owner do not really stock any instruments. The website is fantastic in my opinion but the business ethics are severely lacking. I have waited for 2 weeks now for a banjo that I ordered. After repeated emails I was able to contact (Ben) and was told it would ship in a couple days (4/23) I ordered on 4/14.
It never arrived but I got an email on 4/23 stating it was shipped.
So after another email marathon I received email that it would ship in a couple of days.....yeah right.
Anyway, please take into advisement my dealings with Instrument Alley before you decide to order.

quote:

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Originally posted by banjochuck

Hi, y'all - I'm brand-new to the site and to the banjo world at large. I had sought advice on which new, low-cost banjer to buy for clawhammer style. With the help of several kind folks here I chose the Gold Tone Cripple Creek, and found a very tempting price from Instrument Alley in Utah. Well, I went for the plastic, ordered the basic model, tweaked w/ planetary tuners...and waited. And waited.
My card was charged, but no acknowledgment of payment or any email notification of shipping advice. It's been a week since I ordered. I've called several times and gotten only a recording. I've emailed several times w/ no answer.
What do you experienced buyers suggest? Does anyone know these folks? Their web site looks darned good, but that could be just a front. I dunno what to do, but wait...
Thanks for letting me vent. Caveat emptor...

Chuck

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Edited by - Fantombanjo on 05/02/2007 16:59:21

mountainwoman - Posted - 04/30/2007:  22:22:11

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I ordered a Recording King RK - 80 from Instrument Alley on March 17. I am still waiting. They told me that the RKs are on back order and will ship at the end of April. I too am still waiting. They have not charged my credit card, and did respond when I emailed them. Hmmmm...... I don't know how much longer I am going to wait, especially in light of the stories I have read here. I just figured the RKs are being shipped, or maybe Instrument Alley orders them when they have a buyer and you have to wait in line. They should be more forth-coming in telling the buyer what the back order wait is going to be.

Fantombanjo - Posted - 05/02/2007:  16:51:54

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The Utah BBB has a little info about Instrument Alley or BCP Sales if anyone is interested.


www.utah.bbb.org

quote:

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Originally posted by mountainwoman

I ordered a Recording King RK - 80 from Instrument Alley on March 17. I am still waiting. They told me that the RKs are on back order and will ship at the end of April. I too am still waiting. They have not charged my credit card, and did respond when I emailed them. Hmmmm...... I don't know how much longer I am going to wait, especially in light of the stories I have read here. I just figured the RKs are being shipped, or maybe Instrument Alley orders them when they have a buyer and you have to wait in line. They should be more forth-coming in telling the buyer what the back order wait is going to be.

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Edited by - Fantombanjo on 05/02/2007 21:22:30

mountainwoman - Posted - 05/20/2007:  09:55:22

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I just received my RK-80. Two month wait. It's weighs less than my Deering Maple Blossom which is what I wanted for every day playing. It will replace my Goodtime 2. I need to sell the Goodtime 2. I'm hoping my husband thinks the RK is the Maple Blossom and doesn't look too closely and he doesn't know that I bought this one. I'll sell the Goodtime 2 and then be back to 3 banjos, and he will never know - I think - no, I hope.

boredandre - Posted - 06/22/2007:  14:04:57

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I'm lookin' at a Recording King Songster at Instrument Alley. Gig-bag, stand, picks, tuner and DVD for $339.99 .. Sounds like a good deal. But after reading the forums, I'm not sure I want to order from Instrument alley.. What do you guys think? Should I give it a try?

thanks :)


I aint' no guitar, stop pickin' on me

Fantombanjo - Posted - 06/22/2007:  21:16:02

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Welp......if you have read all the posts, you would have to make that decision yourself. Good luck on your purchase. ;)

stanger - Posted - 06/23/2007:  02:18:40

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Hi, Andre...
I wouldn't do the order if I was you. It may be easier for US residents to put up with spotty delivery here in the US, because we have in-country resources that you don't have in Norway. But if I lived in Norway, I would look for a dealer who has a good reputation for reliable and prompt delivery first. The few dollars you might think you save could be burned up quickly if the deal goes bad somehow. Most dealers who have a good reputation for delivery also have good reputations for replacement or refunds if something happens to the banjo in shipping.

Instrument alley doesn't have any banjos you can't find elsewhere. Look around some more before you buy.
regards,
Stanger

"Sometimes I like green shade, and sometimes I like dry shade"

grich - Posted - 06/23/2007:  02:27:00

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I'm not involved in sales but I do care about anyone who ordered a RK banjo . I'll do some checking on Monday before I comment on this subject

Greg Rich

bnjomn - Posted - 06/23/2007:  12:01:37

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Chuck,

I'm glad thngs worked out for you. There are many reputable dealers such as Zepp and Elderly who provide a service to this community.and are deserving of our patronage. Many times the differences in in price are minimal and are more than compensated by the personal help they offer. Before buying from any dealer I do not know, I'd post to this site asking for feedback on them.

Cheers,

Len

"A man must love a thing very much if he not only practices it without any hope of fame or money, but even practices it without any hope of doing it well."

G. K. Chesterton

Ralph - Posted - 08/27/2007:  18:15:38

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I discovered this website (Banjo Hangout) by doing a Google search on "Instrument Alley Utah" to see if anyone else had issues with this company. This thread pops up first. I wish I had seen it. Enough to say that if I posted the full details of my order, it would add nothing to what has already been posted. The bridge was fully 1 inch out of adjustment, and I'll need to take it to a shop for things like string height that I don't feel comfortable adjusting. Right now, I just can't keep my hands off of it long enough to take it in.

Their web storefront looks very professional, and the home page currently advertises specials on various brands, including Deering, Morgan Monroe, and Recording King.

In any case, this looks like a great website. Thanks to all who maintain it and contribute to it. I hope to learn a lot. I know 3 chords now, in addition to open G.

flake - Posted - 08/27/2007:  20:34:29

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quote:

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Originally posted by Ralph

I know 3 chords now, in addition to open G.

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There are more?

Welcome to the Hangout, Ralph!

mike

stanger - Posted - 08/27/2007:  20:44:14

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Hi, Ralph...
Welcome!
Be sure to check out the Lessons section here. It's much more than just music.
There may be some setup tips that will save you some time and money, because most adjustment stuff isn't hard to do; it usually only takes some know-how, close attention, and enough patience to do things a little at a time until you have confidence.
regards,
Stanger

"Sometimes I like green shade, and sometimes I like dry shade"

peverheart - Posted - 08/27/2007:  23:58:41

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Just do a search for 'Instrument Alley' on this site and you can read all you want about that racket.,,,,,err. I mean outfit..Some of us learn by doing, and some of us learn by watching others do it. Good Luck

InstrumentAlley.com - Posted - 03/31/2008:  14:23:19

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There are a few concerns about Instrument Alley because of some of the posts on the forum. I just though I should clear up some of the issues that may cause concerns. If you order from us you will most likely get an instrument that is inpsected and set up. We do have the option of receiving an instrument with the factory setup on some models. We take the time and care to inspect our instruments and don't just throw then in the box like may of the larger companies. If you order from us you get a great price on a quality instrument that we back 100%. We have a full satisfaction guarantee on all items. Sometimes an instrument may arrive a little disheveled after shipment, you would too if you were in a box that was sent across the country in a truck! It is too bad that the only concerns that pop up on the internet are the negative ones. We have thousands of happy customers and would be happy to provide testimonies of our happy customers. Please contact us before you believe everything on the internet. You can personally contact me at BPeterson@InstrumentAlley.com. Happy Pickin!! Ben

chizgt57 - Posted - 05/05/2008:  11:49:47

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I recently ordered from Instrument Alley and became concerned because I got no tracking number. I begin to search the net and found the input from this site along with the rip off report and the Utah BBB (Instrument alley aka BCP Sales Inc has had 36 complaints). I sent a email to Mr Peterson who owns BCP and he did reply today and told me not to worry my banjo was shipping today. I still have no tracking number and I am not totally comfortable but I did take it as a positive that I got a reply from him. If I get my banjo in a reasonable time and it arrives as it should (I do understand things happen in shipping) I will write a comment to reflect my total experince. Keeping my fingers crossed. I really appreciate this forum and all the fine folks here at banjo hangout! Take care.


A man who plays the banjo has got it made... –Stringbean

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Edited by - chizgt57 on 05/05/2008 11:51:37

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 05/05/2008:  15:18:17

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Sometimes the lowest advertised price has more to do with fishing than selling. Once the hook sets in your mouth, they know they'll reel you in one way or another.

I buy from Zepp, Elderly, Stu-Mac, Janet Davis and my local guys -- I know I'll never get ripped off by any of them. I do my best to avoid drop ship web stores with bad reputations. I don't mind paying a few bucks more, because I've learned that in the long run I'm not actuallly paying any more. I'm just saving myself a lot of PITA. It pays to buy from the shops that don't have to make a lot of excuses.

Rocket Science Banjo, Chapters 1 - 4.6 REVISED and 25 EZ tunes are ready now
oldwoodchuckb@yahoo.com
You can watch the videos for some Rocket Science Banjo subjects starting here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdRuf4X0X7g
Banjo Brad is hosting How To Mold A Mighty Pinky adn other material at
http://home.thegrid.net/~fjbrad/id20.html

Fantombanjo - Posted - 05/05/2008:  23:21:23

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Very well said. I know I learned MY lesson!

InstrumentAlley.com - Posted - 05/08/2008:  13:23:27

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Instrument Alley is not a "drop shipper" in some cases, as many other dealers do, including the ones mentioned above, we drop ship an order but this happens maybe 1 in 25 orders (that's about 4%). Many of our instruments are set up before they ship and we also offer the option of having a factory setup or shop setup on some items. If you don't know exaclty how a store operates don't speculate and offer up false information.

altstuder - Posted - 07/11/2008:  14:12:57

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Hi,
I'm having a very similar experience with Instrument Alley. I ordered a resonator guitar pickup and paid for FedEx 2nd day so I would have it for a gig tomorrow. I ordered it on Tuesday at noon, got shipping confirmation later that day, but have not received it. This may be of no fault to them but I don't KNOW because there is no way to reach them! They don't answer phones and have not yet answered any email. I just want a tracking number!!! I did some surfing and found this forum with similar complaints. It's not that they don't have good customer service- it's that they have NO customer service. It's pretty funny that Mr. Peterson asks that people contact them before believing everything on the internet. I just sent him an email...we'll see...

"There are a few concerns about Instrument Alley because of some of the posts on the forum. I just though I should clear up some of the issues that may cause concerns... It is too bad that the only concerns that pop up on the internet are the negative ones. We have thousands of happy customers and would be happy to provide testimonies of our happy customers. Please contact us before you believe everything on the internet. You can personally contact me at BPeterson@InstrumentAlley.com. Happy Pickin!! Ben


[/quote]

kklingerman - Posted - 07/11/2008:  14:53:14

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My own horror story from a separate post:

"I'm not usually one to flame a company, but I wanted to warn everyone to be careful when doing business with this company. I ordered a banjo strap on 7/1 and the order has been "processing" ever since. I attempted to email, chat and call the company many time and have not receive a response. The only good thing is that my credit card hasn't been charged yet. So, I finally blocked the transaction at my bank. I had no other option. That's what I get for venturing out away from my familar vendors."

JeriH - Posted - 07/11/2008:  16:23:00

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Has anyone ever reported these communication difficulties with the company to the Better Business Bureau? Might be something to consider...
I dealt with this company last Fall with a banjo purchase, and I almost reported them then.

Jeri

"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory". -Albert Schweitzer

"It''s what you learn after you know it all that counts". -John Wooden

don wiseman - Posted - 07/12/2008:  17:33:30

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Sounds like the airlines' motto: "This would be a great business if if weren't for the customers."

DW

chrome - Posted - 07/13/2008:  16:03:53

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I wouldn't buy a box of bandaids from them, Has anyone from Utah ever been there? They are too many good companies to buy from without taking a chance. You might pay a few bucks more but there is a reason for that.

altstuder - Posted - 07/21/2008:  10:27:26

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Well, Instrument Alley just doesn't really have any means of customer service. I recommend no one do business with them. They are not thieves, I did get my order, but it was really frustrating. The only way I got any response to any inquiries was stumbling on to this forum and getting Ben Peterson's email address. His reply was prompt but ridiculous. He said my order was "processed and shipped but Fedex hadn't picked it up yet". In my book, if it isn't on its way it hasn't "shipped". I replied that his response was gibberish and to cancel my order. He didn't. I placed my order on 7-8-08, got shipping confirmation that day. Fedex got it on 7-11 and I received it on 7-15. The item was a Lace Sensor Dobro Pickup. I gotta be more careful about who I do business with. Lesson learned.

altstuder - Posted - 07/21/2008:  10:56:48

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FYI, I did just file an online complaint with the UtahBBB. Thanks for the suggestion JeriH, let's put our money where our mouth is right?
Altstuder

InstrumentAlley.com - Posted - 09/16/2008:  21:16:31

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Why on earth would you file a complaint with the BBB when you received replies to any and all communication through email or telephone and you received your order 5 business days after ordering. This is WELL within our promised shipping time. Some people are just irrational and unreasonable. This guy is crazy! Like I tell anyone, you can personally email me at bpeterson@instrumentalley.com. You will receive a response to any inquiry or concern. If shipping times are your concern there is a reason why we state that all orders are shipped within 1-7 days after ordering. If Thomas didn't agree to this then he should not have placed an order.

BvilleDon - Posted - 09/17/2008:  05:54:33

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quote:

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Originally posted by InstrumentAlley.com

Why on earth would you file a complaint with the BBB when you received replies to any and all communication through email or telephone and you received your order 5 business days after ordering. This is WELL within our promised shipping time. Some people are just irrational and unreasonable. This guy is crazy! Like I tell anyone, you can personally email me at bpeterson@instrumentalley.com. You will receive a response to any inquiry or concern. If shipping times are your concern there is a reason why we state that all orders are shipped within 1-7 days after ordering. If Thomas didn't agree to this then he should not have placed an order.

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The original poster stated at the start of the thread, he waited a week before even posting the thread and that all of his communication to IA had gone unanswered. The Utah BBB shows 32 complaints in 36 months! I guess all those people were "crazy" like you accused the poster of so being. THREE SUGGESTIONS TO IA:

1. Join the Better Business Bureau, like Janet Davis, if you are striving to live up to decent standards for your customers.

2. Several complaints stated that their inquiries to IA had gone unanswered. Get yourself a for real ombudsman, because the guy in charge either has a memory peoblem, or all the customers who complained have a memory problem.

3. Calling paying customers with unresolved issues "crazy" is not likely to help you gain new customers--and complaints registered at the BBB reflect that you have used simialr language with paying customers before.

Where there's smoke, there's probably fire. I understand the challenges of running such an enterprise, but IA's record does not stack up against first rate competition like FQMS, Elderly, and JDMC>

BvilleDon

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Edited by - BvilleDon on 09/20/2008 10:01:13

1four5 - Posted - 09/17/2008:  08:31:10

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Some photos of a warehouse or store front would go a long ways about now. I seem to remember a thread a couple years ago where someone in the area tried to find the place, and tracked the address to a residential neighborhood. My memory could be wrong, but it did stick in my mind ever since, and I've seen nothing to the contrary. It's been my experience that a reputable company with an inventory in a warehouse, will ship the same or next day, and I get my stuff in two sometimes 3 days, not to mention automatic e-mails every step of the way with tracking numbers, usually within hours. Those companes also have the stock status right on the website, so you know even before buying, if it's going backorder... and again, e-mails every step of the way. Nothing against Ben trying to make a living, but 7 day shipping is a thing of the past. Lets see the shop and the set up room. If he is a drop shipper working out of his bedroom, at least be honest about it. He's got the best prices out there, and maybe it's because he's just a middle man. But when I think about it, there's nothing wrong with that either, as long as he's honest about it. I set up my own banjos, and buy a LOT of stuff over the internet. If he can save me a few hundred buck on something, and I'm not in a hurry, I go through him. If he e-mails me back and says it's being drop shipped from Deering and I'll get it in 3 weeks, and he'll keep me posted on the status, I'm happy and saved money. If he e-mails me and tells me it should be "in stock" by the end of the week, trying to get me to make the sale, knowing I'll be strung along, long enought to eventually get my order. Then i've been lied to and I'm pissed, and will never come back no matter how much $$ I save.

Dean

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Edited by - 1four5 on 09/17/2008 09:36:18

ilkka42 - Posted - 11/10/2008:  01:17:47

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Hello, I found this topic only after I had placed my order for a Goodtime 2 Classic banjo. Instrument Alley seemed to have a rather good deal on the banjo + pickup + hard case.
I got a little scared when I read all these negative comments about the vendor. I sent an email to mail@instrumentalley.com, and got an almost instant answer from "Ben". I had no idea who this Ben person was, but the prompt answer eased my anxiety.
As it turned out, the delivery took a fairly long time, but Ben explained this was because the pickup was being installed by Deering. I have no reason to doubt his words.
In due course I received a shipping confirmation and a tracking number. A few days after that the shipment arrived at customs here in Finland.
I was very pleased to find out that somebody (Deering? Ben?) had done a great job in packing the banjo. My main concern was the headstock, which is quite vulnerable to whiplash damage if it's not cradled properly. Mine was. And the setup was nearly perfect.
Instrument Alley charged my Visa only after the banjo had shipped. It was a mixed blessing, though, as the Dollar got quite a bit stronger while I waited...
Surely I would have received the instrument sooner if I had ordered it from a European vendor, but this way I saved 200 Euros, even after the unfortunate changes in exchange rate. Well worth the wait.

Cheers,
Ilkka

nnorth - Posted - 11/27/2008:  21:03:38

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To set the record straight, I ordered a CEB5 cello banjo from Instrument Alley and it was shipped form Gold Tone in 2 days. The hold up is UPS. The banjo was shipped on Nov 21. It's Thanksgiving and I don't expect to see the instrument until Dec 2nd. I got the best price I could expect. I enjoyed my business with Instrument Alley but recommend both they and Gold Tone use FedEx in the future.