The Bass Place -- shipping "scam"?

echoSE7EN · #1 03-23-2011, 07:11 AM

Has anyone made an online purchase from The Bass Place (AZ)? Experiences?

I ordered a set of Barts and a string retainer from them on the 17th. All items were listed "in stock" when I placed my order, and thought it a bit odd that no form of shipping information/tracking number had been provided as of 8pm EST yesterday. So I called.

The guy said that I wasn't provided a tracking number because, "you usually don't get those until after the item has been delivered." Huh? I'd never heard that one before. So, I asked if he could provide any information regarding the package. He said that the computer was turned off, and no; so he had to walk over to the shipping area.

Well, the order shipped Monday. I was happy. He provided me with the USPS tracking number. All was right with the world. Phone call ended. 10 minutes later I remembered something. When I had logged into my "account" with The Bass Place, I distinctly remember seeing that shipping on my Barts (and a string retainer) was close to $18, and listed as UPS. Why was I given a USPS (and it is a USPS tracking number....no 1Z a la UPS) tracking number? I'm going to wait until the package arrives, check the postage listed on the package, and call holy hell down if the actual shipping via the Post Office was eight bucks.

This is a matter of principle for me; do what you say you'll do. I wanted to see if anyone else has dealt with these guys in the past, and to toss out a fair warning for all.

hdracer · #2 03-23-2011, 07:19 AM

I have bought amps,basses & cabs from them. Great people & service. Never a problem.

Clark Dark · #3 03-23-2011, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by echoSE7EN

Has anyone made an online purchase from The Bass Place (AZ)? Experiences?

I ordered a set of Barts and a string retainer from them on the 17th. All items were listed "in stock" when I placed my order, and thought it a bit odd that no form of shipping information/tracking number had been provided as of 8pm EST yesterday. So I called.

The guy said that I wasn't provided a tracking number because, "you usually don't get those until after the item has been delivered." Huh? I'd never heard that one before. So, I asked if he could provide any information regarding the package. He said that the computer was turned off, and no.
Then he made it sound like a huge production to have to go ask someone, or actually look at a box of paperwork.

Well, the order shipped Monday. I was happy. He provided me with the USPS tracking number. All was right with the world. Phone call ended. 10 minutes later I remembered something. When I had logged into my "account" with The Bass Place, I distinctly remember seeing that shipping on my Barts (and a string retainer) was close to $18, and listed as UPS. Why was I given a USPS (and it is a USPS tracking number....no 1Z a la UPS) tracking number? I'm going to wait until the package arrives, check the postage listed on the package, and call holy hell down if the actual shipping via the Post Office was eight bucks.

This is a matter of principle for me; do what you say you'll do. I wanted to see if anyone else has dealt with these guys in the past, and to toss out a fair warning for all.

You have a good point because a USPS priority box ships for @ 5 dollars and change.

echoSE7EN · #4 03-24-2011, 07:40 PM

Issue solved. Refund awarded. In the end the guys there were great. Their online system is hosed though (they agreed). I was told to call for future purchases. Again, just a heads-up for anyone....always ensure the shipping paid for = the cost.

Stumbo · #5 03-25-2011, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by echoSE7EN

Their online system is hosed though (they agreed). I was told to call for future purchases.

How can they stay in business with a crappy online system?

Why don't they fix it? Call for future purchases? People used to do that a hundred years ago.

I don't get them. I guess them make money in spite of their ignorance. Such poor service wastes everyone's time.

**lowfreqgeek** · #6 03-25-2011, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

How can they stay in business with a crappy online system?

Why don't they fix it? Call for future purchases? People used to do that a hundred years ago.

I don't get them. I guess them make money in spite of their ignorance. Such poor service wastes everyone's time.

The Bass Place was one of the original online and bass-only retailers, but they are located in the Phoenix area with a population of only 3.8 million locals, give or take a few. My guess is that they do a fair bit of business locally.

It was a destination stop for me last time I was in the Phoenix area, about 3.5 years ago. I didn't buy a bass (only strings and such), but I hung out for a LONG time and they were very cool about it.