Fret Nation

[micguy]

I had the same issues back when his site was Bass Strings Online. Three orders, all out of stock when clearly listed as in stock on the site. Slow email response.

I had the same experience. I eventually got all the strings I ordered, but the web site was making promises the company couldn't keep. When they changed names they stopped stocking the individual strings I was buying from them, so any chance of retaining my business went out the window. I think if you order standard stuff, you might get decent service, but anything out of the ordinary, they seem to not have a handle on.

It seemed like a promising business; shame it hasn't improved.

 

[Fuzzbass]

Jason had these problem long before the “pandemic”.

True. A friend and I both started experiencing delays years ago, the BassStringsOnline days. Also, I ordered Elixir stainless 5-string sets that arrived as stainless 4-string sets plus nickel B strings. I decided not to swim upstream: I felt it was safe to assume the SS B strings were unavailable so I just went with what he sent instead of waiting indefinitely for replacement.

There's nothing unfair about sharing and comparing negative experiences here -- happy customers are free to chime in. For the record, I acknowledge that Jason can be helpful and FretNation can have nice prices, so I'm still an occasional customer. However as others have said, if I need an item promptly I will not order from FretNation.

 

[mrperkolator]

I'm confused.... Y'all change your strings?

(had to have fun here... us flat players are laughing at this whole thread....)

 

[landrybass]

I think I ordered some bulk pack of strings from FretNation before and it did take forever to ship and when I got them they were just loose strings. I think I ordered 10 sets and got 10 individual string sets bundled together in long bags? Just annoying to store with no packaging and these long wobbly bundles.

 

[mmbongo]

I think I ordered some bulk pack of strings from FretNation before and it did take forever to ship and when I got them they were just loose strings. I think I ordered 10 sets and got 10 individual string sets bundled together in long bags? Just annoying to store with no packaging and these long wobbly bundles.

That's how bulk strings normally are packaged. They are not indivually packaged because they are...well..bulk

Link Removed

 

[Bonafide]

You calling his business out publicly over one bad experience is pretty crappy.

It may have been one bad order, but it was days of experience. I very much relate to the feeling with that type of service. Basic communication would have resulted in a different post. It isn't crappy, it's a PSA and it is both relevant and vital for the customer and the business. If a business recognizes enough dissatisfaction from it's current SOP, it can make changes. Real-time public feedback is bronze, silver and gold to a sincere business.

 

[bste9]

The website is pretty crappy. However, Jason is extremely available. A simple thing to do is contact him before placing an order to see if available. I have never ordered anything directly from the website. I just contact him directly and have had zero issues. Try doing that with larger operations.

 

[KenD]

I prefer Strings By Mail, they’ve never let me down.

I like them a lot also BUT they did pull this same thing on me once. No mention of "out of stock" until I was through the checkout and pay function.

 

[blacktocomm]

The website is pretty crappy. However, Jason is extremely available. A simple thing to do is contact him before placing an order to see if available. I have never ordered anything directly from the website. I just contact him directly and have had zero issues. Try doing that with larger operations.

I don’t have to do that with a larger operations. I just go to the website, order and two or three days later I have strings. Your extra step is not a selling point imo.

 

[bste9]

I don’t have to do that with a larger operations. I just go to the website, order and two or three days later I have strings. Your extra step is not a selling point imo.

is to me...I'd rather support a mom and pop operation and i can contact someone directly and not faceless corporations. I know who I am talking to every single time and my order still shows up two or 3 days later. I value relationships, I guess you don't.

 

[fhm555]

I suggest everyone stop moaning & buy in bulk. I won't order less than $100 worth of strings at a time. Buying one offs & expecting a quick delivery seems weird to me. I expect all deliveries to be delayed & try to buy local as much as possible.

I don’t use enough strings to buy in bulk. I found a combination I’m happy with and can get a set(s) any time I’m in the neighborhood of most any music store. I’m not sure why I like them best but it could well be I’m likely to find a set in crooklegg ver-jenny or that place in Egypt where bums go for sex.

 

[DwaynieAD]

Ordered some strings from Fret Nation on 2/12/22.

I'm sure you are mostly all familiar with their website. It showed that the strings I wanted were "in stock" and would ship in 1-3 days.

After waiting 3 days for a conformation email (which never came) I sent an inquiry as to the status of my order. It wasn't a large order... $100. Well, I contacted them through their messaging system imbedded in their website to see what was what. After a 16 hour wait I revived a reply that they were not in stock and the website should not have said that or given a lead time of 1-3 days. I was assured they would be in by the begging of the following week. Roughly 4 days further down the road. Also one should note that after I asked about my order status the website quickly changed to 7-10 day lead time. I said fine I have time.

Fast forward to today. I am leaving on tour Thursday. And no email about my order. I sent a message that I am out of time and if they will not be to me by tomorrow I can't use em. I'll have to buy strings at GC or Sam Ash before I leave. They don't carry what I really want. I hope to find some up in the snow.

Received an email 4 hours later telling me...

Strings arrived yesterday. Couldn't ship because USPS closed Monday for holiday.

Sure .... Can't ship, but incoming is working fine.

They canceled my order and refunded. Cool.

If they arrived yesterday at Fret Nation. Was email shutdown for a holiday yesterday? Couldn't let me know they were in and would ship the next day?

My main problem is inventory represented as "in stock". Magically becoming "Special order".

If you don't have them, don't offer to ship em within 3 days. If you love Fret Nation great. I don't trust any website that says, "YEAH WE GOT IT". You already know what happened next.

At least they refunded in full. I give them credit for that.

Don't promise and not be able to fulfill.

It's an inconvenience I may not be able to deal with because of trusting them.

I won't order from there again. Lessoned learned.

Can't trust their website as to whether or not what your ordering is even really there.

Ive had terrible experiences with them as well but around here the hit squad comes out in force to shut that down. Beware.

 

[kev451]

I bought a Dingwall NG3 from them last Thursday. I got the bass this past Monday. Spoke with Jason via FB messaging and he was polite and give all info that I requested. He also threw in some strings which I didnt pay for which was awesome ! He’s def a good guy in my book.

 

[DwaynieAD]

The website is pretty crappy. However, Jason is extremely available. A simple thing to do is contact him before placing an order to see if available. I have never ordered anything directly from the website. I just contact him directly and have had zero issues. Try doing that with larger operations.

Sorry but this is the dumbest crap I've ever read. Contact him to make sure his website is accurate? No. The website is the point of contact with the public. If you have to do anything else the business is screwing up. If he wants to be bass strings by phone or bass strings by email then be that business... It's not.

 

[bste9]

Sorry but this is the dumbest crap I've ever read. Contact him to make sure his website is accurate? No. The website is the point of contact with the public. If you have to do anything else the business is screwing up. If he wants to be bass strings by phone or bass strings by email then be that business... It's not.

works for me buddy. Like i said...he's more available than any supplier i've worked with. Websites are not the only point of contact with the public

 

[blacktocomm]

same to you.. you can stuff your me me, i want it know! psychology to someone who actually cares about your opinion..it means nothing. I haven't been let down by Fret Nation...have been by large corporations.

Means something to Fret Nation because it’s one less person ordering from him.

 

[gln1955]

Sorry but this is the dumbest crap I've ever read. Contact him to make sure his website is accurate? No. The website is the point of contact with the public. If you have to do anything else the business is screwing up. If he wants to be bass strings by phone or bass strings by email then be that business... It's not.

Exactly. Emali and phone should be for answering questions that go beyond info on the website. Jason has been helpful to me in this regard figuring out the world of short and medium scale strings. Ordering something as simple as a set of strings should be a simple and reliable click of a few buttons. Thousands of online retailers of all sizes accomplish this every day.

 

[monsterthompson]

I’ve described my experiences in threads like this before, so I’ll simply say: 3 small orders several years ago, 2 with problems, and I can relate to posts in this thread and sympathize with the frustrations expressed.

I also recognize this small shop has a devoted following of people who claim to have never had a problem.

 

[FunkHead]

I guess there are a few people on here that would like to see Jasons business crumble. I know how hard it is to run a business and it’s a shame that threads like these can and do hurt guys/gals like Jason.
Yes you are right. His website has problems. But I get great deals and service by calling direct.
Walmart has tons of stuff listed as available at my local store that isn’t. I drive there looking for a list of things and come away with 80% of it. Don’t even get me started about GC.
someone already stated that they value relationships and I am also in that camp.
Too many people in this world wish failure on others and that’s pretty crappy….
Starting a bash thread is and always will be a low class move IMO unless it’s much more serious than inventory problems. Every company in the world has inventory errors. All of them

 

[bste9]

Means something to Fret Nation because it’s one less person ordering from him.

man....you really proved a point! congrats