poor customer service

[lpcarter]

Ordered a bass via Bass Central, and didn't hear a word on shipping...they called to make sure they had the right amount of money for the right item, then nothing.

Contacted BC the following week, only to learn that the bass would be shipping direct from the factory. (This would imply backorder, which they never bothered to mention...)

The only reason I ordered this specific bass from BC was, if it was the bass as advertised, it would have been one of the first 30 lakland short scale hollowbodies produced. The bass the website advertised had no serial number, again, indicating the first run.

I asked them if the bass I was getting was the bass advertised. They kind of hopped around the issue: "It's the lakland short scale hollowbody..." even though I specifically asked if it was THE one on the website, with no S/N.

Of course, when the bass eventually arrived, it was NOT the bass advertised on the website. I felt like I got a little bait and switch pulled on me...and that same "No serial number" bass is still being advertised. But if you try to buy it, you'll get a different bass than the one pictured, with a serial number, different wood grain and all.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Had I known that BC wouldn't be forthright about what they were selling, I would have gone with any other vendor that had a more recent run of these basses, for a lower price (plus, others offered free shipping, BC does not) and I wouldn't have had to wait nearly as long to get the bass.

I will also be informing Lakland about the behavior exhibited by Bass Central in this transaction. Very disappointed, but at the end of the day I still did get a very good bass that I'm enjoying a lot. It'll just be the last time I use Bass Central.

 

[Mysterion]

It's understandable that you're disappointed after not getting what you expected.

But in fairness to Bass Central, this information is displayed prominently at the head of the page you linked:

*While attempting to stay current, we intentionally leave many basses up even after selling them in order to act as "catalogue" pieces to show various models, wood and finish options that are available.

​

It's nice that things end on a positive note, as it seems you enjoy the instrument. But if you're really unhappy, BC has a pretty reasonable return policy:

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE POLICY

All items purchased from Bass Central, except custom-orders, which are non-returnable / non-refundable, are subject to a 48-hour approval period, beginning upon receipt of item by the customer. The customer has the option to return the item for full refund or store credit minus all shipping costs*...

“ In 14 years of business, Bass Central has never stuck a customer with an item he/she wasn't happy with. In fact, we've bent the rules on a number of occasions to accommodate our customers! ” Beaver Felton ​

 

[fourstringdrums]

*While attempting to stay current, we intentionally leave many basses up even after selling them in order to act as "catalogue" pieces to show various models, wood and finish options that are available.

​

Well usually they mark a bass as sold when they leave it on the website.

How did BC handle it after you received the bass and who did you talk to? I've dealt with them before and Grasshopper treated me very well (I believe he's still there).

 

[lpcarter]

Well usually they mark a bass as sold when they leave it on the website.

How did BC handle it after you received the bass and who did you talk to? I've dealt with them before and Grasshopper treated me very well (I believe he's still there).

I've been dealing with Perry. It's interesting to me that they had time to update the site with another one of the SS HBs, but have failed to mark the one I thought I was buying as sold for who knows how long now.

 

[R&B]

If this seems like piling on, I apologize. My story is somewhat similar. Generally the deal was OK, nothing terribly wrong, yet in the end it left me with a slightly bad taste in my mouth.

When the '57 AVRIs were being discontinued early in 2013, there were great deals everywhere...until suddenly there weren't. BC had one advertised on the site in white blonde, at the former street price. When I phoned, the rep told me there were actually three of them. He knocked $100 off the street price for me. I asked specifically to have the lightest of the bunch shipped to me in California. The bass arrived several days later on a Friday afternoon--a beauty. But hefty!! Almost 10 pounds on the digital scale, remarkably heavy for a Fender reissue Precision. So I was on the fence. Hard to find model, really gorgeous, heavier than anticipated. What to do?

Given the super-short 2 day (!!) return policy, the prohibitive cost of two-way shipping and a time crunch on my part, I just sucked it up. It really is a great bass. But I can't say I was 100% satisfied, as it seems unlikely to me that BC actually shipped the "pick of the litter" as promised.

I too will do my bass shopping elsewhere. Flame on.

 

[fourstringdrums]

Given the super-short 2 day (!!) return policy

That's the only thing that gets me. I guess they figure that if you don't like it you'll know immediately, but it's still shorter than any other place out there.

 

[BassCentral]

Hi Gang,

In Response to LPCarters Complaint above, I really Wish he Would have called and spoke to ME since this is the First I am hearing of this issue and cannot help anyone unless I know of the issue to be honest. Complaining on Talkbass will not provide quick, Efficient, Results. Calling The Store Will However. When I looked up your Paperwork(Invoice) Dropship is clearly indicated on the invoice as Well as A Dropship Date. No Where is A Specific Serial # Mentioned at the Time of Order, Nor Was A Specific Bass Specified. And since the order was placed by ANOTHER individual for you, According To our Records, I do believe the mis-Communication lies between That Individual and yourself. The individual also Failed to Provide A CORRECT Shipping Address at the time of order Which DELAYED the Shipment Slightly. So while I will Always do my best to Make sure All Customers Are Taken Care of And Happy, and 15 years Of Satisfied Customers Proves That, If you Do not Call the Store and make your Complaint known, It is Really Difficult to Help you.

Michael Amico
General Manager

 

[BassCentral]

For the Record, Our Return Policy is Designed to make sure that ALL customers get A Bass in "NEW" Condition. We Are Well Aware that other Retailers offer you 30 Days and longer policy. We Feel Its not Fair to Any customer to Sell you A Bass Used with play wear on it and 30 Days will cause/Produce play wear for sure. in Our Opinion 48 Hours Limits this And gives you plenty of time to evalute for your needs. Hence our Return Policy.

Michael Amico
General Manager

 

[fourstringdrums]

For the Record, Our Return Policy is Designed to make sure that ALL customers get A Bass in "NEW" Condition. We Are Well Aware that other Retailers offer you 30 Days and longer policy. We Feel Its not Fair to Any customer to Sell you A Bass Used with play wear on it and 30 Days will cause/Produce play wear for sure. in Our Opinion 48 Hours Limits this And gives you plenty of time to evalute for your needs. Hence our Return Policy.

Michael Amico
General Manager

Fair enough. That makes sense. You might want to spell that out on the website or somewhere else a little more clearly as it could put some people off if they don't understand the reasoning.