Sire Marcus Miller M3 received in rough shape

[Maxdusty]

In chemo all day, going to be real sick next few days if Sire hasn’t responded I will consider calling Shane , just shouldn’t need a name drop to get what I paid for.

Thanks to my fellow bass players you are all awesome and supportive - Nice to see everyone offering constructive and sound advice ... great group !!!

Hope it all works out for you with the bass. It reflects badly on them that they're giving you this much grief over something that's clearly not as advertised. Another thing you can do, and something which I don't think has been mentioned yet, is to request a partial refund for what is essentially a used bass with a wonky bridge. Essentially, the price of one of their out of the box return basses. I've done this a few times (not with Pitbull though).

 

[chasesigi]

Hope it all works out for you with the bass. It reflects badly on them that they're giving you this much grief over something that's clearly not as advertised. Another thing you can do, and something which I don't think has been mentioned yet, is another option is to request a partial refund for what is essentially a used bass with a wonky bridge. Essentially, the price of one of their out of the box return basses. I've done this a few times (not with Pitbull though).

thanks but I already
Offered them that and two other options they ignored me, they do not seem interested in resolving - tried to avoid complaining publicly but they gave me no choice

 

[BigBigGuy44]

Relax. At this point, no one has been screwed or scammed.

I find most companies who receive email complaints and ultimatums ignore them. Using the phone is ALWAYS the better option, especially if you are cordial and professional. Keep in mind you have protections on your purchase via eBay, PayPal and your credit card issuer.

Give Pitbull a call and find out what your options are. If unsatisfactory, then resort to filing a claim with eBay. It is a very easy process and eBay typically sides with buyers 99% of the time.

 

[lfmn16]

I researched an researched and still got screwed, very disappointing, seems to be my luck lately. Cannot find any complaints about the m3 weight or bridge quality of any sires. Almost wonder if Pitbull is selling the stuff that did not pass QC. Just does not add up

Next time research the seller. The seller has 86 negative ratings in the last year.? I found that in under 10 seconds on my cell phone. Why would you buy from someone with such bad feedback?

 

[Sywannab]

You're covered double by both ebay protection and paypal buyer protection.
If you buy used and the seller did not mention all the blemishes, you can get a refund. Dont forget to ask the seller to send you SHIPPING LABEL or you need to pay for shipping cost which sucks. Shipping bass guitar often costs high.

 

[maplenecked]

I was thinking about buying a Sire from them a month or so ago but their Ebay store gave me a bad feeling for some reason, hope they do right by you

 

[tradernick]

I find most companies who receive email complaints...ignore them

I don't. I do my homework and only deal with solid companies but I find that many of them are responsive to email.

In any case, if these guys had 86 negs in the last year as Ifmn16 posted above, it's on the OP to have chosen to do biz with them. Also, the OP has a couple of very good options for getting this resolved.

Last, I can't believe any reputable seller would ship an item that's so obviously not as described and then charge return shipping + restocking.

 

[johnson79]

To repeat some others, my suggestion is to try handling with Pitbull first. Document everything. If they don't swap it out with 100% freight covered file a claim with PayPal. Regardless of their online feedback you paid for a new bass and by God you're gonna get one.

Best of luck with the chemo. Cancer sucks.

 

[BigBigGuy44]

I don't. I do my homework and only deal with solid companies but I find that many of them are responsive to email.

In any case, if these guys had 86 negs in the last year as Ifmn16 posted above, it's on the OP to have chosen to do biz with them. Also, the OP has a couple of very good options for getting this resolved.

Last, I can't believe any reputable seller would ship an item that's so obviously not as described and then charge return shipping + restocking.

82 of the 32,193 feedback left for Pitbull over the last 12 months was negative. That means a buyer has a 99.75% chance of getting a good item from them. Seems like very good odds to me.

Email can cause all kinds of issues with spam filters, tone, etc. Unless you need something in writing calling is always the better option.

Lastly, the return policy does not say they charge shipping plus a 10% restocking fee for defective items. It clearly states, "If you feel the unit is defective, please contact us, we will address the matter promptly." At least give the chance to make it right before lambasting them online.

 

[bobdabilder]

Start a dispute on ebay now! Get that open NOW! I think you'll get all of your money back. Start that process now.

 

[beaglesandbass]

Just picked up a Blue M3 from an authorized dealer on eBay (Pitbull Audio) BIG MISTAKE on my part. Received the bass with several scratches and two dot inlays are ruined and need replacing, ok maybe B stock, closer look as I set it up and I find the bridge will not adjust on the E string, the adjustment screws do not even touch the bottom of the bridge and the lowest I can adjust is over 5 MM, its as if the E String Saddle is bent up, surprising with the string through the body, even that pressure does not lower the string it just floats on the saddle, you can take the screws completely out and you can adjust higher than 5 MM. Also I bought this because I am battling cancer and needed a lighter bass. Sire estimates the M3 to weigh 7.6 lbs, I have not weighed it but it feels the same as my 9+LB jazz basses and must be at least 9 lbs. After much research Sire's website says they only honor their warranty if they sold it, otherwise the dealer is responsible for warranty! I wrote Sire but it sounds like I must have got a lemon and unless Sire steps up with a new bridge I am screwed. They do not even offer to sell parts.

1-Any suggestions on how to resolve this issue or get a new M3 Bridge?

2-Anyone want a brand new scratched M3 with the highest E string on the planet?

File a claim through ebay/paypal. Not hard and you'll get your money back.

 

[chasesigi]

Next time research the seller. The seller has 86 negative ratings in the last year.? I found that in under 10 seconds on my cell phone. Why would you buy from someone with such bad feedback?

Looked at high score and didn’t research negative feedback , Chemo brain fog sucks

 

[chasesigi]

82 of the 32,193 feedback left for Pitbull over the last 12 months was negative. That means a buyer has a 99.75% chance of getting a good item from them. Seems like very good odds to me.

Email can cause all kinds of issues with spam filters, tone, etc. Unless you need something in writing calling is always the better option.

Lastly, the return policy does not say they charge shipping plus a 10% restocking fee for defective items. It clearly states, "If you feel the unit is defective, please contact us, we will address the matter promptly." At least give the chance to make it right before lambasting them online.

Already said I made two attempts before going online waited 48 business hours , not great at talking on phone with chemo fog and I don’t want to get upset because of meds and not rational, the had no communication issues until I received the item - third email today with no reply

 

[chasesigi]

lesson learned = stay off eBay until I get better! Hopefully fedex will pick it up I can’t drive or carry the box - ugh

 

[chasesigi]

Agreed. However we don't know if the item came direct from Pitbull Audio warehouse or drop-shipped from Sire. Point being yes, the OP got damaged goods. CS should be all over it. Having bought some "returns" (pedals) from Pitbull Audio they were all in tip top shape. Did the bass leave Pitbull or Sire in bad shape? We don't know that. From my experiences in store, I've seen nothing but great CS from Pitbull. Even with online chat before I've gone and picked up an item. A story like this about a place I highly recommend to people has got my interest as well.

I still stand by my statement and recommend asking for the guy I mentioned.

Used bass Shipped via fedex ground directly from Pitbull Audio in National City, Ca, my native State

 

[bassicg]

I’m thinking maybe each person who reads this thread should give Pitbull a call and question them about it . Maybe inform them that we are part of a very large bass players community of whose members who have read this thread, may be reluctant to do business if them if there is no positive resolve. WE HAVE A VOICE!!

 

[bholder]

I’m thinking maybe each person who reads this thread should give Pitbull a call and question them about it . Maybe inform them that we are part of a very large bass players community of whose members who have read this thread, may be reluctant to do business if them if there is no positive resolve. WE HAVE A VOICE!!

We do, but we try not to pull out the big hammer unless it's really really necessary. Let eBay straighten it out you'll be fine.

 

[bassicg]

We do, but we try not to pull out the big hammer unless it's really really necessary. Let eBay straighten it out you'll be fine.

You’re right!

 

[bassstrangler]

Are you in a position where a friend can call Pitbull on your behalf? If you are struggling and need help, I'm sure someone will assist.

 

[chasesigi]

I have found too many eBayers that never got their money back even after item was returned (verified transactions), I have made one last contact to everyone at Sire and shared this post to Sire in hopes they will step in, if not I will go the ebay - paypal route and or have the wife or a bass buddy call Pitbull for me, as much as my Cali buddies would love to arrive in a line of Harleys to return my bass for me I will refrain and they can save those trips to the hospital for my niece and friends fighting Cancer in Cali, I am a professional even when treated poorly, at least I will try to be. Right now posting and emailing is my only defense, my only motive is to get the light weight Brand New Blue M3 that I ordered and paid for. Thanks to all for the input, on all sides, its appreciated, I miss my discussions and debates and work, a little silver lining, I got to use my problem solving side of my brain this week, or at least I am trying LOL