"8th Street used to be great years ago. They would really do what it takes to get your order right. In the past year, they seem to have fallen apart, and I'm not sure why. I ordered a special, higher priced version of a software bundle in April. This special version was advertised specifically on their site and the price matched--it was higher than the normal bundle, but competitive with other retailers for the special one. Web site says special version, shopping cart says special version, email receipt says special version. When it arrived? Normal version. But there no way to tell from the box, since apparently the only difference is a sticker on the outside. What does 8th Street do? First, they take several days to answer each email and the first reply was "I'll look into it tomorrow." Gee, thanks. Then they want to play hardball with me for trying to return opened software. I remind them that this is 100% their fault and we continue playing email tag for two weeks. By now, they have received my return package. I even offer to accept store credit if they have a certain piece of hardware in stock, but the guy asks me "which one?" in every single email. It's as if I'm starting a new conversation with him every single time, so I give up on that and wait for my refund. And wait. I have to email them twice more to get that happening, the first time they claimed that it had been sent to my account, but the second time clearly showed that it had not (from the transaction date when it actually was credited). Like I said, I used to like 8th Street and spent lots of money there through 2004. But this time, I felt like they couldn't care less about me as a customer. They won't get my business anymore."

"Bad experience. I won't be back and would advise others to stay away clear."

"I've placed four orders with this company over the last two years, and have always received the goods promptly. They have a good selection of gear in stock, and their prices are good, sometimes even terrific -- plus they ACTUALLY beat competitors' prices when asked, rather than meeting them, or knocking a few pennies off to say that "our price is lower."

I notice that the other reviews on RR seem to be far less pleased. I don't know what to say: my experience has been terrific, including the Mackie amp that UPS damaged so badly that THEY refused to deliver it: 8th Street got me another one out pronto; in fact, on my request, they contacted UPS and got the skinny, then shipped another amp without waiting for there normal return process to kick in. They're definitely on my short list when buying online musical gear."

"As an avid consumer, 8th Street music has been one of the WORST retail experiences I have ever had. I bought an iPod with Cash from this certified Apple reseller that claimed when i had asked if this product was returnable that it was. The iPod broke when i was on a trip when it was 5 days old. I brought it back with some minor scratches on it and he REFUSED to refund my money, wouldn't take it back or even give me store credit. I told the owner that i specifically asked the salesperson if I could return it b/c I know the iPods have been having problems. I would have bought a skin for it but they dont sell accessories. Then They told me they had to keep it for 2 days to run "tests" on it. They never called me back and I had to call them. They were really quick to take my money but not deliver fair, deserved customer service on their part. The owner said I had to mail it back to apple myself and there was nothing he could do about. I am in sales my self and work for a lot of retail organizations and I knew he was lying. From the beginning of my experience to the end at 8th street music it has been a HORRIBLE expereience. So, if you like to get bent over with your hard earned money then shop at 8th Steet Music. If you want decent service and an honest music retailer then go elsewhere.

Pete Magliocco
****@****"

"It has taken 48 hours, three phone calls and one email to even get my order past the "address verification" and through to the shipping department - I paid $32.00 for express shipping - and it's two days later and the order is still in the warehouse."

"Ordered Professional powered PA speakers. I noticed that one unit had a cracked cabinet (probably dropped during shipment). I emailed them and did not receive a response. I called and was advised that UPS would contact me. I had to call back again. Finally UPS called to pick up the unit. I then had to call them over and over again regarding a replacement. I finally got frustrated and requested a return authorization for the remainder of the order. They received my return shipment three days ago, but have not yet acknowledged receipt of the equipment."