"Called toll free number to check on availability of a Yamaha A-S500 amp on April 27 and was told it would be in stock within 3-5 business days. Placed order on May 7th, credit card was charged but no shipping date. Emialed to inquire about shipping date was told backordered until late May. Sent email late May and no reply, tried toll free number...answering machine. At the time I ordered this item Crutchfield and Amazon also showed this amp out of stock. However, both internet retailers have had this amp in stock for two weeks. I'm ready to cancel my order if I can ever get a hold of them. And I'm not so sure that Audioholics is "Obsessed with my satisfaction" as thier order confirmation states."
"Ordered 42” HDTV from Audioholics. Was reluctant at first because Google Shopping listed only five site reviews and two were negative. Well, my experience was fine – easy order, follow up emails, fast FedEx delivery. The reason I gave four stars is the site advertized free three years additional warranty, I sent two emails to Support and after several days still no answer. Guess that extended warranty was a marketing bate, cannot tell but other than that buying experience was fine."
"I ordered a set of kit speakers on this site 2/20/11. I received an email telling me that the item was backordered until 4/15/11 (there was no notice of this on the site, and still isn't). That's okay, mix ups happen, so I replied to the email that I would like to cancel my order. It has been 3 days now, I have sent another email for a confirmation, and nothing! I tried calling their customer service line and I keep getting an answer machine. This is unacceptable service, and I strongly recommend that people take their business elsewhere."
"I was worried ordering a big purchase from a company I never hear of before. I was very happy with my purchase and I would use them again. I ordered my TV and two days later it was delivered with out a scratch. They had the best price than anyone else. I did call them to ask a few questions first and they were very nice and helpful. I was sad that they didn't offer the Free 3 year warranty anymore (they are still working on getting their website updated about this) but the price of the non-free 3 yr warranty was still cheaper than Amazon."
"One of the reasons I keep going back to Audioholics Store is the great after sale support they provide. Months after I made a small purchase from them, they still gave me some excellent phone support and helped me resolve a small problem that was no fault of theirs. Their Lifetime Technical Support appears to be a reality. Thanks! "
"Shoulda ordered from Amazon. Even if I waited a week for Amazon to have the OPPO BDP-93 in stock, I would still get it sooner than Audioholics.
The reason I ordered from this place was they were showing the item was in stock and ready to ship within 48 hour whereas, Amazon only took pre-order at the time.
My credit card was charged on the same day the order was placed (12/28). Finally, got my OPPO BDP-93 from UPS on 1/10."
"Just thought I'd take a moment to review my recent experience with Audioholics. I don't normally do this sort of thing, but it only seemed fair in light of the service I received, which was outstanding. It was good enough for me to feel *obligated* to help them out with a positive review, if that tells you anything.
I ordered two Usher S-520 bookshelf speakers and a harman/kardon 3490 stereo receiver to power them. This was my first foray into anything even resembling the high-end of home audio, and Will, one of their branch managers, spent an inordinate amount of time holding my hand through the purchasing process.
He also helped me with some spectacular deals. I got both items open-box, as they'd been used for a couple showroom demos. He was very generous with the discount, and with the shipping to Alaska, which is normally like getting robbed at gunpoint. He went so far as to make sure that the receiver shipped from the store closest to AK to minimize shipping costs.
When the setup arrived, I was absolutely delighted by the build quality, and most importantly, the *sound* quality of the gear. After two days or so, however, I noticed that one of the Usher's woofers had not even been functioning! The increase in quality from my old system was so great that I hadn't even noticed. I contacted Will, who then walked me through some simple troubleshooting. When we were sure that the woofer was actually toasted, he had Usher FedEx me a new one at no charge *the very same day*. It arrived a few days later, and I've been bathing in creamy audio goodness ever since.
So, to summarize: lots of personal interaction, excellent salesmanship via discounts and shipping, and excellent post-purchase support. It's always a rare pleasure to find retailers that do a *really* good job, and I wish I could give them more business, 'cause based on my experience, they completely deserve it. I hate to sound like a fanboy, lest anyone think my review is unrealistic, but what can you do? It really was one of the best commercial interactions I've had in a while."
"I purchased a pair of Usher Audio speakers. They shipped within 48 hours as promised and the product arrived on time with no drama."
"Seller listed item in stock on website, however item was sold out. Seller did not contact me to confirm my order and/or to let me know it was out of stock. After waiting 8 days for a confirmation of my order, I called and was told the item was out of stock."
"I was looking for a set of surround sound speakers so that i could enjoy the full effect of my blue ray player and A/V receiver. The guys at Audioholics were most helpful in assisting me in determining not only what I wanted but more importantly what would work best for my room and within my budget.
These guys know what they are doing. They didn't stop helping me when i placed the order. They even helped me with advice when I had received the speakers and was trying to figure out how to install them.
I would definitely buy from them again."
"A friend referred me to the Audioholics store, citing good prices and a "fantastic" service experience. I'm pleased to say that they actually delivered on that praise. I was delighted with every aspect of my experience with Audioholics, and would happily return to their site.
I'm a heavy gamer and wanted a home theater system that would help me get the most out of my PS3. While I'm not an audiophile, I am the type of person who will pay for good equipment if the benefits are clearly spelled out. After doing a bit of research, I called the 800 number and spoke with the owner or manager directly (Will?) and got expert advice made simple that help me identify my needs. It was clear that that he was genuinely interested in connecting me with the right home theater system and not just upselling me, as he actually talked me away from a pricier system toward one that delivered the best value.
I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Great price. Uncommon service. Easy transaction."
"I just purchased the Marantz A/V 8003 and MM 8003 from Audioholics. I wanted them to match the lowest price I was offered on these 2 units. I was really suprised they gave me an even better deal. Great deal until the amp malfunctioned. It's in the shop now getting repaired. "
"I got an amazing deal on a pretty solid set of EMP speakers through the Audioholics store. They shipped my order two days later and it was on my doorstep three days after that (hurray for Saturday delivery).
I sent an email inquiring about the status of my order and received a prompt reply the next morning.
Well done, Audioholics. No complaints here."
"Update: 3-1-2010. I have been continuing my shopping @ audioholics.com. I have since bought another RX-V665 without a forced upgrade. ;). I just flat out bought it this time. Very happy with them now. I talk to a guy named "Joe" who us extremely helpful, and is full of accurate information. Very willing to help. You'll know you'll get him if the message says, "transferring to extension 701". Tell Joe, that "Joeteck" sent you, maybe he'll give you a better deal. I talk to him often as he is a pleasure to talk to about audio equipment. The Yamaha RX-V665 is just an awesome receiver! I now have two! One connected to my Toshinba LCD 46" 1080p TV, and the other on my 60" Aquos!
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UPDATE: 5-20-2009. I'm going to leave what I first wrote back in March of 09 because that did happen. Since then, I've joined the audioholics forum, and complained there. Feel free to read it! Post #20 is most useful and interesting. (cut and paste)
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53537
However, during this entire debacle (and after writing this review) and after the owner got involved, they were able to help me. But it should not have come to this. I ordered the RX-V565, but then they offered a free upgrade to the RX-V665 for my troubles. I am happy with this solution, as who wouldn't? But If I never complained, their system would have never been fixed and others would have the same fate as me. So this review is to help others, Even if I was helped out in the end. Be 100% sure the item is in stock before pulling the trigger. Make the simple call, 1-***-***-****.
** however, I did get a personal phone call on my cell phone today (5-20-09) from the owner a few moments ago, which added some class to this transaction. I was impressed he took the time to call me and find out how I was doing with the yamaha RX-V665. And of course, I told him I love it. He did mention that he wanted me to update my review on resllerratings.com. Maybe because it was so detailed and a well thought out, that this may hurt his sales. And after he read it, maybe thought he needed to call me, to try to fix it. ;) Who knows, but he did call, and I did update it.
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Yamaha just came out with many new models for 2009. The RX-V365, 465 and the 565, the others 665, 765 and 865 will come later this year. I was in the need for a new A/V receiver that can upconvert all inputs to 1080p via HDMI. Did alot of reading and research before I made my purchase. I found the RX-V565 to fit my needs perfectly. I found it on Audioholics.com's store. Showed in stock with free shipping. I even found a coupon code (audioholics) to lower the cost even more! With Shipping it was $386.95. How exciting, my first Yamaha! Been a Pioneer fan my whole life. I ordered it on Friday, and my credit card was charged a few minutes later. I said, Hmmm, that was quick! So I logged in to store.audioholics.com to check my order status which showed nothing. OK, maybe I'll give it over the weekend to process. I call on Monday March 9th in the morning and spoke with the owner, who is down in Florida. Said that the Yamaha RX-V565 has not arrived yet in their warehouse. I asked, "How can you charge my credit card without having the item in stock?" He proceeded to tell me that he can refund me, but he thinks the Yamaha shipment will be here today, 3/9/2009. I said fine, lets me know. The entire day goes by without any communication, so I proceeded to send them an e-mail in regards to my order, which they replied with:
Hi Joe,
No, it looks like the RX-V565's have not shipped yet. Yamaha informed us this afternoon that the current shipment will be here on Wednesday, but only contains our RX-V465 order. I'm afraid I do not have a firm date from Yamaha on the RX-V565 shipment, but we are guessing it will be next week.
Regards,
Audioholics Store
Customer Support
Ok, let me get this straight. Web store, shows in stock, free shipping, yet this is not the case. How can audioholics advertise a product not in stock?? So I replied with this:
I'm confused... How can you advertise and charge my credit card without
having the item for sale? Isn't that false advertising? Or better yet,
fraud? Web site should say, out of stock, instead of giving me false hope of
it being in stock. How can you "guess" to have stock in a week on a product
you currently have for sale on your website? No communication from the
manufacturer??? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with my purchase, but if the
tables were turned I don't think this would be acceptable in your eyes
either. Please don't refund my money, but give me some back for my
inconvenience. Shipping maybe or even some more off the top, to give me a
reason why I should continue to buy home theater stuff from you. Not a very
good first impression to say the least. Thank goodness for
resellerratings.com, where you can rate your online experience with vendors.
I'm not happy in the least bit. When we spoke over the phone yesterday, I
was a little skeptical buying from you, because I usually make all my
electronic and or computer purchases from newegg.com.
In closing, do NOT refund my money. I will wait it out, but this is still
unacceptable to false advertise and to sell a product not currently in your
possession and to add insult to injury, you don't even have a ETA date on
when it will be in stock.... just wow!
Beware when buying from audioholics.com. Call first to verify they have it in stock. New or not, it should say out of stock until they have it. Simple!"