I've order from them in the past and had horrible service. Then I received a letter about a month from the VP or CEO or some such executive, stating their previous problems were due to "warehouse transitions", and to give 'em another try because now they have their act together.
So I placed an order for a few small items on Jan. 14. All items were listed as "in stock" on their website. Four days later they allegedly shipped the items out via Priority Mail. Fast forward almost two weeks later, and I haven't received the items. I emailed customer service and received an automated reply stating someone would get back to me within 24 hours. Two days later a live person actually wrote back and said they shipped the items out on the 18th and I should have received them by now. She advised me call customer service and explain everything, and they should be able to just resend the times since it was such a small amount (the total was only around $35).
I called customer service (sic) and spoked to a guy named Sandy. It seemed as though I were talking to Spicoli from Fast Times At Ridgemont High, or perhaps Beavis and Butthead would a closer description. At any rate, he said "yes, it was shipped on the 18 Priority Mail but sometimes that can take a month". I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. I work for the postal service and to try and BS me about shipping isn't going to fly. Priority shipping takes 3 to 5 days at most. Heck, even media class mail, the slowest and cheapest way to send a package, rarely takes more than a couple weeks. He was unwilling to help any further, even when I told him that I will be disputing the charge with my bank and never again will I place another order with Musicians Friend. He is clearly only there for what little paycheck he receives, as he couldn't care less if I or anyone else purchase from them again.
I called my bank and explained everything that I just wrote, and the service rep agreed that it was bad service and will take the charge off my card.
My story is only one example, in addition to other reports on this site, you can find many such Musicians Friend horror stories on blogs and message boards. My advice to anyone looking to purchase music supplies: go with another retailer! Sam Ash, American Musical Supply and Same Day Music all have far superior service and at the same or in some cases lower prices than Musicians Friend. If enough people give them the cold shoulder, perhaps companies like MF (take that any way you want) will put their customers first again.
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