Anyone else treated poorly by AVA?


Back at the end of December 2020, I placed an order with Frank at Audio by Van Alstine for a Vision SLR preamp. Heard so many good reviews about Frank and his products, I felt that was just what the doctor ordered for my system. At first I was told the custom building of my unit would take up to 3 weeks. Then, as nothing happened, I inquired and was told due to an unexpected high volume of orders, mine would take another 2 weeks. I then told Frank, please tell me if there are any further delays because not knowing is worse than getting bad news. Three weeks past, not a word from Frank. So, almost 2 months past the order date, I called him and he tells me they have a problem, the master technician who builds these units left for another state to care for his wife who got sick. I get that and I hope with all my heart she will be ok. But bottom line is Frank fed me multiple excuses for not performing while not communicating about any of it. It was completely inexcusable. He had my money for nearly two months and did not bother to keep me updated of what was going on. I could not ever recommend AVA to anyone and felt compelled to relate this on this site since I usually see only praise for Frank and I frankly felt the opposite. Worst audio purchasing experience in my 66 years.

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Showing 2 responses by ml8764ag

Sorry…one other thing…notice the euphemisms …one of the earliest posters says the business has been “over subscribed” …

I call it “accepting orders that you know you can’t fill or service to a timely and professional standard…but still choose to do so anyway”

I don’t think the op is being unreasonable at all…when I hear that businesses like this are having trouble keeping up with orders…and don’t have the time or staff to communicate in a timely fashion…. I think…maybe they need to stop taking orders for a while!

You can’t have it both ways… I.e. take people’s money …but not deliver the product or even communicate in a timely and professional fashion!

Basically they are saying…I got mine….but you have to wait (and wonder) for yours.

I personally want to know about these situations….especially if I’m shopping.

The more excuses you’ll accept….the more you’ll be given.

P.S. This is not against this particular vendor…I’ve no experience with him…sure he’s a great man.(but, that’s not really the point…is it?)