Are you having problems with Upscale Audio?


Hi All,

From memory, it seems that many are satisfied with Upscale Audio.  So, I am wondering if The Times Are A Changin?

To date, I have two interactions and both have been difficult.

a.) I purchased a $4k cartridge (see my system), using a trade-in program.  When I called to follow up, they told me that I needed to speak with someone who was unavailable (out of the office for a while).  When I called again, I was simply told that UA customer service would get back to me with an update.  That never happened.  SIX WEEKS later, I called to complain.  Apparently, they lost track of my order.

b.) Today, I am looking to buy a set (7) of tubes from AU and have a question or two before making the order.  Frustratingly, after two calls and three emails, I am continually referred to the website for all tube-related information. 

Their customer service seems to be "Don't Call Us and We Won't Call You" (just look at our website and email us).  That attitude is a sale killer.

So, unfortunately AU is quickly becoming a vendor of last resource.

Anyone seen a change in AU's level of service, or has it always been this bad?

inagroove

I have no experiences to add here but I admire Mr. Deal making his case in real time. Seems to me that someone who doesn't give a sh!t wouldn't waste his time.

Nothing but complete opposite experiences over many years of purchases.  People these days forget businesses are not your mommy, and this scenario smells a bit childish regarding the complainant.  A business owner found out about the issue expressed in a forum of all places, and answered personally in same with facts, not “feelings.”  I’m reminded of a scene from The Godfather, where a singer asking a favor breaks down and cry’s like a baby, wailing “what can I do?”  The Godfather slaps him and screams back, YOU CAN ACT LIKE A MAN!”  Once over that course correction, he grants the favor.  The complaints may be valid, but the choice of how to resolve them was poor.  Fix it.  Good working partnerships are more valuable than creating adversaries.

Guys I have never had a problem with Upscale in over 20 years in this hobby.  Spoken personally with him on numerous occasions and he’s been very passionate about this hobby and everything he sells. I know he’s human and so is his help and mistakes can be made but some of the above posts baffle me. I had a problem with a Lumin T2 a few years ago and didn’t buy the unit from them directly.  A friend of mine did and he sold the T2 to me but Upscale worked with me to fix it. Another instance I bought a Hana Umami Blue cartridge while they were running a very nice sale.  I was considering upgrading my VPI Classic 1 but the vinyl person said keep it and enjoy the cartridge.  That tells me something about their customer service.   

look, his showmanship is great entertainment. cant take it too seriously, but its good stuff. i like when he cracks open an amp and shows whats in there, which is pretty important. his tube prices are over the top, i guess to pay for the showmanship.that bein said, ive never bought anything from there, but i have shopped online and had a phone call or two, and the folks who spoke with me were helpful. 

im not surprised by bad business communication. the modern standard is non-communication. 

 

I never much cared for their reputation nor their store motto (from their website)

“At Upscale Audio, we treat your system like it's ours.” which can be taken several ways.

After a few unreturned calls and emails, I gave up on them years ago.

YMMV.