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

My Parasound preamp came from Upscale Audio. I had never heard of UA before I went shopping for it. It was originally ordered through another vendor but then turns out it was no longer in stock or being produced. That sucked because after several weeks of research it was THE preamp I wanted. 

When I found out I wasn't going to get the preamp from the original vendor and why I quickly made a list of every seller I could find on the 'net that said they sold them. I then discovered quickly that most vendors don't actually stock the items they offer for sale but that they order it when you do. I understand why that is but it was frustrating since it was no longer available from Parasound. 

Well, UA was the last place to call on my list of a dozen or so places that said they sold the preamp. They said their computer showed one left in stock. IN STOCK I asked ???? Yup. I instantly ordered it with expedited shipping. 

Luck? Yes, for sure. But the whole time the salesperson couldn't have been nicer. No pushiness to buy other things. Oh yeah, I think I even had the poor guy on the phone for at least 15  minutes after his quitting time and he was not bothered by that at all. 

No place is perfect but I got the impression UA will do what they can to make a customer happy. Thanks Upscale Audio!

I have had nothing but good experiences with Upscale. Have bought quite a few items,a streamer,a pair of speakers and current production tubes.Every interaction was pleasant and professional. I found their staff to be engaging and enthusiastic about their products .Hopefully , they can continue to be a positive presence in our hobby. I think Uncle Kevin would be fun guy to work for. His staff seems to truly like him.

I can compare them to a few other shops and they definitely come out on top. I did not like that they discouraged me from coming over to listen to an amp before buying it but they were honest about it ("we are busy, no one will be here to assist you") so it feels more like an online shop. 

They are not pushy, very transparent, generous return policy, impressive selection.

They are not very friendly, no one like Kat anymore but not rude either. Just professional and helpful which is better than friendly and clueless. 

They are also not on the cheap side, which is a disadvantage when you are an online shop.

Yep, I've been having 'our of stock issues'

Trying to purchase a simple drive belt for my Michell Table.

It's really just a big 'O' Ring, Not rocket science.....

When they think a sale may result, they are very helpful. If you have any issues, they are far lass helpful in my experience. I suppose that can be said of most businesses nowadays.