I agree with most of Matt's comments, except speed. Satellite is not the
speedy juggernaut that Groovetech is, but I've not had to wait more than 4
or 5 days for the order to ship in three orders I placed this Summer. I
assume they've improved this.
Re: availability. I think they've improved, but still have issues. I ordered
10 records in June and they were all in stock - shipped in two days. In July
I raided their massive sale. I ordered 31 records. They told me two were not
in stock within 24 hours, so I had them ship the remainder and they shipped
in the next day or two. When I received the order, I got one of the records
I was told was not in stock, one I didn't order and two were missing (given
the size of the sale and my order, I wasn't upset). The one missing and the
one unexpected washed, but I was stuck with one record I didn't want and was
still missing a 2x pack. I emailed to get a return authorization number
which was authorized within a week of returning the record. They credit me
the full (not sale price) cost of the missing record and authorized free
shipping on the credit. I ordered 4 records. Two were not in stock so I
asked for two replacements. The next day Mike called me to verify my
replacement choices due to email problems at the store (they were calling
everyone)! This service really impressed me, and Mike took the time to pull
all the records while I was on the line to confirm it would all be taken
care of. The records shipped the following Tuesday.
I don't mind if they're a little slower, but the ease of use of their
database could use some improvement, and the 'not in stock' issues are a tad
annoying. However, I love to support a store with service this good. I tend
to accumulate orders from different stores, then order when the quantitiy
amasses. I think Groovetech is totally class too, although Berwick Street
will likely get most of my business going forward. ;)
One other note: I hear that they've received a bit of a techno infusion
post-Temple, so look for good things ahead.
Tristan
=
Text/Mixes: http://phonopsia.tripod.com
Music: http://www.mp313.com
Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
- Original Message -
From: Matthew L. Thompson [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cc: 313@hyperreal.org
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2002 8:52 PM
Subject: Re: [313] Satellite records - it's been asked I know
I used to place orders on occasion with Satellite, but it's been a while
since I've done so... maybe 4 or 5 months since my last order with them.
(It was shortly after they implemented their so-called real-time
inventory
online.)
Speed of Shipment - I'll rate it poor. Most shops I order from can have
my
order within a week, most times less depending on their location.
Satellite
has never failed to take at least 3 weeks (ok, maybe 2 on one or two
occasions) to ship my order to me, regardless of when I place my order
(supposedly they process web orders on Sundays and then ship them the
following Sunday). They were to have changed this procedure in order to
expedite the process, but my last order still took well over 2 weeks to
arrive. Taking a week to get around to reviewing your order sort of
defeats
the purpose of having a real-time catalog available online. Maybe this
has changed since, but this was my last (and only) experience with them
under the new system.
Service - Other than the agonizing waits for my orders, I've never had a
reason to deal with them over any problems. My bills have always been
correct, and my records have always arrived in good shape.
Accuracy of stock - this goes back to the first point I replied on. I
would
suppose if you attempt to order a record and it says out of stock, then
it's likely out of stock. To say that you will get everything you order
that is supposedly in stock is a falsehood. Either the online inventory
is
not 100% correct, or some of those items disappear from inventory between
the time you order them and the time your order is processed. I think I
got
zero'ed on two pieces I ordered from my last shipment, and I only ordered
like 5 or 6 items. Historically, in the couple of years I've ordered from
them, I've had a roughly 80% success rate in getting everything I've
ordered.
Are they reputable? Yes. Do they have a great catalog to look through?
Yes. (The Realaudio samples are great when they work.) Would I buy from
them again? Yes, but only if I've exhausted some of my other options
first.
Matt
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Web Site: http://www.magicmattkelly.com
- Original Message -
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: 313@hyperreal.org
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2002 7:25 PM
Subject: [313] Satellite records - it's been asked I know
but how are they for mail-order within the states?
Speed of shipment
Customer Service
Accuracy of stock on web (in stock or not)
etc.
-
To unsubscribe, e-mail
