• zZounds

zZounds

Is this your business?

Is this your business?

Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and manage your listing.

Claim Your Business
Is this your business?

Overview

zZounds has a rating of 2.11 stars from 154 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about zZounds most frequently mention customer service, credit check, and guitar center problems. zZounds ranks 102nd among Instrument sites.

  • Service
    73
  • Value
    65
  • Shipping
    65
  • Returns
    44
  • Quality
    60
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 34.4%
Positive
11
Neutral
1
Negative
20
24
See all photos

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

No positive highlights yet

Critical highlights

  • When my girlfriend called was not getting the best customer service.
How would you rate zZounds?
Top Positive Review

“Zzounds is hands down the best!”

Mark G.
1/16/24

Next Day deliveries, Great Customer Service, Great credit plan. I am addicted to Zzounds. Near perfect Company.

Top Critical Review

“Sold Broken product would not refund”

Kayce K.
2/20/24

My dad purchased me an open box $370 microphone for Christmas. I left it unopened until I had to equipment to use it. After opening and testing I discovered it was broken. We were just outside the return policy, so I understand why we couldn't return it... but they wouldn't even offer a credit towards another microphone. They simply said we were out of luck, out of the $370 even though they sold us a broken microphone. They said "sorry you didn't open it up in time for it to be returned." Never have a dealt with such poor and uncaring customer service.

Reviews (154)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (50)
Thumbnail of user kaylincervini
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 20th, 2024

My dad purchased me an open box $370 microphone for Christmas. I left it unopened until I had to equipment to use it. After opening and testing I discovered it was broken. We were just outside the return policy, so I understand why we couldn't return it... but they wouldn't even offer a credit towards another microphone. They simply said we were out of luck, out of the $370 even though they sold us a broken microphone. They said "sorry you didn't open it up in time for it to be returned." Never have a dealt with such poor and uncaring customer service.

Products used:
Microphone

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user mgausel
1 review
2 helpful votes
January 16th, 2024

Next Day deliveries, Great Customer Service, Great credit plan. I am addicted to Zzounds. Near perfect Company.

Thumbnail of user ioffredog64
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 27th, 2023

Fast delivery, always come correct!
This nice little pocket kit is perfect for my little $#*!, can't complain, not one bit!

Products used:
Drums

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user kennethwarwick164
1 review
2 helpful votes
January 10th, 2024

I recently bought a set of Srymour Duncan "Texas Hot" Antiquity series pick ups for a Fender Strat from this "shiesty" company under their "pay as you play" program. This product was advertised and sold as "new", and described as a "warehouse reseal". But, upon taking this set to a local luthier to be installed, he found that the neck pick up was, not only defective and did not work, but used! It showed evidence of shrink wrapping over a splice on the black lead. Zzounds purposely and knowingly repackaged a used and defective pick up and sold it as new! Now, their so called customer service is putting it all off on me, and telling me I have to go through Seymour Duncan's warranty process. Zzounds is taking no responsibility for their deceptive business practices. My advice? Stay away from purchasing anything from this "fly by night" company...you're taking your chances if you do

Tip for consumers:
Stay clear of Zzounds!

Products used:
None

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user richarde73
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
January 20th, 2024

It was a huge mistake ever doing business with this company and will never happen again. If the transaction goes smooth, it's easy, in my case I ran into a problem with FedEx making the delivery. Everyday the item would be out for delivery but never reached my location. After a week and a half of making phone calls to FedEx and zzounds, I realized that both companies are pretty much impossible to deal with. Literally all I needed from zzounds was for them to tell FedEx that it was ok for me to pick the package up at a FedEx location since a ridiculous amount of time had went by and it still wasn't being delivered. They flat out refused to do that or help me get the package that actually fully belongs to me. I will speak the word about this terrible company far and wide. Hopefully they won't be around to screw people over much longer.

Thumbnail of user nealhector3
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 16th, 2024

I bought a Les Paul (Epiphone)from them a while back,after I read a little about their play now,pay later. I couldn't beleive that if I sent them one payment,they would send the guitar,and give me months to pay it. Thats exactly what they did. I bought an amp,the exact same way,and most recently was able to get a semi-hollow body guitar,the guitar of my dreams,and they made it possible. Someone was always on the other end of the phone to answer any questions I had,and when I got my newest guitar I thought I received wrong color,they said to just return it,and they would send another one,then my wife reminded me that they sent the correct one,I had changed my mind at the last second...sorry Zzsounds,my bad

Products used:
2 guitars,1 amp,strings,picks

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user seanm1932
1 review
3 helpful votes
November 23rd, 2023

Bought software, wanted to return or get store credit 2 hours later. Nope. Stuck with garbage. And it only took zZsounds 5 days to get back to me. That way any warranty I had vanished. Seriously, the term 'horrible customer service' is like a rash all over zZsounds. There are better companies out there you can do business with. Be smart.

Tip for consumers:
Horrible Customer Service. The worst I have ever seen in my 55 years of living.

Products used:
Amplitude 5

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user shanem588
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 23rd, 2023

Finance with no interest or credit check, so many guitars to choose from, they pack and ship it out so fast and it's FREE. You get to choose the payment plan as well, they are 100% the best company to buy musical instruments and recording gear from.

Tip for consumers:
They are great, I hope they don’t change anything.

Products used:
2 guitars, Mic, Tonewood amp.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user chris29penn
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 16th, 2024

Order the strap took them like almost a week going on 2 weeks and still in a FedEx truck pending and they're just let me hold on won't give me that refund so yeah I'm not doing any more business with them

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user davida5060
1 review
3 helpful votes
December 10th, 2023

Dont be sucked in by payment plans, this place is so far below AMS, Sweetwater, Guitar Center, B&H Photo you name it. These guys are rock bottom. They will send you used returned merchandise that isnt checked out, and if you need to return something good luck.

It LITERALLY required over 25 phone calls and over a month just to get a return label and this happened multiple times to return defective product. Oh yeah I got the check your junk folder line, I received EVERY email they sent me except the return label. Then they said sorry its UPS we dont send labels, and tried to pawn off responsibility. Buyers BEWARE!

Products used:
Many guitars, amps, speakers

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jpl97
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
November 11th, 2023

Tried to do a pay plan. Tried my bank (BofA) twice then a CITI Visa card. All three were denied. I called and asked why every time and they said they didn't know exactly why and that it was their "verification" process denying me. I finally got a manager on the phone who said "oh yeah, BofA doesn't work" and "try with a different card". I told him my frustration and that I already did, and he basically got all uppity and "holier than thou" with me. Then he rudely dismissed me off the phone with "that's how it goes". Worst scam bait and switch ever... Will not do business ever...

Tip for consumers:
Rude abrupt managers

Products used:
None

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user glennmorgan24
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 2nd, 2024

I was approved for a flx10,but it was on back order,3months later when they finally got it,they ran my credit again.this time I was NOT approved! I waited so long to up grade only to be let down! So don't do it! It's a big let down!

Tip for consumers:
Is that if you're approved for an item they will run and it's own back order. They will run your credit again when it comes in which will give you a bad credit score, don't do it.

Products used:
Flx10

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jamesv359
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
November 6th, 2023

Fri. Nov 3rd 2023
A guitar ordered from zzounds was scheduled to be delivered but knowing how useless fedex is about delivery I called FedEx instructed them that in no way were they to just drop the guitar on my porch and gave them my cell number and asked them to have the driver call when he was here... i waited they never called and later in the day I get a text saying it was delivered and a picture of some place where they just left my guitar. I had no idea where it was delivered.
I contacted zzounds and told them that my package was not delivered to me and they said they would send out a replacement first thing monday morning and I was to call Monday and set up the new order. When i called monday they played the 7 to 10 business day game and acted like it was my %$@&ing fault.
After reading a bunch of reviews I see that this is standard operating procedures for them. I say make the smart choice don't buy online. And boycott zzounds
I even filed a poli e report and asked them for the serial number of the 1000 dollar guitar and they emailed me some bs number and said they don't have record of serial numbers
Wow

Tip for consumers:
Boycott fedex and zzounds

Products used:
Guitars
cases

Thumbnail of user david.noss
1 review
1 helpful vote
November 5th, 2023

I used ZZounds a few times 10 years ago and never had a problem. I was just in the market for 2 Epiphone hard cases and these days I always look for alternatives to giving my money to amazon and that other music company with the sales "engineers." The prices on ZZounds were exactly the same as everyone else. I placed 2 separate orders a few days apart. Both orders showed up in 2 days Fedex as promised. They were each double-boxed and the Epiphone box inside was factory sealed. Someone told me the last time they had to buy a new box to ship a guitar it cost them $10.

As far as ZZounds itself, it seems that they and AMS and quite a few other small retailers are just online storefronts and everything comes from the same fulfillment center in Mississippi. I bought an SG off amazon a few months ago from some unheard of business and it shipped from the same address. They are all probably just buying from some larger wholesaler who does all of the order fulfillment. So, for the reviewers that have the complaints that such and such wasn't working, that problem most likely came from the manufacturer, unless you were sold a customer return, and that is usually obvious to determine. Frankly, if you want a guitar you know works properly, find one of the few brick and mortar stores remaining, go there and test the actual one you plan to buy. Otherwise, it is a crap shoot, especially on budget gear, but even on more expensive stuff. The place with the 'sales engineers' claim to 'inspect' guitars over a certain dollar amount before they ship, but I've seen several videos that suggest problems still make it to the customer.

I've also seen a few negative reviews from guys who were denied credit. Don't blame the retailer because whatever system they subscribe to pulled your data and discovered you have bad or no credit. As far as they credit offerings, they did have a few options for no-interest payments spread over 4 or 6 months. I sometimes use these because in times of inflation like this, you can pay them back in cheaper dollars. However, after reading the fine print, it seems they charge an 'application fee' which I think was ~$7. That should be more obvious.

Products used:
Epiphone cases for SG and Les Paul.

Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user blueshinyball
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 18th, 2023

I've recently purchased a couple decently big items from Zzounds and have been impressed along the way.
Their website is great- the orders ship out in a few hours- and customer service is really on the ball.
Zzounds is seems to me is operating on all cylinders- while a company like GC- is certainly not.
Highly recommended.

Thumbnail of user christopherw991
1 review
2 helpful votes
May 2nd, 2021

I've order from zzounds plenty of times but my last to order experiences were frustrating. I choose next day air on two different occasions in which they never shipped my order. I had to call back to find out that the didn't ship my order. They stated it was due to an address error that could easily be fixed, and when I asked why no one called me to correct it, they couldn't give an answer. Idk if I will order from zzounds again for a while.

Tip for consumers:
Do not use one day air, your order will not ship on time even when ordering before 4pm (which is the required time frame to order to ensure guaranteed one day air shipping).

Products used:
Onstage Desks
Presonus Monitors
Focusrite Audio Interface
Open and Closed Back Headphones

Service
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user weimjeff
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 14th, 2023

Used them and bought a Yamaha sound board. Great product, great service. Will buy from them again!

Thumbnail of user johnk5727
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 14th, 2023

I tried to purchase a relatively expensive guitar from zZounds, at first everything seemed fine, except the purchase status never changed. After a couple phone calls it was determined that my billing and shipping addresses were the problem (I have two). With this solved, I reordered the guitar, still wont go through. Then a link arrives in my E-Mail inbox from zZounds with a link to METAMAP. This link wanted to access my computers camera. I looked up metamap, and their own website claims they are a verification and data mining company. Process stopped right there. Another call to zZounds spoke with a supervisor that could not be less helpful, claimed if I don't allow this 3rd party program into my computer I cant buy this guitar!
Keep in mind I am not financing the guitar, this is a straight purchase. A purchase should not require access to your personal information and your picture from a 3rd party!
If you do try to purchase something from them, be very careful, something is not right. I know I will not try to use them for anything in the future.

Tip for consumers:
The whole experience was very disheartening, I found a product I had been looking for a long while, only to be caught up in whatever this is that zZounds has going on. Caveat emptor!!!!

Products used:
I was not able to purchase product without using 3rd party software to take photos and allow "data mining" in my computer.

Service
Thumbnail of user williamb4518
1 review
0 helpful votes
July 27th, 2022
Verified purchase

'Zzsounds are very straight up.! 'One on One, 'to answer all your questions.(which I like) 'the qualities is outstanding 'It's everything that you would want in workmanship.' very affordable (dont hurt your wallet) 'If you need a guitar/bass /gear 'or (whatever) 'this is the place to go.! ''You just cant go wrong with Zzsounds. 'You will not be disappointed.! (Kid you not)'Thanks for your help. 'best bill. ( I will definitely come back.!

Thumbnail of user kevins3115
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 20th, 2023
Verified purchase

Was accurate about shipping received my guitar in two days was worried that it would be damaged in some kind of way but packaging was great and my guitar was in perfect shape and exactly what I ordered I was diffently pleased and will order more from them.cistumer service was helpful I noticed when made order it charged me twice they were understanding and fixed problem in a flash before I ever spoke to them there staff had already noticed it and that charge was fixed immediately.thanks zzounds..

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user keenaw5
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 21st, 2023

I provided some ver personal information to this company. I uploaded the from and back of my DL, sent in video, and gave my banking information. I was emailed and said that my order was canceled. I then called in and spoke with one of the team members who then told me that he is unsure of why it was canceled and that that was the only info he could tell me. I then expressed that I need more in-depth info then that being that I just sent in all my personal information and all I could get for the reason was "I'm not sure why" … So then I asked if I could speak with a Supervisor and was told the same thing. I did expressed that I was very concerned because I sent in some personal information. I was told that "I don't have any answers for you " … this is very scary bcuz now I'm in a situation where I feel that my information maybe stolen. I'm at a loss for words!

Thumbnail of user ronnier103
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 2nd, 2021

I purchased a DEAN vmntx made in CHINA completely disappointed the knobs pull off and the plug in Jack broke off inside the guitar! I I write zzounds told them about the issues zzounds told me they would take care of the problem they also sent me instructions how to return it for a new one or a refund. I'm going to give zzsounds another shot wish dean would inspect these MADE IN CHINA JUNK GUITARS. IM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE SO FAR ill write the follow up review once I get store credit I'll never buy made in china guitar again but as far as ZZOUNDS THEY GO ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR THERE CUSTOMERS. SINCERELY: RSTETT

Thumbnail of user trapm1
1 review
1 helpful vote
May 12th, 2023

These people are the worst people ever they will cancel your order for anything the manager here is very unprofessional your wasting your time here they reviews tell it all I can't wait until they go out of business I will be kicked back with. My feet in the air saying thank you Jesus customer services suck as well try Sam ash guitar center musicians friends are some what ok stores

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user metalroofing13
1 review
0 helpful votes
September 8th, 2023

Reading other reviews puzzled me when it came to fast shipping,etc. Zz Sounds should take over the US MAIL. Evidently few of these customers have used other outlets with 2-3 weeks delivery time. Hats off to this company!

Products used:
Guitars,amps,etc

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user prestonb30
1 review
13 helpful votes
September 9th, 2017

Up, down, sideways... if you read the reviews of this seller, it's gonna be all over the board. First, a lot of people are chronic returners. You piss me off, 'cuz you make product more expensive for the rest of us! Second, this company communicates primarily through the chat box on their site. Don't do it any other way if you can help it. You'll get the fastest help and best attention this way. Third, don't buy stuff you're not enthusiastic about in the first place. The majority of complaints is because the buyers who've complained on this site didn't do due diligence before they bought, and then got all $#*!y afterward instead of using a little patient politeness. My experience has been awesome, the product better than described (blem), and the shipping quick. But then again, I read everything, did my research, and knew ahead of time who and how I'd communicate if there were problems. If you want a seamless, unthinking experience, go elsewhere, and pay more.

Sitejabber for Business

Gain trust and grow your business with customer reviews.

About the business

Get free shipping on instruments and musical equipment, easy zero-interest payment plans, and top-rated service at zZounds! Join 1 million+ happy customers.

How do I know I can trust these reviews about zZounds?

  • Sitejabber’s sole mission is to increase online transparency for buyers and businesses
  • Sitejabber has helped over 200M buyers make better purchasing decisions online
  • Suspicious reviews are flagged by our algorithms, moderators, and community members
Have a question about zZounds?

Is this your business?

Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and manage your listing.

Claim Your Business