BMG Music Services Online Store-Such A Deal!
Written: Nov 04 '01 (Updated Jan 29 '02)
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The Bottom Line
BMG is not perfect. Having said that, they have a great offer, excellent and responsive customer service. If you love music, you owe it to yourself to check into it.
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| Full Review |
Music has always been a love of mine. Beautiful music can pick me up out of a poor mood, sooth me while driving in Los Angeles bumper to bumper traffic, and relax me after an insane day at work. I enjoy a wide variety of music from classical to folk, rock to oldies but goodies, to easy listening, and am open really to just about anything. I even enjoy Led Zeppelin! That is why I was drawn to BMG Music Online Service.
I can’t say I jumped into an arrangement with BMG without some qualms. I read about their offer, which they state is risk free, and does not require any type of long-term commitment, but I wondered what the catch would be, and if I went along with it, would I regret it. Of course I was familiar with Columbia and BMG, and comparable services, but had decided against them in the past. The reason I revisited the possibility of being involved with BMG is that I had the opportunity of joining the program through the MyPoints online program. Not only would I receive 12 CDs for the price of one with no further obligations, I would also be able to benefit by making points toward gifts on MyPoints.
I read a couple of reviews on epinions, and most importantly I spoke with CindyJean who had mentioned she was a member of BMG and quite happy with the service. Cindy assured me she had not had any problems, and encouraged me to give it a try.
My History:
My hesitation originated from a bad experience with a book club that offered a comparable program. Yes, I received free books, but almost immediately I was inundated with mail about future purchases. They would send books I didn’t want, and didn’t order. Customer service was unresponsive. The end result was I sent books back; they stated I didn’t return them and I am now on a list for book loving FLAKES who don't pay their book club bills. I am positive I was current, and there was an error with the returned books, but how do I prove it?
Further Details About Their Offer:
In all fairness they do advise you there is a per CD shipping and handling fee, however they do not overtly tell you how much that is.
Twenty times a year (every three weeks) they send you an update on Featured Selections. They give you the option of having the update sent via email or regular snail mail. It is specified to your personal music preferences. If you like the featured selection you don’t have to do anything, they will simply ship it to you.. If you don't want it, respond online or again through snail mail by the date they indicate. What I particularly like (because of my problems with the book club) is if you receive an unwanted Featured Selection, you can return it within ten days at their expense and they promise to credit your account.
Member Benefits:
Members receive discounts of up to 70% off Club prices, clearance CDs at very low prices and more FREE selections.
When you receive your free selections, preview them and the terms of your Club membership for 10 days. If you're not completely satisfied for any reason, return the selections at our expense and we will credit your account. There is no further obligation. You may cancel your membership at any time after purchasing 1 CD at the regular Club price.
Music Categories:
They have 12,000 hits available. Their offerings include something for everyone:
Pop, Modern Rock, Hard Metal, Classic Rock, R&B and Rap, Country, Lite Contemporary, Jazz, Classical, Latin, New Age & World, Christian Rock, Gospel
Search:
You have the option of searching by artist, album,composer or selection number.
Website Navigation:
While their website is attractive and reasonably fast, I find it awkward, and less than user friendly. You initially set up a member profile and obtain a user name and password. I forget my password regularly, and then have to instead insert my account number and zip code. Each time I put their site in my Favorite Places/Bookmark, I get a message saying my session has expired. Frankly, this has kept me from making more purchases.
Shipping Details:
To reiterate, they do advise there is a shipping and handling charge for each CD shipped and this can be expensive particularly for your first shipment. I contacted them, and asked them what they charged per CD. They did get back to me immediately via email and here was their response:
$2.69 for 1st selection
$2.59 for 2nd selection
$2.49 for the remainder of your selections
My query on this: WHY?
Why not have a simple amount and why so expensive? They ship such a large quantity they should have a fantastic deal with the shipping company. I used to work for a cargo airline so I have some knowledge.
So, perhaps like me you have determined their shipping and handling costs are excessive, but I did receive them on a timely basic and in perfect condition.
Customer Service:
Like the rest of their site, I had some trouble finding a way to contact customer service, however I have written them about six times. Each time I received a prompt, detailed, polite, informative email. When I told them I had trouble finding the link for customer service they immediately provided me with several methods to contact them. It was a pleasure to deal with them. They appear to care about their customers.
How to Contact BMG:
I know this will sound strange or it did to me. They do not have an 800 number at this time. You can call them, email them or write them. I shall provide this information at the end of this review.
Credit cards accepted:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
What do I Like:
I obviously like their offer. Having access to 12,000 hits is very appealing to me. I just have to pay for one CD and get another 11 free of charge. It is much easier for me to simply respond to their email with the featured selection than doing it by mail. When you make a selection (s) they immediately send you a confirmation email. They also advise you on the shipping date. I haven’t tried to track a shipment so I cannot speak to that. Customer service is a pleasure to deal with. It is very convenient purchasing on line as opposed to driving, finding a parking space, making selections, waiting in line, and then going home. You can make your purchases in the comfort of your home. Heck, you can do it without worrying about what you are wearing or putting on lipstick.
What I don’t like:
In a nutshell, I don’t care for the awkwardness of the website. It looks nice, but is not efficient, at least not for me. I would much prefer it if they would send me a clickable link to go to my featured selections and to make a decision about it. I don’t like that I can’t save the website in my aol Favorite Places or bookmark it. Again, this makes me less likely to make purchases. Their prices are high at approximately $16.98 for a CD, and then you tack on the shipping and handling fee. It is a lot less expensive to go to your local music store.
Final Recommendations:
If you are a music lover, and enjoy the ease of online shopping, won’t let a slightly awkward website deter you from your mission, I highly recommend BMG. It can get to be expensive, so if you can make your obligatory purchase pretty promptly, financially it would be in your best interests. It is certainly worth accepting their introductory offer, and if you find any difficulties, quickly finish up your obligations. However I am very happy and plan on staying with them. I have not had one single CD sent that I didn't order or any misunderstandings or problems. I am happy.
Thanks for reading and stay safe!
Suzi
317/692-9200
(M-F 8:00-5:00PM Eastern)
cs1@bmgmusicservice.com
P.O. Box 1958
Indianapolis IN 46291-0010
United States
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Suzer
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Member: Suzi
Location: Southern Calif.
Reviews written: 588
Trusted by: 840 members
About Me:
Compromise-Art of slicing the cake so each person thinks they have the biggest piece.
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