Question: Why are some of your online prices cheaper than in-store?
Answer:   We are a primarily a Music Shop, not an 'E-tailer'.

The first thing to note is, if you take postage charges into account our web prices are generally the same - or very close - to in-store prices. But we want to remain at the forefront of customer service, and we believe that means providing customers a professional, interactive (and award-winning!) website.  

In-store buyers generally win..!

The fact is, the in-store buying experience could not be more different. 

Particularly when buying an instrument, being able to touch, see and even try it out before purchasing it, is often absolutely critical. We see many buyers in our store who've braved an online purchase and been very disappointed! We even see a large number of customers who visit the shop having researched and 'decided' on the item they want, but after seeing and playing their choice AND an alternative or two, they discover a different intrument suits them much better.

Many of our customers like to search online before calling in or visiting our shop, and the website provides them product information and useful advice. But, if a customer already knows what they want and does not need (or is unable) to visit the store, they can choose to have us ship the item direct.  And because an on-line buyer requires no real interaction and does not visit the shop, there's comparatively little time invested on our part. This saves time, facilities and effort and we are sometimes able to reduce the price a little to compete with other online-only stores. This is why some web prices are different.  It addresses the simple 'risk versus reward' scenario inherent to online buying, and some folk are perfectly happy with that.  And if you are going to buy on-line, we'd certainly rather you did it via our facility anyway; at least we are real and you know who we are!

But only our in-store customers benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing they've made the best choice, and a measured, qualified and unhurried decision about what's best for them. Plus they have the pleasure that only comes from visiting, supporting and enjoying a real music store - which will in turn be here to support you in return.  Instrument set-ups, free accessories and vouchers are sometimes also available with in-store purchases and many great deals, pre-owned instruments, in-store specials and other interesting items just don't make it onto our website.

Buying Online

So, our online buyers may seem to steal a better item-price on occasion because they do not get these benefits, but our in-store shoppers always get the best overall buying experience. And have you ever tried boxing up and safely returning an instrument bought online!?  It's mostly expensive and time consuming. Plus it leaves you without the very thing you wanted, whilst you take time off to wait for its hopeful replacement to turn up!

A relationship with our store like ours is worth every penny. A few quid here or there can't possibly justify buying online - and where will all the musos go if only online stores survive!? Daft prices within a fantastic, well-staffed and fully-equipped high street shop just doesn't add up.  So, support your store and we'll be here for you. 

At Hollywood Music we welcome both types of customer and because we do, we have prepared this page to let you know our position. Whichever buying method you choose, our genuine thanks for reading this - and we hope to do business with you soon.