Traviss Audio Video — Local services in Des Moines

It’s so strange, I just made a phone call to inquire about a projector wall mount and it started off weird when the guy who answered didn’t state his name, so I asked who I was talking with and he replied, “Jeff”! After working over 20+ years in customer service and sales, I’ve learned that simply stating your name is the most basic way to make customer service friendly and personable. But I usually don’t hold that against anyone and in my mind chalk it up to be inexperience. But after asking about a projector wall mount he replied, “we only sell mounts for projectors WE sell!!! Which are Sony.” I responded, “Oh, yeah I’m looking for a projector wall mount for a projector that I’m looking to buy. I haven’t bought a projector yet and was looking for something for the wall.” With a frustrated tone he responded “Most of our mounts are ceiling mounts.” So I explained, “well, I rent so mounting to the ceiling isn’t an option and I’m looking to mount the projector to the wall.” Seeming done with our conversation he blurted, “yeah - don’t have anything like that!” Surprised by how much he didn’t seem to want to sell to me I replied, “Well, okay. Have a good day.”

Because of the social distancing we’re trying to practice, I am looking to spend $1,000-$1,500 on a projector home theater system. I’m just surprised that he didn’t try to sell me a projector when I stated I hadn’t bought one yet, or at least inquire more about what I’m trying to accomplish. With all of the ways COVID-19 has impacted our society, I’ve seen a lot of phone and online services elevate to new levels of customer service. I just didn’t get that from this store- which is very disappointing under the circumstances! The whole conversation was just unfriendly and unhelpful. I’m sure there are plenty of other stores that will take my business - I guess, just be prepared if you...

I've bought items from Traviss AV for years. Over 20, actually. I think the last large purchase was a 65" LG TV. I've used their repair service as well.

While I've never believed their selection was great, they seem to do the best they can with the space available in their store. I guess I never really price shopped because I wanted to buy from a mom & pop store rather than a box store. I'm a small business owner, so it matters to me.

Unfortunately, while I leave each time with product I'm satisfied owning, it is always a struggle. The sales folks are really busy, pushy, and frankly, over the years have been rude.

I hadn't been back for quite a while due to how brashly I was handled when I spent $2K for a TV a few years back, but I called up today to ask for some help in adapting an optical out to an analog 3.5mm. I was on hold forever. I was going to hang up, but decided to stick it out. Finally, the phone was answered and I spoke with a gentleman who claimed the adapter I was hoping existed actually didn't.

This scenario means I can't use the speakers I already own, and probably bought from them if memory serves, in order to boost the level of volume on my TV. Of course he suggested I come in to buy a new soundbar as a cure to the issue.

I had resigned myself to the idea I'd need to go in and spend another $500 for a soundbar or more for another system, when I randomly googled "optical out to 3.5mm" and dozens of powered adapters popped up for $15.

What am I to conclude? I'm not sure. But I can tell you that given the rude and coarse treatment I've experienced, coupled with the idea that they wouldn't know about an adapter that costs a few bucks, while peddling another expensive system on me, irritates me and breaks my confidence somewhat.

I'm not sure...

I took my tv in for repair. I had bought it used and was actually lied to and came to find out the backlighting was bad. So I went to Travis to have it fixed because I had heard of them before and my dad has used them for every tv and lots of sound equipment for 20+years. I took it in and they gave me a bid after it had been there a few days. I had them fix it and after two weeks of being there, it was ready to be picked up. I brought it home and plugged it in and there was a crack in the led crystals! Now I understand that they cannot warranty something they didn’t work on but the tv rode nicely and was extremely padded in my backseat. When I called them to see what we should do about it and if they would take any responsibility, the man said once it leaves the door it isn’t their problem plus fixing the crystal is not going to be economic for the worth of the tv. I don’t want to blame but I wanted them to try to take some responsibility in the fact that they did have it for two weeks and couldn’t provide any proof that it was working when it left. When I got it I saw the worker pick it up off of a cart face up which means something could have easily fallen on the screen and then he also loaded it in my truck so he was aware of how it would be taken home and thought that the back seat provided plenty of padding. I don’t normally write reviews but I was basically told that it’s not their problem and there is nothing I can do about it. I don’t expect them to take full responsibility but it would not have been far fetched to think we could go 50/50 on fixing it. I won’t be using them again and I can guarantee my father, a customer of several decades won’t either. Very...