Personal service. Provided several options for home TV setups. Explained many details about equipment

Purchased several TVs from them over the years- always had a reliable product and good service.

My husband suffers from wet macular degeneration & thought maybe a larger tv would help him to see the picture better. We had purchased a Sony 55" from Travis a couple of years ago and decided to get a 65". Husband had done some research & decided to go with LG and purchased it at Travis. We immediately weren't happy with the clarity of the picture so contacted Randy at Travis and ended up trading it out for a 65" Sony. We are so appreciative of the service we received from Randy and the installers. It also feels good to know we are supporting a local business. We definitely would highly recommend Travis! read more

I had two appointments with Traviss to have an outside tv antenna installed. the first appointment they cancelled. the second one no show, no call. when I called a third time on a Friday, the person I talked to & explained the situation to informed me the company has been in business for 73 years & they do not treat customers that way. after telling me the person who heads up the antenna installation department was not in but that he would speak to him & call me back the following Monday, i did not receive a call. I try to use local businesses when possible but the lack of service received by traviss gives all local businesses a bad name. read more

I love this store! It's not huge and doesn't stock all the gazillion brands of TVs that the big box stores do, but they are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about what they sell. They really know their whole line inside and out. Thanksgiving night I waited in line outside at the West Des Moines Best Buy to buy a 40" LG HDTV (my first ever). When I got inside, someone grabbed the last model of the TV I wanted right in front of me. I was considering a different brand, but there was no one around to answer my questions. So then I drove all the way over to the Jordan Creek Best Buy to get the one I wanted. The checkout line was so long that I ended up waiting in line for 45 minutes. When I got home and installed the TV, the picture was kind of crappy, so I returned it to Best Buy the next day. All that work for nothing! On Black Friday, my husband suggested that we go to Traviss because he has always liked them and lots of people have told me they really know their stuff. We walked in their store and were immediately helped by Randy Traviss (the owner, not the singer). He was very nice and super knowledgeable about their whole LG line that they carry. He answered all of my questions (trust me, I had a lot) and gave us a lot more information to think about to help us choose the best TV for us. We ended up getting a 55" TV and are so glad we went bigger. Long story short, Traviss Audio has great service, can answer your questions better than any flunky at Best Buy who's just going to look up the information on the Internet anyway, has comparable prices to the big box stores and will come to your home to service your TV. What more can you ask for? Plus, I'd rather support locally-owned stores. read more

Love how they want you to pay to bring in a speaker for new foam and only foam but yet pay for an estimate. Don't go there. read more

Called to ask a couple questions, told me not to come into store cause I wasn't tech geek didn't want to sell to me. Not every one can be a tech geek. He was very rude the only thing I can say it was good that I wasn't there in person, I would have handed him the phone and tell him to call 911 hes goin to need it. I try and support local but I wouldn't send Adolf Hitler to them. I will be glad to see them go out of business. read more

We have bought our TVs from Traviss for years because we like to support local businesses. A couple of years ago, we bought a Sony TV from them. At the same time, we bought an outdoor antenna because, no matter what TV we've had, we have always had problems keeping our signal. They assured us the antenna would work, but it had no effect, so we returned it and bought a $200 indoor antenna. Same thing--intermittent pixelation, not constant, but enough to be irritating. We ended up buying a $19.95 indoor antennae online, which works as well as either of the ones we purchased from Traviss. However, the signal problem has been so bad the last couple of days, that I called Travis to ask for help. As I started to explain the situation, whoever the man was who answered the phone (not Randy, but I can't remember his name) interrupted me almost immediately and demanded to know what kind of antenna we have. I told him we have an inexpensive indoor one. Then he said we have to get either an outdoor antenna or a good indoor one. I started to explain that we had done that and that they had had no effect, but again, he interrupted me and said "That's the only thing you can do. Get an outdoor or indoor antenna." Again I tried to tell him that we had already gone that route with no results and was hoping he could suggest another solution, and he repeated that a new antenna was the only advice he had for me. "That's it," he said. "That's all I can tell you. We've got nothing else to offer you." I was surprised and offended by this man's attitude. The people we've dealt with at Traviss have always been very accommodating, but this man hardly let me explain why I was calling before he interrupted me and that's how the whole conversation went. I rated the store as a "4" only because of our past experiences, and would have rated it as a "5," except for my experience on the phone today. Perhaps Traviss needs to train the people who answer the phone on how to be both courteous and empathetic. This man, whoever he was, left a very poor impression of the store. read more

What a bunch of crap! Ditto J.M. -- When buying local isn't worth it! After four TVs, several audio items, and service there, that place has fallen to below zero rating. Bought a remote (to replace the one bought there before) and guided by staff to a totally obsolete (Windows XP! 2004 on the interior paperwork!) remote. No way to know that until the package was open - but won't take it back because the package was open. Found a really a good remote and great service at Best Buy! read more

I just purchased a "65 Sony TV from Traviss. I have been doing business with them for over 10 years and have purchased 3 TVs an assorted accessories over the years. As always they are knowledgeable and have a great selection of quality products which helps to get the right product for my needs. It's great doing business with professionals. read more

This is the first time i have ever written a review, and i get no pleasure from doing it. I have been a faithfull customer of Traviss Audio video for over 30 years and have recommended them to my friends. I went in to buy a new tv. As always i valued their opinion and bought what they recommended. When i took it home i carefully unboxed it and installed the feet. When i turned it on 1/2 of the screen was a different color. I took the TV back to them. They told me that it was a 2 man job to install the feet and take it out of the box, so it was my fault the screen was damaged. They told me if the box showed damage, it was my fault. If the box did not show damage, it was my fault. i know 100% that i never damaged the tv. I told them that thy were not much of a man if they couldn't pick up a 40 lb. TV. This TV was obviously shipped from the factory with a damaged screen. There is no way to know until you unbox it and turn it on if its ok. They refused to stand behind it and totally blamed me. i walked out, leaving the damaged TV on their cart. The TV was an LG and cost over $800. They have totally lost all of their integrity and customer service. read more

"When buying LOCAL, is not worth it." Just had a recent experience with Traviss Audio/Video here in Des Moines. My Father in-law had an issue with an older model TV and after contacting Sony was told what part should fix the issue. After driving nearly 2hrs (from a small city to the big city) he arrived and contacted Traviss Audio/Video based on them being a "local small business" with a reputation of fairness and good pricing...so we thought. We arrived at the store, he discussed the issue and part suggestion he was given and the part was purchased. No discussions whatsoever about "return policies". Driving 2hrs back home, the part was placed in the tv for a brief moment and it was clearly not the "problem" and the part was removed, repacked and another call to Sony revealed what the likely culprit actually was. Another 2hr drive back to DSM to return the part he arrived at my house (I was going to drive him back to the store) when I had a chance to read the receipt. "15% restocking fee and no returns on parts" which had me thinking...seriously? *Outside of buying underwear there are not to many things that have a "no return policy" unless it is a massively reduced sale item and most importantly, those businesses ensure to remind you before they hit the sale button about that policy* Not wanting to waste more time etc. I spoke to the owner Randy Traviss (clearly not the famous country singer) over the phone and asked what could be done since his staff did not mention anything to do with the policy and after he mentioned his staff probably should have? He said, nothing. "We do not accept return on parts as stated on the receipt" and (after speaking with his employee) later noted on the box. As mentioned, I never actually had the chance prior to view the receipt to "note the 15% restocking or none return items" and seeing as I was not ever in possession of the box did not see the "no return sticker" as I would have asked which applied to the purchase we just made. *Further more it is interesting how its on a receipt which is convenient for them since its after the purchase, that I am supposed to be OK with the fact that their staffer who forgot to mention their policy is merely an oversight .* Had our sales rep let us know (prior to purchasing) this particular "company policy" we would likely have deduced it is not worth buying the part in case it was not the issue and we would have just bought a new TV instead! *The price of a new TV was between $220-$370 depending on model and size while the part was $134+* Lesson here: Buying Local/Small Business is absolutely great IF, they are going to ensure they properly define their policy on "non-returnable items much less their being a restock fee" on items PRIOR to customers buying. Traviss Audio Video did not meet that simple and very basic standard. The fact that the owner Randy realized that his staff should have mentioned this but still felt it was OK for this oversight to be covered by a customer, is just horrible business. Heck, even if they are cheaper when buying "returnable" items clearly you may be better off buying form a large chain store so that if you have a return...you have NO QUESTIONS ASKED return policy and you do not pay a dime to restock! Its disappointing to have had a sales rep that clearly was either uneducated on ensuring customers knew (much less understood) their policy on returnable/non-returnable items or he was just in a hurry to sell a "only one left, been on the shelf a while" item to a customer to meet a daily quota. I personally was not expecting a full return even though we were given no instruction about their policies prior/during the purchase and I would have chalked it up to experience by having to pay the 15% restocking fee. Instead, my Father in-law is out $134 for the retail price and we found out a "local small business" is knowingly/unknowingly having its employees not provide "industry standard" notification on return policies on items that are non-returnable. Shop where you like of course but heed the warning, it may be best to hit a large chain store for your electronic needs where they are more upfront with things. https://www.facebook.com/Traviss-Audio-Video-316526180839/ UPDATE: 1. Found out the part has a cost value of $29...wow. Losing customers over a $29 item when you admit your staff was at fault for not sharing "store return policy" with a customer is just shameful. Congrats...you guys really earned this lengthy negative review!!! 2. We did buy a new TV and from a large chain retailer so we don't have to worry about any "restocking fee" should their be a reason to return it. Well done...instead of making $300+, have a great review and several of us coming back as repeat customers you only get this really cool negative review. read more

I bought a surround sound system was told all under warranty for 5 yrs, ok great, system was awesome (I dont blast it) and no trouble, well 4 yrs later subwoofer went out must be a fuse, I called they said oh that's not under a 5yr warranty, hmm spend over $2300.00 on a great system 5yr warranty and your telling me oh that's not under warranty ( I like how they go back on thier word to avoid fixing something) I dont recommend them read more

I'm writing this review for 2 reasons. 1. The guy who wrote the previous sour grapes review, use some due diligence for God sakes. Rule #1: prior to making a purchase "in the big city" the first thing a buyer should do is ask the business to state their return policy. The idea of a business orally stating all of their policies to each customer really doesn't make a lot of sense. 2. There is a good reason these guys have been in business for at least 50 years, they have an excellent reputation to back it up. They have a great audio / video repair service department which I have always found to be modestly priced; I have never had to return any stereo equipment a 2nd time for the same reason. I'm 68 years old and I have been doing business at Traviss since 1980 when 2 friends and I each purchased an NEC Tv from Traviss Tv when they were in their original location at Beaver & Douglas. I highly recommend these guys. read more

I came to Traviss for an adapter for my laptop/projector. The balding owner was on a personal call for about 10 minutes before helping me. He proceeded to tell me the piece doesn't exist and analog cannot be converted to digital. I drove to the sprint store by hy-vee and the 17yr old kid tells me it's absolutely possible and handed me the converter which they had in stock. Just avoid Traviss... Go somewhere that actually knows about electronics instead of this run-down shack with an incompetent dipshit of an owner. read more

Excellent service! I've never had a TV issue before. The sound was "altered" on our 60" TV so I assumed a speaker was going out. I took it in to see if it could be fixed. One of the guys mentioned he just had a customer with the same issue...it was the Direct TV receiver. They brought my TV in for me (I cant carry it myself), hooked it up, ran a couple of tests, and told me my TV is just fine. I was so thankful they tested it. They loaded my TV back up for me and didn't charge me a penny. I'm so grateful and will definitely do business there in the future! BTW...it was the direct tv receiver. read more

Travis Audio Video talks up its local friendly service and it's long history in the city. I'm amazed they've lasted this long. I called to ask a few questions about their products and services and was immediately put on a lengthy hold. When the salesman came back on the phone I began to ask him my questions (3 questions to be specific) and he wouldn't let me finish asking a question before he attempted to answer which meant that in multiple cases he answered a question that I didn't ask and wasn't interested in. I asked him if he was a sales person there, his response "I'm Mr. Travis" I told him that he was being short with me and was going to lose a sale. He said I should come into the store, I said no thanks you've already lost this customer. Mr Travis if you don't answer product or service questions on the phone why not just have an answer machine take all your calls and tell people to come into the store because we don't want to talk to potential customers unless they're standing in front of us. If the owner is like this on the phone why would I come into his store? Epic Fail, Do yourself a favor Mr. Travis and don't answer the phone anymore, you'll get more business. read more

I can not agree with NH. I have lived in Des Moines almost all my life and I had never been in the store. My girlfriend went there to purchase a TV from them for her elderly mother's birthday and got excellent service. I had talked to them on the phone a few weeks before I decided to stop into the store.As I was looking for a speaker bar for my TV. I was surprised at the selection of everything in the store. I did not purchase anything from them so I can't tell you about their service department except that it was a snowy day when I went in and someone was outside making sure I got from the parking lot into the store without falling. read more

We found Traviss Audio to be so helpful and knowledgeable that it is the only place we go to for electronics. Their prices are comparable to the big chains but with much better service and support. Support your local family businesses! read more

One of the owners was so rude to me I nearly had them come and take the equipment back. He cut me off multiple times on the phone and raised his voice. Randy, the other owner, that sold the TV and was great. However he did not follow through and talk to his brother and call me back as he said he would. I asked for at least an apology and have not received one. I will NEVER go back there again and will tell everyone I know. I tried to support a local small business and that is what I got. So disappointing. read more

Took VHS/DVD converter to Traviss Video on October 30th 2017 to be repaired. Told representatives that DVD did not work and would not read a blank DVD or play a DVD. They charged me $40.00 to diagnosis it. Received call two days later saying they needed to replace two capacitors and it would be addition $90. I ok'd it. Received a call the following day it was done. Picked up, took home, plug in and it still didn't work. Should have called and told them that it didn't work, but took back approximately 3 months later and told them that DVD player didn't work and it didn't work after I brought it back November 2nd. They wanted an additional $40 which I paid reluctantly even though I told them it didn't work when I brought it home. They called me and told me a few days later that DVD doesn't work and can't be replaced. I argues with them about paying the additional $40 when they didn't fix the original problem. Two gentleman? argued with me that there was no guarantee after having it there the first time. I told them repeatedly that it did not work and replacing the capacitors actually caused the player to not power off. Anyway the two gentleman? were getting pretty hostile so took my machine and left. Don't ever ever taking anything in to get repaired. I spent about $180 to find out it wasn't fixable. The way I was treated like a liar, I wouldn't buy anything from this store. read more

Traviss Audio Video has great customer service, competitive prices and are very knowledgeable about their products. They also service what they sell. Great business! read more