The "all sales final" policy saves the savvy shopper money.

Full Review
J&R is NYC's huge music and electronics bazaar. Their store on Park Row, Manhattan is simply amazing in its scope! Their online selection is also quite good. It's an institution. Call, click, they've got it somewhere and for cheap. I've never had problems ordering from them. Since I live near Manhattan I order online or by phone and pick up my items in person. They are prompt and responsive. The sales and service is a bit New York brusque. Don't expect pleasantries. J&R is all about moving the volume.
Returns are almost impossible. All sales are effectively final. This is the major gripe many people have about J&R. But this is good for the knowledgeable shopper! If J&R is willing to sell some items at a loss or cut their profits to the bone on others just to move products, they have to minimize the return of products that are functionally fine but simply disliked. If you are the type of person that likes to "try before you buy", DO NOT shop at J&R. Pay the extra money somewhere else to get the no-questions-asked 30 day return policy. However, if you know what you want and what it's worth, you can get a good discount off of list. The "all sales effectively final" policy saves the savvy shopper money. I don't want to pay extra so that someone else can play around with a purchase.
If you can do without handholding, know how to haggle with commissioned salespeople, and love the thrill of the discount, J&R is the final word in electronics for New York and beyond. Enjoy!