Avalive.com Review

Based on looking at the website, Avalive.com appears to be a legitimate business specializing in professional audio-visual AV equipment sales and rentals.

However, a significant concern arises from their “AValive Instant Loan program” and “commercial lease program,” as these typically involve interest riba, which is prohibited in Islam.

While the core business of AV equipment is permissible, engaging in interest-based financial transactions makes their overall offering problematic from an Islamic ethical standpoint.

Overall Review Summary:

• Website Legitimacy: Appears legitimate based on detailed contact info, locations, and stated services since 1994.
• Product Offering: Extensive range of professional AV equipment for sale and rental cameras, switchers, mixers, etc..
• Ethical Concerns: Offers an “Instant Loan program” and “commercial lease program” which are highly likely to be interest-based riba, rendering them impermissible.
• Transparency: Provides multiple contact numbers, physical locations, and a GSA approved status, indicating a degree of transparency.
• Customer Support: Offers live chat, Skype, and various phone numbers.
• User Experience: The website design is functional but may appear dated compared to modern e-commerce sites.

While Avalive.com offers a broad spectrum of AV products and services, the inclusion of interest-based financial programs like their “Instant Loan program” and “commercial lease program” is a red flag. From an Islamic perspective, any transaction involving riba interest is strictly forbidden due to its exploitative nature and negative societal impact. Therefore, while the equipment itself is fine, the financing options provided by Avalive.com are not recommended. For those seeking professional AV equipment, it is crucial to opt for ethical, interest-free alternatives for purchasing or renting.

Best Alternatives for Ethical AV Equipment Procurement:

• B&H Photo Video
  • Key Features: Massive inventory of professional video, audio, and photo equipment. extensive rental department. educational content and robust customer support.
  • Average Price: Varies widely based on product e.g., $500 for a basic mixer to $50,000+ for high-end cinema cameras.
  • Pros: Highly reputable, excellent customer service, competitive pricing, wide selection, educational resources.
  • Cons: Can be overwhelming due to sheer product volume, some niche items might have longer shipping times.
• Adorama
  • Key Features: Comprehensive selection of cameras, lenses, lighting, audio gear, and computers. rental services. used gear sales. trade-in programs.
  • Average Price: Similar to B&H, ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Pros: Strong reputation, diverse product range, good deals on used equipment, responsive support.
  • Cons: Website navigation can sometimes be clunky, return policies can be strict on certain items.
• Amazon Professional Video & Audio
  • Key Features: Huge marketplace for various AV brands. often offers fast shipping Prime. wide array of consumer to prosumer equipment.
  • Average Price: Highly variable, from under $100 for accessories to thousands for primary gear.
  • Pros: Convenience, fast shipping, extensive user reviews, competitive pricing from multiple sellers.
  • Cons: Less specialized support for complex professional gear, risk of counterfeit products if not careful with sellers, limited high-end rental options.
• Sweetwater
  • Key Features: Specializes in podcastal instruments, audio recording, and live sound equipment. exceptional customer service with dedicated sales engineers. extensive learning resources.
  • Average Price: Ranging from $50 for cables to $10,000+ for studio consoles.
  • Pros: Unrivaled customer service, highly knowledgeable staff, comprehensive technical support, generous return policy.
  • Cons: Primary focus is on audio, so video equipment selection is more limited compared to B&H or Adorama.
• Full Compass Systems
  • Key Features: Offers professional audio, video, lighting, and stage equipment. large catalog of parts and accessories. government and educational sales.
  • Average Price: Broad range, from small components to large-scale installation equipment.
  • Pros: Good for finding specialized parts and installation gear, serves professional integrators, offers competitive pricing.
  • Cons: Website can feel a bit dated, less focus on consumer-level gear, inventory might not be as deep for all brands.
• Rentals.com for local AV rentals
  • Key Features: While not a direct competitor, it can help find local rental companies that may offer more flexible or project-based terms without needing complex financing. Search for “AV equipment rentals near me.”
  • Average Price: Daily/weekly rental rates vary significantly by equipment type and duration.
  • Pros: Local pick-up/delivery, opportunity to negotiate terms directly, can avoid large upfront costs, suitable for temporary needs.
  • Cons: Availability depends on local market, quality of equipment and service can vary greatly between providers.
• Peer-to-Peer Rental Platforms e.g., ShareGrid, KitSplit or https://www.kitsplit.com/
  • Key Features: Connects filmmakers and photographers with owners of professional camera, lighting, and grip equipment for short-term rentals. insurance options available.
  • Average Price: Typically daily rates, often more affordable than traditional rental houses for specific items.
  • Pros: Access to a wide variety of specialized gear, often more flexible pick-up/drop-off, supports independent creators.
  • Cons: Can be less reliable than professional rental houses, availability depends on community, insurance is crucial.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Avalive.com Review & First Look

When you first land on Avalive.com, it’s clear you’re stepping into a digital storefront that has been around the block a few times.

It’s a veteran in the professional audio-visual AV space.

They prominently feature contact numbers for various US locations, including “USA Overnight Shipping Source” and specific phone numbers for New York, California, and Illinois.

• Initial Impressions: The website’s design, while functional, does lean into a more classic internet aesthetic. It’s not the sleek, minimalist interface you might see on newer platforms. However, it’s packed with information and direct links to their extensive product and service catalog.
• Trust Signals:
  • Longevity: “Since 1994” is a powerful statement of enduring presence.
  • Multiple Contacts: Numerous phone numbers and a clear customer service email [email protected] show they want to be reached.
  • Physical Locations: Listing specific city locations and corresponding phone numbers across the US e.g., Boston, MA. Atlanta, GA. Chicago, IL. Los Angeles, CA adds a layer of tangible trust. This isn’t just a digital entity. it has roots.
  • GSA Approved Status: Their claim of being a “GSA approved women owned business” and accepting government/educational purchase orders adds significant credibility for institutional buyers. According to the U.S. General Services Administration GSA, becoming an approved vendor requires rigorous vetting, which means they’ve passed a certain level of scrutiny GSA.gov.

Avalive.com Pros & Cons

Delving deeper into Avalive.com, it’s a mixed bag of robust offerings and significant ethical concerns, especially for those seeking to align their transactions with Islamic principles.

While their operational strengths are notable, the financial services they promote cast a shadow over their overall permissibility.

The Operational Strengths of Avalive.com

From a purely functional perspective, Avalive.com scores high marks in several areas critical for a B2B business-to-business and prosumer equipment provider.

• Extensive Product Catalog: They claim “over 150,000 audio visual products,” which, if accurate, is a staggering number. This includes everything from Blackmagic ATEM switchers and Ursa Mini Pro cameras to Waves Gold Native Bundles, Panasonic projectors, and Middle Atlantic racks. This vast inventory makes them a potential one-stop shop for diverse AV needs.
  • Key Brands: They explicitly list authorized dealer status for major brands like Adobe, Avid, Blackmagic Design, Canon, Panasonic, Sony, and more. This partnership with established manufacturers indicates direct access to authentic products and potentially better support.
• Comprehensive Services: Beyond just selling and renting equipment, Avalive offers:
  • AV Production Services: “Digital Media AV Production Services” suggests they can handle aspects of event production.
  • Technical Support: The mention of “tech support” alongside their services is crucial for complex AV setups.
• Broad Geographic Coverage: With dozens of listed locations and phone numbers across the Northeast, Southeast, Central, and West Coast regions of the US, they offer local service and support in major metropolitan areas. This is a significant advantage for businesses requiring on-site assistance or quick equipment turnover.
  • Example Locations: New York City, NY. Los Angeles, CA. Chicago, IL. Atlanta, GA. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. Seattle, WA. This broad reach minimizes logistical hurdles for clients nationwide.
• Long-Standing Reputation: Having been in business since 1994, they have established a considerable track record. This longevity often translates to experience in handling complex client requirements and adapting to industry changes.

The Ethical Red Flags: Avalive.com’s Financial Services

Here’s where Avalive.com becomes problematic, particularly for individuals and businesses aiming for ethical transactions.

The website explicitly advertises “Financing and Leasing: commercial lease program, church leasing, AValive Instant Loan program.”

• The “Instant Loan Program” and “Commercial Lease Program”: In conventional finance, loan and leasing programs typically involve interest riba. Riba is explicitly prohibited in Islam due as it is considered exploitative and unjust.
  • Riba Interest: Islamic jurisprudence strictly forbids any form of interest, whether it’s interest paid on a loan or earned on an investment. This is because it is seen as an unfair gain derived without any real effort or risk, contributing to economic inequality. The Quran and Sunnah clearly condemn riba.
  • Leasing Ijarah: While Islamic finance has permissible forms of leasing Ijarah, conventional commercial leases often include interest calculations hidden within the lease payments, or they might involve clauses that are not compliant with Sharia e.g., transfer of ownership without fair value, excessive penalties.
  • Impact: Even if Avalive.com’s core service AV equipment is permissible, engaging with their interest-based financing options would make the entire transaction impermissible from an Islamic perspective. It’s akin to buying halal meat with haram money.

How to Cancel Avalive.com Subscription or transactions

Given the ethical concerns surrounding Avalive.com’s financing options, understanding how to potentially cancel or retract any commitments, particularly those involving loans or leases, is paramount.

If one has inadvertently entered into an interest-based agreement, the priority should be to rectify the situation as swiftly and ethically as possible. Diving-star.com Review

Addressing Interest-Based Agreements

For any transaction entered into through their “Instant Loan program” or “commercial lease program,” the immediate goal is to extricate oneself from the riba-laden contract.

• Review the Contract Carefully: Before taking any action, meticulously read the terms and conditions of any loan or lease agreement. Look for clauses related to early termination, prepayment penalties, and cancellation policies.
  • Key Information: Identify the notice period required for cancellation, any associated fees, and the process for settlement.
• Contact Avalive.com Immediately: Reach out to their customer service via phone multiple numbers provided on their site, e.g., 910-790-0324, 646-880-3470 or email [email protected].
  • Be Direct: Clearly state your intention to cancel the loan or lease agreement. Inquire about the exact procedure and any financial implications.
  • Document Everything: Keep a detailed log of all communications, including dates, times, names of representatives, and summaries of discussions. Follow up phone calls with an email confirming what was discussed.
• Seek Early Repayment Options: If cancellation is not immediately possible, explore options for early, lump-sum repayment of the principal amount. The goal is to minimize or eliminate any interest accrued or projected.
  • Prioritize Principal: Focus on paying off the initial amount borrowed without any interest. If interest has already been charged, try to negotiate for its waiver or reduction.
• Consult with Islamic Scholar/Financial Advisor: For complex situations, it is highly recommended to consult with a knowledgeable Islamic scholar or a financial advisor specializing in Islamic finance. They can provide guidance on the best course of action to purify one’s financial dealings.
  • Guidance on Purification: Scholars can advise on how to deal with any interest that has already been paid or received, often suggesting that it be given away to charity without intending reward.
• Alternatives for Existing Equipment: If you are canceling a lease or loan for equipment you still need, consider:
  • Outright Purchase Halal Funds: If financially feasible, purchase the equipment directly using personal funds or a permissible, interest-free financing method from an external source.
  • Short-Term Rentals: For temporary needs, renting equipment from ethical providers as listed in the alternatives section without engaging in interest-based agreements.

Avalive.com Pricing

While Avalive.com provides extensive product listings, direct pricing for all 150,000+ items is not explicitly visible on their homepage.

This is typical for B2B or specialized equipment sites where pricing can fluctuate, be volume-dependent, or require a quote due to customization, rentals, or specific project needs.

The site indicates “Discounts” on certain Panasonic projectors, suggesting that pricing is not static and may involve negotiation or special offers.

Pricing Model Expectations:

• Quote-Based: For larger purchases, rentals, and services like production or staging, it’s highly probable that customers would need to request a quote. This allows Avalive.com to tailor pricing based on project scope, duration for rentals, volume discounts, and specific client requirements.
• Product-Specific Pricing: For individual products, one would likely need to navigate to specific product pages to see prices, if listed. Given the nature of professional AV equipment, prices can range from a few hundred dollars for accessories to tens of thousands for high-end cameras or mixing consoles.
• Rental Rates: Rental pricing would typically be structured on daily, weekly, or monthly rates, with potential discounts for longer terms. These are almost always quote-based.
• Financing Implications: As discussed, their “Instant Loan program” and “commercial lease program” would involve their own pricing structures, including interest rates and repayment schedules. These are the aspects that pose a significant ethical concern.

How to Obtain Pricing from Avalive.com:

1. Product Pages: Navigate to specific product listings e.g., Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro, Waves Gold Native Bundle to check if a price is displayed.
2. Request a Quote: For services, rentals, or large orders, the most direct approach is to use their contact information phone numbers, email, live chat to request a detailed quote.
3. “My Cart” Functionality: Adding items to “My Cart” might reveal final pricing before checkout, but this often requires setting up an account first.

Avalive.com vs. Mainstream Ethical Competitors

When evaluating Avalive.com against mainstream ethical competitors in the professional audio-visual AV space, the comparison often boils down to service breadth, product availability, and, crucially, ethical financing practices.

While Avalive.com has a long history and extensive local reach, its financing model sets it apart in a problematic way from an Islamic perspective.

Avalive.com’s Niche and Strengths:

• Regional Presence & On-Site Services: Avalive.com differentiates itself with a strong emphasis on regional presence across numerous US cities, offering “Same Day Pick Up & Delivery In Some Markets” and “On-site” services like production, staging, and convention support. This local touch is something larger online-only retailers often lack.
• GSA Approved: Their GSA approval is a significant advantage for government and educational clients, streamlining procurement processes for these entities.
• Rental Focus: While competitors offer rentals, Avalive.com appears to have a robust rental division integrated with sales and services.

How Avalive.com Stacks Up Against Ethical Competitors e.g., B&H, Adorama, Sweetwater:

1. Product Selection & Pricing:

• Avalive.com: Claims 150,000+ products, authorized dealer for many top brands. Pricing likely quote-based for many items.
• B&H Photo Video / Adorama: These giants also offer vast catalogs, often with competitive pricing and immediate online visibility. They are known for carrying almost every major AV brand and consistently having stock.
• Sweetwater: While more focused on audio, Sweetwater offers unparalleled customer service and technical expertise for their niche, often with better-than-average bundled deals.

Verdict: For sheer breadth of immediately viewable inventory and competitive online pricing, B&H and Adorama often win. Avalive.com might match selection for specific items, but the pricing transparency is lower.

2. Ethical Financing:

• Avalive.com: Offers “Instant Loan program” and “commercial lease program,” which are almost certainly interest-based and thus impermissible haram in Islam.
• B&H Photo Video / Adorama / Sweetwater: While these mainstream retailers offer various payment options credit cards, PayPal Credit, etc., they generally do not promote direct “loan programs” or “instant loans” themselves, pushing customers to third-party lenders. The responsibility to avoid interest then falls squarely on the customer when choosing their payment method e.g., paying cash, using a credit card and paying it off before interest accrues. They do not explicitly promote riba-based schemes as part of their core business model in the same way Avalive.com does.

Verdict: This is the critical differentiator. Avalive.com’s explicit promotion of interest-based loans makes it a less desirable option from an Islamic ethical standpoint. While ethical alternatives might offer conventional financing options, the direct provision of riba-laden loan programs by Avalive.com is a direct ethical conflict. Indiadrivertours.com Review

3. Customer Service & Support:

• Avalive.com: Multiple phone lines, live chat, Skype, and a dedicated customer service email suggest accessibility. Their GSA status implies a certain level of professional service.
• B&H Photo Video / Adorama: Both are known for strong customer service, including dedicated sales reps, technical support, and robust return policies. B&H, in particular, is highly regarded for its knowledgeable staff.
• Sweetwater: Unrivaled in customer service, with dedicated sales engineers who act as personal consultants, offering pre-sales advice and post-sales support that goes above and beyond.

Verdict: Sweetwater likely leads in personalized customer service, followed closely by B&H and Adorama. Avalive.com seems to offer good access, but the quality of support compared to these specialists would need direct experience to ascertain.

4. Online Presence & User Experience:

• Avalive.com: Functional but dated website design.
• B&H Photo Video / Adorama / Sweetwater: Modern, user-friendly websites with advanced search filters, extensive product information, videos, and tutorials.

Verdict: Mainstream competitors generally offer a superior online shopping experience.

Conclusion on Comparison:

For consumers and businesses prioritizing ethical financial practices, Avalive.com’s “Instant Loan program” makes it a problematic choice despite its operational strengths. While it offers a unique blend of broad product availability and local service presence, the ethical cost is too high. Mainstream competitors like B&H, Adorama, and Sweetwater, while requiring customers to be vigilant about their own financing choices, do not directly promote or offer riba-based loan programs as part of their core business in the same explicit manner. Therefore, for an ethically sound transaction, the alternatives are strongly preferred.

How to Avoid Interest-Based Transactions Riba When Procuring AV Equipment

Avoiding interest riba is a fundamental principle in Islamic finance.

While Avalive.com directly offers loan programs that are likely interest-based, it’s crucial to understand how to steer clear of riba not just with this vendor but in all your procurement efforts for AV equipment or any other goods.

Core Principles for Ethical Procurement:

1. Cash Purchase Preferred: The most straightforward way to avoid riba is to purchase equipment outright using cash or funds already owned. This eliminates any borrowing and, consequently, any interest.

   • Saving Up: Prioritizing saving money to buy necessary equipment upfront aligns with Islamic principles of responsible financial management and avoiding debt where possible.
   • Budgeting: Create a clear budget for your AV needs and stick to it, ensuring you only acquire what you can afford without resorting to loans.

2. Halal Financing Alternatives: If an outright cash purchase isn’t feasible, explore Sharia-compliant financing options from dedicated Islamic financial institutions. These methods are structured to avoid riba. Aschfordslaw.com Review

   • Murabaha Cost-Plus Financing: In a Murabaha contract, an Islamic bank or financier purchases the asset e.g., an AV camera on your behalf and then sells it to you at a pre-agreed higher price, payable in installments. The profit for the financier is fixed upfront and is not considered interest.
   • Ijarah Islamic Leasing: This is a true lease where the bank buys the equipment and leases it to you for a specified period and rental payments. Ownership remains with the lessor, and the payments are considered rent, not interest. At the end of the lease, there might be an option to purchase the asset at a nominal price.
   • Musharakah Partnership: For larger projects, a partnership model where multiple parties share in the ownership, profits, and losses of an asset or venture can be explored. This requires more complex structuring.
   • Takaful Islamic Insurance: While not directly a financing method for equipment purchase, ensure any insurance taken for valuable AV gear is also Takaful-compliant, avoiding conventional interest-bearing insurance policies.

3. Rental from Ethical Providers: For temporary needs, renting equipment can be a permissible option, provided the rental agreement itself does not involve interest-based penalties or hidden fees.

   • Direct Rental: Seek out companies that offer straightforward rental agreements based on daily, weekly, or monthly fees, without any loan components.
   • Peer-to-Peer Platforms: Platforms like ShareGrid or KitSplit facilitate equipment rentals between individuals. Always review their terms to ensure no interest-bearing clauses or impermissible practices are involved.

4. Avoid Conventional Loans and Credit Cards with interest:

   • No Personal or Business Loans: Steer clear of any loan program, including those offered by Avalive.com, that charges interest. This applies to traditional bank loans as well.
   • Credit Card Discipline: If using a credit card for convenience, ensure you pay off the entire balance before the statement due date to avoid any interest charges. Using a credit card for its grace period but never incurring interest is permissible.

Practical Steps:

• Due Diligence: Always read the fine print of any financial agreement. If you see terms like “APR,” “interest rate,” or “finance charge,” it’s a red flag.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask vendors or financial institutions about their financing methods and how they comply with Islamic principles. If they cannot explain it clearly or confirm interest-free operation, it’s best to avoid.
• Prioritize Need over Want: Before making a significant purchase, evaluate if the equipment is truly a necessity. Sometimes, delaying a purchase or opting for a more modest option can prevent the need for problematic financing.

By adhering to these principles and actively seeking out halal financial solutions, individuals and businesses can procure the necessary AV equipment while remaining steadfast in their commitment to ethical, interest-free transactions.

FAQ

What is Avalive.com?

Avalive.com is an online retailer and service provider specializing in professional audio-visual AV equipment sales, rentals, and related production services for industry professional clients.

Is Avalive.com a legitimate company?

Yes, based on the information provided on their homepage, Avalive.com appears to be a legitimate company, established in 1994, with multiple physical locations and contact numbers across the United States.

What kind of products does Avalive.com sell?

Avalive.com sells and rents a wide range of professional AV equipment, including Blackmagic ATEM switchers, 4K video cameras, webcast streaming encoders, audio mixing bundles Waves, Panasonic projectors, and various racks and sound system components.

Does Avalive.com offer rentals?

Yes, Avalive.com prominently advertises AV equipment rentals, including cameras, switchers, and streaming encoder systems, with options for same-day pickup and delivery in some markets.

What are Avalive.com’s financing options?

Avalive.com offers “Financing and Leasing,” which includes a “commercial lease program,” “church leasing,” and an “AValive Instant Loan program.”

Is the “AValive Instant Loan program” permissible in Islam?

No, the “AValive Instant Loan program” is highly likely to be interest-based riba, which is strictly prohibited in Islam.

Therefore, it is not permissible to engage with this financing option. Rocketbazaar.com Review

Are “commercial lease programs” from Avalive.com permissible in Islam?

Conventional commercial lease programs often contain elements of interest riba or non-Sharia-compliant clauses, making them generally impermissible in Islam.

It’s crucial to confirm if the lease is structured as a true Islamic lease Ijarah or avoid it.

What ethical concerns are there with Avalive.com?

The primary ethical concern with Avalive.com is its explicit offering of an “Instant Loan program” and “commercial lease program,” which, in a conventional context, are almost always interest-based riba and thus forbidden in Islam.

How long has Avalive.com been in business?

Avalive.com states on its homepage that it has been providing services “Since 1994,” indicating a long history in the professional AV industry.

Does Avalive.com have physical locations?

Yes, Avalive.com lists numerous physical service locations and corresponding phone numbers across major US regions, including the Northeast, Southeast, Central, and West Coast.

What brands does Avalive.com carry?

Avalive.com is an authorized dealer for many top AV brands, including Adobe, Avid, Blackmagic Design, Canon, Panasonic, Sony, Chief, Gefen, Kramer, Marshall Electronics, and TOA, among others.

Does Avalive.com offer technical support?

Yes, Avalive.com states that they offer “Audio Visual Services” which include “tech support” for their complete line of offerings.

Can government agencies or educational institutions purchase from Avalive.com?

Yes, Avalive.com is a “GSA approved women owned business” and accepts educational, university, school, municipal, government, GSA, and federal and state agency purchase orders.

What are good ethical alternatives to Avalive.com for AV equipment?

Ethical alternatives for purchasing AV equipment, which do not directly promote interest-based financing, include reputable retailers like B&H Photo Video, Adorama, and Sweetwater.

For rentals, local direct rental companies or peer-to-peer platforms like ShareGrid can be explored. Eliteprivatefitness.com Review

How can I cancel an Avalive.com subscription or agreement if it involves interest?

If you have an interest-based loan or lease agreement with Avalive.com, review your contract for cancellation clauses, contact their customer service immediately to inquire about early termination or lump-sum repayment of the principal, and consult with an Islamic scholar for guidance on purifying the transaction.

Does Avalive.com offer international shipping?

The homepage highlights “USA Overnight Shipping Source” and numerous US locations, implying a primary focus on the United States.

International shipping is not explicitly mentioned as a standard service.

How transparent is Avalive.com with its contact information?

Avalive.com is very transparent with its contact information, providing multiple phone numbers toll-free, local for various cities, an email address, Skype ID, and a live chat option directly on its homepage.

Does Avalive.com have a blog?

Yes, Avalive.com has a section for “AValive News Blog” where they post about new product releases, their activities “in the field,” and industry news.

What services does Avalive.com provide besides sales and rentals?

Beyond sales and rentals, Avalive.com provides services such as corporate presentation production, webcast and video streaming, video editing, and studio recording.

How do I search for products on Avalive.com?

You can search for products on Avalive.com by brand, name, or part number, and they also offer a “Shop By Brands” option.undefined