Camera Shop Reviews
Anthony
The Moderator Page and My Gallery
The important things in life are simple; the simple things are hard.
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#1. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 0
I checked this link after I had several issues with a very large name on-line camera gear seller. From this point forward, I think I will stick with BHPhoto and KEH. They both get excellent ratings and I have done good business with BHPhoto regarding new equipment. I will be trying out KEH for used equipment in the very near future.
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#2. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 1
>forward, I think I will stick with BHPhoto and KEH. They
>both get excellent ratings and I have done good business
>with BHPhoto regarding new equipment.
I've been using B&H almost exclusively for over 25 years. Easily the most honest camera shop I've ever dealt with.
I will be trying out
>KEH for used equipment in the very near future.
You won't be disappointed. Their "bargain" grade is better than what many shops rate as "exellent" or "mint". They will make the occasional error, but then turn right around and make it right.
Rich
https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=21795
"The more they overthink the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain"...Chief Engineering Officer, Montgomery Scott
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#3. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 2
Has anyone ever bought from www.BestPriceCameras.com?
I have a Nikon D70 on order from them. They say they are USA warrantee cameras and they certainly beat everyone elses prices.
Just wondering if they are a reputable dealer?
Thanks
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#4. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 3
avm247 Basic MemberMon 07-Aug-06 12:07 PMI've not purchased anything from them, sorry. Did you check resellerratings.com?
Anthony
The Moderator Page and My Gallery
"Two is one, one is none."
Anthony
The Moderator Page and My Gallery
The important things in life are simple; the simple things are hard. -
#16. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 3
ead8t Registered since 29th Jan 2007Wed 31-Jan-07 04:21 AMBUYER BEWARE don't do it...
best price cameras are bait and switch scammers.
1st clue: their website is nearly identical to express cameras (infamous scam artists)
2nd clue: their prices are hundreds of dollars below adorama, B&H, etc. why? because they'll try to sell you a battery and charger that's already included w/ the camera and lie to you about "special lenses" then ship you out bottom-of-the barrel sigmas.
3rd clue: their "customer service" testimonials are all cheery and positive, with occasional mention of the dreaded "confirmation call" or upgrade. no real business doing busines over the internet is going to be uniformly great 100% of the time, even B&H probably occasionally forgets to ship a lens cap. fyi, these testimonials are probably written by their staff. can you contact their "customers" via email or read their profiles?
4th clue: check their prices on accessories. are they outlandish, well above mkt rate for legit online retailers? for example, if they list a no-name 2gig hi speed card for several hundreds of dollars, when a sandisk card can be had for less, they're pulling a fast one.
5th clue: do they list skus and complete item info for each product? if not, they're not legit.
it can be hard to distinguish these sites from the real ones at first--express and best price use same color scheme as adorama--but if the price seems to good to be true, it probably is.
i found out the hard way about express--who have lawsuit against them from state atty general--and best price may be the same phone operators, warehouse, etc. after receiving two shipments different from order, i diligently and patiently got them to ship my actual order--d80, 18-70, 70-300 ED, sb-600, 2 g card--but not before several calls to customer service, one call to bank, and a letter informing them i would return all stuff and dispute if they didn't get my order right the third time. i was only out $50 shipping and list price is comparable to what i paid, give or take a few cheapie "package" extras-media card reader, pleather bag, cheap tripod--got them to exchange for sturdier, but non-pro model--filters, lens hood, pouch. but judging from reselleratings.com, i'm just about the only one who managed to not get taken. fyi, wild digital and camera addict are also bait and switchers.
it's worth the $$ to get the peace of mind that comes with good, reputable customer service. you shouldn't have to argue with them about plastic lens mounts specified on nikon site as being metal, or useless 3-year warranties from non-authorized dealers.
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#39. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 3
>Has anyone ever bought from www.BestPriceCameras.com?
>I have a Nikon D70 on order from them. They say they are
>USA warrantee cameras and they certainly beat everyone elses
>prices.
Apparently several people have, but all seem to regret having done so.
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Best_Price_Cameras_6
Lifetime Rating: 0.26/10
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#5. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 2
>I've been using B&H almost exclusively for over 25 years.
>Easily the most honest camera shop I've ever dealt with.
Thank you. Folks who want to know more may find www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14677> useful too.
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#6. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 5
Hello Henry,
No thanks necessary. B&H has earned its reputation. For new equipment, I only shop elsewhere when the item that I want is out of stock at B&H.
B&H isn't perfect though. I've mentioned this to you before, but I really have an issue with checking my equipment at the door.
It's not even a matter of trust. I often want to try out a lens on MY camera body or want to see if a piece of MY equipment fits into a certain case. This policy makes it very difficult.
Rich
https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=21795
"The more they overthink the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain"...Chief Engineering Officer, Montgomery Scott
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#7. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 6
>B&H isn't perfect though. I've mentioned this to you before,
>but I really have an issue with checking my equipment at the
>door.
>
>It's not even a matter of trust. I often want to try out a
>lens on MY camera body or want to see if a piece of MY
>equipment fits into a certain case. This policy makes it
>very difficult.
Checking your bag is suggested but not required. Then trade is that if you don't you agree we have the right to search it when you're exiting. Seems reasonable to me.
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#8. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 7
Henry,
I have no objection to my bag being searched. However, your security people have never offered me this option.
It's been a while since I've been into the store but, if memory serves, there is no sign setting forth that option either.
Rich
https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=21795
"The more they overthink the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain"...Chief Engineering Officer, Montgomery Scott
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#10. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 9
>>It's been a while since I've been into the store
>
>Now you have an excuse to rectify this lapse.
Actually, I'll probably be there Friday looking at tripods.
I sure hope you have the shuttle bus running to The Javits Center for Photo Plus Expo. Last year I had to hoof it as the store was closed for a holiday.
Rich
https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=21795
"The more they overthink the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain"...Chief Engineering Officer, Montgomery Scott
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#11. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 5
Ed in SF
Visit my Nikonians gallery.
#23. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 5
#36. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 5
I have had no problems at all, Gear is packaged well, arrives on time.
I would and have recommened B&H to many of my friends.
Kevin.
ps, I do wish they had a location in Arizona, but then again if they did I would probably spend all my savings there
#43. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 1
#12. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 0
BlueStripePhoto dot com (Nikon D80 $869.00 free shiping)
I am looking for a Nikon D80 body only, any sugestions?
I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child
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#13. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 12
Anyone else annoyed by the attempted 'upsell' by Abe's of Maine?
I spent several weeks researching products and online vendors, and finally used Abe's online interface to order a D50 body along with the Nikon 18-70mm lens (instead of the 18-55 kit lens). Ironically, adding them separately to the shopping cart was less expensive ($761) than ordering Abe's own kit featuring the two components ($793).
An Abe's rep called and emailed me to "confirm" the purchase. Once on the phone, he attempted to switch me to the Sigma 18-125mm lens, which was more expensive than the Nikon 18-70. He claimed that a lot of the Nikon 18-70 lenses were returned, and wanted to warn me.
I had never come across any complaints or dissatisfaction in the many reviews and message posts I researched online. Caught offguard, I blurted a question regarding my second choice -- the kit 18-55 -- and again he said it was not a good lens.
When I declined, he offered the Sigma lens again at "only $20 more" than the Nikon, and then attempted to sell me the Nikon 28-80 lens, which I have not heard good things about.
Though unsettled, I insisted on my initial choice, though w/ some annoyance that a store that sells Nikon would bash the quality of Nikon products. And after I turned down extra batteries and extended warranties, he politely wished me good luck w/ the purchase.
Anyone else have a similar experience? Is this typical with online retailers?
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#14. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews_BEWARE of some stores" | In response to Reply # 13
When I was trying to get my Nikon D40 a few days ago, all the following sites had very convenient prices:
http://www.bestpricecameras.com
http://www.usaphotonation.com
http://www.ccicameracity.com
http://www.wisetronics.com
the thing is they were and still selling the camera kits without everyting on it but they don't say that in their websites.... I ordered or trying to order from them and they called me to confirm my order and said that the kit I choose doesn't have the battery and the charger and they could sell them to me at "special price", like the double of the market and spooky brands. And when you try to buy only that kit (camera and lens only) they just hung up or tell you that the D40 is backordered and I had to wait around 24 days to get it (they said).
I know they want to compensate the low price of the camera with the accesories, but why the put someting in a website if they don't have the intention of sell it, I'm pretty sure they have the goal of not sell the cameras only, they have to sell you something else, they speak like timeshare sellers.
As per Nikon website the Nikon D40 Kit, has everyting you need but the memory card, because is an entry level DSLR. So I can imagine that the accesories these stores are putting with the camera are not the best quality in order to have more profit.
I was just trying to save a few bucks, but honestly I lean my lesson with this scammers.
In pcworld.com forum for example there's a nice list of people with a lot of issues with some of this stores.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH THIS SITES!!!!!!!!!
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#15. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews_BEWARE of some stores" | In response to Reply # 14
buhr12 Nikonian since 05th Jan 2007Fri 19-Jan-07 12:24 PMStay away from Best Price Camera they are really really really bad!
Their advertised prices are just a come on. They send you an email request for you to call and confirm your order. They proceed to tell you the camera you ordered comes with nothing and you have to buy a charger, battery etc. They are rude and sell a bunch of junk,
I have had good experiances with B&H, One Call, Canoga Camera, and Circuit City.
Visit my Nikonians gallery
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#17. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews_BEWARE of some stores" | In response to Reply # 15
I want to buy a D40 Kit in the next few days. I saw the above post regarding USPhonation. I called them yesterday and they said they are selling the complete kit, with nikon lens,battery, charger, all cables, everything that comes in the box from Nikon for $399, ready to ship. It is the best price I have found but I don't want to deal with a shady dealer.
If you have experience with them, could you please let me know? What questions should I ask to make sure I am not getting a gray market camera, etc?
Thanks for the help.
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#18. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews_BEWARE of some stores" | In response to Reply # 17
ead8t Registered since 29th Jan 2007Wed 31-Jan-07 01:34 PMFirst of all, are they a Nikon authorized dealer? if not, there's a good chance they may be gray mkt. Second of all, how low is their price below anyone else's?--internet companies who sell stuff for several hundreds less than anyone else(express cameras, bestpricecameras, wild digital, camera addict, etc.)are likely to do a bait and switch. at best, you'll end up paying the same price you would have had you gone through a legit storefront. At worst, you'll have a migraine headache, and a possible lawsuit.
There really aren't any questions you can ask to weed them out, because salesmen will tell you anything to make a sale. You can, however, go to the manufacturer's website and write down the specs so you know exactly what you're supposed to be getting. That levels the playing field a bit, because they have scripts and will tell you things like, that lens comes with a plastic mount. The thing is, the fun really begins only once you've handed over your CC info and auth #. That's usually when they try to upsell you with extra warranties, non-existant batteries/chargers that come with the kit, overpriced generic accessories, etc.
Be especially suspicious of the infamous "confirmation email", unadvertised (i.e. not on the website) "catalog specials" and "special" lenses. If you just want the kit, and they insist on extras or changes in your order, don't be afraid to walk away--actually, run like hell--the low advertised price is just a bait and switch tactic. If they're not legit, they'll tell you the item is on "backorder" even if it's listed as in stock on the site once you refuse their high-pressure upsell tactics. General consensus is if the price is too good to be true, it probably is--that goes double for the internet. A good rule of thumb is, do they have a brick-and-mortar location? Are they an actual camera store? if not, they could be scammers. Also, compare their prices on accessories--filters, flashes, memory cards-- with Adorama and B&H. if they list no-name stuff with no skus for 3-4x what these trusted sites do, you can stop right there.
In any event, CHECK THEIR PROFILE ON RESELLERRATTINGS.COM BEFORE YOU BUY. Can't emphasize this enough. IMO, It's better to have peace of mind, a good return policy, and credible customer service than to save $100 on an item you'll have for a while (until NAS kicks in and you upgrade to a D80 or D200, as you surely will in time).
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#26. "Bad Sites" | In response to Reply # 14
#22. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 13
#37. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 13
>Maine?
>
>I spent several weeks researching products and online
>vendors, and finally used Abe's online interface to order a
>D50 body along with the Nikon 18-70mm lens (instead of the
>18-55 kit lens). Ironically, adding them separately to the
>shopping cart was less expensive ($761) than ordering Abe's
>own kit featuring the two components ($793).
>
>An Abe's rep called and emailed me to "confirm" the
>purchase. Once on the phone, he attempted to switch me to
>the Sigma 18-125mm lens, which was more expensive than the
>Nikon 18-70. He claimed that a lot of the Nikon 18-70
>lenses were returned, and wanted to warn me.
>
>I had never come across any complaints or dissatisfaction in
>the many reviews and message posts I researched online.
>Caught offguard, I blurted a question regarding my second
>choice -- the kit 18-55 -- and again he said it was not a
>good lens.
>
>When I declined, he offered the Sigma lens again at "only
>$20 more" than the Nikon, and then attempted to sell me the
>Nikon 28-80 lens, which I have not heard good things about.
>
>Though unsettled, I insisted on my initial choice, though w/
>some annoyance that a store that sells Nikon would bash the
>quality of Nikon products. And after I turned down extra
>batteries and extended warranties, he politely wished me
>good luck w/ the purchase.
>
>Anyone else have a similar experience? Is this typical with
>online retailers?
YES! YES! When my wife wanted a top-end Cannon SLR, I made the mistake of buying from those rats. They did the SAME thing - tried to switch me to inferior lenses at a high price "just prior to shipping."
I immediately put them on my "rat bas*ards" list.
#46. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 13
>Maine?
>
>I spent several weeks researching products and online vendors,
>and finally used Abe's online interface to order a D50 body
>along with the Nikon 18-70mm lens (instead of the 18-55 kit
>lens). Ironically, adding them separately to the shopping
>cart was less expensive ($761) than ordering Abe's own kit
>featuring the two components ($793).
>
>An Abe's rep called and emailed me to "confirm" the
>purchase. Once on the phone, he attempted to switch me to the
>Sigma 18-125mm lens, which was more expensive than the Nikon
>18-70. He claimed that a lot of the Nikon 18-70 lenses were
>returned, and wanted to warn me.
>
>I had never come across any complaints or dissatisfaction in
>the many reviews and message posts I researched online.
>Caught offguard, I blurted a question regarding my second
>choice -- the kit 18-55 -- and again he said it was not a good
>lens.
>
>When I declined, he offered the Sigma lens again at "only
>$20 more" than the Nikon, and then attempted to sell me
>the Nikon 28-80 lens, which I have not heard good things
>about.
>
>Though unsettled, I insisted on my initial choice, though w/
>some annoyance that a store that sells Nikon would bash the
>quality of Nikon products. And after I turned down extra
>batteries and extended warranties, he politely wished me good
>luck w/ the purchase.
>
>Anyone else have a similar experience? Is this typical with
>online retailers?
>
Yep. 10 years ago (and all done by phone and regular mail!) I bought an N70 kit from them through an ad in Pop Photo magazine because they had the best price. Of course they didn't have the lens that came advertised with the kit and tried to sell me a Sigma alternative. I took it because I needed the camera (and a lens) quickly. When it arrived, I found out they had charged 25% more than they told me on the phone in a "handling" charge. I called and they told me it was because the Sigma lens was more expensive. When I explained to them that I was assured the price between the Sigma and Nikon lens was the same when I ordered. The sales guy laughed at me and told me the Nikon lens was s*&% (his words) and that I was "lucky" to get the Sigma lens at only a 25% upcharge.
Not getting anywhere with the sales guy, I asked to speak to the manager who was so rude and accused ME of trying to rip THEM off! He would not authorize a return on the unused lens telling me he was also sure I had already used it. When I asked him how he could know if I used the lens or not, he laughed and said that all people wanting to return things were either used or broken. I was so stunned all I could do was hang up.
After my head cleared I went to the magazine and found the address to file a complaint. I received a very nice letter a week later from Pop Photo telling me they had contacted the store and were trying to get more detail. I then called Abe's and talked with the manager again and told him I had filed a detailed complaint with POP Photo. He reluctantly agreed to issue an RA number for the lens and did replace it, at the advertised cost, with the Nikon lens I had originally wanted. Even though they made it right, I have never ordered and will never order from them again because of the way my situation was handled. So it seems that they have not changed too much in 10 years even though their ratings are better than others on consumer rating sites.
J Zee
#19. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews: "HKSupplies", HK" | In response to Reply # 0
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#20. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews: "HKSupplies", HK" | In response to Reply # 19
I've also bought from Cameta Camera and have had absolutely no problems with getting the gear or it not being what was said. They've even downsold me on a filter. Very straight forward. Very honest. Very helpful on the phone.
My only complaint is I usually have to call and have them email the reciept. But all went well and I've gotten all rebates from Nikon. They do not deal in gray market merchandise.
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#21. "Australian Stores?" | In response to Reply # 20
longroad Registered since 26th Mar 2007Sat 07-Apr-07 06:45 PMWe don't have a "B&H" here.. can any Aussies recommend some reputable stores with good prices?
I bought my camera from Paxtons but wouldnt shop there on a regular basis, too expensive.
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#25. "Try B&H Online for Aussies" | In response to Reply # 21
I just posted a message about B&H. I think they ship worldwide?? Click here to get to their site http://tinyurl.com/2w9g7q I wouldn’t be surprised if even after shipping charges they were more competitive than your local resellers.
Marc
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#24. "1st time where to buy new and used?" | In response to Reply # 0
I also recommend Adorama http://tinyurl.com/34e2w5 The link to photo.net (reviews from 10 years ago?) is not as robust as reseller ratings, shopzilla or some of the others. I also see that B&H won numerous online awards (not surprised). Overall I found that B&H NEVER gouges on accessories and when it comes to Nikon cameras and lenses they have what I need in stock http://tinyurl.com/2qz3ml every time. Being that they are Nikon authorized I know the warranty is USA and it will be honored. I read too many reviews of people that bought gear at no name stores and got shafted.
B&H has a massive used Nikon selection http://tinyurl.com/2qaqvt at very fair prices. Hey don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself.
Marc
#27. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 0
After doing research I decided to call to place an order and I finally got through to 1 internet business. the person answered the phone "Hello" as if I called their house. I mentioned I wanted to purchase 1 of the Nikon D200's I saw advertised for $399 and the male immediately responded "Oh their out of stock". His response was IMMEDIATE as of he already had his response ready before I had finished speaking. I responded by saying "out of stock"? (out of shock-because the website said in-stock) and after I paused for about 3 seconds, the male responded "DO you understand?!"--and I repeated what he just asked me--as I was again shocked by this because the way he said this was as if he was really saying "are you stupid--can you understand english"??....And I hung up on him. I was literally stunned by that and then I got very angry because of how I allowed his behavior go without a response from me (using some well deserved profanity).
I then did some investigating with google searches and realized that this is a typical scam. Plus, all the "Seals" of approval stamped all over the webpages give the prospective buyer the illusion that they are reliable, when in fact, those "seals" merely verify the merchant has a verified internet commerce system set-up.
The when i went back to that same website again a few minutes later, the price for the D200 magically changed to a higher price.
From what I read, in some cases the merchant makes the buyer call them back "to confirm their order", which is a ploy to try to upsell the customer for a lens, memory card, etc.. At one point, a perviously disgruntled buyer posted that once such merchant accused them of being cheap for not wanting to upgrade their purchase and then the camera they ordered for a very low price magically went on backorder. It's amazing online merchants can actually get away with this legally.
From my further investigations: I tied calling several other online companies advertising low prices and on one occasion I found 3 different websites had the EXACT same message and voice mail options, background music on hold, etc... yet they all were different websites. I never got through to them as I decided not to wait on hold--as this "investigation" wasn't worth it at this point.
I decided to look for websites that had the BBB Seal on them (Better Business Bureau) which a company earns for consistent customer satisfaction.
I ended up buying my D200 from B&H because of their INCREDIBLE Sellerratings (the highest positive rank of all I compared based on total customers polled) their reasonable (low) price of $1339 and their BBB Seal. Adorama and H1Photo also had BB Seals and good ratings but B&H was the highest. I received my purchase quickly and without a hitch. The customer service rep was friendly and helpful for B&H, however I did speak to someone at Adorama-- while he was "OK" he was rather short with me, and without giving me any real help at all ( I felt rushed) he asked me to mention his name when I ordered it--I am assuming for a commission??-- (he said ordering online was quicker and if he took the order it would take a few days to process because he'd have to hand write the order and submit it (Huh???)..so as I was a little urked by this I didn't buy from Adorama. At this point I had to go with my gut feeling here and Adorama's rep made me feel uneasy..plus I didn't appreciate the "mention my name" thing as he didn't earn any commission.
Anyway, I am about to make another B&H purchase and am 100% satisfied so far, One tip though: Use a Gold MasterCard or Gold Visa card when buying Camera equipment with warranty's as it doubles the manufacturers warranty. Just make sure you check the credit card company's guidelines so you can collect the required paperwork for the double-warranty.
#28. "RE: The Brooklyn Shuffle" | In response to Reply # 0
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#29. "RE: The Brooklyn Shuffle" | In response to Reply # 28
Yup,
When I originally went shopping for a D200 I accidentally discovered that alot of the "very inexpensive/great adverstised deals"for this camera on various websites were all the same company. I called several of them to try to speak to someone, and the "music on hold" commercials were all the same as were the voicemail options.
When I finally got someone on the phone--VERY NASTY person.
Another trick is when you pull up a website and they have numerous posted "banners" or "ads" proclaiming all the "certified ratings" and "verified ratings" they have. Well, these mean nothing except the merchants' ability to take credit cards or have a secure website has been verified. It gives the illusion of being a reliable company--but very few have the BBB logo (which must be EARNED).
It was worth the $1339 to buy my D200 from a REPUTABLE company than trying to buy one at the $350 -$500 scam prices advertised all over the web (Yes, mostly Brooklyn based!)
Sorry to repeat myself a bit--but my situation could have very easily turned bad...it's just that it is very upsetting what some people will do to other people and how much the buyer MUST beware nowadays!
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#30. "RE: The Brooklyn Shuffle" | In response to Reply # 29
>Another trick is when you pull up a website and they have
>numerous posted "banners" or "ads" proclaiming all the
>"certified ratings" and "verified ratings" they have. Well,
>these mean nothing except the merchants' ability to take
>credit cards or have a secure website has been verified. It
>gives the illusion of being a reliable company--but very few
>have the BBB logo (which must be EARNED).
It depends on which banners you're talking about. Banners indicating high ratings on resellerratings.com and shopzilla.com are useful indicators of real feedback from real customers. One from Verisign, if legit, indicates the retailer's site has more-than basic online security. The BBB's logo just means the shop paid dues to join the BBB. The BBBOnLine Reliability logo is more useful.
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#31. "RE: The Brooklyn Shuffle" | In response to Reply # 30
avm247 Basic MemberWed 13-Jun-07 04:36 PMThanks for the information, Mr. Posner.
Anthony
The Moderator Page and My Gallery
Two is One, One is NONE - always have a backup!
Anthony
The Moderator Page and My Gallery
The important things in life are simple; the simple things are hard. -
#32. "RE: The Brooklyn Shuffle" | In response to Reply # 30
ead8t Registered since 29th Jan 2007Wed 13-Jun-07 04:54 PMthanks, henry.
it's tempting when you see a d200 body offered for $750, until you realize there's no way a seller like that could get away with such a price without it being a scam.
one round of bk'lyn bait and switch is enough for anyone to appreciate b&h's commitment to fair prices and customer service.
i also appreciate your personal interest in making things right. trust in retail is a rare thing these days, and it's nice to know there are people like yourself out there who aren't crooks. i'd like to see the owner of express cameras dare to post online. actually, i'd like to see him in a dark alley sometime...
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#35. "RE: The Brooklyn Shuffle" | In response to Reply # 30
>>.... The BBB's logo just means the shop paid dues to join the BBB.
>The BBBOnLine Reliability logo is more useful.
Mr. Posner,
In my previous posts I actually did mean looking for "The BBBOnLine Reliability logo" when I shopped for and found a reliable online retailer...which was B&H---Thanks for helping me clarify that
..and thank you for making my purchase experience with B&H Photo(2x so far) a smooth and hassle free one!!
My D200 is awesome.
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#38. "RE: The Brooklyn Shuffle" | In response to Reply # 29
Why has Brooklyn long been the camera scam capital of America?
A
>Yup,
>
>When I originally went shopping for a D200 I accidentally
>discovered that alot of the "very inexpensive/great
>adverstised deals"for this camera on various websites were
>all the same company. I called several of them to try to
>speak to someone, and the "music on hold" commercials were
>all the same as were the voicemail options.
>
>When I finally got someone on the phone--VERY NASTY person.
>
>Another trick is when you pull up a website and they have
>numerous posted "banners" or "ads" proclaiming all the
>"certified ratings" and "verified ratings" they have. Well,
>these mean nothing except the merchants' ability to take
>credit cards or have a secure website has been verified. It
>gives the illusion of being a reliable company--but very few
>have the BBB logo (which must be EARNED).
>
>It was worth the $1339 to buy my D200 from a REPUTABLE
>company than trying to buy one at the $350 -$500 scam prices
>advertised all over the web (Yes, mostly Brooklyn based!)
>
>Sorry to repeat myself a bit--but my situation could have
>very easily turned bad...it's just that it is very upsetting
>what some people will do to other people and how much the
>buyer MUST beware nowadays!
#41. "RE: The Brooklyn Shuffle" | In response to Reply # 28
#42. "RE: The Brooklyn Shuffle" | In response to Reply # 28
You will never actually get that $599 D200, that is for sure, unless you wait another five years and buy it used.
Allan
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#51. "RE: The Brooklyn Shuffle" | In response to Reply # 42
Thank you for mentioning Broadway Photo by name. I saw a great deal from them on Amazon-or what looked like a great deal. Thought I remembered something about them, so I looked up your posting.
While I'd love to get a great deal, I want to know that the deal is a truthful one, even if I end up paying more. It looks like B and H is the way to go, since KEH doesn't have what I want used....
LL49Wat
#33. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 0
There was not a tracking number assigned to my UPS shipment so they had no record of what happened to it. If the man in Florida had not called they would not know where it was. If their customer service will be that way then I will not be purchasing any other products from them.
Bridget
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#34. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 33
ead8t Registered since 29th Jan 2007Thu 14-Jun-07 02:03 PMhmm, i had no problems with adorama when i ordered my tamron 28-75 from them. but mistakes happen even to the best of us, i suppose.
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#40. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 34
SteveH52 Registered since 25th May 2007Thu 20-Dec-07 01:43 AMSurprised about Adorama...I've bought a bunch of stuff from them with no problems at all. It's the "human factor", I guess. Sorry you had a problem.
Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#45. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 0
I am a one disappointed shopper!
#47. "US1Camera" | In response to Reply # 0
Yesterday I decided to order a Nikon D700 and I would have liked to get before I go on vacation in two weeks. Normally I always buy from B&H but they ran out of their first shipment in one day and now their "notify me of availability" service has such a long waiting list they wont even take more names. All reputable stores are out of stock.
I saw that US1Camera was showing "in stock" and they have decent feedback from the various rating services. I figured they probably didn't have in stock but it was worth a try. I also fully expected to be called by an aggressive salesman to try and pile up more junk on my order but I can handle that quite well.
Sure enough, this morning I got a call from Jeff and he was all friendly and calling me "buddy". Here's how the conversation went:
------------------------------
Jeff: so buddy I will need you to fax me a copy of your credit card because this is an international order, do you have a pen?
Me: No, I'm driving right now, can you send me the fax number by email and I will fax it to you this afternoon?
Jeff: OK buddy, I can do that. Hey while I've got you on the phone, we have a special today where you can get a 5 year international warranty for $499.
Me: I'm not interested.
Jeff: Well listen buddy, did you know that these cameras only have a USA warranty and they have to be professionally cleaned every year and that.../
Me: I'm not interested.
Jeff: OK SIR, did you know that UPS is going to charge you $463 in brokerage fees for dealing w. Canadian Customs? (notice how I went from "buddy", to "sir" with a condescending emphasis. Also, I actually asked for UPS air because I know UPS ground charges high brokerage fees, but it should be no more than $75 for this order)
Me: No they.../
Jeff: Well, that's why perhaps you should listen SIR. Here's what I can do for you. If you buy the 5 year warranty for $499, I will upgrade your shipping to 2nd day air and you will save the $469 brokerage. (are some people stupid enough to fall for that ####?)
Me: Well, I did ask for 2nd day air on the website.
Jeff: No SIR, you asked for Expedited Worldwide.
Me: OK, how much would it be for 2nd Air?
Jeff: It would be $369 (this is ridiculous, should be around $100)
Me: That is ridiculous, I will stick with Expedited.
Jeff: OK, that means you will get it in about 3 weeks (again, this is ridiculous).
Me: Do you actually have this camera in stock?
Jeff: yes we do, you will get it in three weeks.
Me: that's ridiculous, should only take a few days
Jeff: well SIR, it will only ship in 1 to 2 weeks.
Me: so you don't have it in stock?
Jeff: yes we do SIR, but we ship 2nd Day Air and Priority first. You order will not be processed for 1 to 2 weeks.
Me: OK, well you've been lying to me for 5 minutes, and I need this camera next week, so let's cancel the order right now.
Jeff: OK SIR, I can do that for you.
Me: Thanks, bye.
---------------------
Notice how he didn't argue with me about cancellation? I'm sure he's compensated on selling warranties and crappy high-margin accessories and was actually relieved to get rid of me so he could move to his next victim.
I did verify on their website that the order was in fact cancelled.
I should have known better, back to B&H or Henry's here in Toronto...
Sylvain,
There is no substitute for aperture...
Photoblog | My Gallery | DigitalFotographer
#48. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 0
I would like to offer two suggestions.
The first is to not push resellerratings.com as a source of feedback on resellers. When a customer of one of their participating resellers attempts to post a well documented complaint as a caution to others, resellerratings.com holds the review and forwards the details of the complaint to the referrenced resellet. The reseller contacts the customer, suggests an intangible forward solution, then immediately pressures the reviewer to change their ratings. When I complained to resellerratings.com about this non-disclosed process, I was told a person should be glad to get resolution unless their only intent was to complain. I tried to explain that a reseller who ignores four overtures from a customer to resolve a straightforward problem, and only responds under threat of pubic disclosure, remains a problem. Of course that got nowhere. Additionally, resellerratings.com has a well known resputation of permitting their participating resellers to flood their review section with glowing reviews to force negative comments off the front page so to speak. I would bet that if you find a negative review, it will be followed with twenty glowing reviews from "people" who signed up the day they posted and have only one or two reviews on the site to their credit.
The second comment is that it is odd to have a representative of B&H present to comment on other resellers or to respond directly when posters express an opinion. It skews comments and causes people to jump on the B&H Photo bandwagon. I have purchased from B&H, some experience good, others quite poor, particularly in their handling of simple problems with delivered goods. It is unrealistic that they would appear over and over as one of the few viable sources on the Internet for products.
I am not trying to be negative about this forum. I came here to find a source for camera equipmnt online now that I have eliminated B&H as a source, but in reading through the threads, I would have to believe there are no other quality resellers on the Internet and that is just not realistic.
#49. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 0
Do not buy, call, or look up the website Wisetronics. From reading this post, it sounds like one of many rip off clones out there.
I highly recommend using http://www.ripoffreport.com/default.asp
Unlike one of the posts that talked about reseller ratings, Ripoff Reports will not remove a post once it has been placed. Period, no if's and's or but's. Even if the poster changes his or her mind, you post it, it's on there. If you want to rebut your own post, you can make another post saying that the issue was resolved and how you resolved it. This keeps companies from being able to pressure you to remove a negative post. If someone posts a false post, the company has the right to post a rebuttal to that with documentation as well. There has been a lot of good info on there.
Good luck and happy/safe shopping.
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#50. "RE: Camera Shop Reviews" | In response to Reply # 49
avm247 Basic MemberWed 28-Jan-09 11:54 PMThanks for the heads up!
Anthony
The Moderator Page and My Gallery
The important things in life are simple; the simple things are hard.
G
You might also want to check out resellerratings.com and DC Resource.
Currently Nikonians.org does not have formal agreements for discounts to member purchases with any camera retailer.
Anthony
The Moderator Page and My Gallery
"The important things in life are simple; the simple things are hard."