Do NOT purchase anything from The Camera Store, from Brooklyn, NY.

[ST0RM]

I placed my order through their website on Weds, 1 Feb 06. It was for a Minolta 7D, and VC-7D grip. Since I wanted it quickly, I opted for the extra $69.00 for 3 day air. So, on Monday I noticed that my credit card hadnt been charged yet, I gave them a call. The person answering was rude, but figuring that they are a NYC based business, I blew it off. The next person, or maybe the same, was a bit better and explained that they needed more credit card info before shipping the package out. I inquired as to why I had to call about this, well after the time when the package should have arrived or I notified of a delay. He couldnt explain. So, we got that sorted out and I added a battery charger and another memory card and my total went up to $1169. I was assured it would go out that day and should arrive Weds (the 8th) or Thursday at the latest (the 9th). Both days came and went and at 1pm today I called TCS and asked where my camera was. They only stated that it was sent out already and gave me a UPS tracking number. I asked why it was late, and they couldnt answer as to why.

So, I arrive home and the package had arrived at 4pm. However, upon opening the box, I had a reciept for $1259 (nearly $100 over the price I was given) and the VC-7D was not in the box. The invoice said it was shipped, but it wasnt there. And, they had marked UPS Ground on the reciept, but still charged me for 3 day air. I immediately called them, but they were already closed and are closed over the weekend. So, I'm screwed until next week for two reasons. I wanted the camera for my TDY down to Eglin next week, and wont be at my home address to have them overnight the grip. Should I even charge the battery up and take the camera along anyway??

So, I place this topic up for all of you to read and be aware of their business practices.

Jeff

[Roger]

Hi Jeff,

Sorry you had to go through this.  I have never dealt with that camera store, so I can't really comment on their practices, but I can second Mr. Tomcats remarks in that B&H is a first class on - and offline store.  I purchase most of my stuff there, or Adorama (through Amazon).

I don't know what I would do in your situation.  It's a lot of money, and getting your money back might be an even bigger hassle with these types of SOB's. I would keep the camera, and try and get the grip asap.  It might not be there in time for your TDY, but at least you'll have it once you're back.

One comment, and I know, this is 20/20 hindsight and you were in a hurry, but please check in with several online resources (like right here ) before purchasing anything online from an unknown outfit.

I hope you get this crap sorted out.

Roger

[Dave O'Brien]

that sucks Jeff, if you paid by CC can you call them(CC company) about canceling the payment because you are going to send it back? What's the return procedure, will they take 15% off for a restocking fee?

I've always wanted to look for a cheaper deal with other online sites but have never heard a bad thing with B&H so will go with them for that fact. If you're going to get them to credit your 3rd Day freight see if they will credit you the grip so you can buy it at B&H.

Ask for a manager and don't take no for an answer. When we get people pissing to us on the phones they tend to get quicker gratification going over us peons. Most the time it works, sometimes they expect to much.

Have fun at Eglin

[Bernardo Malfitano]

I've heard so many horror stories about these New-York-based super-cheap camera stores, I now only order from B&H or Amazon (or eBay if the item's not that important, like a filter or battery or something), or buy at brick-and-mortar stores.

This particular horror story made the news, and spawned many websites created for the purpose of keeping an eye on these shady stores:

http://thomashawk.com/2005/11/priceritephoto-abusive-bait-and-switch.html

Some more:

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1759-p1-s2-d1.html#reviews

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1988-p1-s2-d1.html#reviews

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller7041-p1-s2-d1.html#reviews

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller9946-p1-s2-d1.html#reviews

http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/

There are a lot of dishonest people out there...

[André]

I wanted the camera for my TDY down to Eglin next week, and wont be at my home address to have them overnight the grip. Should I even charge the battery up and take the camera along anyway??

Jeff,

Use the camera anyway. When loosing shots next week at EG having no or a less advanced camera you will be screwed again.

Living in the Netherlands I can't command on NY based stores but I had my share as well overhere.

[tvrphoto]

Thank you Bernardo.  For years I was a subscriber to PopPhoto, Shutterbug and other magazines that consolidated all of their ads in the back half of the mag.  The intro-page to the ad section stated that they were approved sellers and known to be reliable.  Of course this was followed by the typical 'Buyer Beware' notice.  The last link you provided was quite shocking since many of those storefronts are the majority of listings in those mags...amazing!  It's been said before, but if the price is too good to be true, it probably is.

[Ken Cheung]

Wow, one of the sites that Barnardo listed... is selling the Canon EOS 20D Body $2398... and they have the nerve to label it as "(new)"

While, B&H is selling for it $1189.95... they must of have change their streatgy to rip you off the start..... 

[Rob Guess]

Of all of the camera stores online here is my short list that i have dealt with with no issues.

B+H
Adorama
Calumet
Sigma4Less
Samys

[BrittMac]

I got my XT from B&H and my 28-135 from KEH.  KEH is out of Atlanta and Roger and a couple others recommended them.  B&H said that the camera would be there in 3-5 days and KEH said 7 days for the lens.  The lens actually beat the camera by two days.  Nothing but good things for both of them.  Good on the phone, and the items got here on time or early.

[Rogier]

After all positive remarks on B&H, I bought a 70-200 through them with a MACKS extended warranty. I did feel that was given the wrong Guarantee certificate and after a lot of promises and too many phone calls nothing got sorted... It is not the end of the world, but it will make ME think twice the next time I need something. At least I pick up some good reports about the above.

[Bernardo Malfitano]

A friend of mine was nearly scammed by one of these stores, www.oneclickdigital.com :

http://www.mwilliams.info/archives/006782.php

[CAVU Mark]

"Support your local camera store"

[Comet]

"Support your local camera store"

I would gladly support my local store if they were close to being competitive with B&H or Adorama.  On top of that, you have to add local sales tax to their already high prices... 

[GeoffS]

I would gladly support my local store if they ...

... weren't a bunch of idiots. 

[jmosher]

I stay away from anything in New York other than B&H. I was scammed by some storefront outfit also. I can second KEH. I have bought two lenses from them with no problems. I also like Onecall.com. Very nice folks and they don't try to push extra crap on you.

My $0.02.

Jeremy