back to William Chan's Selected Nature Photography Resources or Photo Page
Newsgroups: rec.photo.misc,rec.video
From: blondin@lucent.com (Douglas Blodin)
Subject: Photographic/Video Mail Order Survey
Date: Tue, 06 Apr 1999 12:24:43 -0600
Photographic Equipment/Video Mail Order Company Survey
When Generated: Thu Apr 1 16:55:06 MST 1999
0. NEW STUFF
"WHY ISN'T COMPANY xyz LISTED": I get many inquiries as to why a company
is NOT listed in the survey. The answer is very simple -- this survey
is a compilation of experiences reported to me. If no experiences are
reported, a company won't be listed. This is NOT a list of all photo
mail order houses. I will NOT list a company until I get experiences.
"I WISH THERE WAS MORE DATA": I also get a number of inquiries wishing
I had more experiences on a company. I suppose I could have some
threshold -- don't post data until I get at least X experiences reported.
I guess I do have a threshold, but my X value is "1". I guess I feel that
any data is valid and leave it to the judgement of people to understand
the problems with drawing conclusions from a small data sample.
I. INTRODUCTION
Here is the latest version of the Photographic Equipment/Video
Mail Order Survey. The article consists of 5 sections:
I. Introduction - this section
II. Explanation of the Chart
III. Chart of overall experiences,
last few months and past year's numbers also shown
IV. Tips for shopping from mail order firms
V. The experiences received since the last posting
NB: If providing input, please read section below on "NEW EXPERIENCES".
DISCLAIMER: The figures presented here represent neither an
endorsement or a condemnation of any particular company. Rather,
this table is simply a compilation of experiences sent in by various
netnews readers. Experiences are personal experiences and are NOT
related to the company of the editor nor of any company of a person
who is relating an experience. Also, this is a non-scientific survey,
the chart may not reflect the reality of experiences for any given
company. Your actual ordering experience may differ, and companies
may change over time.
USE OF THE SURVEY: This survey is maintained for the readers of
netnews to aid them in choosing a company from which to order
equipment. Companies may also use the survey to see what some
customers are saying about their company (or competitors). Any other
use of the survey, such as in advertising, is strictly prohibited.
Questions about possible use of the survey should be directed to the
editor.
WEB SITE ACCESS : Because of company firewall restrictions, I am
unable to provide web access to the Photographic Survey. However,
a number of folks have taken copies and posted the survey.
- http://www.cmpsolv.com/los/pmos.shtml
[If you want to post a copy on your web site, please contact me]
POSTING, REQUESTS, MAILING LISTS: This survey is posted once a
month, around the beginning of the month, to rec.photo.misc and
rec.video. Please look for the survey there, at those times (and
save a copy). I've found that posting the survey is a good stimulus
to people to send in their input. I believe that once a month is
frequent enough. I get many requests for a copy of the survey.
First, it's hard to respond to all requests. Second, I'm naive in
use of the mailer and often get my reply "bounced" back to me.
Finally, I get many requests to be "put on the mailing list".
There is NOT a mailing list for the survey. You receive it by reading
the rec.photo.misc and/or rec.video newsgroups.
UPDATES/NEW EXPERIENCES/OTHER INPUT: Your easiest method is to
send your experiences at the e-mail address listed below. I have
also listed my US-MAIL address and phone number. While I read
rec.photo*, due to the sheer volume of messages, it's not feasible
for me to look there for survey additions (I don't read rec.video).
When sending input, please make sure that your message contains
the following information:
- company name :: be careful in spelling et al; I don't
know all companies, so may mistake a misspelling for
a new company name
- categorization of experience (no problem, minor problem,
major problem, avoid) :: I can't read minds and do not
like to try to infer from your other words; submittals
that do NOT contain a categorization run the likely fate
of being unceremoniously left out of the survey
- timeliness :: MUST include year, month & (optionally) day
of the ordering experience. As you can see in the survey
below, I'm trying to maintain a time element to the survey
Unless otherwise noted in your input, the text of your experience
will be including in next month's posting. As editor, I reserve
the right to edit for clarity, spelling, formatting et al.
RATINGS BY MAGAZINES: Some magazines have added ratings and
disclaimers to assure the reader that ordering from those
companies will be trouble-free (e.g., Popular Photography's
"Check Rating"). While these magazines may be honest in their
concern for the consumer (and I strongly encourage you to inform
magazines if you have problems with "certified" companies),
you should also realize that the magazines depend on the
companies for ad revenue. Some readers of this survey have
also noted that some "certified" companies have repeatedly
been low-rated by this survey. Maybe this survey is out of
whack with reality, consumers are not informing the magazines,
or the complaints do not constitute enough to remove the rating.
NEW YORK CITY - Department of Consumer Affairs: I have been
contacted by Dennis P. Fredlin, Supervising Inspector of the
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). DCA investigates
issues related to FTC Mail Order Rule violations, fraud,
misrepresentation, non-conforming/defective merchandise,
billing problems and any other NYC vendor ripoffs. If you
encounter such problems with NYC vendors, go to the web site
(http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dca/home.html) and following
instructions on how to e-mail a complaint. If you don't have
web access, you can call 212-487-4444 (9-5 Eastern, M-F) or
write: NYC Consumer Affairs, 42 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
SURVEYS IN GENERAL: The consumer must take all input (magazine
ratings, this survey, other surveys, friend's advice, ...) and
put whatever faith in them that they will. Companies may change
over time (both for better and worse), and different people/magazines
may have different standards. In the final analysis, you must
make the decision and you're likely to have a unique experience
from anyone else.
KEEPER of the SURVEY:
Douglas Blondin 11900 N. Pecos St. Rm. 30H16
Denver, Colorado 80234
blondin@lucent.com
(303) 538-4874
II. Explanation of the Chart
SAMPLE ENTRY -- a sample entry might look like
| 7/4/1993 800-555-1234 | | | | [ 1] |
| www.address 303-555-9876 | | { 3} | { 1} | { 2} |
| ABC Photographic & Video Supply Store | 4 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
|------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
The date, here 7/4/1993, indicates the latest date that I received
an experience for this company (no date indicates no data received
since I took over the survey).
The 2 phone numbers are, hopefully, the 2 most useful numbers to this
company -- a 800 order line (if available) and an information number.
www.address -- the World Wide Web address
Numbers in the ratings in []'s are the number of experiences reported
over the past few months. Numbers in {}'s are for the past year.
If there are no numbers show, this company did not receive any
reports over those time periods.
The numbers on the line with the company's name are the total of
all experiences received since this survey has been kept.
Experiences: The numerical summary of experiences reported
by readers. They are split into 4 categories:
No problems: Got what you ordered, in reasonable time,
at expected price, no unpleasant surprises.
Minor hassles: Minor delays, unpleasant saleperson, hard to
get through to toll free line; probably not
enough to keep you from ordering from them again.
Major hassles: Major problems occurred, but you were satisfied
enough with with the way they were resolved that
you might consider ordering from them again when
you cool off.
Avoid: Major problems occurred that either were not
satisfactorily corrected or that you feel were
significant enough to begin with that you
wouldn't consider ordering from them again
under any circumstances.
III. Overall Chart of Experiences
Data this chart generated: Thu Apr 1 16:55:06 MST 1999
Numbers in []'s cover the period (1/1/1999 - 3/31/1999)
Numbers in {}'s cover the period (4/1/1998 - 3/31/1999)
| | NO | MINOR | MAJOR | |
| COMPANY |Problem|Problem|Problem| AVOID |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/21/1999 | | | | [ 1] |
| | | { 1} | | { 1} |
| 21st Century | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 8/21/1992 800-394-6283 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| 6th Ave Electronic City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/3/1991 713-486-8866 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| A/V Distributors | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/21/1999 800-221-9521 | | | | [ 1] |
| 212-242-5800 | | | | { 6} |
| AAA | 2 | 2 | 2 | 23 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/20/1997 800-252-2239 | | | | |
| www.abbeycamera.com | | | | |
| Abbey Camera Inc | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/10/1999 800-227-0400 | | | | [ 1] |
| 800-992-2379 | | | { 1} | { 4} |
| Abe's Camera & Electronics of Maine | 3 | 9 | 7 | 19 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 9/6/1998 | | | | |
| | { 1} | | | |
| Access Discount Camera | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/29/1999 800-223-2500 | [ 6] | [ 1] | | |
| www.adoramacamera.com 212-741-0052 | {13} | { 2} | | |
| Adorama | 141 | 48 | 9 | 14 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/2/1991 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Aero-Comm Photo Supply | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 8/22/1995 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| American Audio | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/23/1998 | | | | |
| | | | | { 1} |
| Audio Advisor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/24/1996 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Audio Odyssey | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/29/1999 800-606-6969 | [14] | [ 1] | [ 1] | |
| www.bhphotovideo.com 212-444-6615 | {37} | { 4} | { 3} | { 1} |
| B&H | 402 | 66 | 21 | 7 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/2/1994 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| B&S Camera Repair Inc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/22/1996 310-397-5576 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| BPW Limited | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 8/4/1988 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Battery Park | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/15/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Beach Camera of Daytona Beach | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/19/1999 800-634-1811 | | [ 2] | | |
| www.beachcamera.com 908-424-1101 | | { 2} | | |
| Beach Camera of Maine | 6 | 4 | 3 | 10 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/15/1998 800-841-4118 | | | | |
| www.bergencountycamera.com 201-664-4113 | { 1} | | | |
| Bergen County Camera | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/26/1994 317-742-0297 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Berry's Camera Shop | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/3/1997 423-354-0971 | | | | |
| www.usit.net/billings | | | | |
| Billings Photo | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/23/1998 808-842-5718 | | | | |
| www.usedphoto.com | { 1} | | | |
| Brad's Collectibles | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/30/1996 412-321-4118 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Bromwell Marketing | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/30/1995 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Brooklyn Camera Exchange | 17 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 5/2/1989 800-847-4039 | | | | |
| 212-695-4158 | | | | |
| Brothers | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/9/1997 800-262-4160 | | | | |
| www.berger-bros.com 516-264-4169 | | | | |
| Burger Bros. Camera & Video Exchange | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 9/24/1998 800-CALUMET | | | | |
| | { 1} | | | |
| Calumet | 59 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/28/1998 800-667-8878 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Cam America | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/22/1999 800-221-2253 | | | [ 1] | [ 1] |
| 212-675-8600 | | | { 2} | { 3} |
| Cambridge | 2 | 1 | 9 | 42 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/18/1990 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Camcorder Land (Okla) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/1/1994 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Camera Care (Philadephia, PA) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/9/1999 800-896-2626 | | | | [ 1] |
| | | | | { 7} |
| Camera City, Inc (CCI) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/5/1995 800-881-8718 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Camera Club | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/3/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Camera One - Sarasota, FL | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/14/1995 800-477-0022 | | | | |
| www.camerasound.com 215-889-7358 | | | | |
| Camera Sound of Pennsylvania | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/14/1997 718-336-6667 | | | | |
| 718-998-4819 | | | | |
| Camera Traders | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/24/1989 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Camera World of Charlotte, NC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/29/1999 800-222-1557 | [ 9] | [ 2] | [ 1] | [ 1] |
| www.cameraworld.com 503-222-7070 | {45} | { 3} | { 2} | { 2} |
| Camera World of Oregon | 368 | 32 | 13 | 4 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/29/1999 516-691-1190 | [ 1] | | | |
| www.cameta.com 516-598-3350 | { 1} | | | { 1} |
| Cameta's | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 12/31/1997 312-427-5580 | | | | |
| www.central-camera.com 312-427-1898 | | | | |
| Central Camera (Chicago) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Chambless Productions | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/19/1998 | | | | |
| | { 1} | | | |
| Charlotte Camera Brokers | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 8/20/1998 540-985-0682 | | | | |
| www.classic-cameras.com | { 1} | | | |
| Classic and Used Camera | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/1/1997 206-739-9192 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Clyed's Camera Stores | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/20/1999 800-788-5555 | | | | [ 1] |
| 718-265-6800 | | | { 1} | { 3} |
| Coast to Coast | 3 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/23/1998 800-423-8277 | | | | |
| www.c-com.net/~colonel 713-486-8866 | { 2} | | | { 1} |
| Colonel Video & Audio - Houston | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/24/1998 614-267-0686 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Columbus Camera Group | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/26/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| CompUSA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/6/1997 800-558-0003 | | | | |
| www.computability.com 414-357-8181 | | | | |
| Computability | 35 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/7/1997 800-955-3000 | | | | |
| www.crutchfield.com | | | | |
| Crutchfield | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/26/1997 608-838-4769 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| DAG Camera Repair | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/1/1990 800-327-4728 | | | | |
| 800-327-2345 | | | | |
| DBS Satellite Television | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/18/1998 | | | | |
| | { 1} | | | |
| Dale Laboratories | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/4/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Darkroom Innovations | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/31/1995 800-482-7466 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| DataVision | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/20/1998 805-962-7557 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Del's Photo | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 5/28/1998 | | | | |
| | | | | { 1} |
| Diamond Camera | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/17/1990 800-526-6633 | | | | |
| 212-719-3174 | | | | |
| Direct Camera Warehouse | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/31/1999 800-516-9483 | [ 1] | | | [ 3] |
| 908-925-8548 | { 3} | | | { 8} |
| Discovery Camera & Electronics | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/14/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Don Chatterton | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 9/17/1990 800-766-6710 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Ecca | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 12/16/1995 800-323-2325 | | | | |
| 516-759-1611 | | | | |
| Electronic Mailbox | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/11/1991 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Electronic Wholesalers | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/11/1998 800-45-PHOTO | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Executive Digital & Imaging | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/29/1994 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Express Video | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/11/1999 800-335-7468 | | | | [ 1] |
| 800-405-PHOTO | | | | { 2} |
| Family Photo & Video | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 12/28/1998 800-221-0828 | | | | |
| www.focuscamera.com 718-436-6262 | { 2} | { 1} | | |
| Focus Camera & Video (Honest Abe's) | 34 | 15 | 3 | 10 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/18/1994 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Four Designs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/1/1988 800-421-8230 | | | | |
| 213-255-0123 | | | | |
| Frank's Highland Park | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 8/31/1998 800-292-6137 | | | | |
| www.freestylesalesco.com 213-660-3460 | | { 1} | | |
| Freestyle | 11 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/30/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Fujichrome Tru-Color | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/18/1992 800-551-2363 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| G&S Photo & Electronics Inc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/22/1996 800-569-4100 | | | | |
| 201-742-5777 | | | | |
| Garden State Camera | 13 | 3 | 0 | 5 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/31/1995 800-575-9977 | | | | |
| 610-527-5803 | | | | |
| Genesis Video & Camera (Penn) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/31/1995 708-420-2951 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| George Ury Fine Photo Eq. | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/31/1999 800-GIFTIME | [ 1] | | | |
| 201-886-7400 | { 1} | | | |
| Giftime Discount Center | 5 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/19/1992 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Gil Ghitelman | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 8/26/1996 206-624.1100 | | | | |
| www.glazerscamera.com 206-624.8065 | | | | |
| Glazers Camera Supply | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/5/1995 800-420-5050 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Global | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/31/1993 800-367-4854 | | | | |
| 212-243-2306 | | | | |
| Gould Trading | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/15/1997 800-621-6471 | | | | |
| 312-421-6000 | | | | |
| HELIX (Chicago) | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/6/1990 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Haven Electronics | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/10/1990 800-638-3920 | | | | |
| 301-488-9600 | | | | |
| International Electronic World | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 12/1/1998 800-221-8180 | | | | |
| | { 2} | | | |
| J&R's Music World in NYC | 31 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/29/1998 (765) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Jack's Camera | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/19/1995 908-493-0280 | | | | |
| 908-493-0167 | | | | |
| Jersey Camera | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/1/1998 515-225-0110 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Jim Kuehl & Company | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/29/1999 404-892-5522 | [ 1] | | | |
| www.keh.com 404-892-1251 | { 1} | | | |
| KEH Camera Brokers | 49 | 7 | 2 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/12/1991 516-933-9790 | | | | |
| www.kohscamera.com | | | | |
| KOH Camera Sales | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/20/1997 212-317-0923 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Ken Hansen Photographic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/14/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Ken-Mar Camera & Video | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/26/1996 888-485-7447 | | | | |
| www.kcamera.com 425-485-7447 | | | | |
| Kenmore Camera | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/7/1996 800-626-5074 | | | | |
| www.kirkphoto.com 219-665-3670 | | | | |
| Kirk Enterprises | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Labelle (= La-Mere?) | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/15/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Lauderdale Camera | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/3/1997 605-588-9090 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Le Camera | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/8/1988 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| LeBaron | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 9/5/1992 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Lens & Repro Equipment Corp | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/29/1998 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Lens Exchange (Saul Kaminsky) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/18/1992 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Lewis & Clark | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 12/31/1998 | | | | |
| | { 1} | | | |
| Light Impressions | 21 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/3/1993 213-467-7189 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Lloyd's Camera Exchange | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/2/1997 800-606-6746 | | | | |
| www.mmphoto.com 718-437-1059 | | | | |
| M&M Photo Source Ltd. | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/2/1994 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| MKA/ICBM | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/13/1994 800-331-5423 | | | | |
| 212-247-7468 | | | | |
| Manhattan Video Wholesaler | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/22/1999 800-448-8811 | | | | [ 1] |
| 718-891-1844 | { 1} | { 1} | | { 3} |
| Marine Park Camera & Video | 2 | 1 | 0 | 15 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 5/1/1994 619-272-8820 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Micro-Tek Inc | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/10/1998 614-261-1264 | | | | |
| 614-261-1637 | { 1} | | | |
| Midwest Photo | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/2/1990 516-437-5750 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Minox | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/20/1998 | | | | |
| www.mysticcolorlab.com | | | | |
| Mystic Color | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 8/24/1989 800-624-8107 | | | | |
| 612-546-6831 | | | | |
| National Camera Exchange (Minn) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/24/1996 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| New West Electronics | 27 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/15/1989 800-223-6119 | | | | |
| 212-564-4398 | | | | |
| New York Camera | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/18/1991 800-456-9890 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Not Just Video | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/7/1994 800-223-1444 | | | | |
| www.oldencamera.com 212-725-1234 | | | | |
| Olden | 5 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/8/1999 | [ 1] | | | |
| 0 | { 1} | | | |
| Olympus Guy | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 8/6/1993 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Omni | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 12/21/1998 800-ONE-KALL | | | | |
| www.onecall.com 800-340-4770 | { 9} | | | |
| One Call West | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 9/1/1998 P.O. | | | | |
| www.teleport.com/~pacrim Salem, | { 1} | | | |
| Pacific Rim | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/9/1990 800-525-5014 | | | | |
| 718-692-0829 | | | | |
| Palace | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/3/1997 800-766-9653 | | | | |
| 404-633-2699 | | | | |
| Peach State | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 9/19/1995 800-923-2022 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Philly's Camera | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/10/1999 800-834-0884 | | | | [ 2] |
| 718-236-5559 | | | { 1} | { 5} |
| Photo Graphic (Photo & Video Inc). | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/26/1998 800-521-4311 | | | | |
| | { 1} | | | |
| Photographer's Warehouse | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/1/1994 800-444-SAVE | | | | |
| 212-868-9455 | | | | |
| Photron | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/20/1996 800-542-8811 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Planet Video (Electronics) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/29/1998 800-553-2001 | | | | |
| www.porters.com | { 1} | | | |
| Porter's | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 5/3/1995 800-877-2900 | | | | |
| 713-240-3202 | | | | |
| Power Video (Texas) | 12 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/31/1995 800-228-8480 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| PriceBusters | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/10/1989 800-541-4055 | | | | |
| 516-741-5440 | | | | |
| Pro Video Distributors | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 12/3/1998 | | | | |
| www.profeel.com | { 1} | | | { 1} |
| Profeel | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/10/1992 800-736-6677 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Professional Video Warehouse | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 12/31/1998 805-528-6321 | | | | |
| | { 2} | | | |
| Really Right Stuff | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/28/1996 310-837-2368 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Reel 3D Enterprises | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/29/1999 | [ 1] | | | |
| | { 1} | | | |
| Ritz Collectables | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/13/1997 800-726-5544 | | | | |
| www.a1.com/roberts 317-636-5544 | | | | |
| Roberts Distributors, Inc. | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/2/1994 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Russian Collectable Cameras | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/31/1999 800-321-4726 | [ 2] | | [ 1] | |
| www.samys.com | { 8} | | { 1} | |
| Samy's Camera (LA) | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/24/1996 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Savant Audio | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 9/30/1997 206-281-1390 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Seattle Filmworks | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/8/1998 402-334-8723 | | | | |
| www.top.net/shea | | | | |
| Shea's Shutter Shack | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/17/1998 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Shutan Camera & Video | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 5/8/1997 310-791-7100 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Silvio's Photoworks | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/10/1990 800-543-3025 | | | | |
| 218-739-5231 | | | | |
| Skyvision (MN) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/4/1999 800-489-3677 | | | | [ 1] |
| 212-967-5900 | | | | { 2} |
| Smile Photo | 10 | 5 | 5 | 21 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Special Effects | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 9/18/1996 800-289-5342 | | | | |
| 203-789-0350 | | | | |
| Stan Tamarkin | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 12/21/1992 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Stephen Shuart | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/10/1993 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Studio Center Photographic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/4/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Su's Camera | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/24/1996 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Sunshine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/19/1995 800-332-2661 | | | | |
| 718-692-4110 | | | | |
| Supreme Camera | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/14/1999 | [ 1] | | | |
| | { 1} | | | |
| Supreme Video & Electronics | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/20/1990 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Tape City/G&G | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 7/29/1997 800-259-8168 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Terrell Plaza Camera | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/26/1996 800-238-2647 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| The Guild Camera Shop | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/21/1999 800-632-6076 | | | | [ 1] |
| | | | | { 1} |
| The Southern Advantage Co. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/4/1994 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| The Tape Company (Chicago) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 8/1/1996 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| The f Stops Here | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/11/1997 800-951.6215 | | | | |
| www.thompsonphoto.com 615-637-0215 | | | | |
| Thompson Photo Products | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 10/19/1998 770-422-2189 | | | | |
| | { 1} | | | |
| Todco | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/26/1999 800-221-1926 | [ 1] | | | |
| 212-633-2290 | { 1} | | { 1} | |
| Tri-State | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 5/29/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Union & Brothers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 4/20/1998 | | | | |
| | | | | { 1} |
| United Camera & Electronics | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/20/1998 800-872-3456 | | | | |
| 732-905-2062(fax) | | | | |
| Universal Distributors | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/20/1994 800-368-5020 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Video Direct | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/23/1998 617-662-6685 | | | | |
| www.wbhunt.com | { 1} | | | |
| W.B. Hunt's | 15 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/31/1997 800-221-4090 | | | | |
| www.wall-street-camera.com 212-344-0011 | | | | |
| Wall Street | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 6/5/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Westbury Camera | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 8/10/1997 800-675-2602 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Wilson Country Camera | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 1/5/1995 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Wiz | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/13/1998 516-599-6013 | | | | |
| www.woodcam.com | | | | |
| Woodmere Camera | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 2/19/1999 | | | | [ 1] |
| | | | | { 1} |
| World Photo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 9/30/1997 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Worldwide Photo | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/31/1995 802-257-5161 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Zone VI | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 11/18/1998 | | | | |
| | | | | { 1} |
| beststopdigital | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
| 3/31/1999 | | | | [ 1] |
| www.theweb-shop.com | | | | { 2} |
| kpmarketing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
|--------------------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
IV. Tips for shopping from mail order firms
These are some general guidelines developed by readers over the years.
As with any guideline, there are times when it is appropriate to "break"
them. However, as many survey users can attest, if you don't follow one
of the following there is a good chance that you'll be sorry.
1. ORDER BY CREDIT CARD ONLY. Don't pay the credit card bill until you have
received the goods in satisfactory condition. To avoid interest charges,
when you pay the rest of the credit card bill, include a note explaining
the contested charge.
2. ASK WHAT THE SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES WILL BE. Most stores no longer
just charge you the freight, but also include a sizable handling charge.
3. ASK IF THE ITEM CARRIES A U.S. WARRANTY. New York stores (but not others)
now have to tell you whether what they are selling you carries a U.S.
warranty. Grey market material does not carry a U.S. warranty and is
sold at a significantly lower price. International warranties may be
worthless, but you may not feel you need the warranty protection. Some
stores do not allow returns of grey market material. If the material
arrives damaged you must file an insurance claim. The price advertized
in photography magazines is frequently the grey market price. And they
may not have the grey market item in stock, but only the higher priced
U.S. warranty item. NOTE: May want to ask if it's a Manufactur's U.S.
Warranty.
4. DON'T AGREE TO BUY ANYTHING YOU HADN'T PLANNED TO BUY WHEN YOU CALLED.
For example, often when buying a lens, the salesperson may try to
get you to buy a filter. Be sure you know what you're getting : there
many different filters available, of varying quality and price. You
likely spent time determining the right lens, your filter is just as
important. Filters may be as cheap, or just a little more, at
your local camera store. As a general rule, don't buy anything solely
on the phone salesman's recommendations. Though there may be exceptions,
most are not there to help you.
5. WHEN ORDERING, ASK FOR THE NAME OF THE SALESPERSON. Record this piece
of information along with the time, date, and agreed upon sales price and
merchandise.
6. WHEN YOU GET YOUR EQUIPMENT, TEST IT IMMEDIATELY. If it is defective, call
the mail order company immediately and arrange for returning it. See #1
above. Ask for a return authorization number and get the name of the
person you talk to. Most stores give you rather short period for
returning defective equipment, so waste a roll of film and get it
developed at a one day service place.
7. ASK IF THE ITEM IS IN STOCK. There appears, however, to be no reason to
believe their answer.
8. Call around and get the best price with the desired warranty, including
shipping and handling. Add 10 or 15 per cent for nuisance. Then call
around to your local stores and see if they can come close. Very
frequently they will.
9. Low end items, like small autofocus cameras, are frequently just as cheap,
if not cheaper when you consider the shipping and handling, in the local
discount department stores.
10. IF YOU PAID FOR SHIPPING ALREADY, YOUR SHIPPING COMPANY SHOULDN'T CHARGE
YOU ANYTHING FOR "EXTRA" SERVICE. If you paid for shipping to your
mail-order company, that mail order company should mail your goods to your
house. If you get a phone call from the local shipping company saying they
need an extra "service fee", refuse to pay. You can give the shipping
company the phone number of the mail-order company so they can hash it out,
or call the mail-order company directly and complain. You already paid
shipping. Don't give any extra money to the shippers.
11. IF REORDERING, CONSIDERING ASKING FOR THE SAME SALESPERSON: A few folks
have noted that they receive better experience this way. A salesperson's
day is usually spent speaking to a bunch of anonymous folks. If you
notice a salesperson it probably would make them feel better and might
get you that little extra service.
12. INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: In the past I (Rune Riisnaes) had some unpleasant
experiences with international deliveries where the salesperson or
shipping dept. get the address all wrong or can't figure out how to get
a foreign address into their order entry system. "What, no zip code?
Must be wrong. Let's keep the package here until the customer asks for it,
then get the right address..." Now, I always call and get a qoute, then
fax the order. That ensures my address is entered and spelled correctly.
V. The experiences received since the last posting
==============================================================================
=============================================================================
Return-Path: <Ivanpour@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Mar 1999 17:33:11 EST
I want to describe 2 entirely different situations:
1.AAA Camera New York--AVOID AT ALL COSTS
On September 30th, 1998 I ordered from your representative "Frank" the
following 3 items:
1 Canon 540 EZ $259.99
(this was advertised for $229.00 but that was for a model made in the
Philippines which was white and no good)
1 Ed-D Screen for Canon A2E $26.50
1 Off Camera shoe cord # $2 49.99
Shipping and Handling $10.00
TOTAL $346.48
I was assured that ALL ITEMS WERE IN STOCK AND WOULD ARRIVE WITHIN 5 BUSINESS
DAYS.
My account was charged that same day for $356.23. ( the difference was in the
shipping and handling, which almost doubled from the quoted amount).
When I received the package 3 weeks later it was short the ED-D screen marked
"to follow shortly."
After waiting almost 3 months and being out off when called I went to my
Credit Card (VISA) and made a claim first orally which they don't accept then
in writing:
Enclosed is the copy of the itemized bill from AAA Camera for $356.23
including the missing item : 1. 1 ED D Screen for $26.50
2. Expected delivery when ordered was immediate together with all other items.
Invoice came marked: "To follow shortly" which isn't very specific.
3. I contacted the merchant in writing on November 30th, 1998 (letter
attached) also three E-mails 11/7/98, 11/12/98 and 12/12/98. There was no
reply. Orally I contacted them on 12/1/98 talked to ED, was told item would be
shipped that night, on 1-20-99 to JOHN who stated he would ship missing item
that evening. None of these promises were kept. Yesterday 1/25/99 I called and
was told item still was not shipped.
Visa said that shipping and handling is verbal and they can't do anything
about it. Since I had names and copies of all correspondence including E-mails
the agreed to charge back the $26.50 for the screen.
=============================================================================
Return-Path: <Ivanpour@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Mar 1999 17:33:11 EST
Experience #2
I called B&H. Ordered the screen for $26.50 plus several other items. Was
quoted the total amount plus freight and the total that would be charged to my
credit card. The merchandise arrived at my house by UPS 3 days later. I would
highly recommend B&H.
I don't remember if the AAA ad was in Peterson's or Shutterbug, but I believe
that the editors of these magazines should take a look at your site any
advertiser that misrepresents, etc., should be barred from advertising. This
would clean up the mail order mess and give more credibility to ads in various
magazines.
=============================================================================
From: "Edwin Leahy" <eleahy@metlife.com>
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 20:44:02 -0500
I would like to post a "No Problem" rating for B&H Photo. I dealt with a very
courteous sales person, who was very knowledgeable in the products I ordered.
On Monday, March 8th I ordered:
1 Nikon 80-200 2.8D
1 Tiffen UV Filter
1 Nikon HB-27 Hood
All arrived on Tuesday, March 10th!!!
Definite Kudos to B&H!!
Ned Leahy
=============================================================================
From - Fri Mar 12 07:12:40 1999
Return-Path: <jsizemore@powerint.com>
From: Jim Sizemore <jsizemore@powerint.com>
Family Photo & Video -- Avoid -- 3/11/99, when I contacted them regarding an
order they tried a "bait and switch" on me.
Sincerely Yours,
Jim Sizemore
Power Integrations
Phone: (408) 523-9276
Email: jsizemore@powerint.com
=============================================================================
From: "rob van damme" <rvandg@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 1999 09:17:22 PST
dont know if u need more info. anyhow, bought 2 times from adorama
recently. a 11x70 binoculair and an olympus 2000 slr. last order
original ordered a ricoh camera with additional items. adorama called
and informed me that ricoh stopped importing slr into the usa, and
because camera was not available they stop processing accessories ae
well, which is customer friendly. i have good experiences with this
company. rgds
=============================================================================
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 16:45:07 -0600
From: Igor Marinovic <igorm@mbg630.mbg.com>
I made two mail purchases from Adorama in NYC, and in both
cases I had no problems at all. Their service was good and
fast (though on average about 1-2 day slower than with B&H)
1)
Name: Adorama
Experience: No problems
Time: mid February 1999
2)
Name: Adorama
Experience: No problems
Time: March 15, 1999
Igor Marinovic
=============================================================================
Return-Path: <JandM60@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 12:31:33 EST
Subject: B&H - No Problem
I chose B&H from your list. My order was made late on March 9, confirmed on
the 10th, and in my hands on the 16th; pleased with both you and B&H.
JM
=============================================================================
From - Mon Mar 22 08:03:11 1999
Return-Path: <bamrice@ucdavis.edu>
You should put a big tick in the "evil, avoid at all costs" category for
Cambridge Camera. I ordered a Pentax flash from them and they sent me a
sunpak instead! Unfortunately, before that arrived, I made the mistake of
ordering a macrolens and a Pentax ringlight from them. After repeated
calls and seven weeks the macro finally arrived. A week after that, they
finally sent a ringlight. But behold, they sent a Vivitar Macroflash 5000
and charged me $169.90 (the catalogue price for the Vivitar is only $75)!
Did they think I wasn't going to look up price??
Barry
=============================================================================
Return-Path: <gynche@banet.net>
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 1999 12:18:46 -0500
I would like to add my comments to your survey. It is my advice that
consumers avoid Coast to Coast Camera, 2570 86th St. Brooklyn,
N.Y.(800-788-5555, 718-265-1723) at all costs.
On 1-31-99 I placed an order for a Sigma 135-400 zoom lens among other
items with Yanni, overnight shipment was promised. When it didn't arrive
I called them ( it is nearly impossible to get through to their customer
Service line). I was told by Joe that this lens was defective and I
should buy a Tamron 200-400 instead.He wanted $135.00 more. I
tentatively accepted his word and agreed to shipment at the original
price. I cancelled the order 15 minutes later, but found out (to my
amazement), it had already been shipped. I returned it under their
satisfaction guarantee for a Canon 75-300 Image Stabilizer lens, after
many phone calls, letters and much aggrivation, I received the much
cheaper Canon 75-300 II lens a month later. Once again I couldn't get
through but finally after returning the lens and filters, writing 2 more
letters and calls to Discover Card, I received a credit to my card on
March 19th. I still have other products from them that were
misrepresented and am out $31.85 in shipping and return charges but I am
finally done with them. I would highly advise others to stay away from
Coast to Coast and their sister company 21st Century at all costs.
Sincerely,
Cory Lawler
=============================================================================
From - Mon Mar 22 08:04:34 1999
Return-Path: <wenl@itsa.ucsf.edu>
I would avoid ordering from "Marine Park Camera & Video "
They have hassle salesman, and extremely unrelible constomer service, whose
phone line needs hours to get in.
Wen
=============================================================================
From: "Bowles, David" <DBowles@lear.com>
To: "'blondin@lucent.com'" <blondin@lucent.com>
Subject: Smile Photo Corp.
date ordered : 3/4/99
items ordered : Remote panhead (1)
Bescor MM7 battery(1)
Bescor MX-5C for Canon(2)
Tiffen filters
AVOID AVOID AVOID AVOID AVOID AVOID
Salesperson : SY Ryan customer service : Helen and later LEAH
They sent Bescor MX-5 for SONY. They would not pay for return shipping and
would not promise new ship date. Wanted to charge me more shipping to ship
correct batteries and now wants to charge a restocking fee for the returned
batteries after I cancelled the MX-5C part of the order due to their nasty
attitude and lack of attention to my concern. Helen and Leah were both
short with me and started quoting their policy about returns. When they've
screwed up an order the last thing I want to hear about is policy. Their
number one policy should be to get the customer what he ordered. I am even
considering cancelling my subscription to the magazine i found their ad in.
Besides the original order took almost two weeks and they still got it
wrong!
David Bowles
Bowles MultiMedia Productions
=============================================================================
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 12:30:42 -0800
From: Richard Niles <dickn@home.com>
Subject: Camera World of OR
Ordered Canon Powershot Pro70 with memory card add on. Arrived in
timely manner, no push for extras. NO PROBLEM is the rating on this
experience.
=============================================================================
From - Mon Mar 29 07:38:13 1999
Return-Path: <dickn@home.com>
Subject: Second order B&H
B&H used a classic, S&H ploy. Charged for three day express delivery,
and hnadling charges plus insurance.
UPS automatically insures to 500.00, so additional charge for shipment
under 500.00 was pure fluff. Probably not more than 5.00 for the extra
insurance, but bothersome. "Minor Annoyance" would be a fair rating.
=============================================================================
From - Mon Mar 29 07:38:20 1999
Return-Path: <Stan.Spencer@usa.xerox.com>
1) CameraWorld of Oregon
2) 3/12/99
3) Avoid
Stan Spencer
=============================================================================
From - Mon Mar 29 07:38:30 1999
Return-Path: <leo@elansys.com>
Re: Camera World of Oregon
Category: No Problem
Absolutely fantastic!
I ordered $2,400 of video equipment on Thursday, March 11, and paid
extra for Friday delivery via UPS Red. They had the BEST selection and
the BEST price.
Friday came and went, with no delivery. I called UPS and, believe it or
not, while they knew they picked up the package, they had no idea where
it was.
I called Camera World of Oregon, explained I was leaving the country on
Saturday, and asked if they could send another camera; and have it for
Saturday delivery.
The camera and accessories arrived Saturday as promised, and when the
"missing" shipment finally showed up and sent back, CWoO credited my
credit card immediately.
It's unfortunate they use UPS, which is notorious for its=92 lack of
service. But because of the service I received (along with availability
and price), I have no reason to shop elsewhere in the future.
Strongly recommended to others!
Leo
Ann Arbor
=============================================================================
From - Mon Mar 29 15:56:57 1999
Return-Path: <JFranz2777@aol.com>
Have dealt with the following for Minolta stuff:
Ritz Camera & Collectibles (Phoenix AZ) - very knowlegable and courteous - got
order right, merch as described (actually better) and on time and on price. No
Hassles or problems.
=============================================================================
From - Mon Mar 29 15:56:57 1999
Return-Path: <JFranz2777@aol.com>
Cameta Camera - right items, right price, got on time and as described. Some
suggestive selling, but I can't fault them for that - No Hassles.
=============================================================================
From - Mon Mar 29 15:56:57 1999
Return-Path: <JFranz2777@aol.com>
KEH Camera Brokers - right items, right prices, slightly underrated. No
Hassles.
=============================================================================
From - Tue Mar 30 07:49:27 1999
Return-Path: <craig.nelson@usa.xerox.com>
I purchaed a Nikon zoom lens from B&H Photo without problem. The phone was
answered quickly, the pricing was just as stated on their website, and
everything arrived in perfect order in the time promised. I ordered on a
Wednesday 3/24/99 and it arrived on Monday 3/29/99. I would definitely use
B&H Photo again base on my experience.
C. G. Nelson
=============================================================================
From - Wed Mar 31 08:05:19 1999
Return-Path: <swickliffe@ameritech.net>
Subject: Avoid
The Web Shop (www.theweb-shop.com).
I would like to double the number of avoids for this web site.
For two months I got continual promises that the VCR that I had ordered was
shipping the next day.
After I canceled it took another two weeks to get my credit card credited.
It's a lot of trouble for gray market goods.
Steve Wickliffe
=============================================================================
From - Wed Mar 31 08:19:15 1999
Return-Path: <john58@jellico.com>
Subject: Excellent experience from Samy's
Last week, I played the camera dealer roulette wheel. While seeking to buy
a Canon Elan II w/EF28-80 USM lens, I called dozens of companies, and each
call made me a little more frustrated. Nearly everyone I spoke to was short
and rude (most NYC stores), or condescending (B&H). Finally, I found
Cynthia at Samy's. I told her what I wanted, she gave her best price, and
and I told her that I wanted to place my order. She complemented me on my
purchase, did not try to substitute my Canon lens for a Sigma :-), and
didn't even offer to sell me filters or other accessories. Then, two days
later, the order arrived in perfect condition along with official Canon US
warranty cards.
Please add my name to the growing list of people who think Samy's is the
best!
John Holbrook
Corbin, KY
============================================================================
From - Mon Mar 29 07:39:49 1999
Return-Path: <aclaudiomolinari@ospedale-gaslini.ge.it>
Dear Douglas,
I want first send to you my congratulation for the survey! But after that I
want here report my experience in buying through the Internet at the
Adorama used dept.
I am a photo hobbyst, and I use Olympus cameras and lenses. Accessories of
these brand are quite rare to be found in my town. So, after I discovered
the high power of Internet for this use, I started to look up on it for
some of them. Last year I bought three or four times photographic
accessories at the Olympusguy of S.Antonio, TX, and I always received an
excellent service from Paul Van Thuil, the shop owner! So, when I found in
the web site of Adorama an Olympus T32 zoom adapter I sent an e-mail to
them asking for the condition of the item. Promptly that Greg answered me,
and I decided to purchase it. So I phoned my VISA number on his answer
machine. He replied he had got it. (It was the end of february). But after
that day, and up to date, I did not receive any news about my order, and
none of my several e-mail and calls got a satysfactory answer. This is
what I call a bad experience, and that is why I send it to you with the aim
to share it to any possible furher customer of Adorama. Call it a
"minor problem".
Best regards
Angelo Claudio Molinari
Genoa Italy
============================================================================
From - Thu Apr 01 08:06:32 1999
Return-Path: <itsok2beme@email.msn.com>
On the 25th of March I purchased a number of items from Cameraworld of
Oregon, NO PROBLEMS whatsoever. Exemplary service through and through, Nikon
N90s, 2 F 2.8 zoom lenses, tripod, Lowe Pro backpack. All arrived within two
days! WOW!! Highly recommend this company.
Mark S. Bellevue WA
============================================================================
From - Thu Apr 01 08:06:38 1999
Return-Path: <ashkush@hotmail.com>
1. Discovery - Category: AVOID
I placed an order for a camera with quartz date. They called next and
said since they did not have the one with the date, they shipped me one
with out the date and they wanted me to take it. I told them there was a
reason why wanted date and will not accept it. He said talk to customer
Service and hung up. Some how the camera they sent never arrived, unless
they have the ability to retrieve the mail after it was posted. I think
these people run scamming business. I would be very careful doing business
with these people. I don't think there is anybody there in that customer
service number but a recorder.
============================================================================
From - Thu Apr 01 08:06:38 1999
Return-Path: <ashkush@hotmail.com>
2. Giftime - Category: NO PROBLEM
I was able to get what I wanted with out any problem. Only thing was they
sent me two batteries ( $30 according to them, can get them for less $10 in
Kmart), even before I could finish my first roll battery was dead. I wrote
them a letter, they promptly sent a pair batteries in express mail no cost
to me.
============================================================================
From - Thu Apr 01 16:32:50 1999
Return-Path: <ventu@email.msn.com>
1. Southern Advantage of Charlotte, North Carolina
2. March 21, 1999
3. Category 4 (Avoid. My experience with this company was totally
unsatisfactory and I would never do business with them again.)
Description: I was treated with utter rudeness and contempt. My questions
in the course of trying to place an order worth $1,400 were treated
perfunctorily and after several phone calls to clarify details I was told
that I had exactly ten seconds to place an order because I was using an
order line. These were then counted off, at the end of which phone was
disconnected. I have filed a compaint with the Better Business Bureau after
receiving absolutely no satisfaction from the owner of this company.
Gail