Why are camera shops different from other online resellers?

[Quizzmo]

Trying to purchase another Canon 10D body online and have had nothing but trouble.

I have purchased many items online from all over the country but never the hassels like with camera outfits. Instead of mailing out a receipt they start with an email asking you to call and "confirm" your order.

You call and are then hit up for stuff you don't want... camera bags, lens hoods, extended warranties, filters, tripods, glass... and god forbid you don't interrupt the sales pitch... Like I'm not capable of shopping online nor do I have a clue about what I really need.

I shop for the lowest price... I know what you all are thinking... if the price is too low it can't be legit... it works for computer parts and all the other camera stuff but camera bodies... it's like dealing with used car sales people...

I had a couple of outfits in NY hang up on me because I was not playing the game their way...

What a pain...

Anyone else have similar experiences?

Did manage to find a joint to ship one out with out all the hassle...

[Cadwell]

I have bought all of my camera gear on-line from UK vendors and have always had positive experiences... Sorry to hear about your troubles.

[ron chappel]

I'm not sure why it is the case with camera gear.
On the other hand,i've only heard of new york stores doing that kind of thing

[sGu]

All my gear are purchased from the B&H, NY, even though i'm based in Manchester, there is no trouble whatsoever, apart from first time users, u'll need to fax over copy of ur credit card, unless u have Amex.

I've never had trouble with their customer service personel either. And their shipping with UPS does a brilliant work, sometimes it takes 7 days for my order to get delivered with most UK retailers, it only takes max 3 days from B&H, all the way from NY to my doorstep, what's more? it saves a lot of money, too.

from my experience of buying camera gear, so far so good. and good luck with ur future purchase.

[scottbergerphoto]

I only buy camera gear online from sellers that have" brick and mortar" businesses, retail stores. That usually means a reliable, no BS transaction.
B and H, Jand R, Calumet, all have online and retail businesses. If you see an add for something cheaper you know there is usually a catch.
Scott

[Scottes]

In another thread we have a list of recommended retailers. Stick with one of them and you should be OK.

I personally recommend B&H, www.bhphotovideo.com

Here's the list from others here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26568

Another good place to check out a retailer is www.reselleratings.com - they have a database of retailers and people enter their experiences, good or bad.

[RJCONKLIN]

try "bestpriceaudiovideo.com" in ohio. canon authorized dealer. no bs.

[PekkaM]

Royal Camera?

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1895.html

[kahfluie]

I always get most of my stuff from B&H and have never had a problem.

Give them a try.

[Quizzmo]

Royal rings a bell... jerks. I should probably register a domain for royalcamerasucks.com and post nothing but horror stories...

[PekkaM]

Royal rings a bell... jerks. I should probably register a domain for royalcamerasucks.com and post nothing but horror stories...

Hehe :D The URL I posted is pretty much exactly that... I noticed the topic on it on a Finnish digital photography forum, they say that you are sold camera for very good price and when you call they tell you it doesn't include battery, charger, strap, manual etc. Then they try to sell overpriced accessories and hang up repeatedly if you insist on no extras...

[robertwgross]

There are several well-hated camera outfits that seem to gravitate toward the New York City area, especially the low-rent part of Brooklyn.

When you try to get the very lowest price, you end up with those bums. It is possible that you will eventually end up with the camera item that you want, and you'll get it at the advertised price. It is even possible that they'll ship it in a timely fashion. It's equally possible that pigs fly.

Most of us learned early in the game to stick with a highly rated vendor, probably one of the top three or four, and to avoid the bottom feeders.

---Bob Gross---

[Leszek]

Do yourself a favor, shop with B&H or Adorama.
Never any problems.

[RichardSimon]

I would second the suggestion to check out
www.resellerratings.com

I agree with the B&H recommendations - I have had excellent service from them, and they carry everything. There are some legit vendors with slightly lower prices, but be wary of "bargains" - besides the high pressure sales tactics, you may not get the warranty you expect, and the unit might be refurbished or used.

[Jon Borcik]

Another great supplier of camera equipment is KEH. I've never had a pressure sale or bad purchase from them. Talk to Gail and tell her I sent you! ! ! :lol:

[Blues67]

Ive used 17th Street Photo, Digitalphotoclub.com, and B&H and have had no problems. 17th was the quickest to ship.

[sGu]

is there a thread abt online camera retailers? if not, we should have a online purchase guide. And personally, I'd like to know which ones ship internationally.

[Quizzmo]

There are many reputable camera outfits out there. I just wonder why it's "low price" = trouble with camera gear and not that way with computer hardware.

I have had more trouble with UPS and FedeX loosing stuff than with online merchants.

[cmM]

is there a thread abt online camera retailers? if not, we should have a online purchase guide. And personally, I'd like to know which ones ship internationally.

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26568

Voila ! Member recommended vendors.

[aam1234]

Does anybody know if their prices are comparable to prices in the US, and do we have to pay VAT on the purchases.

Also, it would be nice if somebody gives location of the reputable vendors mentioned (i'm looking for non-NY resellers).

Thanks