b&H going down hill?

[ifurlong]

I have been ordering from B&H for a couple of years now and always had good luck with them. But I was just reading on resselerratings all the bad experiences customers are having and it appears to be a downward trend, have any of you noticed this?

[tofuboy]

I recently ordered from them about 2 weeks ago and received my order as I always have from them in the past. As far as my experience goes, they are a great retailer.

[CoolToolGuy]

Today I should be getting my fourth order from B&H in the last two months. All of them have been smooth as glass.

Do you have any specifics?

Have Fun,

[ifurlong]

well I just sorted the rating starting with the worst
I was also suprised to see the rating, ~6, I thought they would have a much higher rating

[DirtyHarry]

iv had no problems with any of my orders and there email responce is top notch! i cant fault them! 8)

[neil_r]

Ordered an EOS 1D MkII from B&H in New York @ 09:00 Monday morning, it arrived in Coventry UK Thursday afternoon. Don't think you can get better than that ?

N

[Dooglla]

I don't know how to post on the rating site but, I will tell you what I am going through with them. I ordered a lens from them and they shipped it out on the 4th of this month. After taking my order the sales person never ever asked me if I wanted it to come to me fast since he knew I lived in Sweden but, just said that the postage was so and so amount. This was my first time ordering and having it shipped over but, seems to me they could have said to me in order to get it faster you can have it shipped this way to get it quickly. Well, it is 4 weeks now and still no lens. Man, I wished I would have gotten the tracking number shipping package where I could call to know where my equipment is but, lesson learned is all I can say. Will I order again...maybe not but if I do I sure will asked for the fastest way of shipping and have it to where I can know where it is.

Update: Still waiting for my lens. :(

[cmM]

Nah, I doubt b&h is going down. They are the "world's largest dealer of imaging equipment"

[Longwatcher]

Man, I wished I would have gotten the tracking number shipping package where I could call to know where my equipment is but, lesson learned is all I can say. Will I order again...maybe not but if I do I sure will asked for the fastest way of shipping and have it to where I can know where it is.

Update: Still waiting for my lens. :(

Don't know if it works for international stuff, but if you know your order number, you can get your tracking number from BH via e-mail link. I do it everytime since I forget to register on their site. If you don't know your order number you are out of luck.

send e-mail to tracking@bhphotovideo.com with only your order number in the subject line and see if it works for you.

[Doom1701e]

I havent ordered from them in a few months, but with my last order I had no problems at all. I plan on getting my 20D from them as soon as it is released.

[robertwgross]

I order something from B&H several times per year, and I have never had any order late, wrong, or confused. I do all of my transactions with them online, and about the only problem to dodge has to do with the days of the week that they are closed.

---Bob Gross---

[TonyKInTexas]

You do enough business, you will get complaints. And people who are happy generally don't make posts until something strikes their fancy to do so.

Considering the number of sales B&H is probably making, I would hazard a few complaints. The key is how are these complaints resolved.

I have been ordering from B&H for a couple of years now and always had good luck with them. But I was just reading on resselerratings all the bad experiences customers are having and it appears to be a downward trend, have any of you noticed this?

[defordphoto]

I have been doing a fairly steady business with them over the past three years and I have no complaints whatsoever.

The only time I had to deal with customer service was when I ordered a used (new in bag) vest that was advertised as large and I got a medium. I called them and they handled the problem right on the spot and I was on the phone less than 5 minutes. Got the replacement vest within 48 hours and credited back on the return vest immediately.

Customer service doesn't get much better than that.

[Mike H]

Man, I wished I would have gotten the tracking number shipping package where I could call to know where my equipment is but, lesson learned is all I can say. Will I order again...maybe not but if I do I sure will asked for the fastest way of shipping and have it to where I can know where it is.

Update: Still waiting for my lens. :(

Don't know if it works for international stuff, but if you know your order number, you can get your tracking number from BH via e-mail link. I do it everytime since I forget to register on their site. If you don't know your order number you are out of luck.

send e-mail to tracking@bhphotovideo.com with only your order number in the subject line and see if it works for you.

That should work. If it doesn't call B&H and they can find the order number for you. I've always gotten superb service from them.

Mike H

[Vegas Poboy]

Never had any problems :D Wish I could take stock out on them :)

[Dooglla]

Man, I wished I would have gotten the tracking number shipping package where I could call to know where my equipment is but, lesson learned is all I can say. Will I order again...maybe not but if I do I sure will asked for the fastest way of shipping and have it to where I can know where it is.

Update: Still waiting for my lens. :(

Don't know if it works for international stuff, but if you know your order number, you can get your tracking number from BH via e-mail link. I do it everytime since I forget to register on their site. If you don't know your order number you are out of luck.

send e-mail to tracking@bhphotovideo.com with only your order number in the subject line and see if it works for you.

That should work. If it doesn't call B&H and they can find the order number for you. I've always gotten superb service from them.

Mike H

I wrote them and this is what they had to say:

Hi,

Please be advised that Air Parcel Post usually takes
1-2 weeks to arrive, however it can sometimes take
between 1-6 weeks for packages to reach your
destination and your order should shortly arrive.
Sorry, but they don't provide any tracking numbers.
Please advise how we can be of further assistance.

Thank you for your patronage.

[karusel]

Dooglia, maybe you're right, but I think you should have asked when you can expect to get the shipment. Even if you were not in a hurry. I haven't bought much equipment yet, but it suits me that the default shipping mode is the cheapest. I have to pay tax and duty on shipping charges too, plus I never needed the lens immediately. Can you imagine if default shipping was the fastest express?

[scottbergerphoto]

I was going to pass on this thread, but after I read the reviews on Resellerratings.com I felt that something should be said to make things a little clearer. The knocks against B&H in those reviews are slow shipping, back ordered items, and the notorious B&H credit check. B&H has no control over items selling out or being produced in insufficient quantity by the manuufacturer. Many of those people who complained about slow international delivery and lack of a tracking number opted for the least expensive shipping method. While sometimes their credit department is annoying, they do have a right to make sure they get paid. They at least held a 1D Mark II for me while they checked my credit card. It took a whole 5 minutes for them to check.

Not a single complaint accused B&H of bait and switch, hawking overpriced accessories, ripping people off, or other shoddy practices.

I have been a B&H customer for the last four years. They are not perfect, but they are better then most.
Regards,
Scott

[scottbergerphoto]

I was going to pass on this thread, but after I read the reviews on Resellerratings.com I felt that something should be said to make things a little clearer. The knocks against B&H in those reviews are slow shipping, back ordered items, and the notorious B&H credit check. B&H has no control over items selling out or being produced in insufficient quantity by the manuufacturer. Many of those people who complained about slow international delivery and lack of a tracking number opted for the least expensive shipping method. While sometimes their credit department is annoying, they do have a right to make sure they get paid. They at least held a 1D Mark II for me while they checked my credit card. It took a whole 5 minutes for them to check.

Not a single complaint accused B&H of bait and switch, hawking overpriced accessories, ripping people off, or other shoddy practices.

I have been a B&H customer for the last four years. They are not perfect, but they are better then most.
Regards,
Scott

[scottbergerphoto]

I was going to pass on this thread, but after I read the reviews on Resellerratings.com I felt that something should be said to make things a little clearer. The knocks against B&H in those reviews are slow shipping, back ordered items, and the notorious B&H credit check. B&H has no control over items selling out or being produced in insufficient quantity by the manuufacturer. Many of those people who complained about slow international delivery and lack of a tracking number opted for the least expensive shipping method. While sometimes their credit department is annoying, they do have a right to make sure they get paid. They at least held a 1D Mark II for me while they checked my credit card. It took a whole 5 minutes for them to check.

Not a single complaint accused B&H of bait and switch, hawking overpriced accessories, ripping people off, or other shoddy practices.

I have been a B&H customer for the last four years. They are not perfect, but they are better then most.
Regards,
Scott

[scottbergerphoto]

I was going to pass on this thread, but after I read the reviews on Resellerratings.com I felt that something should be said to make things a little clearer. The knocks against B&H in those reviews are slow shipping, back ordered items, and the notorious B&H credit check. B&H has no control over items selling out or being produced in insufficient quantity by the manuufacturer. Many of those people who complained about slow international delivery and lack of a tracking number opted for the least expensive shipping method. While sometimes their credit department is annoying, they do have a right to make sure they get paid. They at least held a 1D Mark II for me while they checked my credit card. It took a whole 5 minutes for them to check.

Not a single complaint accused B&H of bait and switch, hawking overpriced accessories, ripping people off, or other shoddy practices.

I have been a B&H customer for the last four years. They are not perfect, but they are better then most.
Regards,
Scott

[Danny Boy]

I also have placed a number of orders w/ them and have had no problem.

I also have placed a number of orders w/ them and have had no problem.

I also have placed a number of orders w/ them and have had no problem.

I also have placed a number of orders w/ them and have had no problem.

(Just joking w/ you Scott)

[Belmondo]

It isn't reasonable to expect (or even hope) that the largest camera store in the USA (world?) is going to look, feel, or operate like a Mom & Pop corner store. B&H has always come through for me, and remains my primary source of equpment.

[scottbergerphoto]

What happened to the Delete option?
:shock:
Scott

[Andy_T]

What happened to the Delete option?
:shock:
Scott

Only possible as long as nobody has replied to the post, me thinks.

Best regards,
Andy

PS: my 2 c on this issue:

Living in Europe, I haven't ordered anything from them so far - so I can't speak from experience.

BUT ... it's not always possible to satisfy 100% of customers. Just as there are less-than-optimal vendors, there are also less-than-optimal customers who complain about presumed wrongdoings that might not be perceived as such by 99% of the general public. On eBay, if you see a dealer with 10,000 items sold, there will be the odd negative ratings from some people, sometimes even stating untrue facts of what allegedly happened to them.

I'm not referring to Doogla's reply about not being informed about the potentially lengthy delivery of his lens. This was bad luck and certainly very annoying, it would seem to me. You should definitely complain to B&H and give them a chance to resolve the issue in any way. Similar things have happened to me as well when buying online. However, it is very different from the very bad practices some other retailers use daily to rip off their customers. These you can identify via resellerratings.

[Dooglla]

The only complaint I have is, why didn't they tell me that if I wanted it shipped to me faster it would be better to go this route or that route with customer service when I ordered? They knew I was from europe but, just gave me a shipping price and nothing else. Guess it is all my fault for not knowing that I should have gotten a tracking number and all to get it here fast. But, I wish someone in customer services would have told me this so I would have known they had different ways of sending your items.

[Belmondo]

What happened to the Delete option?
:shock:
Scott

Only possible as long as nobody has replied to the post, me thinks.

Best regards,
Andy

That's right. I saw your duplicate posts, Scott, and would have deleted it for you if Danny hadn't got in ahead of me. If I deleted yours, then his wouldn't have made any sense and I'd have had to delet it. It might have never ended....

[Andy_T]

It might have never ended....

What happened to my post???? :shock:






.



.




.



(Just kidding, of course) :wink:

Best regards,
Andy

[Cordell]

This thread is basically useless. NO COMPANY OR PERSON IS PERFECT! The ratings are based on complainers who complain about minor things that can be worked out if they asked questions FIRST. I always read the negative feedback to see what kind of negative review is given. This tells you alot about the indivdual who is complaining. B&H is a good company to purchase from. If they make a mistake, so effin' what! It happens sometimes in life. Get over it. OR remember your complaint when you make a mistake with someone and they give you negative feedback.

Cordell

[Jmurman]

They have been just AWESOME with me....

[robertwgross]

The only complaint I have is, why didn't they tell me that if I wanted it shipped to me faster it would be better to go this route or that route with customer service when I ordered? They knew I was from europe but, just gave me a shipping price and nothing else. Guess it is all my fault for not knowing that I should have gotten a tracking number and all to get it here fast. But, I wish someone in customer services would have told me this so I would have known they had different ways of sending your items.

If you had said "I need it in a hurry" then they would have told you more. But, if you didn't say anything, then they didn't say anything.

Generally, when a customer is ordering something in a hurry, they ask these questions:
(1) Have you got it in stock?
(2) When can I get it?

It is possible that you asked questions about price, so the sales person assumed that you needed the cheapest shipping method.

---B.G.---

[Panza]

I'm very happy with B&H.
Used 60 hours from it was shipped from NY until I had it in my hands in Lillehammer, Norway. :D

The EF 400 5.6L is great by the way. :D

[Dooglla]

The only complaint I have is, why didn't they tell me that if I wanted it shipped to me faster it would be better to go this route or that route with customer service when I ordered? They knew I was from europe but, just gave me a shipping price and nothing else. Guess it is all my fault for not knowing that I should have gotten a tracking number and all to get it here fast. But, I wish someone in customer services would have told me this so I would have known they had different ways of sending your items.

If you had said "I need it in a hurry" then they would have told you more. But, if you didn't say anything, then they didn't say anything.

Generally, when a customer is ordering something in a hurry, they ask these questions:
(1) Have you got it in stock?
(2) When can I get it?

It is possible that you asked questions about price, so the sales person assumed that you needed the cheapest shipping method.

---B.G.---

Guess it was my mistake...like they say, you learn something new everyday. Next time I will scream it out..I want it in a hurry! :lol: :lol:

Thanks all...just wanted to get how I am missing my lens out. 8)

[tofuboy]

I'm assuming you ordered over the phone dooglla?

You could always send them feedback telling them about the situation and suggesting what they could have done to make your buying experience more enjoyable. Such as telling them to give the buying customer the different shipping options. I know it won't help you with your current situation, but it could help other potential customers from making the same mistake you did.

A company can never improve if they don't receive feedback.

[BDM]

Man, I wished I would have gotten the tracking number shipping package where I could call to know where my equipment is but, lesson learned is all I can say. Will I order again...maybe not but if I do I sure will asked for the fastest way of shipping and have it to where I can know where it is.

Update: Still waiting for my lens. :(

Don't know if it works for international stuff, but if you know your order number, you can get your tracking number from BH via e-mail link. I do it everytime since I forget to register on their site. If you don't know your order number you are out of luck.

send e-mail to tracking@bhphotovideo.com with only your order number in the subject line and see if it works for you.

That should work. If it doesn't call B&H and they can find the order number for you. I've always gotten superb service from them.

Mike H

I wrote them and this is what they had to say:

Hi,

Please be advised that Air Parcel Post usually takes
1-2 weeks to arrive, however it can sometimes take
between 1-6 weeks for packages to reach your
destination and your order should shortly arrive.
Sorry, but they don't provide any tracking numbers.
Please advise how we can be of further assistance.

Thank you for your patronage.

Well, you did get (what looks like) a most helpful reply. Unfortunately a retailer sometimes can't win. If he picks the fastest (read most expensive) shipping method, customers complain. If he tries to save you money with a slower method, customers also complain. I am often asked what method I prefer for shipping and then what I choose is up to me.

I'm very sorry to learn about the time lag but I really do think that is unusual. Assuming the shipping company hasn't lost the thing I'm sure it will be there eventually. I have always had nothing but the best results from B&H. B&H and Calumet in Chicago are two of the most reliable mail order firms I have ever done business with.

Bruce

[wolf2000]

I have been very happy with them. Great email response,fast shipping and world class customer service.