How to scare away customers by Adorama

Looking at an iPod for my daughter and I'm greeted by this on Adorama's site:

If you can get it anywhere else, then go do so. I don't see the need for you to post it on here and bash Adorama.

HiepBuiPhotography wrote in post #16665694
If you can get it anywhere else, then go do so. I don't see the need for you to post it on here and bash Adorama.

Just making people aware of new developments at Camera stores. That's what this section of the forum was designed for. As I said, I'm worried this VIP requirement will spread to photo gear.

Not sure if that is a special deal on the iPod? VIP is supposed to afford some specials that aren't available to the public. But if you can't just buy your item at a competitive price without registering then it doesn't make much sense.

Having said that, the VIP program is a bit of a mess. There is a long thread in this forum that highlights it. Despite Helen's vigilant presence here it seems that Adorama is changing a bit (from my limited perspective), and becoming harder to deal with.

What is the problem? Free sign up just for you.

http://www.adorama.com​/pages/vip

Feeling a little entitled today?

mpix345 wrote in post #16665768
Not sure if that is a special deal on the iPod? VIP is supposed to afford some specials that aren't available to the public. But if you can't just buy your item at a competitive price without registering then it doesn't make much sense.

The $279 price is a pretty good deal. A quick search shows that only B&H and Rakuten (previously Buy.com) has similar pricing. Target, Walmart and MacMall both have them for a little more.

A vendor as large and omnipresent as Adorama should be looking to improve their image not deteriorate it. Many companies including Adorama designate troubleshooters or more accurately diplomats on websites like POTN to diffuse image issues before they become "bottom line" altering.
Adorama's Helen Oster, on POTN does it about as effectively as it can be done. These folks can be found on sites ranging from photography to guns.
Though the process is ultimately helpful to the consumer it's too bad it is necessary.
As to the negative reaction to the op, one thing I've learned here, there are those who unconditionally will condemn anyone who takes a vendors name in vain!
Good companies want to know when they've stepped on someone's parts so it can be effectively addressed. The alternative is waiting for their numbers to dwindle.

If I can add my 2 cents here, I am European and the way we do business here is bit different than in the USA however if the deal is available to VIP only, that would be treated as discrimination over here. Though I understand that everybody is allowed to "register" and become "a VIP" here and it does not make sense at all then. Instead of making a purchasing experience something extremely easy for the customer there is all the time some extra step us as customers have to take. And that extra step is usually providing more information about our privacy (e-mail, etc.). And as I cannot speak for others, now solely for myself. "Dear sellers, all I want is to buy my desired item. Please make it as simple as possible for me and instead of adding extra steps to my purchase, remove even the existing burdens".
Thank you!

I bet you hate Amazon Prime.

Oh my, the high drama.

HiepBuiPhotography wrote in post #16665694
If you can get it anywhere else, then go do so. I don't see the need for you to post it on here and bash Adorama.

I don't think you got the point that he tried to make. You understand what is a VIP and the concept of VIP customer right???

From a marketing point of view, if you create a VIP program and then sell stuff at non-vip competitive, why would a potential customer to join your VIP program?

I'm surprised that I'm being attacked. If you guys all love Adorama so much that you'll fight tooth-and-nail to defend its honor, I'd think you'd be troubled at signs that it could turn into a member-only club. Why do you think I was looking at Adorama in the first place? I like ( liked?) shopping there.

Amazon prime references are not terribly valid given that Amazon does not block purchase of items for people who are not members. I'm fine with a rewards type program that offers additional purchasing benefits, but not one that requires membership just to purchase items at market price.

I wouldnt be surprised if this doesnt turn out to be some dodge around Apples pricing schemes.

tkbslc wrote in post #16665939
I'm surprised that I'm being attacked. If you guys all love Adorama so much that you'll fight tooth-and-nail to defend its honor, I'd think you'd be troubled at signs that it could turn into a member-only club. Why do you think I was looking at Adorama in the first place? I like ( liked?) shopping there.

Amazon prime references are not terribly valid given that Amazon does not block purchase of items for people who are not members. I'm fine with a rewards type program that offers additional purchasing benefits, but not one that requires membership just to purchase items at market price.

It's free sign up. If they require you to purchase a membership, than it should be dealt with at a later time. They don't ask for your credit card so you're not being charged.

Sign up, buy your iPod at discounted price and be happy. You're not being charge for it an no one knows when. The VIP has been available for quite some time. With VIP, you're getting special pricing on other items and other benefits.

It appears to be cheaper at Adorama than other retailers. I think they want you to be a VIP just to get the lower price. If it was at it's normal price point ($300), I don't you'd have to be VIP.

I don't see what the big deal is. I have to sign into my Amazon Prime account to get free shipping. Same kinda deal. I get better service (or price) for being a Prime member.