Mailorder Camera Buyers - Beware!

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

I think we've all heard of (or experienced directly) the many ripoffs of the New York mailorder camera stores. These are the places that advertise in the photo magazines and come up on internet searches. Well, somebody decided to go around and take photos of the actual store fronts and post them to a website. It's pretty incredible.

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

Here's 1 example:

Buy Rite Electronics --

Nice website: http://buyriteelectronics.com/

Here's their store and sign!!

osidak · 11-26-2003, 04:34 AM

No wonder they charge so much. With that fancy store front

Just bought a video camera from one of the NY places. I am happy so far. I probably don't want to know what that store front looks like

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

Well, there are some legitimate ones for sure. I use B&H photo frequently. Here's a forum with pretty much everything one needs to know:

http://www.photo.net/neighbor/one-subcategory?id=2

pearldrum · 11-26-2003, 07:10 AM

I've also heard some really good things about B&H, I just ordered some paper through them.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

I imagine most internet discounters are run out of a warehouse or off site storage facility with no front end. With no fancy store in a good location w/parking they can afford to discount more. I recently checked the internet for hardwood floors that we are considering for our home. In a few minutes I found a source on the internet selling the same hardwood we priced locally for $3.12 sq/ft less. Since we're talking 1400 sq/ft net savings would be $4368

Delivery charges would be $125 or I could arrange pickup from a local warehouse in San Diego for no charge. The company is located in Bellevue, WA.

What I'm saying is that unless the service or product is not as advertised why would you care what the store looked like? Shopping on the internet is all about price and convenience right?

makaio · 11-26-2003, 07:38 AM

I have used B&H with great results. Somebody said Sam ( I can't remeber his Pelican name) has his own camera shop. I need to find out if he's doing mail order or internet.

RickC · 11-26-2003, 08:27 AM

Got burned by NY stores too often, so started with Camera World of Oregon (now just Camera World). They've always been good. Maybe 10% more than NY, but legit and no hidden charges that bring the total up at least the 10% anyway....

12own911 · 11-26-2003, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by makaio
I have used B&H with great results. Somebody said Sam ( I can't remeber his Pelican name) has his own camera shop. I need to find out if he's doing mail order or internet.

SWBSam does have a camera store in Claremount, CA. Not sure about the mail order or internet though... Give him a PM to find out. Kim

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

David, why not use them??? Go to this link and read some of the feedback:

http://www.photo.net/neighbor/one-subcategory?id=2

Name brand camera manufacturers will not allow somebody to be an 'official' retailer of their product without some type of legitimate 'store front'. These guys pictured in the photos sell equipment they don't have (and have no way of getting) or sell bootleg / graymarket stuff with no warranties. They're criminals.

And, Sam, if you sell mailorder I'd be happy to shop your store!

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by dmoolenaar
What I'm saying is that unless the service or product is not as advertised why would you care what the store looked like? Shopping on the internet is all about price and convenience right?

Well then they are not offering the service or product they are advertising. I agree they are criminals. Was not aware of the "store front" policy for Camera (and other?) merchandise so now your original warning makes more sense to me.

RickM · RickM's Garage

I also use B&H...have for quite a while.
Locally I have a warehouse type place with fantastic prices...they also do internet/phone sales as well. I go there for any equipment needs but typically buy batteries and media elswhere. This place has a storefront in the side of a warehouse but I can assure you it is a class operation.

http://www.uniquephoto.com/

arcsine · 11-26-2003, 11:54 AM

www.dpreview is also has good info on cameras and links to less "fly by night" operations

Harlan Chinn · Harlan Chinn's Garage

Here is a great link to get great product reviews and comparative price information from all vendors and with customer satisfation/disatisfaction comments

http://www.imaging-resource.com/

I have used several New York mail order services without problems but you need to be stern with the guy on the other end. They will try to sell you the world if you let them. B&H is safe as is Camera World in Portland Oregon. Many e-tailers do business out of an office with no storefront with merchandise "drop shipped" from the manufacturer or distributor, virtual inventory. You have to watch out for dealers peddling "gray market" stuff with International Warrantys to unsuspecting buyers. Be sure you are getting what you want.

Jay Auskin · 11-29-2003, 09:15 PM

I had really good luck with Tri State Camera in NY. I bought a DV camera from them. Saved a bundle. U.S. warranty card and all...

Sonic dB · Sonic dB's Garage

B&H is a huge superstore and cant be lumped in with those other guys...

Eric Coffey · 11-29-2003, 11:31 PM

Yeah, all the low prices you see advertised are usually for the gray market stuff. So, when calling, just ask for the "US price" of whatever item you are interested in. Some have even gotten so crafty as to say they have the US warranties, but it is actually gray market products with their own "in-house" warranty. Be sure to find the FCC sticker on whatever item you buy as well. If it doesn't have one, it's gray-market.
Also, there is most always a little negoiciating room with these companies, especially on big ticket items or large orders. It is a very competitive market!