PhotoVideoSuperstore.com - Anyone heard of it?

[canoli]

They're advertising the 5DII for $1799...but they're the only store (web or brick n mortar) in that price range - everywhere else it's over $2K.


I can't find any info on photovideosuperstore.com .... has anyone heard of it, used it, know anything about it?


I'd love to save $300+ but ...


Here's the link:


http://www.photovideosuperstore.com/product.asp?id=15899 ("http://www.photovideosuperstore.com/product.asp?id=15899)

[neuroanatomist]

I wouldn't trust them. I get suspicious when someone tries to sell incompatible items as a kit, like their 5D Mark II Kit #1 ("http://www.photovideosuperstore.com/product.asp?id=16691), which among other things, includes a "Canon 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 Standard Zoom Auto Focus Lens" (Canon has never made an EF-mount 18-55mm zoom, andphotovideosuperstore.comconveniently fails to mention they are bundling an EF-S lens that won't mount on a 5DII). Now, if they threw in a nice SDHC card for the 5DII, it would be a great bundle deal. [:P]


I haven't heard of them either, but one common tactic is the 'hard sell' where you place your order then the vendor calls you up and informs you of a delay in shipping, but they'll sell you this other product (at a higher price), or offer to 'expedite' your order for a fee (which is more than you 'saved' and since they already have a big chunk of your money...).


Caveat emptor. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

[Richard Lane]

I found this list of reviews from NexTag. It doesn't look good. I would stay away too.


http://www.nextag.com/PhotoVideoSuperStore~4627576zzzreviewsz1zzzzmainz1 7-htm?filter_answer=3 ("http://www.nextag.com/PhotoVideoSuperStore~4627576zzzreviewsz1zzzzmainz1 7-htm?filter_answer=3)

[canoli]

Wow! that's awful. I had a bad feeling about it - glad I checked with you guys first. I couldn't find that NextTag review site, thanks for finding it for me.


I really had no intention of buying the 5DII right now anyway - but $1799 caught my eye...guess that's what they're counting on...


Thanks again you guys. I'll stick with B&H, best store in Manhattan! (and on the web)

[Jorundr-Jorgensen]

As soon as I read the title I already thought "Uh-Ow".

Never trust a internet shop with a title that contains "Super"

[JJphoto]

I'm the one who always want to find the cheapest deal, but not this one, I don't know this store, but no, sounds too fishy.



I'd love to save $300+ but ...


why not use some cash back program you can at least save about $170

[elmo_2006]

Hmmm, interesting; looking at the overall rating they have scored a possible 4.5 out 5 stars as per Nexttag.


Looking at the kits for said body, it seems to me that they have no idea what they are doing.As for the lenses, good luck they seem to be EFS or APS-C only lenses with the exception of the very lastKit - LOL


I would stay away due to the same complaints. Pay the extra 300 bucks and deal with a reputable shop.


God knows what would happen if the camera or lens develops a problem.


I agree with Jorundr, internet store and Super don't mix!

[Chuck Lee]

canoli,


I usually check resellerratings.com. This store has a good score there but if you read the reviews and see what people are buying when they have had trouble the writting is on the wall. I vote "bait & switch" The last post and follow up by LolaT sums it up pretty good. She's a savy internet shopper.


ITMT, hang in there and save your $$$, and when the time is right you'll havea 5D MkII. I'm in the same boat and enjoying my old 5D none the less! That camera continues to out perform my expectations every outing. Now, if I was only as good a photographer as it is a camera. LOL!!


Cheers!!

[Chris White]

I had a little time this afternoon so I called the number at the top their web page, out of curiosity, since it was too good to be true.


It went like this:

After a few minutes guy one comes on and tells me he thinks it is out of stock. He puts me on hold for guy two who can help me.
As I wait a long time on hold -- no big deal, I had it on speaker as I worked at my desk -- guy three comes on looking for a different customer, since I am not he I am placed back on hold.
Finally, guy two comes on and I ask him "do you have them in stock?" He says "yes". I ask, "Does it include everything that is supposed to come with a 5D II?" he says "of course". I ask him what that is and the first thing I notice is that it does not include the battery. When I inquire as to the missing battery, he informs me "it is not included". If I want a kit with the battery, I need to buy the "magnesium body model" and as he is about to up-sell me to the much pricier magnesium model, I interrupt to inform him they are all magnesium bodies on the 5D II, he informs me they are not. "Only the USA models are magnesium, not the plastic import models." I tell him that is not true, the difference between Grey Market and USA models is warranty, not construction. He hung up on me, how dare I be an educated consumer!




In short, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Having just got my 5D II, I highly recommend it, but I went to a reputable dealer and paid the price. However, it came from an authorized Canon dealer, included everything it is supposed to come with, and arrived two days after I ordered it.


I got mine at PCNation. I have purchase from them a few times and it has always been a good experience. I even had a defective product and it was handled in under a week using a "cross-ship". I returned the defective piece and they placed a hold on my credit card and shipped the replacement. One day after they received it they released the credit hold and done, just that easy. The guy I deal with is Steve Cromar. His e-mail is steven.c@pcnation.com, if you want to give him a try. I have no relationship with him other that customer-salesman. However, unlike some dealers out there, he does not put on the hard sell. He respects that I know what I want and ships it as ordered (free shipping). In addition, I always have it in three business days or less.


As has been previously said, save up and buy it from someone reputable.


Chris

[Richard Lane]

Wow, Chris great story. I can't believe that they are so blatantly dishonest. I mean come on; no battery, magnesium body, and selling the wrong lens with the wrong body? Then.., in stock, out of stock, back ordered... I can't even make this stuff up.


So.., I guess you won't be giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars.


Rich

[Chris White]

Wow, Chris great story. I can't believe that they are so blatantly dishonest.


Unfortunately dealers like that live off the uninformed. I like calling when I have the time just to check out their pitch and maybe tie them up long enough to prevent them from selling to someone. And sometimes it seems they "pad" their ratings at resellerratings. I have seen stores on there that I know to avoid and they have a good rating.


Another retailer to avoid is CameraKings. For all I know they are the same owners. Many of these companies have multiple store fronts.On the web somewhere, there is a photo story someone did on the NYC sham dealers. It is eye opening.


Steve, the guy I mentioned in my first post was someone I found using the pricegrabber link at the bottom of one of Bryan's reviews. I called with a question and he answered the call. When we were done with my question, he asked if I was interested in making the purchase. I told him I was still thinking about it and I was not sure. He simply asked if I did purchase, would I give him the sale, the price would be the same as the web, but he worked on a commission and would appropriate the sale. I was impressed with his honest approach and did end up calling him back for the purchase. Since then, he is one of my first calls for Canon. I like having someone who I can call or e-mail who personally gets back to me, usually the same day. He does occasionally take a day off. I pay the standard Canon pricing, but there is a comfort level I enjoy. I do not even look at the lowballers. If there is more than $50.00 difference on Canon, something is wrong.



So.., I guess you won't be giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars.


Maybe -5, too harsh?


Just my $.02,


Chris

[neuroanatomist]

Finally, guy two comes on and I ask him "do you have them in stock?" He says "yes". I ask, "Does it include everything that is supposed to come with a 5D II?" he says "of course". I ask him what that is and the first thing I notice is that it does not include the battery. When I inquire as to the missing battery, he informs me "it is not included". If I want a kit with the battery, I need to buy the "magnesium body model" and as he is about to up-sell me to the much pricier magnesium model, I interrupt to inform him they are all magnesium bodies on the 5D II, he informs me they are not. "Only the USA models are magnesium, not the plastic import models."


Makes me wonder what you would have gotten if you had said, "Ok, I've got extra LP-E6 batteries for my 7D anyway. For $1800 send me the 'plastic import model' of the 5DII..."


Like I said, these are common scams. I repeat, caveat emptor.

[JJphoto]

Chris, thanks for the great story.


I actually visited PCnation.com after you recommended it. I'm a little disappointed cause they were selling 5DII for $2400 which is as same as Adromas's or or other's like B&H






If there is more than $50.00 difference on Canon, something is wrong.


well I'v been looking for stores in between the "bad"and "good", like I'v said in other thread, I believe there are stores offer better price and good service. I'v made some purchases from them and the savings were not just $50, it's actually a lot more than that. I'll not say any of their name of the stores. but it's really not that hard to find them, just don't let the 'bad" guys(like this photovideosuperstore.com) scare you away, you will be fine if you are not too greedy.(you will be in trouble if you want to buy a 5DII for $1800).

[mikehillman89]

Great story Chris. It's unfortunate but true that there are scammers out there [:(]. And don't take it personally, there's nothing more insulting to a salesperson... sorry, attempt at a sales person than a customer who knows more than they do[:p]


Too bad they didn't offer you the Stainless Steel model! I heard that one is great! [;)]

[Chris White]

JJphoto,



I actually visited PCnation.com after you recommended it. I'm a little disappointed cause they were selling 5DII for $2400 which is as same as Adromas's or or other's like B&H


I realize they are in line with B&H and Adorama both price and reputation wise. I have purchase from some other places that offer a little better price, but they are always want to add a warranty or memory, usually off brand at an inflated price, and on something like a flash, I do not really feel is necessary. I like being able to order and have shipped what I want without the delay of jumping though hoops. It comes down to what you feel most comfortable with, and let's face it most of the gear we have represents an investment. Although I order from Adorama, especially when Bryan lists a deal, I have personally gotten much better service from PCNation.


Moreover, back on point, I just like calling those unscrupulous guys occasionally to hear their lines. It is entertaining in an offbeat sort of way, especially when you know they are shoveling BS but the wagon load -- plastic 5D II. The sad thing is I am fairly certain they actually sell them to uninformed people who then brag at parties what a deal they got and how much better their magnesium body is than their neighbor's plastic one.


Chris

[Chris White]

there's nothing more insulting to a salesperson... sorry, attempt at a sales person than a customer who knows more than they do


AMEN!

[mikehillman89]

Moreover, back on point, I just like calling those unscrupulous guys occasionally to hear their lines. It is entertaining in an offbeat sort of way, especially when you know they are shoveling BS but the wagon load -- plastic 5D II.
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You should record your conversations and post them on youtube or something. Probably would get a bunch of laughs to people haha