Anyone else tired of camera scams?

[Colin]

I've had some okay experiences with Adorama, though one dude there was just annoying in selling me filters I didn't want, and then sending me filters with fingerprints all over them. Just annoying.


B&H has always delivered what I ordered, and once took back a couple of Sigma 150mm Macro lenses and extenders with no other reason necessary than I just didn't like how they felt.


Calumet has been okay in the past too, though their website was a pain to figure out.


B&H is my default, though Adorama is fine with me. I liked the refurbed 100-400 delivery just fine. No hassles, just showed up with the filter I ordered.

[HelenOster]

"I've had some okay experiences with Adorama, though one dude there was just annoying in selling me filters I didn't want, and then sending me filters with fingerprints all over them."



<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"]Dear Colin
<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"]I do apologize that you received filters with fingerprints over them, and that may have appeared not to be brand new. <o></o>
<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"]There is one probable explanation; the manufacturers and distributors, who supply to Adorama, and of course, other retailers, do allow us to return equipment as new, because of over-stocks, exchanges etc. This can be a particular issue after the Christmas holiday when we all need to balance out our inventories. <o></o>
<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"]Even if we at Adorama are completely thorough when packaging up these items for return, there is no doubt that less scrupulous retailers could well be receiving returns, trusting the customer's explanation that they never opened the box - packaging them up for return to the manufacturer or distributor. These items then form part of the inventory for sending out to other retailers.<o></o>
<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"]No retailer can inspect the contents of every packaged received into the warehouse. If the manufacturer doesn't check the equipment before sending it back out, from the customer's perspective it is the retailer who looks bad, even though it may well have not been their fault <o></o>
<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"]At Adorama we do have liberal return policies and there is no doubt that on occasion this is taken advantage of. While this does not exempt us from more closely checking any and all returns, some retailers don't; we know we shouldn't do it, but it happens.<o></o>
<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"]The problem is that we are all relying upon humans to carry out the required procedures at every point in the transaction, which can, and does, result in mistakes at any place along the line.<o></o>
<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"]The other issue you raised was in connection with feeling that you were being pressured into purchasing additional items that you didn't actually require. While we do expect our sales staff to be able to advise customers about additional products, I would always want to be informed if this was presented in a high pressure way that made our customers feel uncomfortable.
<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"]Please don't hesitate to contact me directly if I can assist any further with the issues you raised, or any issues in relaton to ordering from Adorama.<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]Sincerely<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]
<st1ersonname w:st="on"]helen.oster@adoramacamera.com</st1ersonname><o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]www.adoramacamera.com<o></o>
<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"]<o></o>
<p style="background: #efefef; margin: 0cm 0cm auto;" class="justify1"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"]<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<o><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]</o>

[HelenOster]

Dear Keith


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]Sounds to me that we owe you a shipping refund! Please contact me directly, <st1ersonname w:st="on"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]helen.oster@adoramacamera.com</st1ersonname><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"], <span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]with your order number and I will check this out for you.<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]If you ever have a query or concern regarding another order from Adorama Camera - or AdoramaPix - please don't hesitate to contact me directly.<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]Sincerely<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]<o></o><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador<o></o>


<st1ersonname w:st="on"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]<u1ersonname u2:st="on"]helen.oster@adoramacamera.com</u1ersonname>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]www.adoramacamera.com<o></o>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<o><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]</o>



</st1ersonname><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]<o></o>

[lightning_chaser]

This reply is not about a scam, but it is a quick warning. I really like Adorama, especially their print service. I made a recent purchase (two weeks ago) and bought a refurb Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro that came factory sealed and in pristine condition. I also bought a used 1Ds Mark II that was rated as an E+, or:


Excellent Plus 96-97% of original condition

<div>May have slight wear but only visible under close up inspection.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>It was $2,599. This being my first 1-series camera I was literally shaking when it arrived and couldn't wait to get it in my hands. So I started to open it. First the strap...the Canon Digital writing was a nasty yellow color with hair all over it. Fine, I don't really use it anyway. It was labelled as having the accs and box. No manual (I can download, who cares) and the battery cover was missing. The charger and DC coupler kits was absolutely COVERED in sand and dust. Now I'm freaking out since I have yet to look at the body itself. I pull it out, and it had fine sand and dust in EVERY crack, button, and any place it could get into. There are several specks on all of the pictures I take so I need to clean the sensor, but there is dirt on the focusing screen and pentaprism too. The main grip had this nasty crudd in it (I assume from a sweaty hand) that I had to spend two full hours scrubbing off with a tooth brush and water+dish soap mix. The BIGGEST issue was that I couldn't send it back. If it went back for any reason my wife would have made me get a refund, and then there was no way for me to buy another one since I basically ordered it from her confusion. She didn't want me to spend that kind of money on it, and her "go ahead and order it" was referring to the lens only. Sorry, a little off point. When I see a rating of 96%-97% original condition, I expect to get something pretty close to new. Is close inspection considered 15 feet away? I was stunned at this since I have had nothing but good expirences with them. It wasn't serviced in any way, and not even cleaned or dusted for that matter. It's been two weeks and I have finally got most of it clean except for the internal dirt which I just had cleaned for $100 at a local shop. But one of the gaskets right below and right of the viewfinder looks like it's missing so the moisture seal is gone. Oh yeah, there is dust on the INSIDE of the two inch LCD. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>So from now on, refurb is just fine. But I will never buy anything used unless I can look at it first. Once storm season comes, I'm not sure if I should try to shoot in even the finest drizzle. That was the whole purpose of getting the 1Ds2 in the first place. I'm sure Helen is not going to be happy with this post, but I don't think anything can even but done at this point anyway. Great camera, but more like a rating of Very Good with a much cheaper price. Just my two cents.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>Rick Hovanec
</div>

[HelenOster]

Dear Rick


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]I have no problem whatsoever withyour posting - I have the problem with the person who rated it at 96-97% of original condition - although I'll be generous, and until I've looked into it, give the used department the benefit of the doubt, that maybe the packer took it from the wrong section of the warehouse....<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]Either way, contact me directly with your order number, and let's get you a partial refund so you can take your wife out for dinner this weekend!<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]Sincerely<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador<o></o>


<st1ersonname w:st="on"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]<u1ersonname u2:st="on"]helen.oster@adoramacamera.com</u1ersonname>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]www.adoramacamera.com<o></o>
</st1ersonname><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]<o></o>

[lightning_chaser]

That's funny! ;-)


I'm sure she'd love that with all things considered.


I'll send you an e-mail with the info.

[HelenOster]

<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]I understand that Joel, in the used department has given you a choice between an exchange for a pristine model - or some $$$ back. (You could buy her a nice new outfit, too, if you take the refund!!)<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]Whatever you decide, I hope I've been able to reassure you that while we do make mistakes, we are committed to learning from them, and putting them right. <o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]<o></o><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]Sincerely<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador<o></o>


<st1ersonname w:st="on"]<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"][email="helen.oster@adoramacamera.com]helen.oster@adoramacamera.com[/email]</st1ersonname><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"][url="http://www.adoramacamera.com]www.adoramacamera.com[/url]


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"]<o></o>

[Matthew Gilley]

I'll second that Adorama's used department needs to be audited. The customer service is top notch - but ideally they shouldn't be contacted. The used equipment should come as rated and customers proceed to take pictures. I ordered a used 17-55 2.8 IS that was rated as "E" (Excellent 90-95% of original condition Lens Glass very clean - cosmetically may show slight wear and/or signs of use.)


It came with very dusty lens glass upon immediate inspection. I brushed this off. After immediate use, the IS was intermittent. This is something that I realize could be missed on inspection, but a major flaw nonetheless. Thankfully, their customer service got everything straightened out (Alan deserves the pat on the back, Helen =). I have missed the cash now for going on a month, but miss the pictures I could have shot with this lens more. I should have bought new, especially if I was purchasing before travel or a major event.


I'll give Adorama's used dept one more shot before avoiding the time/hassle of customer service, even though it's top notch.


Helen's active approach to customer service on this forum conveys a lot more about the service than I can say here. Thanks!


Still a happy Adorama customer,


Matthew

[lightning_chaser]

I would like to start this post with an apology to the OP, I did not mean to clutter up (or "hijack") your thread with this. That was not my intention. I really didn't expect anything from my original reply. However, with that:





I want to leave an update to my reply. After speaking with Helen and Joel (from used department) my rare problem with Adorama was VERY QUICKLY, GENEROUSLY, AND PROFESSIONALLY corrected. For me it was unexpected and I honestly thought there was nothing that could be done at that point, but I was incorrect. I'm not going to go into details but it was in fact fixed and it was more than enough which proves that Adorama stands behind their products. Very dedicated to their customers and with knowing that I will be comfortable in buying from both the new AND used departments. Just a couple days ago I really felt that there was no way I would EVER buy used again without being able to inspect the product prior to sending payment.





So, if there was a negative expirience with Adorama, or if this happens to you in the future, make sure to contact customer service because they will rectify the problem. Their excellent reputation is well deserved!!





Thanks Helen,





Rick

[manoskrystalis]

MY GOD THEY CHARGED MY CC WITH $2700 FOR A DSL 900 AND THE SAID TO ME THAT THEY LOST THE SHIPMENT AND THAT THEY CAN NOT REFUND THE MONEY,
I SPOKE TO THE FEDERAL ECONOMIC CRIME PREVIOUSLY
RIGHT NOW I MUST WAIT FROR MY BANK TO REFUND THE MONEY FOR THE ORDER REGARDING THIS FAKE COMPANY
EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE AN ADDRESS I WANNA SUE THEM ALSO manos@krystalis.gr AND BTW RIGHT NOW THEY CHANGED THE NAME OF THE COMPANY TO http://www.megadealdigital.com/
be CAREFULL THEY ARE THIEFTS