Not so happy with B&H . . . . .
Tom C.
Tried to go with B&H but they wouldn't price match with Adorama. Was a
little surprised since I read so many good things about B&H and chose them
first. They wouldn't even come down $20.00 on my camera!
Decided to go with Adorama who gave me an even better price (-$5.00) than
was listed on their website. Guess I'll just be patient with their shipping
times and stick with Adorama for my other purchases.
Thanks to everyone who helped me with my choice of camera and lens.
Tom C.
Ppestis
not you got an apples to apples price comparision, (i.e are both sets of prices
for USA warranty items ??) or did Adorama beat B&H by supplying some grey
market items ? Just wondering?
Tom C.
market items.
I thought for sure they would at least price match. Oh well.
"Ppestis" <ppe...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20010129122418...@ng-cj1.aol.com...
Glenn Woodell
says...
>
>Just placed an order for my new Elan 7e, 28-105 lens & 420ex flash.
>Tried to go with B&H but they wouldn't price match with Adorama. Was a
>little surprised since I read so many good things about B&H and chose them
>first. They wouldn't even come down $20.00 on my camera!
I am surprised at how many people will shop for price alone. Sure, money is
important but look at how many people get stiffed by going to the cheesy
places. I prefer to find a good place and stick with them. $20 is not worth
"testing" out another supplier to me. As little as the profit margin is already
I proably wouldn't have dropped the $20 either.
Glenn
Tom C.
the place that can save me 20 bucks?!
I posted many inquiries about a mail order company and everyone said to use
either B&H, Adorama or Camera World - so that's what I did. All of thier
prices were very comparable. I wound up saving $30 total on my order.
"Glenn Woodell" <g.a.w...@NOSPAMHERElarc.nasa.gov> wrote in message
news:954a13$duj$1...@kant.larc.nasa.gov...
Steve
>Just placed an order for my new Elan 7e, 28-105 lens & 420ex flash.
>Tried to go with B&H but they wouldn't price match with Adorama. Was a
>little surprised since I read so many good things about B&H and chose them
>first. They wouldn't even come down $20.00 on my camera!
>Decided to go with Adorama who gave me an even better price (-$5.00) than
>was listed on their website. Guess I'll just be patient with their shipping
>times and stick with Adorama for my other purchases.
I've found that BH is more likely to compete with Adorama than anyone else.
However, your experience isn't uncommon. I've gond to Adorama recently for a
few things for that very reason - significantly higher prices at BH. I've
also been happy with their shipping too.
Steve
Steve
If you consider Adorama cheesy. I've had good results from them lately - and
equal service.
Steve
Paul Ferrara
higher/lower than another's. It happens all the time.
Paul
Tom C. <tom...@NOSPAMsilcom.com> wrote in message
news:F7hd6.21$Qv6....@newsfeed.avtel.net...
Tom C.
was "disappointed" in B&H after hearing so many good things about their
service and prices.
So there's no tears being shed on this end!
- Tom C.
"Paul Ferrara" <pa...@nospam.columbusoft.com> wrote in message
news:954e9...@news1.newsguy.com...
face...@my-deja.com
> Tried to go with B&H but they wouldn't price match with Adorama. Was
a
> little surprised since I read so many good things about B&H and chose
them
> first. They wouldn't even come down $20.00 on my camera!
> Decided to go with Adorama who gave me an even better price (-$5.00)
It ain't over till it's over. You might want to save your complaints
until you get and use the merchandise.
Sent via Deja.com
http://www.deja.com/
Luther Heggs
"Tom C." <tom...@NOSPAMsilcom.com> wrote in message
news:F7hd6.21$Qv6....@newsfeed.avtel.net...
Henry
good deal" or not. A single transaction does not make a "history".
Henry
Henry
That's what I was trying to say by referring to- "how is the dealing over
the long haul"?
Henry
Adam
store. Despite the reputation they have around here, they aren't the
Church of Photography Equipment(tm). I don't think it's too unusual
for one store not to have the best price for everything. If you get
good service and lower prices from Adorama, go with them by all means.
Paul Ferrara
notch. But no one ever said that they were the absolute cheapest.
Paul
Tom C. <tom...@NOSPAMsilcom.com> wrote in message
news:l0kd6.29$Qv6....@newsfeed.avtel.net...
Tony Spadaro
An example:
I put in a film order at about 8:30 this morning. I just checked my
e-mail and it has been shipped. I don't know what exact time it went
out, but I will have the film by Thursday at the very latest. I'm
paying 3 dollars a roll for 36 exposure Elite 100. That's why I use B&H.
>
> --
> Chapel Hill artist and photo restorer
> http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/magor/tony (Java site)
> And a NEW links site
> http://tspadaro.homestead.com/TheLinks.html
>
> Sent via Deja.com
> http://www.deja.com/
>
--
Chapel Hill artist and photo restorer
http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/magor/tony (Java site)
And a NEW links site
http://tspadaro.homestead.com/TheLinks.html
Tony Spadaro
cheaper. I use B&H exclusively for film, as I know they have good stuff
and I know they have good prices - and I know they deliver FAST which
helps make up for the fact that I always wait too late before ordering.
B&H delivery is usually 3 days or less - Adorama 3 days or more.
They are both honest - which is why they are so heavily extolled on
this forum. Most of the mail order camera stores are bait and switch,
or worse. Try giving CCI or Abe's of Maine a call - don't give them
your credit card numbers though. See how you are treated.
Mark Morgan
Adorama is a reputable dealer.
My recommendation list usually goes:
B&H
Adorama
Camera World of Oregon
Why are people so surprised that one might be slightly cheaper on a given
item??
So what?!
It's tough to "match prices" when there are so many bait-and-switchers out
there who advertise low-ball prices...with no intent of delivering the
goods.
B&H (or Adorama) would be unwise to start trying to match prices in what is
simply an "untrustworthy" pricing game out there.
Note what did NOT happen... B&H did not try to intimidate the caller, or
hang up, or try to push a cheaper system on him. They did not "wheel and
deal."
THAT'S a GOOD thing...not a bad thing.
-Mark Morgan
<face...@my-deja.com> wrote in message news:954i0g$c6r$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
Michael Stevens
warranty from Broadway Photo and wound up paying $1340 and some
change. I went with them because the lens was $150 cheaper than B&H.
A day or so later I went to B&H's website and walked through the
ordering process for all the same stuff. It was $1240 and change.
The other store had a cheaper price on the lens but they fucked me
several other ways.
The filters were twice as expensive.
B&H shipping $19. BW shipping $64.
B&H warrenty $39. BW warranty $89.
BW charged me for the lens hood & case, both of which come in the
original box for the lens. If I didn't want them were they gonna take
them outta the box?
And to top it all off I made the second order at B&H four days after
the original order, I got it before the order from BW arrived and even
with the 5% restocking fee to return the lens to BW I still saved
money!
I've had a bad experience with B&H as well but I doubt I'll order from
anyone else.
Mike
On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 08:48:54 -0800, "Tom C." <tom...@NOSPAMsilcom.com>
wrote:
speedbuggy1
Have you ever gone to McDonald's, Burger King, Jack in the Box or some other
fast food restaurant and not received your correct meal/order? Do you still
go to that said resonant?
"Luther Heggs" <s...@below.com> wrote in message
news:1Ikd6.327$l5.2...@newsfeed1.thebiz.net...
Paul Ferrara
I don't want to wonder if I might have gotten a better deal if I knew about
this or that.
Paul
Mark Morgan <mmor...@san.rr.com> wrote in message
news:DMod6.46147$GV2.10...@typhoon.san.rr.com...
Phil Partridge
with the new way of doing business. They do have business ethics, and are a good
company, but their online ordering procedures are pretty onerous for customers.
I live in Australia, and have bought several times from B&H, Adorama and KEH. I
trust 'em all, but KEH and Adorama are more user-focused for sure. None of their
websites are startling examples of great design, they all have grave
shortcomings: too many stupid large graphics, weirdo information architecture,
and search engines that just don't cut it.
And how the B&H site just wastes users time, it can be so slow...they have the
bucks to upgrade, but they can't get it together, it seems. Time is money,
guys...
As an afterthought, many of the UK webistes and dealers are way better, and very
customer responsive. Robert White, MVX, Ffordes, are all top notch.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Morgan
deal.
> I don't want to wonder if I might have gotten a better deal if I knew
about
> this or that.
Yes!
I don't want to have to buy a camera the way I buy a new car...with the
constant feeling that if you were only a little more pushy--you might have
managed a better deal.
Give me the price and availability...and let me tell you yes... or no... on
whether you get my money.
If they won't give you the price/service you want...don't beg for it,
rather, take your business elsewhere. I think this is B&H's approach, and I
like it.
I have made orders through them on the phone that literally took **LESS than
a minute and a half.** I knew what I wanted, they told me they had
it...they confirmed my credit card number, my shipping choice, and that was
that.
Done.
The key is knowing what you want ahead of time.
"Paul Ferrara" <pa...@nospam.columbusoft.com> wrote in message
news:955gm...@news1.newsguy.com...
Husband and Wife
>Just placed an order for my new Elan 7e, 28-105 lens & 420ex flash.
>Tried to go with B&H but they wouldn't price match with Adorama. Was a
>little surprised since I read so many good things about B&H and chose them
>first. They wouldn't even come down $20.00 on my camera!
Both are good solid companies that are known for doing honest business.
B&H decided that the lowest they can afford to price the item is what was quoted to you.
The problem with price matching is that there are many liars out there, especially in stores like
AAA and Cambridge. So someone will call AAA and get a price (which will never be honored), then
call B&H hoping to buy at that price.
You can see how it would never work out.
Dave
Husband and Wife
>was "disappointed" in B&H after hearing so many good things about their
>service and prices.
You figured it out.
B&H is a solid reliable dealer, not a discount house.
You will have trouble trying to find both in one palce.
Dave
Husband and Wife
>original box for the lens. If I didn't want them were they gonna take
>them outta the box?
Yes. As a matter of fact, that's exactly what they will do.
Stores do that with cell-phone batteries and cases all the time.
Dave
Husband and Wife
>constant feeling that if you were only a little more pushy--you might have
>managed a better deal.
You are wise.
Dave
Mike Lastort
described what happened when I called and tried to order the Nikon 80-200mm
AF-S lens in a previous post.
I didn't particularly like the sales B&H person's attitude so I called MP
Superstore, who's web site said the lens was available. So did their sales
associate, a guy by the name of Philip. He assured me that the lens was in
stock, so I placed an order on Friday, 1-26-01.
He called me back yesterday and said that he was mistaken, that it was
unfortunately on back order, but that I was "first on their list." I asked him
specifically if my card would be charged, and he said not until after it
shipped. So I checked my credit card statement online and discovered that a
charge from Marine Park had indeed been placed in spite of the fact that I was
assured that it would not, so I called and cancelled my order.
I called B&H back again, still out of stock, and no they don't do backorders.
However, at least they didn't charge my card without shipping something.
I just got off the phone with Cameraworld, who did allow a backorder, and who
also do NOT charge the card until the item ships.
I guess in a nutshell what I'm saying is that even though B&H might need to
work on the attitude of the people who answer the phones, at least they are
not dishonest. I will NEVER call Marine Park Superstore again, that's for
sure.
And Camerworld seems a good source. The sales person there, by the name of
Kevin, told me the real story, that Nikon is having a hard time getting the
lens to the US, but at least he was up front and didn't lie to me like Philip
from Marine Park did.
Tom C.
This is the first time I'm buying from a mail order company for camera
items. It also was my first major purchase of a camera and I wanted the
best price available.
The first time I called B&H and started asking questions about cameras the
guy stopped me mid-sentence and said they would ONLY match the prices of
Adorama and CameraWorld. That's it and that everyone else is probably
displaying grey market items. After reading here on the ng I realized who
to buy from and it came down to the top three I just mentioned.
I figured B&H would have no problem dropping $20 on the camera body but was
informed that they wouldn't - after one salesman told me they would. Oh
well, 20 bucks isn't worth the hassle and I just called Adorama and the guy
knocked off another 5 bucks for me. Cool!
I'm sure I'll shop from either B&H, Adorama or CameraWorld in the future.
It's nice to know that there are three places that I can count on and also
get the best possible price available.
Thanks to all who responded.
- Tom C.
"Tom C." <tom...@NOSPAMsilcom.com> wrote in message
news:F7hd6.21$Qv6....@newsfeed.avtel.net...
> Just placed an order for my new Elan 7e, 28-105 lens & 420ex flash.
> Tried to go with B&H but they wouldn't price match with Adorama. Was a
> little surprised since I read so many good things about B&H and chose them
> first. They wouldn't even come down $20.00 on my camera!
> Decided to go with Adorama who gave me an even better price (-$5.00) than
Fred Fachet
More than once I found that Adorama had a lower price than B&H, albeit never
by a lot (20-30 dollars usually) . However, the shipping/handling charges
are two-three times higher at Adorama (for a slower class of delivery
service), so the price difference turned out to be basically a wash at the
bottom line.
I've used B&H and never had a problem with them, and I like the fast FedEx
delivery, which gets to my delivery zone in one-two days depending on when I
place/they pack the order for FedEx pickup. But, I have found a few cases
where Adorama has an item not carried by B&H. So, either of them is OK
based on my experience.
On the price thing: I am not saying Adorama is being deceptive at all; they
seem very honest and reliable. But, their business model is different than
B&H, and that difference may mean the bottom line between the two is not
very different.
"Tom C." <tom...@NOSPAMsilcom.com> wrote in message
news:pwGd6.14$wV6...@newsfeed.avtel.net...
BandHPhoto
informed that they wouldn't >
Whether or not we will match a competitor's price depends on:
what item
how many we have in stock
the competitor's price
which competitor
In general, when you ask a sales associate on the phone, he pre-qualifies the
inquiry (as above) and before he can actually say yes or no, must ask his
supervisor (who works for me, although you'd hardly know it some days).
I asked this supervisor about this inquiry. Normally, he'd have no trouble
meeting an Adorama price for 20.00 on an Elan 7E, but on the day in question we
had fewer than half-a-dozen in stock. If er'd had a gross, the answer would
almost certainly have been, Yes.
It never hurts to ask.
===============================
regards,
Henry Posner/B&H Photo-Video
http://www.bhphotovideo.com
hen...@bhphotovideo.com
Tony Spadaro
got it at noon, as our packages go to my wife's office. I had one film
left on my my used type - now I have 21.