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08/12/2011 06:35:02 PM · #1 |
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Do business with Adorama at your own risk!
I just used their Buy or Trade Used Gear program and they completely ripped me off.
I sent them a Canon Rebel XL ($325), Canon 17-85mm USM lens ($550+), Canon 100-400mm USM lens ($1600+), 2 Canon HV20 camcorders ($1100+ x2), all the cables, extra batteries, hdmi cables, cleaning kit, all sorts of accessories ($200), a Canon Gear Bag ($50) and a Lowe Pro backpack ($75+).
We're talking over $4000 retail worth of gear.
They quoted me $2100 if everything was in good condition, which my gear was kept in pristine condition. I was hesitant but I had a shoot coming up and didn't have time to sell it privately, so I accepted the offer and shipped them my gear
As soon as they received my gear the bulls#it started and I knew they were playing me...
First I started to get handed around through the usual lame a$$ process of this guy has to review this, then this guy has to do this, etc., etc. It's the same thing they do at used car lots...shuffle you around, wasting your time to make you feel rushed, then they start playing with your head about value and whether you "qualify."
Adorama did the same horse s#it here.
Next thing I knew I was being offer $1500 for my gear - thats $700 less than what they told me in the quote!
The guy said that I was only eligible to receive up to a max of 70% of my quote.
Well first off they never mentioned that ONCE during the process of getting my gear.
And I knew what was going on when this pushy hard lined jern got on the phone and started with all his "closing" tactics. Im a marketer by trade - I knew exactly what the hell he was doing.
But I was in a rush, I had a shoot that week and they had already wasted 5 days with their lame "processing." They wouldn't even cut me a break after I offered to order everything I needed from them! Which their prices were at least 10%+ more than Amazon.
They had my gear and was in a pinch, so I took the money and had to cut my planned purchase by $700.
It was a classic Bait & Switch.
Did they break the law?... No.
Do I think it's a scam? ... Hell Yes!
I WILL NEVER do business with them again and I will make it a personal mission to steer as many people away from them as I can. I HATE businesses that pray on consumers like this using these tactics.
~RB
PS: Admin I apologize if this is the incorrect place to post this topic.
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Message edited by author 2011-08-12 18:35:51. |
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08/12/2011 06:40:38 PM · #2 |
We have a member named  HelenOster who is the Customer Service Ambassador for Adorama Camera. I suggest you click on her name, get her e-mail, and communicate with her. She's excellent at resolving the few issues that have arisen with Adorama over the years in these forums.
R. |
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08/12/2011 06:54:28 PM · #3 |
| If you have any success with the CS Ambassador, please poet again. I'm off of them, too. |
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08/12/2011 07:23:36 PM · #4 |
I appreciate you posting this here. Too often it seems like businesses can't be held accountable enough to make a difference to them.
I feel for you and unless I see something changed or a different side of the story, I will certainly choose B&H Photo Video over Adorama. I have always seen them as equal choices...your story has altered that balance.
Good luck with a possible resolution.
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08/12/2011 07:25:50 PM · #5 |
I can't wait to hear the results. IMO they will NEVER give him the other $700. He was screwed and he knows it.
I know the OP said he was in a pinch...etc...however, to sell or trade with a big dealer is not the way to go. They want to resell your stuff for a profit and there is nothing wrong with that. (edited to take a bunch of crap out)
I've done lots of business with BHphotovideo and have always been completely satisfied...but I would never "sell" them used gear. I stick to strangers on ebay with 98% or higher feedback. The 2% "bad" comments are read by me before I make my final decision to bid or accept a bid.
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
We have a member named HelenOster who is the Customer Service Ambassador for Adorama Camera. I suggest you click on her name, get her e-mail, and communicate with her. She's excellent at resolving the few issues that have arisen with Adorama over the years in these forums.
R. |
Message edited by author 2011-08-14 20:31:22.
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08/12/2011 07:53:52 PM · #6 |
eta: deleted.
Message edited by author 2011-08-14 12:20:00. |
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08/12/2011 07:57:49 PM · #7 |
Well she did make me an offer to redo some prints they did for me ... but I was unhappy with them enough that I just wrote them off and never ordered again.
BTW - I recently (well six months ago) ordered a bunch of stuff from B&H, and like many here, they are a top notch operation. Next time try them. (They also have a rep here who was helpful to me.)
ETA...if they offered you 1500 on your $2100 quote, that's $600, not $700. Just saying :)
Message edited by author 2011-08-12 19:58:28. |
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08/12/2011 08:38:53 PM · #8 |
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08/12/2011 09:09:52 PM · #9 |
| Thanks for the info. I occasionally flirted with doing business with them - I'm glad I never did... |
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08/13/2011 04:23:37 AM · #10 |
I'll never choose to sell equipment this way but thanks for the heads up.
Quite happy to buy from Adorama though. |
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08/14/2011 03:02:21 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by richardbravo:
I just used their Buy or Trade Used Gear program and they completely ripped me off.
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I was really so very sorry to read your posting and firstly please accept my most sincere apologies for the disappointment and frustration caused.
With such a price differential I can only think that someone made an error somehow, and would welcome the opportunity to investigate - and do my best to make this right.
Could you please email me with your quote number, plus the date and time of your call (and the number you called from) so I can listen to the recording of the conversation(s): Helen@adorama.com
Once again my apologies and I look forward to hearing from you.
Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
Message edited by author 2011-08-14 03:02:45.
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08/14/2011 03:42:29 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by sir_bazz:
I'll never choose to sell equipment this way but thanks for the heads up.
Quite happy to buy from Adorama though. |
Ditto. I wouldn't choose to sell any equipment except locally.
With that said, I've never had a bad experience buying from Adorama (or their competitor B&H)... |
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08/14/2011 04:25:00 AM · #13 |
| What a bunch o bastards.. Thanks for the info |
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08/14/2011 07:37:13 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by HelenOster:
Originally posted by richardbravo:
I just used their Buy or Trade Used Gear program and they completely ripped me off.
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I was really so very sorry to read your posting and firstly please accept my most sincere apologies for the disappointment and frustration caused.
With such a price differential I can only think that someone made an error somehow, and would welcome the opportunity to investigate - and do my best to make this right.
Could you please email me with your quote number, plus the date and time of your call (and the number you called from) so I can listen to the recording of the conversation(s): Helen@adorama.com
Once again my apologies and I look forward to hearing from you.
Very gracious letter. I hope he follows up on this.
Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador |
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08/14/2011 08:00:37 AM · #15 |
One wonders if Mr. Bravo is even paying any attention to this thread? It was, after all, is ONLY post in 4 years of membership on DPC...
R. |
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08/14/2011 12:04:31 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by IAmEliKatz:
What a bunch o bastards.. Thanks for the info |
Strangely enough, I take exception to that comment - and on Tu b'Av, as well........
Even though the OP has not yet responded to me, (and this incident took place a month or so ago), we've been able to ID the transaction, today. He was indeed quoted $2100 expected re-sale value, and listening to the recording of the call, the rep DID in fact advise that we pay up to 70% of the expected re-sale value. This is to cover our costs such as advertising, storage, cleaning, staff etc etc.
We also need to allow for the costs involved for us as we pay the shipping into Adorama - and if the customer is unhappy with the quote we also ship it back at no cost to the customer. We also offer all our used equipment purchasers a 90-day warranty which includes a 30-day returns period. The cost of this has to be factored in.
70% of $2,000 is $1,470, however, the customer was sent a check for $1,500.
We would gladly return the unit to him, however it has already been sold; not for $2,100, but for $2,000 straight.
Nevertheless, we are in the process of raising a check in the sum of $600 to send to the customer, therefore Adorama has made a loss on this transaction.
Had the OP called us up right away and spoken to our used department team manager this matter could have been addressed immediately, however, he did not.
Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
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08/14/2011 12:46:10 PM · #17 |
Helen,
I've bought from Adorama through ebay multiple times and have never had a single issue with any of my purchases. You're not all a bunch of bastards :)
-Kim |
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08/14/2011 01:46:48 PM · #18 |
Adorama>BH IMHO
Never ever had a problem with Adorama and I can even say I was treated like a king when I did have a minor problem with an item recieved.
TheOP made a big booboo in selling his gear there as far as i`m concerned. You can`t expect to get a good deal with these shops, any shop, for used gear. Selling on kijiji or Craigslist is the way to go. Or find a Canon specific forum where you can sell your gear. I used an Olympus forum to sell all my Oly gear, fast and honest people.
Message edited by author 2011-08-14 13:47:52. |
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08/14/2011 01:56:26 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by HelenOster:
Originally posted by IAmEliKatz:
What a bunch o bastards.. Thanks for the info |
Strangely enough, I take exception to that comment - and on Tu b'Av, as well........
Even though the OP has not yet responded to me, (and this incident took place a month or so ago), we've been able to ID the transaction, today. He was indeed quoted $2100 expected re-sale value, and listening to the recording of the call, the rep DID in fact advise that we pay up to 70% of the expected re-sale value. This is to cover our costs such as advertising, storage, cleaning, staff etc etc.
We also need to allow for the costs involved for us as we pay the shipping into Adorama - and if the customer is unhappy with the quote we also ship it back at no cost to the customer. We also offer all our used equipment purchasers a 90-day warranty which includes a 30-day returns period. The cost of this has to be factored in.
70% of $2,000 is $1,470, however, the customer was sent a check for $1,500.
We would gladly return the unit to him, however it has already been sold; not for $2,100, but for $2,000 straight.
Nevertheless, we are in the process of raising a check in the sum of $600 to send to the customer, therefore Adorama has made a loss on this transaction.
Had the OP called us up right away and spoken to our used department team manager this matter could have been addressed immediately, however, he did not.
Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador |
That's above and beyond. I realize you want to give good customer service, but he agreed to the deal (whether or not he felt he could live with it afterwards is his problem). I think you've been way too generous. |
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08/14/2011 02:17:46 PM · #20 |
interesting the OP has been registered since 2007 and has made no entries or any other posts...
but however, it goes to show that screaming an hollering does still work..
Message edited by author 2011-08-14 14:17:57. |
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08/14/2011 02:50:15 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by Kelli:
That's above and beyond. I realize you want to give good customer service, but he agreed to the deal (whether or not he felt he could live with it afterwards is his problem). I think you've been way too generous. |
I agree. I am always surprised that people expect retailers to pay full retail price for equipment. Used equipment has value, but the retailer has to make a profit over just covering expenses.
If you're going to see your gear to a retailer, you will get the wholesale price. Frankly 70% of retail is pretty good. Most places want to pay 50% of retail. And that's used retail, not new retail.
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08/14/2011 02:54:32 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by scarbrd:
Originally posted by Kelli:
That's above and beyond. I realize you want to give good customer service, but he agreed to the deal (whether or not he felt he could live with it afterwards is his problem). I think you've been way too generous. |
I agree. I am always surprised that people expect retailers to pay full retail price for equipment. Used equipment has value, but the retailer has to make a profit over just covering expenses.
If you're going to see your gear to a retailer, you will get the wholesale price. Frankly 70% of retail is pretty good. Most places want to pay 50% of retail. And that's used retail, not new retail. |
FYI...it's not 70% of retail value. It's 70% of RE-SALE value.
Dave |
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08/14/2011 03:02:08 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by DCNUTTER:
Originally posted by scarbrd:
Originally posted by Kelli:
That's above and beyond. I realize you want to give good customer service, but he agreed to the deal (whether or not he felt he could live with it afterwards is his problem). I think you've been way too generous. |
I agree. I am always surprised that people expect retailers to pay full retail price for equipment. Used equipment has value, but the retailer has to make a profit over just covering expenses.
If you're going to see your gear to a retailer, you will get the wholesale price. Frankly 70% of retail is pretty good. Most places want to pay 50% of retail. And that's used retail, not new retail. |
FYI...it's not 70% of retail value. It's 70% of RE-SALE value.
Dave |
right, I was trying to make that point, "used retail". |
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08/14/2011 06:17:52 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by Kelli:
Originally posted by HelenOster:
Originally posted by IAmEliKatz:
What a bunch o bastards.. Thanks for the info |
Strangely enough, I take exception to that comment - and on Tu b'Av, as well........
Even though the OP has not yet responded to me, (and this incident took place a month or so ago), we've been able to ID the transaction, today. He was indeed quoted $2100 expected re-sale value, and listening to the recording of the call, the rep DID in fact advise that we pay up to 70% of the expected re-sale value. This is to cover our costs such as advertising, storage, cleaning, staff etc etc.
We also need to allow for the costs involved for us as we pay the shipping into Adorama - and if the customer is unhappy with the quote we also ship it back at no cost to the customer. We also offer all our used equipment purchasers a 90-day warranty which includes a 30-day returns period. The cost of this has to be factored in.
70% of $2,000 is $1,470, however, the customer was sent a check for $1,500.
We would gladly return the unit to him, however it has already been sold; not for $2,100, but for $2,000 straight.
Nevertheless, we are in the process of raising a check in the sum of $600 to send to the customer, therefore Adorama has made a loss on this transaction.
Had the OP called us up right away and spoken to our used department team manager this matter could have been addressed immediately, however, he did not.
Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador |
That's above and beyond. I realize you want to give good customer service, but he agreed to the deal (whether or not he felt he could live with it afterwards is his problem). I think you've been way too generous. |
I must say that I have to agree with  Kelli in this regard... an offer was tendered and accepted...case closed.
Perhaps what bothers me the most in this instance is that he seemingly did not try to resolve this issue on amiable terms, opting instead to post in this venue...and worst is the fact that he is now being rewarded for making such demeaning remarks.
\
The old adage: "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" seems ever so apropos in this instance.
Ray |
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08/14/2011 07:45:07 PM · #25 |
OP posted the exact same post here: //digital-photography-school.com/forum/other-digital-photography-gear/157644-adorama-equipment-buying-program.html
Also, it appears he registered there for the sole reason of posting that rant.
Dunno how many other forums he hit. |
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