1D MkII N shopping experience, saved by B&H Photo

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/27/2005 12:08:07 PM · #1

I was looking daily to buy a Canon 1D Mark II N.

I read on FM that Norman Camera in Kalamazoo MI, had 7 in stock on Friday 9/23/05 from a poster that picked up the first one from them.
I placed an order on Friday night online, where it showed that it was in stock.

Monday I called them since I had not gotten a call or an e-mail. They told me that they don't go through the weekend orders till end of Monday (that' real prompt service, isn't it?) and to check Tuesday for a confirmation e-mail, and to call if my order placed on 9/23/05 wasn't confirmed by Tuesday 9/27/05 (4 days to confirm an order when they are open on the weekends). So I called today and the shipping guy tells me that my card was not approved. So I called the credit card company and they state that there is no record of anyone calling for approval on a purchase.

I guess Norman Camera is utterly incompetent in handling large orders, since they didn't call me to try to sell me a $4000 camera when the purchase was "denied by the credit card company" or they decided that they ran out of stock and decided to keep my order in limbo in hopes of getting my order filled when their next shipment came in, blaming my credit card company.

I also had asked for an e-mail reply when the II N comes in stock from B&H, which came this morning, so I ordered through them with 2 day UPS shipping. So I'm hoping it will be here by Friday. They even remembered that I was looking at a monopod when I was checking out and so I ordered that as well.

Needless to say stay away from Norman Camera for items that are in high demand or new items that are starting to come in.
I'm sure I'm not the only one that these guys are pulling the "it's in stock now, oh now it's not in stock" trick on.

I ordered the Tokina 12-24 from B&H when it first came in as B&H was the first reputable store to get them. Looks like B&H is again the first reputable to get this new item again.
Thanks B&H.

Message edited by author 2005-09-27 12:09:19.

photodude

09/27/2005 01:18:01 PM · #2

Make sure to post this on reseller ratings

brianlh

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

09/27/2005 01:29:51 PM · #3

I would make sure that Norman Camera knows you no longer want to order. And, depending on what their reputation is, perhaps warn the bank in case they try to make a charge later on and force the transaction upon you.

09/27/2005 01:44:16 PM · #4

Originally posted by brianlh:

I already told my credit card company to deny any requests from Norman Camera, in case they try to ship me a II N a week or two from now.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/27/2005 01:45:06 PM · #5

Originally posted by photodude:

Make sure to post this on reseller ratings

Good Idea.

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

09/27/2005 02:18:30 PM · #6

So, in other words, you're a liar! lol Take that camera off your profile until it arrives! ;-)