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01/27/2005 11:43:43 PM · #1 |
Can the various online vendor ratings be trusted? There seems to be conflicting information as to their credibility.
I have personally used B&H PHOTO without issue, but what about hoards of others? Such as Abe's Of Main, ACE Photo, Beach Camera, BuyERetail, eCost, Focus Camera, etc., etc.
Is there a popular online store that a majority of DPCer's use? What if we (DPC members) were to formulate, vote on, or somehow create our own Preferred Vendor list. We can trust US, right?
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01/27/2005 11:50:17 PM · #2 |
I've only ever bought from Adorama. Personally, I'd rather stick to the big, wellknown names and pay a bit more. The few extra dollars spent is worth avoiding any hassles that may arise from shopping a little, lesser known store. Just my opinion, of course.
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01/27/2005 11:50:30 PM · #3 |
I've used B&H for 10 years and have always been happy. Any problems I've had, they have fixed for me right away. Get a sales rep and always use the same person.
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01/28/2005 12:00:59 AM · #4 |
B & H in the US
Vistek and Henry's in Canada
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01/28/2005 12:14:10 AM · #5 |
Most people who buy from B&H seem to be happy. I bought once from tri-state and returned to B&H for the next and all further, costs being equal, I will stay there.
Message edited by author 2005-01-28 00:14:53. |
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01/28/2005 12:19:33 AM · #6 |
I look to Amazon's Camera and Photo Store or B&H Photo & Video for my online purchases. Adorama, who is also highly regarded, is an Amazon merchant, so their pricing is available through Amazon as well.
-Terry
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01/28/2005 12:21:36 AM · #7 |
I tend to shop around...
B&H Is alway the first place to look
Buydig and DBuys have been quite reliable
You can get some good camera buys at Dell when you stack coupons from Tech Bargains
KEH is great for Used Lenses and such...
Haven't had any Problems with Beach Camera
Andy
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01/28/2005 04:06:02 AM · #8 |
B&H and Digital Foto Discount Club. I've used both, never had any problems, incredibly fast shipping from both.
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01/28/2005 05:31:53 AM · #9 |
B&H is a very good vendor. I'll look on my other PC or Laptop. I found a site that had alot of info in camera shops. Don't be fooled just because they are in Popular Photography or other large mags. Just because they have a 10 page add in the mag doesn't mean the are good. Big photo mags have heard all the complaints of certain vendors, but they are not going to investigate and they want the money for the ads. Just be careful.
Spicy |
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01/28/2005 08:31:39 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by casualguy:
Can the various online vendor ratings be trusted? There seems to be conflicting information as to their credibility.
I have personally used B&H PHOTO without issue, but what about hoards of others? Such as Abe's Of Main, ACE Photo, Beach Camera, BuyERetail, eCost, Focus Camera, etc., etc.
Is there a popular online store that a majority of DPCer's use? What if we (DPC members) were to formulate, vote on, or somehow create our own Preferred Vendor list. We can trust US, right? |
I have purchased from B&H several times with no problems.
Only other one I have dealt with of those you mentioned is BeachCamera.com. I had a bad experience trying to buy a camera from them. I would advise you to steer clear at all costs. I have since found out that a) they are not the same as the brick & mortar camera store with the same name; and b) they are not a real independent retailer but only a website fronting for another seller, I think the same bunch also operates buydig.com.
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01/28/2005 08:41:32 AM · #11 |
I have purchased from B&H several times...no problems at all. I have also purchased a used Nikon 80-400 VR lens from KEH and I am very satisfied.
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01/28/2005 08:55:28 AM · #12 |
| I buy most everything from B&H. They are so popular though that sometimes they are out of stock. When I went to buy the D70, they weren't going to have any for 2 to 3 weeks. I didn't want to wait that long so I bought it at Ritz, which I was very happy with too. So far B&H has been great. |
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01/28/2005 10:29:29 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by doctornick:
B & H in the US
Vistek and Henry's in Canada |
I use all three of these guys exclusively.
They all are great. Shop around for the best deal. |
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01/28/2005 10:55:05 AM · #14 |
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01/28/2005 11:15:19 AM · #15 |
//www.resellerratings.com
Seems to agree with the word i get here and in other forums, and my personal experience.
b&h 8.7
adorama 5.56
abe's 4.72
The mail order photo/camera places seem to suck overall. B&H is great, adorama in my experience is useless. beachcamera is a maybe. My non-camera oriented on-line/mail order purchase experiences are far better than my camera ones. Don't know why this type of 'store' overall is sooooo bad.
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01/28/2005 09:38:40 PM · #16 |
Buydig.com is by far my favorite, first of all they had the best price for the 20D: $1308 for brand new USA verison (no Lense), you can't beat that, but wait .. FREE SHIPPING, and I had it in my hand in 3 days..
Few months ago I also bought my digital rebel from them, same story, best price, best service .. Try them and you will not regret it .. |
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01/28/2005 10:06:36 PM · #17 |
| I work at a camera store, an usually don't mention the name on the forums, for fear of folks thinking I am soliciting business. I don't work on commission. But I was thrilled to see casualguy mention the store I am at. It is ACE Photo, and I often see it mentioned on forums. It is a small family run business in Sterling VA, not a chain, and it really does an amazing business. The key is that we are all photographers and passionate about it, so we basically know what we are talking about, and if one of us doesn't someone else there does. Because there is no commission, we all really help one another. I also hear we have great prices. Very often close to or better that B&H. For a small store, the stock is incredible. We often have stuff when other places don'tThe owner is very honest and fair. I was a customer there for many years before I started working there almost 5 years ago. It always amazes me to see the name on forums, when he is just a family run small business. It really shows what he has done. Anyway, I don't own it, don't get commission on sales, or bonuses for saying good things, I just love my job and the people I work for. |
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02/07/2005 11:44:14 PM · #18 |
1. BuyDig.com: Took the order for a Digital Rebel, but later they cancelled my order. Would never buy from them again.
2. Beach Camera: Best price/service so far. They air mailed my stuff in 3 days both times I ordered. Bought my digital rebel and a 28-135IS lens from them. Low price too. I'd recommend these guys before anyone else. Their selection and ease of shopping is not so hot.
2, B&H and Adorama: Sites are about equal and very easy to use. They tend to charge close to retail. You don't find many bargains from these guys. Bought many lenses, flashes, filters, etc from both. No problems anytime except once had to call Adorama and they didn't have stuff I had ordered over the internet, I only found out when I called to confirm my internet order.
3. Digital Foto club: Had to wait 3 days on the internet to know my lens was shipped, but had the best price.
4. Broadway Photo and I think 42nd St. Photo:
NEVER ORDER FROM THESE SITES!!!
Scam artists that have really low prices to lure you in. They get your order/credit card information and then call you to "confirm your order" and try to sell you overpriced accessories. If you don't buy the ridiculous accessories, your order is never filled.
Avoid them!!! You know what they say, "If it sounds too good to be true..."
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02/07/2005 11:47:26 PM · #19 |
| bh, adorama, 17th street photo and butterfly photo are the only one's i've heard are excellent or have tried and were. |
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02/08/2005 12:28:48 AM · #20 |
| I just bought my D70 from Butterfly. No complaints, other than the "please call about your order" game. They actually gave me a pretty good deal on the extras when I called (much better than what was listed on the website), so I bought a couple of things. |
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