B&H Order Lost? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

03/21/2008 06:50:37 AM · #1

Has anyone ever had an order from B&H just get "lost"? I ordered at the end of February. The track and confirm system from the United States Postal Service still shows "Electronic Shipping Info Received" and no other status. I called B&H over a week ago and they said it had been shipped. I've submitted a request to the Postal Service but no response yet. I'll check, but I'm quite sure my account has been charged. I've received boxes from two other places sent after this one was supposedly sent. What are my options at this point?

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

03/21/2008 07:05:15 AM · #2

check the B&H policies, see if they can do anything. Otherwise, call the courier with the tracking number, say you haven't received it find out where the hell it is. They should be able to tell you if it's been delivered (if so, where and when), if it was signed for, or if it's sat in a depot somewhere.

Did you pay for the priority shipping or go with the standard option? I think it's been a long time coming though so something must be up. First port of call, call the courier/postal guys with the tracking number.

quiet_observation

Canon EOS-7D

03/21/2008 07:10:51 AM · #3

Originally posted by Melethia:

Call B&H and ask what their policy is for orders lost in shipping.

Did you pay with a credit card? As a last resort, if B&H is unhelpful, you could try to get a refund through the credit card company.

nikolaos

Nikon D200

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZF f/1.4 Planar T

03/21/2008 07:17:33 AM · #4

I suppose you're expecting the package in Germany? I've not ordered from B&H but when I was expecting a package from US it took over two weeks to arrive via ems because of "high load" (as I was told) at the airport, it was during christmass. Another package shipped a month latter arrived within 4 working days but the track&confirmed wasn't updated over a week after I've received it.

I think usps accepts inquiry about the package only from the sender. I would say to call B&H and ask them to submit a inquiry to usps, or see what is their policy in this case.

-n.

ClubJuggle

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/21/2008 07:25:41 AM · #5

What shipping method did you use?

~Terry

JerseyGenie

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

03/21/2008 07:58:13 AM · #6

Actually I refuse to use B&H any more. They were absolutely terrible with customer service the last time I used them.
On the other hand, I've had nothing but great service and good luck with Abe's of Maine.
It won't help with your situation, Deb. But I thought I'd just add some more B&H personal experience. I'm sorry you're having troubles.

Nikon D200

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

03/21/2008 08:03:00 AM · #7

I've always had great customer service from B&H. I'm sure they'll be able to help you out if you explain the situation to them.

citymars

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

03/21/2008 08:10:29 AM · #8

Originally posted by JerseyGenie:

That's surprising, since I think B&H has very good customer service.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

03/21/2008 08:10:46 AM · #9

Originally posted by L2:

I've always had great customer service from B&H. I'm sure they'll be able to help you out if you explain the situation to them.

...same here!!! I have purchased several items from B&H and would readily recommend them to anyone.

You initial course of action would be to inquire with the USPS, with a follow-up with B&H regarding their policy in this regard.

Don't give up hope just yet... and the very best of luck to you.

Ray

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

03/21/2008 09:36:27 AM · #10

I've ordered from B&H many times, several since being here in Germany and have received stuff within two weeks. Received a camera from them in Kuwait within two weeks. I'd call the Post Office, but I can't quite figure out who to call! They don't make it very helpful on their website - I did send them an email. And sadly, B&H is apparently closed until Sunday. I'll stop by the Post Office at the Army base and see if they know what to do. And yes, it's on a charge card, and it's already charged (and paid). It was stuff I wanted for my trip to London (from which I returned on Wednesday) ordered well enough in advance (or so I thought.) Now I just want my stuff. 'Tis annoying.

tjbel05

Nikon Z9

03/21/2008 10:07:23 AM · #11

The postal website is not always the best at updating the shipping status. I bought something on ebay, received the shipping number, and it was still showing
"Electronic Shipping Info Received" status on the USPS website the day the item delivered. This could be one of those situations.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

03/21/2008 11:29:19 AM · #12

I'd agree that it's lousy updating, except I ordered the 29th of February. I've received two items from other places that were shipped after that. Got a box from my mom today that was mailed 7 days ago. The post office here told me there's nothing they can do - I have to contact the shipper. The "shipper" is closed until Sunday. Bah. And I even had an idea I wanted to shoot for Mug Shot but needed a flash. I think all of you can breathe a nice sigh of relief that I didn't get it in time. :-)

Spork99

OM System OM-1

03/21/2008 01:02:47 PM · #13

The USPS sucks at tracking. They generate a tracking number et.al., but I think that's only so they can claim to have tracking and charge for it. Functionally, it's non-existent.

I've had USPS packages arrive and still show "Electronic Shipping Info Received" on the tracking page for 2-3 days afterward.

If you want tracking, FedEx or UPS are the way to go.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C

03/21/2008 02:04:26 PM · #14

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

If you want tracking, FedEx or UPS are the way to go.

I agree, but I have only the one option and that's USPS. I'll call B&H on Sunday and see what can be done. In the mean time, the money is gone and I have nothing to show for it, which somewhat depresses me. Oh, and

nikolaos is correct - the sender has to submit the inquiry.

Message edited by author 2008-03-21 14:05:29.

icu1965

Sony DSLR-A200

Sony 75-300 mm f/4.5-5.6

03/21/2008 02:21:35 PM · #15

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

The tracking number is functional if the postal workers do their job right. It's quite possible that no one has scanned it, like they're supposed to, at each post office. It could also be held up in customs. Hopefully B&H filled out a customs declaration form correctly. It kind of sounds like you're having it sent to an APO/FPO address, and sometimes people don't realize that they have to fill one of those out.
Hopefully your stuff shows up!

Message edited by author 2008-03-21 14:22:18.

BHuseman

Nikon D750

03/21/2008 02:27:41 PM · #16

I have had two shipments disappear on their way over here. The first one I had to wait 45 days for a claim. The second one I was not provided an accurate USPS tracking number, the shipment was lost, and they did not make me wait 45 days to file a claim. They are very good with claims though. For shipping to an APO, I prefer Adorama because they ship Express, but I don't like the cost of that. At least with Express you know it is going to get where it is supposed to, when it is supposed to. The third item I ordered from BH took 18 days to arrive. Nutts!

Originally posted by Melethia:

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

03/21/2008 02:36:10 PM · #17

Originally posted by icu1965:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:
The USPS sucks at tracking. They generate a tracking number et.al., but I think that's only so they can claim to have tracking and charge for it. Functionally, it's non-existent.

I've had USPS packages arrive and still show "Electronic Shipping Info Received" on the tracking page for 2-3 days afterward.

If you want tracking, FedEx or UPS are the way to go.

The tracking number is functional if the postal workers do their job right. It's quite possible that no one has scanned it, like they're supposed to, at each post office. It could also be held up in customs. Hopefully B&H filled out a customs declaration form correctly. It kind of sounds like you're having it sent to an APO/FPO address, and sometimes people don't realize that they have to fill one of those out.
Hopefully your stuff shows up!

Then I've NEVER had a package where the postal workers have done their jobs.

icu1965

Sony DSLR-A200

Sony 75-300 mm f/4.5-5.6

03/21/2008 02:38:37 PM · #18

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by icu1965:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:
The USPS sucks at tracking. They generate a tracking number et.al., but I think that's only so they can claim to have tracking and charge for it. Functionally, it's non-existent.

I've had USPS packages arrive and still show "Electronic Shipping Info Received" on the tracking page for 2-3 days afterward.

If you want tracking, FedEx or UPS are the way to go.

The tracking number is functional if the postal workers do their job right. It's quite possible that no one has scanned it, like they're supposed to, at each post office. It could also be held up in customs. Hopefully B&H filled out a customs declaration form correctly. It kind of sounds like you're having it sent to an APO/FPO address, and sometimes people don't realize that they have to fill one of those out.
Hopefully your stuff shows up!

Then I've NEVER had a package where the postal workers have done their jobs.

Wouldn't surprise me!

kleski

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/21/2008 02:49:00 PM · #19

Well, I won't bash the USPS..... I work for them. As for your issue, were you given a tracking number from B&H? If so, any post office can check the status. The actual tracking might suck but if we do our job right you should be able to track it faster than three weeks. I did have a customer once that tracked the package all the way to the postal hub before her office and she never received the package. Are mistakes like that common? Not in my 13 years with the USPS, but they do occur. PM me with the tracking number and I can have my people look into it for you from here if you wish.

03/21/2008 02:56:27 PM · #20

Thanks, kleski. I do have a tracking number and I took it to the APO post office here and they didn't get anything more than I did from the website. They told me to have the shipper (B&H) submit a trace action on it. If I have to wait 45 days to file a claim I'm gonna be a bit bummed. Was kinda hoping to actually have the gear before then. But hey, this is the first time I've had this problem, so I guess I'm kinda lucky. Oh, and I won't bash USPS either - they sponsored cycling for quite some time and I really appreciated that!

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/21/2008 02:58:27 PM · #21

Oh dear! I just rechecked the order and it's going to the wrong address! It may have indeed been delivered - to Kuwait. I'll get back to you....

kleski

Canon EOS-7D

03/21/2008 03:05:50 PM · #22

ouch!!! Well, I'd help you there but I won't hit Kuwait for another six months!! Good luck getting it re-routed.

03/21/2008 03:10:44 PM · #23

Originally posted by kleski:

ouch!!! Well, I'd help you there but I won't hit Kuwait for another six months!! Good luck getting it re-routed.

Actually, I ordered a camera from B&H when I was in Kuwait (which is why the address is still there) and it arrived in less than 14 days. Stuff mailed to Iraq gets there in a week. Gotta say that USPS is doing a great job supporting downrange. Afghanistan is another story entirely but that's the fault of transportation around the area, not the postal service. I'm trying to get it sent back here by some folks there rather than re-routing it, assuming it hasn't been returned to sender!

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

03/21/2008 03:45:37 PM · #24

Originally posted by tjbel05:

Every package I have got from USPS does that - I avoid them like the plague.... There is zip point telling me it's been delivered a day after I have it :-/ They need to either stop pretending to "track" or do it properly.