Warning about "bait and switch" online seller.

[mformby]

I recently ordered a Pentax K200D from Broadway Photo online. Their ad stated that it was in stock and would ship upon receipt of order. Two days later I got an email telling me to call them because their was a problem with the credit card. I called and they tried to tell me the "special battery" that came with it was no good and I needed a special Li-ion battery for only $124.00. I informed him that he was mistaken, because that camera uses AA's, not a special battery. Then he moved right ahead and told me I needed a "special high speed" SD card for the camera to function correctly for only $114.00. I told him I had already had two 2 gig cards and did not need it. The tone of his voice turned from high presssure to dejection, and said said it sould ship out and hung out. Two days later I get an email saying that the item had been back ordered. I went to their site and it said "in stock for immediate shipment". I do not like their sales tactics. I wanted the camera by July 4th, now that won't happen because I am not paying inflated shipping rates most sites want.

 

[Zohan]

Sorry it happened to you - http://www.epinions.com/webs-Web_Services-All-Merchants-Broadway_Photo/display_~reviews

 

[btfiend]

We have more than our fair share of such scam outfits in Singapore too except these scums operate in prominent shopping malls and tourist districts!

 

[dordor]

is this a local company? what the web address?

 

[JacePhoto]

It would be a value add on the website if there is some special announcements on the side bar. Maybe the forum developers can consider this? This would add more trust and enhance CS's credibility/ services and attract/ retain more users?

 

[AuntieHuat]

Thanks for the warning and review links guys. I was seriously considering ordering a K100D Super from them due to their good price.

Luckily I came across this thread. Hope TS receive your camera soon

 

[OldFlower]

I recently ordered a Pentax K200D from Broadway Photo online. Their ad stated that it was in stock and would ship upon receipt of order. Two days later I got an email telling me to call them because their was a problem with the credit card. I called and they tried to tell me the "special battery" that came with it was no good and I needed a special Li-ion battery for only $124.00. I informed him that he was mistaken, because that camera uses AA's, not a special battery. Then he moved right ahead and told me I needed a "special high speed" SD card for the camera to function correctly for only $114.00. I told him I had already had two 2 gig cards and did not need it. The tone of his voice turned from high presssure to dejection, and said said it sould ship out and hung out. Two days later I get an email saying that the item had been back ordered. I went to their site and it said "in stock for immediate shipment". I do not like their sales tactics. I wanted the camera by July 4th, now that won't happen because I am not paying inflated shipping rates most sites want.

Well, sad and sorry to hear of your experience.
However, I have one formula I faithfully adhere to when it comes to photography & cameras or lenses - NEVER buy cmeras or lenses, ONLINE.

 

[Zohan]

Well, sad and sorry to hear of your experience.
However, I have one formula I faithfully adhere to when it comes to photography & cameras or lenses - NEVER buy cmeras or lenses, ONLINE.

Respectfully disagree with you. There are 2 or 3 shops are have superb reputation:

http://www.keh.com - 2nd hand stuff, usually underrated their products
http://www.bhphoto.com
http://www.adorama.com
http://www.calumet.com

Note: I don't work for them.

 

[Zohan]

Respectfully disagree with you. There are 2 or 3 shops are have superb reputation:

http://www.keh.com - 2nd hand stuff, usually underrated their products
http://www.bhphoto.com
http://www.adorama.com
http://www.calumet.com

Note: I don't work for them.

sorry, it's http://www.calumetphoto.com/ . calumet.com leads to kraft food.

 

[viewwing]

its all about how much risk u wanna take... if you're not willing to take the risk get it first hand from "big name" sellers who should have some creditability.

Even buying a 2nd hand item is also about taking risk...

I have not bought anything that costly online yet... as i have been conned on smaller items before... so unless its operating in singapore and i have a address and hp thats verified, thats a risk i'm not willing to risk. Rather spend that 100-200 dollars more.