Used this online retailer before???

[woodlandsparty]

Has anyone used this online retailer before???

http://www.century21electronics.com/display.asp?page=366753

All of the prices are WAY cheap for some reason and I can't figure out the catch. I've been shopping for the 400D/XTi....and they've got it for $398 (body only).

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I have not. In situations like this, I often check at ResellerRatings for more information.

The had one poster who was "Somewhat Satisfied" with Century21Electronics and the other 12 were "Very Dissatisfied". That's pretty bad.

You can see what they say about Century21Electronics here.

It looks like their standard approach is to strip the original package of everything except the core item. For example, you might get a Rebel XTi but without a battery, charger, body cap, eyepiece, etc. Once they've got you hooked, they'll start adding in the other items at outrageous prices and you'll quickly find that you haven't saved any money at all.

There are many honest photo shops out there and they are very competitive. It's really hard for someone to significantly beat everyone elses prices. As you suspected, those that advertise much lower prices usually have some sort of scam going.

 

[Decfish]

What are some other good, reputable on-line photo shops? I’ve used B&H photo before with good results. Any others that someone may have had success with?

 

[Anewman]

What are some other good, reputable on-line photo shops? I’ve used B&H photo before with good results. Any others that someone may have had success with?

In photography circles when it comes to customer service the king is known to be B&H photo, with ADORAMA getting honorable mention.

When it comes to price, if anyone can beat BUYDIG/BEACHCAMERA pricing... be concerned, very concerned.

 

[StrwLady]

Ok I'm going off topic but I have to ....

Wooohooo Decfish I love the Fleur De Lis in your signature! GO SAINTS!!!! Although I live in Dallas now (14 years). I'm a New Orleans Gal born and bred and in turn a Saints fan. I'm so happy to see them doing so well. I was a season ticket holder in the 80's which included the first season the made it to the Play Offs....even though the Vikings kicked their butts....oh the pain...I can still remember. hehe

Ok now back to your regularly scheduled post .

As for online photo stores I recently bought from adorama through Amazon. You can purchase directly from adorama but they also have a store on amazon. I was very pleased with the transaction as well as the prices. I would say if you are a tad leary try through amazon becaus that way you always have them through if you have trouble with one of their merchants.

Take Care
\

 

[Jeanne B]

What are some other good, reputable on-line photo shops? I’ve used B&H photo before with good results. Any others that someone may have had success with?

www.beachcamera.com
www.buydig.com
www.adorama.com

I've purchased cameras from beachcamera/buydig (sister sites) several times. They always ship the same day or next day and I've always received my cameras in 1-2 business days at most, even when selecting free shipping.

 

[ukcatfan]

I've purchased cameras from beachcamera/buydig (sister sites) several times. They always ship the same day or next day and I've always received my cameras in 1-2 business days at most, even when selecting free shipping.

I have had similar situations with these two sites. I do not think that they are as easy to deal with on returns and/or repairs as B&H or Adorama, but they are completely legit. Even most of the big stores like BB, CC, Target, and Wal-mart will pass you off to the manufacturer with problems after 30 days. Another "decent" online one is Butterfly Photo, but I have heard reports recently that their quality is going downhill, so be careful with them. I guess being dishonest is profitable.

Most bad places pull the bait and switch game or the add ons game. You always end up paying more than retail to get something actually delivered to you. If you refuse their offers, the items you ordered suddenly go on back order, but your card is charged when you place the order. I wonder if some of them actually are real retailers and they might make their money off charging people and hoping that they never notice that nothing is delivered. Some even charge a re-stocking fee to cancel an order that was never filled.

Kevin

 

[woodlandsparty]

You can see what they say about Century21Electronics here.
[\QUOTE]

Thanks for that link Mark! I can't believe what scam artists those people are!!!

 

[jann1033]

another satisfied beach/ buy dig. user..the only problem i encountered was beach closed early on fridays and so if you want something order before that or i don't think they ship till monday

 

[Decfish]

Thanks everyone for the insight. I will check out some of these sites.

Like I said earlier, I used B&H before with great success, but was unsure of some others. I guess I’m still a little skeptical of many of the on-line vendors. I’ve heard of situations where if a product were purchased from a site that was not an authorized dealer of that manufacturer, they would not honor the warranty. Anyone have a like issue?

 

[Decfish]

Ok I'm going off topic but I have to ....

Wooohooo Decfish I love the Fleur De Lis in your signature! GO SAINTS!!!! Although I live in Dallas now (14 years). I'm a New Orleans Gal born and bred and in turn a Saints fan. I'm so happy to see them doing so well. I was a season ticket holder in the 80's which included the first season the made it to the Play Offs....even though the Vikings kicked their butts....oh the pain...I can still remember. hehe

Ok now back to your regularly scheduled post .

As for online photo stores I recently bought from adorama through Amazon. You can purchase directly from adorama but they also have a store on amazon. I was very pleased with the transaction as well as the prices. I would say if you are a tad leary try through amazon becaus that way you always have them through if you have trouble with one of their merchants.

Take Care
\

StrwLady, born in Nawlins myself, living on the Northshore for many years now. My childhood home/neighborhood (Lakeview) was destroyed by the storm, but all is well.

I was in the Dome for the big Monday night game…what an experience! I will never forget it!
Go Saints!

Sorry to go off topic...thanks for indulging.