Draw Your Own Conclusions
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On Thursday, 02.07.08, I ordered a Pentax K10D kit from Broadway Photo’s Online Store. On Friday, I got a call from one of their reps who: (1) Tried to tell me the camera came with no accessories, and get me to upgrade about $300 to the “full kit;” (2) Told me that the camera did not come with a US warranty unless I purchased the “American” version; (3) Told me that the camera came with a Japanese manual and menu, and that I would have to upgrade to get one in English.
All of the above are lies. The camera comes as a full kit, with a US warranty, and all K10Ds come with menu software in about fifteen different languages including Japanese and English. Needless to say, having had the quality of their business practices practically screamed in my ear, I canceled the order.
I purchased the camera from B&HPhoto.com instead, which I should have done to begin with. For an additional $140 — still a low price for the camera — I got impeccable service, fast delivery and, when their rep did call, it was to find out if I had any questions. He didn’t try to sell me any accessories, thanked me for the order, and hoped I would deal with them again, then said “goodbye” and that was that.
Now, HERE’S THE KICKER. This morning my wife logged onto the credit card I used with Broadway. There were not one, two or three, but FOUR attempted purchases, totaling in excess of $700, that I had not made nor authorized. Fortunately the CC company had flagged them and refused payment. Want to bet on the rep from Broadway being a totally honest chap? Not me.
This taught me three things: never deal with Broadway Photo, obviously; ALWAYS check with your credit card company after making direct online purchases (better yet, use PayPal); the third was not to believe the ratings on camera sites that show merchants with little stars, as “top-rated,” etc. I don’t know how reputable sites (that shall remain unnamed) get inaccurate ratings, but it was certainly the case with Broadway.
BTW: my Pentax speaks impeccable English.
7 Comments
Tom
February 21st, 2008
at 8:20am
I had a similiar experience with Broadway Photo when I tried to buy a Sony A700. They tried the to sell me an “upgrade” too. After I did some research (which I should have done first) I found out Broadway is known for selling “gray market” cameras. I too then went to B&H, paid slightly more, but got excellent service. Bottom line, stay away from Broadway Photo.
kydna
February 25th, 2008
at 7:19am
B&H and Adorama are both above board reputable establishments. I’ve bought cameras, lenses & many peripherals from both companies without one hitch. In fact, B&H called ME one time to let me know that a camera I ordered is back logged & if I would keep the order or cancel. How’s that for customer service?!
Jim
February 25th, 2008
at 6:23pm
I will echo both the good experience with B&H and the miserable, dishonest tactics of Broadway, having experienced both.
My experience with Broadway will never be repeated, and my experience with B&H will be repeated at every opportunity. B&H is to reputable as Broadway is to sleazy.
Qian-Chun Yu
February 28th, 2008
at 12:29pm
I fully agree with you: I just got exactly the same experience with this store. I ordered a digital camera at $724 according to their posted price, but was then told to call and verify. After repeated calls, I finally got a response, but was told to buy additional battery for $149 or $199 and the factory package came with only a 20-min battery. I was asked to upgrade to a version with English manual for $849, the posted version was for Japanese manual. When I insisted on having the original, posted package, the guy immediately offered to cancel my order. Before I could finish my talk, he hangup the phone. By any standard, it was the most painful experience I ever have. By any standard, their practice is rude, deceitful, and unacceptable. I wouldn’t recommend anyone to go there again for the same kind of experience. It is more than just a waste of time - it’s insulting. I am
A cheated customer
in Philadelphia
February 28, 2008
I was just thinkin’…
March 13th, 2008
at 11:59am
[…] 13, 2008 by Bill I recently wrote in a different blog about a problem I had with an online photo and electronics supplier, how I chose to go with B&H […]
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May 27th, 2008
at 3:48am
[…] recently wrote in the blog about a problem I had with an online photo and electronics supplier, how I chose to go with B&H […]
Brent
June 17th, 2008
at 6:31am
Sadly, your horror stories are far from unique. I suggest before ordering online from any company you haven’t dealt with before, do a web search for their name. I simple search for Broadway Photo would have turned up this site: http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/
I did. Guess I looked at the wrong reviews. You’re much cleverer, I’m sure.