hairnet1948 Loc: Eighty Four, PA (South of PGH)

In August, I took a sight seeing trip to NYC. I have ordered many items online from B&H. I was always hoping to see the store someday. This was actually the highlight of my trip to visit their store. Visiting this store was like the "Holy Grail" of photography stores. I decided it was time to upgrade from my Canon Rebel XS to something professional in the $2000 range. I asked the salesman (Michael) at the Canon department, what would be a good upgrade from the Rebel around my neck. He snorted and half laughed and said "Anything in this store would be an upgrade from that!" I was hoping he would ask me about how I used the camera and what I was hoping to photograph. But instead he made me feel like I had such a piece of junk. I was also very embarrassed in front of my partner. I called customer service to tell them about my experience and they didn't even ask for my name. Has anyone else ever been there and had any similar experience?

freddayan Loc: Pasadena, California

Alas...customer service is a rare commodity. The salesman felt superior and lost a sale!

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Sorry to hear this.
When I took my daughter in there to buy a camera, they asked her all kinds of question. Then, made a recommendation.
Pat

hairnet1948 Loc: Eighty Four, PA (South of PGH)

I still want to buy a new Canon Full Frame, do you have any suggestions? Not sure if I want to deal with B&H.

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Sorry to hear about your experience. There are always individuals in businesses who do not reflect the overall attitude and competence of the majority.

A fine gentleman who works for B&H is a member of this forum and hopefully he will respond. 8-)

hairnet1948 Loc: Eighty Four, PA (South of PGH)

That was what I was hoping for, certainly not to feel humiliated.

don4u Loc: Southern California

There is always a jerk around to make a good experience a bad one. Like that salesman is the only game in town. I am sure there are other people that you could talk to. Or if possible try another. The days of customer service. I order from them on line.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

You might want to reach out with a PM to Hershel a user here. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user_profile.jsp?usernum=13152 He reps B&H and deals with a lot of issues.

I am really surprised by your experience. It does not seem typical given the experience of other Hoggers.

Lenf Loc: Strasburg,PA

I had a problem with B&H after spending lots of Bucks,and many years with them and they failed to honor the price they agreed upon when I ordered a lens, last fall. When I sent an email , they just gave me a nasty reply like I was the one getting a deal and the salesmen never promised anything... If you deal with them get it in writing 1st!... So over a $ 50.00 dispute they failed to honor they have now lost over $ 10,000 in sales to me in the past few months!! I am sure they don't care!
Please call Adorama, the salesman was terrific, helpful and I got my last order in 1 day and a better deal then B&H... Adorama has earned my trust!

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Check out Cameta or Adorama. Both in N.Y.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I have never had a negative experience with BnH. Dont let one jerk chase you out of the best online store around.
I have a canon 1d mk3, it s full frame and I love it. You can get them in the 2,000 price range.

MarkD Loc: NYC

"Don't ascribe to malice what could be simple stupidity". I forget where I heard this, but it's good advice. I think that he was trying to make a joke and failed. I've been dealing with B&H since the early 1980's, and I've never had a bad experience with them.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Or it's possible you misread his intent..he might have thought he was "laughing with you..." and you took it differently.

You expected something different than he thought was necessary for the situation.

Since you didn't actually communicate with him and tell him what you thought of his reaction at the time; to try and come to an understanding about what you want or need in a camera and a sales-experience, or *gasp* explain that that was a humiliating remark....then he was on his own as to what you are thinking.

I'll bet you didn't say a word about it...did you?

Had you said something possibly he might have profusely apologized and explained that he was just making a little joke that didn't land?

Now we go on to smear this salesman who's not here to explain his side of the conversation....and so far in this thread of just one page, he's actually been called a jerk twice because of your personal "once sided" description of the conversation...more to come most likely.

doduce Loc: Holly Springs NC

I've bought a bunch of stuff on line and been to the store, literally FAO Schwartz for photographers. My in-store experience was great--I didn't have a bit of trouble in the couple of hours I spent wandering the aisles. I had a bunch of questions and got nothing but help from every person there. Too bad your experience wasn't as good. but I suspect Herschel will be coming on line soon to get the details to sort it out.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Can't speak to your in-store experience. I've always bought on-line from B&H, with excellent results.
As far as a Canon full frame, you didn't mention your budget. With Canon you have 3 choices if buying new: 6D, 5DIII, & 1DX. The 6D is the most affordable and will fill the bill for most people with the exception that it was not designed for action shots so shooting moving subjects is not it's strong point. It can do it, but it takes more effort with probably a lower percentage of "keepers". The 5DIII is probably twice the money but, IMO, the best all-around camera Canon makes. The 1DX is pro level, but so is the price. My 6D does just about everything I need, but if I were to replace it I would go with the 5DIII. (The 7DII looks AWFULLY interesting though. Not as a replacement, but as a companion). Buying used or refurbed is a good option for any of the ones I mentioned, as well as for the 5DII. A bit older but still very capable. The top dealers, such as B&H, Adorama, & KEH, all have top rated used & refurb depts. Whay will work for you and what is your best option depends on what you shoot and your budget.