RSQRD Loc: SW Florida

Recently 2-23-2015 I purchased a Nikon 70-300 VR II lens from B&H which performs quite well, replacing a Tammy 28-300 mm. Looking at Popular Photography & Outdoor Photographer April & May editions much to my surprise B&H ad showed the Nikon lens to have a $200 rebate if purchased before 2-28-2015. I checked with Nikon & they stated they did not have a rebate during that time period. I questioned B&H about the AD & to this date have not received a straight answer. Responses have ranged from not owning up to the AD(s) to the requirement to purchase a camera etc. NONE of the ads had any notation requiring purchase of anything else which was true for NINE other lens showing rebates. Each inquiry (6) resulted in a different person answering with a different explanation none of which addressed the question. Further I have not found why B&H would issue the ads AFTER expiration date of 2-28-2015. Anyone else had an similar experience or observed this issue before?. It does raise the question of why a supposedly first rate co. employed these ads & not explain the above issues.

SnappyHappy Loc: Chapin, SC “The Capitol of Lake Murray”

I've always thought of B&H as the industry leader in several categories of service, so I'm surprised to read this. If I understand your comments correctly the add that was published April/May expired in February. Could this be an error on the part of PP or OP and maybe that's why B&H or Nikon can't explain what's going on? Have you inquired the magazines?

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

The ads clearly state that the rebate expired after your purchase date, but I did not see a rebate listed for the lens you bought, only for the 70-300 VR, not the VR II. It also required the purchase of a camera body for that particular rebate. If Nikon stated that there was no rebate on the lens then there was no rebate, since it would have to be authorized by Nikon. Perhaps you are confusing two different lenses. An authorized dealer such as B&H is simply not going to play games with factory rebates. It is also clearly stated that since the rebates are expired a call is necessary to get up to date info on current promotions and rebates. As far as running the old ads (with the disclaimer), magazines have strict schedules for submission of ads, etc, so that the printer can do the set-up. Maybe the new ads just weren't ready in time.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Nikon does NOT use mail-in rebates. If there was a rebate, it was an "instant" rebate and was applied to the selling price at the time of the sale. Nothing to apply for after the sale.

Eurolux Loc: NYC

I saw the same ads and made the same mental notes as you did. Why put that confusing info there? It certainly does smack of bait 'n switch. Would seem more reasonable to just print with disclaimer relating to current market prices. Those ads, as printed, essentially state that if you want to know the price you must call B & H. Really useless.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

So you bought the lens five days before the rebate expired, and you paid full list price? Nikon rebates are applied at the time of purchase, so if you were entitled to a rebate, the price would have been $200 below list.

You could try to contact Herschel from B&H. He's a member here.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user_profile.jsp?usernum=13152

madog12diver

I recently purchased a new D750 package while in New York. I returned home, California, and found out that Nikon offered a $300 rebate. The rebate was offered about 3 weeks after my purchase. I called B&H and they immediately rewrote my purchase to include the rebate, without any hassle.

henryp Loc: New York, NY

I'm including a scan of the PopPhoto ad in question. I am sorry the rebate banner was not removed and agree it should not have been displayed. I have mentioned this to the manager of our advertising department.

The ad says there was a rebate for the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G-AFS ED-IF VR lens, but there is no mention of a "Nikon 70-300 VR II lens." That aside, the rebate for the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G-AFS ED-IF VR lens was (as someone else has mentioned) only when the lens was purchased with a new qualifying Nikon dslr body.

I am sorry for the confusion and frustration this caused.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Why don't you find your ad, scan it and post it here for all to see. I'd really like to see what it is that you are complaining about. If you have an ad in print and proof of that ad, I see no reason why B&H wouldn't make good on it. Please scan and post.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I guess the BIG question is, exactly how much did the OP pay for his lens???? (He has yet to say)

It does clearly state in [red]RED[/red] at the top of the ad that a body purchase is required.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

I too called on a price change on a back pack I purchase two weeks prior. No hassle, but it was for far less than your rebate

RSQRD Loc: SW Florida

I call your attention to the lower right hand part of that page There is not any notation on the 70-300mm lens or nine other lens. No there is not VR II stated & Nikon does not specify VR II in their Lit. According to Nikon they have not offered the"old" version since the later model was offered which has the ring type ultrasonic focus motor, two ED elements, VR II & a metal weather seal mount. Does B&H have some old stock in inventory they are trying to sell? I think the newer 70-300 mm VR II is a bargain & produces very good pics. My issue is B&H's ads after the deadline & then avoiding the issue. Tks for recognizing the problem.

RSQRD Loc: SW Florida

I agree Nikon Does not offer rebates That is why the question to B&H. Refer to my comments to Henry(B&H). Have been a Nikon user for 50+ yrs & try to keep up w/ their Equipment. Enjoy your frequent comments & help to fellow HOGS

wolfman

I agree that the ad should have been corrected before print, but it clearly states, as mentioned before, that it required the purchase of a body to qualify for this lens.
There is no 70-300mm VRII.

RSQRD Loc: SW Florida

suggest you look at the ad right hand bottom corner