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Why B&H (and reputable camera stores) are the logical choice.
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Jul 25, 2017 07:40:19   #
SonyBug
 
All, I know that it may seem to be a unusual headline, but let me tell you my story.

I sent some camera's and gear to B&H to sell to them recently. About $2,000 worth, so not a small box. Some of the stuff did not come up on the online calculator, but I just created another excel sheet and listed the extras, put a note in to call me before they accepted the stuff, and off it went.

Well, people being what they are, the next thing is, I get a check in the mail. No accounting for what they gave me on anything. What about my note to call me?

So, I called them and asked for a list of prices. Come to find out, a camera, like new AW130, was not on the list. Seems they did not want it. So, I said, "return it as your website says you will." There is where the problem comes in. They have a section where stuff they do not want goes. And it is not easy to find something so small once it hits there. So, I said, "well then, send me a check for $135.00 as that is what another store will give me." The person on the other end negotiated a price of $110 with me, and I agreed, as they have taken returns, and done other things for me over the years that cost them, etc. that were not their fault, and I figure that it will all balance out in the end.

Here is where the trust and reputation of a good camera store comes in. A few days pass, and nothing happens, so I sent a message to Herschel Waldner who is on this site. I explained the situation to him. Got an email almost instantly and he said he would look into it. The next day, HE CALLED ME. When does that ever happen? We chatted for a while going over their commitment to excellence and what he wanted to do. What he said he would do for me is to be sure that I get not only the $110, but they would also throw in the extra $25 so I would get the full $135.

Nothing happens for 3 days, and then yesterday, two checks arrive in the mail. Yup, $135.

Now, you would think that this story is not worth telling over $135, and I would normally agree with you. But, what is the value of trust? When we deal with a company that is 1,000 miles away, trust that they will do what they say they will do, what is the value of them actually doing it.

Their people made a mistake in the original handling. But, they have 2,400 people working there, and let's face it, we all can make a mistake. But it is how they fix it that shows the true character of a company. And their handling of it was perfect in the end.

So, that is why it pays to deal with B&H and any other of the top very few reputable companies in the camera business.

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Jul 25, 2017 07:42:45   #
SparkyNYC Loc: NYC & Coconut Creek,Fl
 
Thanks for a positive message.

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Jul 25, 2017 07:57:30   #
roxiemarty Loc: Florida
 
Thank you, Nikonbug. I'm a firm believer in B&H. My father before me was a loyal customer and so am I. We use Roberts when in Indy, but B&H are my go to when I'm at home. Never had a problem that they didn't address right away.

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Jul 25, 2017 08:05:30   #
SparkyNYC Loc: NYC & Coconut Creek,Fl
 
I had GAS at B&H yesterday!

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Jul 25, 2017 08:07:59   #
lamontcranston
 
I have bought new and used cameras and numerous lenses and accessories from B&H because of their reviews I have read on this forum and elsewhere. I have been totally satisfied with every transaction. There have been no surprises. Their used gear has been better than described and their low prices, free shipping, and no state sales tax makes buying from them even more of a bargain. And to top it off, their helpful customer service is a pleasure to deal with. Color me a satisfied customer.

Reply
Jul 25, 2017 08:12:24   #
flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico
 
Thanks for sharing the great experience in dealing with them --- they and Adorama are my go to sources and I can't say enough good things about my dealings with either of them.

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Jul 25, 2017 09:04:07   #
HelenOster Loc: New York
 
flyguy wrote:
Thanks for sharing the great experience in dealing with them --- they and Adorama are my go to sources and I can't say enough good things about my dealings with either of them.


That was indeed great customer service from B&H - and thank you so much for acknowledging Adorama Camera up there alongside them

Reply
 
 
Jul 26, 2017 07:27:25   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
nikonbug wrote:
All, I know that it may seem to be a unusual headline, but let me tell you my story.

I sent some camera's and gear to B&H to sell to them recently. About $2,000 worth, so not a small box. Some of the stuff did not come up on the online calculator, but I just created another excel sheet and listed the extras, put a note in to call me before they accepted the stuff, and off it went.

Well, people being what they are, the next thing is, I get a check in the mail. No accounting for what they gave me on anything. What about my note to call me?

So, I called them and asked for a list of prices. Come to find out, a camera, like new AW130, was not on the list. Seems they did not want it. So, I said, "return it as your website says you will." There is where the problem comes in. They have a section where stuff they do not want goes. And it is not easy to find something so small once it hits there. So, I said, "well then, send me a check for $135.00 as that is what another store will give me." The person on the other end negotiated a price of $110 with me, and I agreed, as they have taken returns, and done other things for me over the years that cost them, etc. that were not their fault, and I figure that it will all balance out in the end.

Here is where the trust and reputation of a good camera store comes in. A few days pass, and nothing happens, so I sent a message to Herschel Waldner who is on this site. I explained the situation to him. Got an email almost instantly and he said he would look into it. The next day, HE CALLED ME. When does that ever happen? We chatted for a while going over their commitment to excellence and what he wanted to do. What he said he would do for me is to be sure that I get not only the $110, but they would also throw in the extra $25 so I would get the full $135.

Nothing happens for 3 days, and then yesterday, two checks arrive in the mail. Yup, $135.

Now, you would think that this story is not worth telling over $135, and I would normally agree with you. But, what is the value of trust? When we deal with a company that is 1,000 miles away, trust that they will do what they say they will do, what is the value of them actually doing it.

Their people made a mistake in the original handling. But, they have 2,400 people working there, and let's face it, we all can make a mistake. But it is how they fix it that shows the true character of a company. And their handling of it was perfect in the end.

So, that is why it pays to deal with B&H and any other of the top very few reputable companies in the camera business.
All, I know that it may seem to be a unusual head... (show quote)

Reply
Jul 26, 2017 07:29:31   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
nikonbug wrote:
All, I know that it may seem to be a unusual headline, but let me tell you my story.

I sent some camera's and gear to B&H to sell to them recently. About $2,000 worth, so not a small box. Some of the stuff did not come up on the online calculator, but I just created another excel sheet and listed the extras, put a note in to call me before they accepted the stuff, and off it went.

Well, people being what they are, the next thing is, I get a check in the mail. No accounting for what they gave me on anything. What about my note to call me?

So, I called them and asked for a list of prices. Come to find out, a camera, like new AW130, was not on the list. Seems they did not want it. So, I said, "return it as your website says you will." There is where the problem comes in. They have a section where stuff they do not want goes. And it is not easy to find something so small once it hits there. So, I said, "well then, send me a check for $135.00 as that is what another store will give me." The person on the other end negotiated a price of $110 with me, and I agreed, as they have taken returns, and done other things for me over the years that cost them, etc. that were not their fault, and I figure that it will all balance out in the end.

Here is where the trust and reputation of a good camera store comes in. A few days pass, and nothing happens, so I sent a message to Herschel Waldner who is on this site. I explained the situation to him. Got an email almost instantly and he said he would look into it. The next day, HE CALLED ME. When does that ever happen? We chatted for a while going over their commitment to excellence and what he wanted to do. What he said he would do for me is to be sure that I get not only the $110, but they would also throw in the extra $25 so I would get the full $135.

Nothing happens for 3 days, and then yesterday, two checks arrive in the mail. Yup, $135.

Now, you would think that this story is not worth telling over $135, and I would normally agree with you. But, what is the value of trust? When we deal with a company that is 1,000 miles away, trust that they will do what they say they will do, what is the value of them actually doing it.

Their people made a mistake in the original handling. But, they have 2,400 people working there, and let's face it, we all can make a mistake. But it is how they fix it that shows the true character of a company. And their handling of it was perfect in the end.

So, that is why it pays to deal with B&H and any other of the top very few reputable companies in the camera business.
All, I know that it may seem to be a unusual head... (show quote)


I was on the Mag Mod site yesterday and wanted to order 3 items that cost less than $100.00 and they wanted to charge shipping. SOOOOOOOOO, I went to the B&H site and ordered the same three Mag Mod products at the same price and WITH NO SHIPPING CHARGES. B&H wins again.

Reply
Jul 26, 2017 08:04:37   #
rydabyk Loc: Florida Panhandle
 
Thanks for the positive review, it reinforces my decision to buy from them or Adorama if I don't buy direct from Canon.

Reply
Jul 26, 2017 08:18:39   #
CatMarley Loc: North Carolina
 
lamontcranston wrote:
I have bought new and used cameras and numerous lenses and accessories from B&H because of their reviews I have read on this forum and elsewhere. I have been totally satisfied with every transaction. There have been no surprises. Their used gear has been better than described and their low prices, free shipping, and no state sales tax makes buying from them even more of a bargain. And to top it off, their helpful customer service is a pleasure to deal with. Color me a satisfied customer.
I have bought new and used cameras and numerous le... (show quote)


Ditto! Have been buying electronics fro B&H since the early 80's! Always a good experience!

Reply
 
 
Jul 26, 2017 08:29:48   #
Ksocha Loc: Bethesda, MD
 
You mentioned Herschel Waldner at B&H, who is a member of the UHH. I had a transaction with Herschel several months ago and in all ways he proved to be a great guy to do business with. B&H is lucky to have him and so is the UHH.

Reply
Jul 26, 2017 08:29:53   #
Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga
 
My go to stores are B&H, Adorama & KEH.... Not that I haven't bought anything elsewhere, cause I have, but I rarely have any issues with those 3....

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Jul 26, 2017 08:33:50   #
MarcH Loc: Doylestown Pa
 
Just to reiterate the above
I have been a loyal customer to both B&H and Adorama for at least 25 years
Both are great and their customer service is superb.Any occasional problem i have had with either has been resolved without any diffuculty
Two great organizations

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Jul 26, 2017 08:43:11   #
HelenOster Loc: New York
 
MarcH wrote:
Just to reiterate the above
I have been a loyal customer to both B&H and Adorama for at least 25 years
Both are great and their customer service is superb.Any occasional problem i have had with either has been resolved without any diffuculty
Two great organizations


Thank you! To hear that Adorama Camera has had the privilege to serve you well for 25 years is a great honor.

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