Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

Hi and happy holidays to my friends here on UHH. I don't post here often but I do lurk a lot, so I wanted to start out with something positive before I start my rant.
Several years ago, I heard on UHH that Abes of Maine was a good reputable camera store, but I had never dealt with them before. Fast forward to Dec. 12. I was looking for a new camera online and noticed that Abes of Maine, (who I have reason think is actually in New Jersey, if so, just another thing he lies about), had a Canon 90D on sale for about $100 less that everyone else. Their website led me to believe that this was the exact same, brand new 90D I would get if I went to my usual favorite stores, (Adorama & B&H). So I bought it. Within 5 minute I get a call from a fast-talking salesman from Abe's trying to sell me a warranty, a memory card and God knows what else. When I questioned the need to purchase a warranty on a brand new camera, it was only then that I became aware that I had purchased a Gray Market Camera! Now I know some people like to save some money and think that gray market is just fine. After all it is the same exact camera, just without a manufacturers warranty. So if that's what you want, Abe's has it, but they just don't like to talk about it, or the fact that they are not even a Canon authorized dealer! To my way of thinking, that is a deceptive way to do business, and so I immediately told the guy to cancel the sale. He responded by saying that he would 'Upgrade my purchase" by giving me a legit Canon USA camera with full USA warranty, plus a memory card that retails for something like $160 and only charge me an additional $79.00 for the entire deal. He convinced that me this was not a gray market camera, so I said okay. Right after I hung up, I had a bad feeling about this.
The following Monday the package comes. I open the package and find the camera packed in a box that originally included a kit lens, but the lens was removed. I take out the camera, go online to Canon's website to register that camera, and found out that they sold me a gray market camera after all.
I repacked the camera and got on the phone to Abe's of Maine.
After talking to no less than 7 people as I was passed around from one person to another and to voicemail, I finally got someone to help me.
 I explained the situation to her no less than 3 times and asked her to send me a shipping label for the return. She said she could not promise that, but would try. Obviously she did not try hard enough, because now it cost me $30.85 to return this item because their salesman lied to me at the time of purchase!!!
Anyway, I sent it back at my own expense, and learned my lesson. From now on I will only buy cameras and the like from Adorama or B&H. Meanwhile, although they sent me an email stating they have issued a refund, as of this moment, my card has not be credited. I was hoping to get that credit in time for me to place an order from Adorama and receive my new camera in time for the holidays. That is not going to happen. If I don't get the refund soon I will file a claim with the credit card company. I would have done that already, but the CC company suggested I wait and give them a chance to do right.
This was supposed to be my xmas present from my girlfriend, so I guess it will eventually be a New Years present, or maybe easter or Yom Kippur! I'll have to wait.

Dave

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Sounds pretty standard for Abes of Maine from what I have read in other posts. Sorry you learned the hard way. Adorama, B&H, Roberts will always take care of you properly.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Classic. You can also get the same experience from 42nd Street Photo. I’m guessing that the next camera you buy will be from a reputable dealer? Sorry you had to learn this the hard way, but thanks for sharing so hopefully, others don’t make the same mistake.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Long ago Abes was one of the best (like film days in the 80s when I bought some things from them), then I seem to remember they were bought by someone who changed them, a lot. When looking to save a buck you might try Canon's on-line store - esp the refurbished gear - often it was just counter or show demo, has been inspected and given the OK and comes with the same warranty as new-in-box. I have purchased two cameras and other gear from them.

Haydon

That must have been when a Tuesday fell on a weekend. There are literally scores of threads advising against using these shysters. Abes of Maine were only reputable prior to be sold off which dates back almost to when horse and buggy transportation were the mainstream of travel.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

There is a simple solution to all this crap.

Use the power of your bank credit card.

I ran into a scammer deal. I protested the charges and sent the documentation to the bank as to what I did and how I did it. I had all the charges reversed temporarily (it stayed there six months). I followed the bank instructions and in the end I was left with a piece of crap that I did not have to return (the company refused return and refund) and the bank made the reverse permanent.

The bank did not pay either they did was what they call a 'claw back'. (I asked.)

The bank (or credit union) was USAA.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Absolutely! Have purchased many lenses and a couple of bodies from Canon refurbished... all in perfect condition. Bodies had fewer than 30 actuations on them and lenses were pristine. Check back often because they have sales on different refurbished all the time that come and go quickly.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Cameta is excellent too.

They include one year warranty free for Nikon refurbs, which Nikon only warrants for 90 days.

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

Thanks for your reply. Never again will I buy gear from people like that. AsI said, from now on I buy only from Adorama or B&H.

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

I have done business with Camera and they seem to be terrific as well.

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

I have brought every Camera , every photo item, (for years and years) from one, and only one place.

And that is EBay.

NEVER had a bad deal or been screwed !

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

Thanks for your reply Ron. I will just wait a few more days for my refund to come through. If it doesn't I have recourse through the CC company.

Hip Coyote

Where in UHH did you hear Abe's was ok? Ive not seen that here...ever.

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

I have had pretty good luck with eBay, but never used them for a major purchase. Anyway, thanks for your reply.

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

Canon refurbished might be something I should look at also. At least with them I know I have a warranty and a quality product with no nonsense. This will be my other alternative to B&H and Adorama.