Abe's of Maine (Page 2): I have done business with them in the past. Abe's usually advertises grey market or "import" pricing, so buyer beware. As I recall, they had mentioned this...

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

sonny7145 wrote:

I am looking to get a Nikon d7100 and noticed Abe's had a good price. Has anyone ever dealt with this company? Feedback??

I have done business with them in the past. Abe's usually advertises grey market or "import" pricing, so buyer beware. As I recall, they had mentioned this when you called to place the order, then offered to sell you a USA warranteed product, often times at a competitive rate with other products of like kind. They have been around for 30 or more years. I bought both of my Nikon film cameras from them. They did try to "upsell" me or push their in house brands but I declined all of their add-on's. I have not done business with them in about 10 years. For now, I'll stick to B&H, or Adorama, to avoid the sales push for stuff I do not need.

Alashisan Loc: Arizona

I've bought from Abe's (not of) Maine before, and it's been OK once I brush off the up-sell. In earlier years, I stayed clear of them because of this behavior, but from time to time, I give them the sale. I think they are getting better because they lose sales when acting too sleazy. I usually go for BH or Adorama or Beach photo. I use Amazon if their price is lower or the same, and they don't charge tax. When it's fulfilled by Amazon, then tax happens.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

OnDSnap wrote:

Just out of curiosity, went to Abe's web site, looked up a Nikon D610, what does this mean? "Brand New Factory Fresh Import Model" LOL... That alone would send me running.

Definitely gray market.

dlay Loc: Maynardville, tn

I have bought from them multiple times, all upfront good, got what I ordered and quick. I would use them again.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I bought a Nikon 4mp digital point & shoot & a Nikon Coolpix 8700 from them years ago... Not imports, no issues with them at all.... You have to look at the entire picture. I doubt there is any one retailer who has a perfect record without any negative reviews. Thus use your own judgement & take any review with a grain of salt...

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

JennT wrote:

For the record, here is one more person who would answer your question with an emphatic DON'T !

Can I ask, based on what experience do you say that?

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Alashisan wrote:

I've bought from Abe's (not of) Maine before, and it's been OK once I brush off the up-sell. In earlier years, I stayed clear of them because of this behavior, but from time to time, I give them the sale. I think they are getting better because they lose sales when acting too sleazy. I usually go for BH or Adorama or Beach photo. I use Amazon if their price is lower or the same, and they don't charge tax. When it's fulfilled by Amazon, then tax happens.

As it turns out like Abe's of Maine, Beach Camera is also 10 minutes from my house. There is something about the water in Edison, NJ. :) I personally don't care for Beach having bought several things directly from their store over the years. The prices weren't that great on the items I bought and I didn't care for the sales staff. But I believe they are reliable.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

jerryc41 wrote:

Definitely gray market.

Yes in this case, but they are also a authorized dealer for Nikon and Canon and sell bodies with a USA warranty. I even met the Canon rep at the store a couple of years ago.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

sonny7145 wrote:

I am looking to get a Nikon d7100 and noticed Abe's had a good price. Has anyone ever dealt with this company? Feedback??

Over 50 years in business

MDI Mainer

Yes, they started in Maine, but moved south quite a few years ago.

About "gray market" prejudice -- if manufacturers move production off shore (or from Japan to China) to save money, I can see no reason why consumers shouldn't do the same.

Personally, I can't remember ever having had a warranty claim for camera gear. In my experience, if something doesn't work, it happens soon after it's out of the box, and you send it back to the seller.

And anyway, I would definitely never buy a product from any manufacturer which refuses to provide reasonable and accessible fee-for-service support for all its products.

mwsilvers wrote:

Did you know that Abe's of Maine is not actually in Maine, but in New Jersey? Maybe you thought you were buying from a local vendor.

donrich Loc: Abilene, Tx

I've bought from them but not lately and never had a problem. The only thing I remember is always being offered other items and having to say no about 10 times. Don't know if it's the same now though. I started just sticking with B&H or Adorama. They usually have the best prices consistently. Almost every time I've tried to save a nickel it winds up costing me a dollar.

Dick Z. Loc: Downers Grove IL

sonny7145 wrote:

I am looking to get a Nikon d7100 and noticed Abe's had a good price. Has anyone ever dealt with this company? Feedback??

Ask them if it has a USA gaurantee. Usually Gray market items are gauranteed by the murchant, not the manufacturer.
I have ordered from Abe's in the past and had no problem.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

mwsilvers wrote:

Did you know that Abe's of Maine is not actually in Maine, but in New Jersey? Maybe you thought you were buying from a local vendor.

I did not know that! I always presumed they were in Maine. Maybe that is where they are incorporated?

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

MDI Mainer wrote:

Yes, they started in Maine, but moved south quite ... (show quote)

I assume you are referring to Nikon since they won't service imports even for a fee. A great way to punish customers who buy imports and force them to buy USA warranted items in the future. No warranty for imports is one thing, but no service even at a fee for users of their products is despicable..

GC likes NIKON Loc: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

sonny7145 wrote:

Thanks for the replies - I think I may just stick with my old standby - B&H.

By doing that you know that you will be guaranteed a good experience !!!