Abe's of Maine
Jan 9, 2015 18:07:37 #
Has anyone had any experience buying from Abe's? I'm looking at a Sony A6000 and they've got it for almost $150 less than B&H, my usual source.
I'm well aware of the old adage about "if it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't", but I've seen Abe's in photo mags for several decades and it's hard to see how they'd have survived that long without receiving some comments (as the recent threads on 47th St Photo have pointed out).
Any experiences or comments would be welcome.
I'm well aware of the old adage about "if it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't", but I've seen Abe's in photo mags for several decades and it's hard to see how they'd have survived that long without receiving some comments (as the recent threads on 47th St Photo have pointed out).
Any experiences or comments would be welcome.
Jan 9, 2015 18:11:44 #
Jan 9, 2015 18:11:57 #
You might check this link and then make a decision.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/abes-of-maine-linden
One star rating out of five from over 100 reviews :thumbdown:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/abes-of-maine-linden
One star rating out of five from over 100 reviews :thumbdown:
Jan 9, 2015 19:14:47 #
silver_fox wrote:
Has anyone had any experience buying from Abe's? ... (show quote)
It's not the same Abe's of Maine and it's not in Maine anymore. Somebody bought out the name and moved it to NJ, I believe.
Jan 9, 2015 20:02:13 #
I buy a lot of gear and I've heard that Abe's isn't quite as "honest" as you might expect. B&H doesn't always have the lowest prices, but their prices are fair. I always consider that slight price differential to be the cost of peace of mind. B&H has the very best customer service in the industry and if you have an issue with your purchases, their policies will prove to be worthy of their prices every time.
I can recount several purchases where B&H has come to my rescue. A new $3,500 body I purchased arrived and had a tiny black spec within the viewfinder... probably on the focusing screen. With a single call, they immediately re-shipped the camera without waiting for the defective one to be returned. On another occasion, B&H issued me a credit when the lens I purchased dropped in price by $100 the day after I bought it.
That level of customer care comes at a cost, however, which is the price difference between the rock-bottom deals you may find from vendors unlikely to match B&H's return policies.
I can recount several purchases where B&H has come to my rescue. A new $3,500 body I purchased arrived and had a tiny black spec within the viewfinder... probably on the focusing screen. With a single call, they immediately re-shipped the camera without waiting for the defective one to be returned. On another occasion, B&H issued me a credit when the lens I purchased dropped in price by $100 the day after I bought it.
That level of customer care comes at a cost, however, which is the price difference between the rock-bottom deals you may find from vendors unlikely to match B&H's return policies.
Jan 9, 2015 20:51:22 #
They do not display the 'Authorized Nikon / Canon / Sony / etc..." dealer - what they are selling is gray market items -
Nikon and Canon will not honor warranty and will not work on gray market systems...
IF you are located it in the U.S., it is recommended to stay away from gray market items (non-USA items) as explained in this article by Nikon. Although it is a Nikon article, a recent announcement by Canon says the same thing...
Nikon and Canon will not honor warranty and will not work on gray market systems...
IF you are located it in the U.S., it is recommended to stay away from gray market items (non-USA items) as explained in this article by Nikon. Although it is a Nikon article, a recent announcement by Canon says the same thing...
Jan 9, 2015 20:56:29 #
I live near their former retail store, and I used to get things from them there. They moved a year or two ago so I haven't dealt with them for a while. They were good to deal with in the store, but any price $150 lower than B&H doesn't sound right. Are you sure that it's not gray market, a demo, or refurbished?
Jan 9, 2015 21:09:31 #
I went as far as to check with the Better Business Bureau regarding them. Lots of "Bait and Switch" complaints. Advertise items, take your money, then you wait, and wait, and wait for the item to come in. Then try to sell you something else. Or, harassment upon ordering to "buy more". Stay Away From Them.
Jan 10, 2015 06:35:43 #
spectraflash wrote:
I buy a lot of gear and I've heard that Abe's isn'... (show quote)
Well put. Iv been shooting over 45 years never heard a bad word about them.
Jan 10, 2015 07:53:13 #
silver_fox wrote:
Has anyone had any experience buying from Abe's? ... (show quote)
They used to be good - used to be. You can buy gray market from various reliable sellers and get a lower price. Abe's would be more trouble than it's worth.
Jan 10, 2015 07:54:50 #
MarkD wrote:
I live near their former retail store, and I used to get things from them there. They moved a year or two ago so I haven't dealt with them for a while. They were good to deal with in the store, but any price $150 lower than B&H doesn't sound right. Are you sure that it's not gray market, a demo, or refurbished?
I bought in person from their original store in Maine, and I also bought mail order - years ago. It seems that every time they move, they get worse.
Jan 10, 2015 08:35:09 #
Best Buy will price match them... They sell the a6000 at Best Buy.
Just to note, they sell both USA and "grey". They aren't really hiding it.
Just to note, they sell both USA and "grey". They aren't really hiding it.
Jan 10, 2015 09:20:15 #
silver_fox wrote:
Has anyone had any experience buying from Abe's? ... (show quote)
I purchased from them several years ago. Other than the fact that they tried to up sell me when they confirmed the order, I had no problems. BUT...
However! I see that they are not an authorized dealer of Sony or Canon or Nikon. So I would not purchase from them today.
Jan 10, 2015 09:41:26 #
silver_fox wrote:
All I can say is that I have made purchases from Abe's in the past and cannot recall any really bad experiences. Just be sure you know the details about what you are purchasing and where it was made, and don't hesitate to ask questions. They can be sneaky.Has anyone had any experience buying from Abe's? ... (show quote)
Jan 10, 2015 10:33:40 #
silver_fox wrote:
Has anyone had any experience buying from Abe's? ... (show quote)
I will say it: there is ZERO possibility it is $150 less and is the same, NEW, camera.
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