HelenOster Loc: New York

I said it was my gut feeling because what you described isn't an uncommon issue with orders that come in from Amazon! I can't ID you from your screen name so really have no way of knowing which order(s) you are referring to. However, I am saddened that if we already discussed this, (and I will have done everything possible to work this out for you, because that is what I do), that you are appearing to be relishing putting me down in a public forum.

Yes, I'm well aware that photography retailing is a competitive business, which is why I work tirelessly to support our customers.

I'm deeply sorry that this has not been enough for you.

jayohwell

Ms. Oster, I don't relish putting you down, not at all. I don't really care for attempts at trying to sway the problem onto someone else either! The fact is Adorama fouled up an order. And no, Adorama will not be getting future purchases from me as a result of this experience.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Helen, don't let this troll bother you. Since he's been a member, he's written three messages - two against Adorama in this thread and another a year ago with the same message to B&H. Pretty soon, he'll run out of honest stores and have to start buying from 42nd Street, Don's Duplicitous Digital Dump or the "honest" dealers on every corner on the wharf in San Fransicko.

HelenOster Loc: New York

Seems neither of us can get it right?

# ^ Jun 8, 14 10:23:55

jayohwell

"Here is a perspective from B&H purchase. I bought two lenses on Monday and it included expedited delivery. Should have them by Friday, June 6th. I knew I wouldn't be home, no problem then I would just go to UPS for the pick up at 8p.m. When I called to make that arrangement I was told that B&H has a restriction whereby I can't get my package. It would be available on Saturday however. That didn't work due to a busy weekend! It should be available on Monday. So much for expedited delivery! Am I likely to make other B&H purchases, I think not. B&H let me down and I am not satisfied I have not had the problem with any purchase from Adorama"

BTW, was the June order in question by any chance for a lensbaby fisheye?
And you were upset because B&H were able to fill your friend's order before the manufacturer shipped Adorama's allocation? If so, I see 35 emails exchanged over a 4-day period, while - as you know, if this IS the same order - I was out on vacation with my family?

I apologise if this is not you, and will keep searching.

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

The bottom line is...it's impossible to satisfy 100% of the people 100% of the time. But, at least we have places like Adorama and B+H that try anyway ;) :thumbup:

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Give it up, Helen. All this guy wants to do is gripe and moan about problems that are his own fault. Sounds like he didn't do much planning/scheduling if he couldn't make arrangements for alternate delivery or pickup. Some people just will not accept responsibility for their mistakes; everything that goes wrong is somebody else's fault.

Blasthoff Loc: Life halved NY and IN

Thanks Jerry, I needed to hear that. :thumbup: You are "right on" and absolutely RIGHT! I have been "testy" of late. It's about 5:00 AM and within the hour I am going outside and do just shat you suggest! In fact, I think I'll do more then that. I have finally just retired and have been busy cleaning up loose ends. Today, I am going follow your prescription, reflect, relax and absorb the world around me. Wish me well and MAYBE, maybe even get to finally do some actual Photography, which is after all, an extension of the relaxation aspect.

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

(Only slightly related) A customer came into the store I work part-time at and wanted to return an item they'd bought online. From another vendor.

They got angry with us when we refused to accept the return.

I kid you not.

guligian Loc: Louisville KY

As the originator of this post, I'm very surprised at the raucous I have stirred up. There certainly have been a lot of varying response---and lots of them.. I like and respect Adorama, I was merely stating that their return policy needed to be revisited as it is unfair to the buyer of inexpensive merchandise. I continue to firmly believe this. Thanks to everyone for weighing in on this.

jayohwell

Please clarify where "my" mistake was? Order placed, a timely delivery is expected. Over 30 days later the item finally arrives. Poor service plain and simple.

As for Adorama's response.....it was the customer's fault, they don't do anything wrong. Wrong again.

Too many reliable camera stores available to continue making purchases at retail outlets that aren't dependable. Over the years many items were bought at Adorama, not any more...........

HelenOster Loc: New York

I did not blame you or state that anything was your fault! I simply stated that we do not necessarily get our inventory delivered from the manufacturers either in the same quantities or on the same day as every other camera retailer in New York.

We could not deliver your order because Nikon had not sent us sufficient inventory within the time frame you required. That's the full and complete explanation. Though what this has to do with the thread, I'm really not sure.

I have to agree with you, if the time I spent trying to help you (while on the last family vacation with my family before my daughter left home) was inadequate, then you are correct; we at Adorama will never be able to achieve your exacting high standards. I wish you only the very best of luck in finding a retailer who cares as much as I do.

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

Personally I think it's a stupid consumer who would send a $40 product back knowing that that amount of shipping both ways would be lost. I'd rather have the $40 product that I don't like rather than have nothing but a $5 bill when it's over. It doesn't even make sense to send it back with the return shipping only lost.

You can't possibly expect Adorama, or anybody else for that matter, to lose $17 "free" shipping they paid out of pocket on your behalf to get it to you, then let you send it back with another $18 taken out of their pocket. That would mean they initially took in $40 and spent $35 to let you turn their new product into a used one by opening the box and feeling it for a few days. They'd be broke and out of business in a month if they worked like that.

Fact is, they didn't do this to you with a bad return policy, you did it to yourself - so don't blame them. You could have kept it, sold it on Craigslist for $40 and come out much better.

Here we have an example of why buying local when possible is better. There's no shipping in either direction to worry about. You only come out good on trivial commodity products online if you have researched the product completely, know for sure it's what you want, and buy it with no desire to return it.

This goes on every single day with thousands of packages going back to Home Shopping Network and the others. Women order clothes or jewelry or an amazing video camera that is two years outdated by paying shipping and handling but with ability to return the stuff. I've stood in line at the post office many times watching stupid women carrying up to a half dozen HSN boxes re-taped shut and paying as much as $8 to $15 each to send them back. They've paid shipping in both directions as well as a trumped up handling charge. Aren't they surprised when their credit card is suddenly full to the top with shipping charges to and from HSN and they have very little to show for it. And that's not HSN's fault either.

Just learn from your mistake and move on instead of blaming Adorama.

jayohwell

Finding a retailer who can and does provide competitive pricing, prompt delivery and quality customer service will not be difficult.

Helen, if you really cared rather than try to hide Adorama's poor delivery you would have agreed, provide an explanation and be over it. Indeed, I have moved on......

henryp Loc: New York, NY

Ooohhhh. I'd forgotten about this. I'm slipping.

I've had a customer or two equally eager to flood the server with an unending stream of comments. You catch more flies with honey, after all. :-)

BTW I've been following Helen around the "world wide interweb" for years now. She's much better at her job than I am at mine (and while there are similarities, they are NOT the same). The manner in which she excels IMO is she is far less abrasive and far less assertive than I am. I admire her patience, having almost none of my own.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

She is a - - - and - - - well.

I love ya both.

J. R.