47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

There’s a long thread waiting to happen on the subject of “when we started buying from Amazon.” My first was a book in 1997, when they were 40-50% discounted. That year, they sent out Amazon baseball caps to “regular” customers at Christmas time. At the same for next two years, it was thermal covered coffee mugs. I still have one that I covet. Last year, I had the mug with me and stopped at a mom and pop bookstore/coffee shop. The barista spotted it right off and jokingly questioned whether he should serve me or not. 😎

Edia Loc: Central New Jersey

Costco has one of the best warrantee and return policies available. On computers, you get an additional year of protection and Concierge service and on cameras, you have a 90 day return for full refund. Costco only sells equipment with US warrantee and does not deal in grey market equipment. I bought a Dell computer and a Samsung monitor from them and had a problem. I called the Costco Concierge and they set up a conference call with Dell, Samsung and me. We found that the graphics card was faulty. Two days later, a Dell technician was at my house with a replacement card. When I had problems with previous Dell products, I could never get that kind of service and response from Dell on my own. B&H will only give you a 30 day return for refund. If you need guidance with your purchase or want equipment that Costco doesn't carry, then go to a camera store like B&H. If you know what you want and Costco has it, buy it from Costco with peace of mind.

toxdoc42

I LOVE Costco! They back their products well, but don't expect much advice in the store. Their cameras are generally sold in pre-booked packages. The Nikon 3400 goes for the same price as BH, etc., but if you have an executive membership it qualifies for a return of some of the purchase price, the package includes some things not covered by camera stores, for example a spare battery made by Nikon! You can not mix and match though. If I had it to do again, I am would have a store put together the same bundle, but I would pay more to get the 70-300 mm lens with VR, the bundles all lack that.

Yes, the Costco is backed by USA Nikon!

leftj Loc: Texas

Plus you save a ton of sales tax.

leftj Loc: Texas

I'm guessing no one selects "Buyers Remorse".

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

We’ve had good experiences buy from Amazon. I’ve also noticed that they will generally indicate if an item is grey market. I believe they call it “import model.” So if you buy an import model camera from Amazon, you know it in advance. They won’t hoodwink you like a couple other dealers we all know of will.

Bill_de Loc: US

I have never seen a grey market camera sold "BY" Amazon. I have seen them sold by other companies through Amazon. Always check who it is 'sold by'. Some good, some maybe not so good.

I have seen both Adorama and Cametta selling through Amazon. I consider them the good guys. I just don't know if there is an advantage going through Amazon rather than dealing direct.

--

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Typically the large box stores like Costco and Best Buy are authorized dealers, so items purchased through them would have a full warranty.

HOWEVER, they have pretty limited selection. Usually you will only find a fairly limited list of kits from each brand. They don't carry the full line... just the top sellers... and only offer them in kit form.

For example, Costco offers three Canon DSLRs: T6 with 18-55mm and 75-300mm lenses; SL2 with 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses; and 80D with 18-55mm and 55-250mm. Searching for "Canon camera" at Costco also pulls up a Powershot SX730 compact digital; Powershot SX530 bridge camera; and HF R80 HD camcorder. That's it. No lenses or accessories to speak of and just among DSLRs they don't appear to have T6i, T6s, T7i, 77D, 7D Mark II, 6D Mark II, 50D Mark IV, 5DS, 5DS-R or 1DX Mark II. No Canon M-series mirrorless are offered and there dozens of other Canon compact digital, bridge digital and video cams that you will find at more full line dealers.

It's even worse at Costco with Nikon (two DSLRs: D3400 and D7500), Olympus (one ILCE and one compact), Fujifilm (one camera), Panasonic (one compact camera). There are no Sony or Pentax at all currently offered at Costco.

it's a little better, but not much, at Best Buy.

cmcaroffino Loc: Sebring, FL

A bonus from buying at B&H is quite often extras are included like camera case, memory cards, extra batteries etc. as well as saving of sales tax in many states plus the peace of mind knowing you can return items if there is a problem without a hassle. Why take a chance on an unknown store.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Whenever an item sold by Amazon is shown as “imported model,” it also shows that is actually
being sold by another dealer. Amazon is merely
Acting as an agent. Buyer beware.

Bill_de Loc: US

Then it shouldn't say sold by Amazon, although it may say shipped by Amazon. If it does you should notify them and they will fix it. Once when I pointed out a discrepancy they gave me a $35 gift certificate.

---

henryp Loc: New York, NY

That is true. A grey market camera or lens we sell will be labeled "Imported." That will link to a paragraph saying, "Items marked 'Imported' are imported and/or distributed by other entities and are warranted by B&H Photo-Video. 'Imported' products do not qualify for manufacturers rebate programs.There is no difference in the item itself."
That in turn links to https://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/USGrey.jsp

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

The items I looked at didn’t say “sold by Amazon.” They’re being sold through Amazon. They indicated whatever the vendor/dealer was. Amazon is pretty good about letting the buyer know where the item they want is coming from. If it is actually sold by Amazon, is says something like “Amazon Prime,” or it doesn’t name the vendor. A lot of vendors use Amazon as their clearing house, so to speak.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Might be US warranty, but no support if you have trouble.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Some dealers will offer to sell you their “warranty,” or service policy, or a third part policy or warranty, but often when someone has a claim, they get turned down, often on the basis of that company claiming the individual did something wrong are claiming it’s normal wear and tear. Aftermarket “warranties” are usually a waste of money.