Opusx300

Saw a great sale for a particular refurbished higher end camera on the manufacturer’s website. It was kind of a sale on top of a sale situation that is for a limited time; one week. I couldn’t ignore the sale. However, after checking the site numerous times a day and setting up a tracker to notify me when in stock, it still never showed up in stock couldn’t even order it and have it sent when in stock. I contacted their customer service via web chat and they told me this is always limited stock and they can never predict when it will come back in stock. I understood but then why even bother saying there is a sale when it’s likely there won’t be any in stock. On top it, if it’s limited why allow a limit of up 10 to be ordered by a single person when it does come in stock. I escalated to a supervisor and they offered me a new one at a 10% discount. I thanked them for the order but the pricing was outside my budget. We went back and forth for a bit longer when she asked, “then what can I do for you.” I said to give me a new one for the price of the refurbished. She said she couldn’t do that. I asked to escalate to next level and she said she will escalate to customer relations. They would have to call me because she wasn't able to give me there number. I waited 36 hrs and then went to twitter to complain. Within two hrs they called me and from the started offered me a brand new one for the price of the refurbished. Couldn’t believe it. Obviously took the offer and ended up getting the brand new one for about 30% off and they shipped overnight for free. OMG, cannot believe it. Ever thought that would happen. Proves you should never be shy to ask for something even if it seems totally unreasonable.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

That's called: "The squeaky wheel gets the grease."

Dannj

Sounds like you got a great, one time deal.

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

And the name of the company was __________________.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

And now all one has as a concern is gray market.
--Bob

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

What camera did you buy? and what store?

Dannj

Just one question: why did you resort to twitter? Seems like they were trying to accommodate you. Didn't that bring your negotiations to a public platform?

Selene03

Glad this worked for you. I have bought a lot refurbished equipment from a Camera brand site. I don't know that it was the same one you are talking about, but they basically have everything potentially available for sale, but almost everything is "not in stock." I have made a habit of looking periodically when I want something, especially with sales and lucked out the other day getting a lens I have been hoping would be in stock for over a year. It showed up and I got the sale price. I didn't think to call though and try to get a new one for the refurbished price. I think I have everything I want now, but will keep that strategy in mind if I decide I want something else in the future.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

It seems that there are companies that offer 'special offers' on stock they no longer have - and customers who complain when they are too slow off the mark to get special offers before they run out....(otherwise they wouldn't be a 'special' offer would they?)

It must be tough for the company to judge how many can be offered/are available, at that price and still keep a good reputation when social media is such an easy and unquestioning tool to complain on.

This isn't a win win situation for anyone

exploitation......your judgement!

russraman Loc: New York City

I'll bet it was Nikonusa.com...

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

I'm gonna say it was a bait and switch tactic. The OP called their bluff, and wouldn't back down nor take "no" for an answer. I say good for him. I'll bet they lay low on that tactic for a long while.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

I'll bet it wasn't. Have you known NikonUSA to bait and switch?

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Me neither. When they don't have a particular item in stock in re-conditioned condition, they simply remove said item from their listings. For seemingly obvious reasons, re-conditioned items are limited to stock-on-hand. I comprehend that without being specifically told. One several occasions I've purchased re-conditioned items directly from Nikon, and I make sure I order as soon as the sale starts. Just seems like logic to me!

Opusx300

It is brand new with a full usa warranty.