jradose wrote:
I keep seeing places like Abe's and 42nd Street Photo being criticized, and it leaves me shaking my head. They claim these companies use the old "bait and switch" method, or they don't tell you what you will have to pay extra for, until AFTER you receive what you THOUGHT you were ordering. This boggles my mind. Are you telling me that some people are willing to pay $500.00 OR MORE for photo gear, AND NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE GETTING? Years ago, I was in the GAS mode to buy a new Canon 6D and the Canon 70-200 mm lens, big bucks! After research, I called 42nd Photo, they had an awesome deal on what I was looking for. I asked specific questions, as to what all was included (battery, charger, strap, return policy, etc.), I asked if it was a gray market item. The salesman was honest with me, and I ended up buying from 42nd Street Photo, and did not have one bit of trouble with the transaction and/or the camera equipment. Folks, in today's world of electronics, it is so easy, when purchasing anything that costs big bucks to call the company, discuss the price and "all that is included" with a salesman, and know what you are getting. If you still have doubts, ask the salesman to fax or email you a copy of what he is offering, or to send you a transcript of the telephone call as verification of the offer. If the salesman refuses to do that, run like IRS is chasing you. If he (to keep politically correct idealists off my case, it could also be a "she" as the salesperson!) agrees and does send you that info, you are good to go. That expression "caveat emptor" means just that, make sure you are aware of what you are buying.
I keep seeing places like Abe's and 42nd Street Ph... (
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Personally, I won't do business with a company that is widely known to be unethical, even if I am aware of it and make sure they don't take advantage of me. The ethical companies like B&H also sell grey market equipment and are honest about it.