amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Abe's of Maine is in New Jersey and no one named Abe has worked there for decades. More likely you'll find employees with names like "Baby Face", "Bugsy", "Lucky", "Ice Pick", "Fingers", "Scar Face", etc.

If you look up "bait & switch" or "shyster" or "ripoff" in a dictionary, there's a really good chance there'll be a photo of Abe's of Maine.

Here's how it works....

1. You see a product advertise by Abe's for a low price.... Amazingly low, in fact. Far lower than large, well-known reputable dealers such as Adorama or B&H. The phrase "Too good to be true" should immediately come to mind. But, it doesn't always.

2. You place an order online for the product, giving them your credit card number to charge.

3. A little later that day you either get a phone call or an email confirming your order and that's where it starts to get interesting....

3a. They might ask if you are aware that the product you ordered is the Slovakian or Chineses version... Did you want the menus and user manual in English? An English (or whatever) version IS available. It just costs more.

3b. Then they may inform you that the camera doesn't include battery, charger, strap, manual, software, etc. (even though the manufacturer's website indicates all those items are included). If you want those, they cost extra. The English version with all these items, now totals a bit more than what the reputable dealers charge for the same camera with all the included items. (P.S. There is NO Slovakian or Chinese or whatever version of cameras... most have menus in multiple languages. Even if not already in the camera, a simple FREE firmware update can probably be done to change the menu language.)

3c. They confirm your order, then ship you something else.... A cheaper/older version of a camera or substituting a cheap third party lens or whatever. Or gray market (see below). Sometimes that even happens after you agree to pay more under scenario 3a. or 3b.

3d. You try to cancel your order or return an incorrect item.... Either way, it will require a number of phone calls and/or emails, plus a U.N. resolution and legislation enacted by the U.S. House of Representatives. Any returns are "subject to a restocking fee", if they're even accepted at all. Your best bet may be to cancel your credit card and work with the credit card company to try to recover any money.

3f. You bite the bullet, chalk it up to experience, keep the item and use it... but it breaks. That's when you find out it was a "gray market" item - unofficially imported - that's not covered by any warranty. In some cases you'll be able to get it repaired... at your expense. In other cases, you simply won't be able to get it repaired at all (due to manufacturer's policies.... "cough-cough-Nikon-cough-cough") and now have yourself an expensive paperweight.

Have fun shopping!

bigjb3

I agree with all the warnings and concerns expressed in these replies. It is very risky buying from Abe's. However, earlier this year I purchased a new Canon C-100 Mark II cinema camera by phone. I called them to ask a question about it. The guy I talked to said it retailed for $3500, but he would sell it to me for $3000. I expressed my concern over Abe's not being an Authorized Canon Dealer. So, he lowered the price to $2800. I figured at a $700 savings I'd take a chance. It arrived quickly in an unopened box with everything included. I had no problems with it. They will try and sell you over-priced add-ons to make up for selling the main item so cheaply. I said no, and didn't get an argument. Authorized Canon Dealers cannot negotiate prices. Since Abe's is not, they can negotiate. Canon cameras and lenses bought from them do not have the 1-year Canon warranty. Canon will repair them, but it is not cheap. So, buy from Abe's at your own risk. Best to pay with a credit card instead of a debit, as you have a better chance of getting your money back if you pay with a credit card (that's what I've heard).

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Run away as fast as you can!

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Instead, take half what you would spend at Abe's and burn it. That is the ONLY way you'll save money dealing with them! Best of luck.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Besides all the negatives you see about Abe's, why do you think you would not pay NYS Sales Tax?

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Just say NO. You don't need that sort of headache! And 42nd St. Photo is another one to avoid. Gray market gear, bait and switch, and other dirty sales practices abound with these two.

There is nothing wrong with Gray Market gear, IF you don't mind sending it to the dealer for warranty service, or sending it overseas for repair. Some camera companies won't fix gray market gear, and won't sell parts to a repair shop unless they get a serial number of a unit sold through authorized dealers.

Always know what you are buying — officially imported and supported gear, or gray market gear. ASK. Carefully inspect boxes and warranty cards. Also be sure that the complete list of included accessories listed in the manual is actually in the box. A few dealers have been known to remove things and sell them separately.

Dealers I know and love:

http://www.Adorama.com
http://www.BHPhotoVideo.com
http://www.CametaCamera.com
http://www.KEH.com (mostly used cameras and lenses; some new accessories; repairs)
http://www.MPB.com (mostly used cameras and lenses)

At least the last two of these include 6-month warranties on used gear.

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

It all depends on the state's tax policies....NJ may not have that regulation in place yet.

BebuLamar

I would not run away. In fact if I live near them I would go to the store. No I won't deal with them online or over the phone.

Byron 305

I just purchased a camera and lens from them. They did a great job getting the product to me in Missouri. Highly recommend. Also use B and H for most items.

Lille Loc: Upstate, NY

Thanks everyone for your advice.

Next time I'll know to do a search here before asking.

Lille

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

They have been discussed here before....
If something sounds to good/cheap to believe.... It probably is.......CHECK THEM OUT GOOD.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search-topic-list?q=Abe%27s+of+main&sectnum=0&username=

you can not best B&h or Adoramo prices and service. The camera manufacturers set prices, and they can not be changed by the dealer much at all, if any.

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

As a member for six years, surely younhave seen all the advice on this shop and acouple others.

Hip Coyote

run...dont walk away.

tommyII Loc: Northern Illinois

DON'T !!!!!!

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA