Abe's? (Page 6): I misspelled fool the first time, and when correcting 'fol' after the <post>, maybe I lost track of all the words and thought. There might be two relevant versions: A...

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

MDI Mainer wrote:

I love your bon mots, but I don't get this one!

I misspelled fool the first time, and when correcting 'fol' after the <post>, maybe I lost track of all the words and thought. There might be two relevant versions:

A fool with his money shop at Abe's.

or

A fool and his money part ways at Abe's.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

abes strickly bait and switch

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

Stick with BH, Adorama, Roberts, Hunts, Pitman I have experience with all of them. Greentoe is also an option.
All of the above sell USA models.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

No!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

MDI Mainer wrote:

The warranty may not be the same, but the durable ... (show quote)

I agree - it’s a cost/benefit decision as to how much risk you’re willing to take.

But there’s another aspect which we haven’t discussed - the moral/integrity dimension. Personally, I wouldn’t purchase anything from either Abe’s or 42nd St., even if it were a USA product, came in a box with all accessories and had a full factory warranty, even if it were half price, and I really mean that. Why? Because I choose not to do business with dishonest people or to propagate their business. I see it as no differently from buying known stolen merchandise from a thief. I know that seems old fashioned, but it seems to me that we would be better served long term (both as individuals and as a society) by doing the right thing, rather than the “smart” thing, but as usual, just my opinion.

AlColter Loc: Michigan

RatGMAN wrote:

Is Abe's of Maine a trusted supplier? Prices are pretty good.

Nix, nein, never, and hell god damn NO

MDI Mainer

TriX wrote:

I agree - it’s a cost/benefit decision as to how m... (show quote)

I wouldn't quite equate buying gray market with buying hot merchandise!

After all, the same manufacturer made it, sold it (presumably at profit) in such quantity and at such price to some foreign distributor, so that the foreign distributor could resell it (again presumably at a profit) to a US merchant, who can then still beat the manufacturer's listed price and make a profit reselling it in the US. To me that evinces attempting artificially to inflate the price in the US market.

For example when I last checked Abe's was selling the Sony A7R IV (body only) for $800 less that the list price. Clearly stated "Brand New Factory Fresh Import model" and "No warranty." I refuse to believe that Sony's one-year US warranty on this camera is worth $800 (even if the included battery and charger may not be OEM).

So to me very distinguishable from the moral perspective.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

RatGMAN wrote:

Is Abe's of Maine a trusted supplier? Prices are pretty good.

Absolutely NOT!

Let's just say that no one named Abe has worked there in 20 years and they ain't in Maine, either.

Well known to be one of the biggest online scammers...

- bait n switch tactics
- undisclosed gray market items
- items removed from original kits and cheaper 3rd party substituted
- items removed from original kits and then sold to you at extra high prices
- may not get what you ordered
- slow, difficult return process
- "restocking fees" for returns.

Any positive reviews for Abes you see online are probably fakes.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

MDI Mainer wrote:

I wouldn't quite equate buying gray market with bu... (show quote)

No, I’m discussing doing business with known bait-and-switch unethical retailers - specifically Abe’s and 42nd st., not any of the supply chain that sells to them or the merchandise. I might chose to buy grey market from a reputable retailer, such as B&H (where it is advertised as such), but NOT Abe’s or 42nd st. or their like. Surely you see the difference? Or maybe you don’t... These companies misrepresent their products, do business in an unethical manner, and cheat their customers, plain and simple. Are you OK with that? Do you want to favor then with your business?

MDI Mainer

TriX wrote:

No, I’m discussing doing business with known bait-and-switch unethical retailers - specifically Abe’s and 42nd st., not any of the supply chain that sells to them or the merchandise. I might chose to buy grey market from a reputable retailer, such as B&H (where it is advertised as such), but NOT Abe’s or 42nd st. or their like. Surely you see the difference? Or maybe you don’t...

I do see the difference. But I would distinguish "bait-and-switch" (of which I frankly see little on the current Abe's website) from attempting to upsell after the purchase, which like the "Do you want fries with that?" at McDonalds or the "Can I get you another glass of wine? at a restaurant may be distasteful but is pretty ubiquitous in today's market. You can always "Just Say No!"

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

MDI Mainer wrote:

I do see the difference. But I would distinguish "bait-and-switch" (of which I frankly see little on the current Abe's website) from attempting to upsell after the purchase, which like the "Do you want fries with that?" at McDonalds or the "Can I get you another glass of wine? at a restaurant may be distasteful but is pretty ubiquitous in today's market. You can always "Just Say No!"

I will just say that is not the experience I had (which I described in a post earlier in the thread). I don’t believe it’s as innocuous as that, and apparently many others don’t either. You either conduct business in an ethical or an unethical manner - very simple from my perspective, but if you don’t agree, we can leave it there...

lensmaster Loc: Chicago

OH Man!!! Don't even consider ABE'S.
I used them once in the mid 70's when money was tight and I really wanted/needed a Nikkor 200f4 (which, at that time was state of the art).
They advertised a price that beat 80% of the stores in Chicago. Full Nikon warranty, brand new...blah blah blah.

I jumped for it. There was a reason the price was SO good.

Box (NIKON 200mm) arrived with the lens wrapped in a paper towel, no warranty card from Nikon (some ABE'S BULLSHIT WARRANTY CARD enclosed) and a beautiful thumb print on the front element.

Called them up and after several tries got a human to speak to (no phone recordings then, just a busy signal).
Said this lens is coming back. Not as advertised. Had to fight with them for a month and only under threat of a lawsuit was the lens accepted and my money returned.

I doubt they have changed their ways.
I SWEAR by B&H PHOTO and recommend you buy from them..or ROBERT'S in Indiana. Never a problem with either...NEVER.

lensmaster Loc: Chicago

CAMETA CAMERA was a great source, sorry they are gone now.

B&H, ROBERT'S (in Indiana), SAMMY'S in LA. top three sources for equipment.

ALWAYS buy the US version/never Grey Market.
ALWAYS pay the Nikon price, it is worth it in the long run.

go to the NIKON WEB PAGE and they offer good deals on REFURBISHED (by NIKON) equipment that comes with a warranty from NIKON. Lenses, bodies, flashes. You save a little, they often have incentive sales, and it is direct from NIKON so there is no problem with repairs or warranty service. (I got a 28-200 from their reconditioned listing-needed a 'vacation' lens. TACK SHARP/WORKS PERFECTLY/WARRANTY...saved about $200 from list.)

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

RatGMAN wrote:

Is Abe's of Maine a trusted supplier? Prices are pretty good.

I have never bought from Abe’s Of Maine!
I have read so much bad news from this supplier. I have read about grey market items and bait and switch. I don’t like to play these games. I do 99% of my shopping at B&H. Whether on line or in person (I live in NYC) I know I’m getting a great deal without smoke and mirrors!!

By The Way, where is Abe’s of Maine headquarters or based?

epd1947

lensmaster wrote:

CAMETA CAMERA was a great source, sorry they are g... (show quote)

I retired from Cameta Camera a few months before they closed up shop (I managed their used equipment division for about 17 years) - I feel that was a definite loss to the photo retail world but the owner wanted to retire, and try as he might, he wasn't able to find a suitable buyer to keep the business in operation. If you like dealing with Cameta - try out CameraLand in Bethpage, NY (https://cameralandny.com/) - long term Cameta senior associate Steve Sandick recently joined their team. He is a 100% honest guy and highly knowledgeable.