I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price. Seeing lots of positive reviews (including here on UHH) I decided to make the purchase.
I called MPB, asking to place an order over the phone. Told I can't do it, must use web. Ok.
So I placed my order on the web, then got phone call for "security clearance." Fine, I can understand that: it was a big ticket item, and nobody wants to be scammed.
After a few legitimate questions (credit card, shipping address, etc.) they asked if I was an amateur or a professional. Seemed odd, but I played along. Next, what would I be using the lens for? Did I have other Nikon equipment? Had I ever used any other camera brands? I answered, but said I found the questions intrusive, probably more for marketing than for security.
The order went through, but then 3 days later I got an email saying the order was cancelled because it had "not passed our security checks process." I called, and was told that while my credit card had been approved for the purchase, they wouldn't accept my order. I asked to speak to a manager, and was told none were available. They'd get back to me. 3 hours later, no call.
So I've bought the lens from KEH -- slightly more expensive, but no hassles, and much better return policy.
Stats153 wrote:
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price. Seeing lots of positive reviews (including here on UHH) I decided to make the purchase.
I called MPB, asking to place an order over the phone. Told I can't do it, must use web. Ok.
So I placed my order on the web, then got phone call for "security clearance." Fine, I can understand that: it was a big ticket item, and nobody wants to be scammed.
After a few legitimate questions (credit card, shipping address, etc.) they asked if I was an amateur or a professional. Seemed odd, but I played along. Next, what would I be using the lens for? Did I have other Nikon equipment? Had I ever used any other camera brands? I answered, but said I found the questions intrusive, probably more for marketing than for security.
The order went through, but then 3 days later I got an email saying the order was cancelled because it had "not passed our security checks process." I called, and was told that while my credit card had been approved for the purchase, they wouldn't accept my order. I asked to speak to a manager, and was told none were available. They'd get back to me. 3 hours later, no call.
So I've bought the lens from KEH -- slightly more expensive, but no hassles, and much better return policy.
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price... (
show quote)
OMG, yes seems MPB is not worth the trouble.
Stats153 wrote:
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price. Seeing lots of positive reviews (including here on UHH) I decided to make the purchase.
I called MPB, asking to place an order over the phone. Told I can't do it, must use web. Ok.
So I placed my order on the web, then got phone call for "security clearance." Fine, I can understand that: it was a big ticket item, and nobody wants to be scammed.
After a few legitimate questions (credit card, shipping address, etc.) they asked if I was an amateur or a professional. Seemed odd, but I played along. Next, what would I be using the lens for? Did I have other Nikon equipment? Had I ever used any other camera brands? I answered, but said I found the questions intrusive, probably more for marketing than for security.
The order went through, but then 3 days later I got an email saying the order was cancelled because it had "not passed our security checks process." I called, and was told that while my credit card had been approved for the purchase, they wouldn't accept my order. I asked to speak to a manager, and was told none were available. They'd get back to me. 3 hours later, no call.
So I've bought the lens from KEH -- slightly more expensive, but no hassles, and much better return policy.
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price... (
show quote)
Yeah I read that MPB is web only. They don't want to waste a minute talking to you. No I would never do business with MPB.
joer
Loc: Colorado/Illinois
Over the years I have used both MPB and KEH and believe both have deteriorated in recent times. Since I am slowly transitioning to smart phone cameras I have no need for either one.
Bought one item from MPB but for just a few hundred $$ there was no security nonsense.
Usually I buy from BH or KEH cuz theyre the top dogs and MPB is an "also ran" that hasnt usually tempted me by price anywho.
Bought quite a few cameras and lenses thru MPB and never had a problem even with items I have returned.
Stats153 wrote:
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price. Seeing lots of positive reviews (including here on UHH) I decided to make the purchase.
I called MPB, asking to place an order over the phone. Told I can't do it, must use web. Ok.
So I placed my order on the web, then got phone call for "security clearance." Fine, I can understand that: it was a big ticket item, and nobody wants to be scammed.
After a few legitimate questions (credit card, shipping address, etc.) they asked if I was an amateur or a professional. Seemed odd, but I played along. Next, what would I be using the lens for? Did I have other Nikon equipment? Had I ever used any other camera brands? I answered, but said I found the questions intrusive, probably more for marketing than for security.
The order went through, but then 3 days later I got an email saying the order was cancelled because it had "not passed our security checks process." I called, and was told that while my credit card had been approved for the purchase, they wouldn't accept my order. I asked to speak to a manager, and was told none were available. They'd get back to me. 3 hours later, no call.
So I've bought the lens from KEH -- slightly more expensive, but no hassles, and much better return policy.
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price... (
show quote)
Stats153,
I brought a Nikon Z 24mm to 70mm without any problems from MPB.
They were stellar thoughout the whole process, the lens was like brand new.
Rob
I think all the people who had good experience with MPB didn't have to do any interaction with a human thru the whole process. I think dealing with MPB is good if the computer can handle it. If there is a glitch when you need human intervention then MPB wouldn't do a good job.
Stats153 wrote:
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price. Seeing lots of positive reviews (including here on UHH) I decided to make the purchase.
I called MPB, asking to place an order over the phone. Told I can't do it, must use web. Ok.
So I placed my order on the web, then got phone call for "security clearance." Fine, I can understand that: it was a big ticket item, and nobody wants to be scammed.
After a few legitimate questions (credit card, shipping address, etc.) they asked if I was an amateur or a professional. Seemed odd, but I played along. Next, what would I be using the lens for? Did I have other Nikon equipment? Had I ever used any other camera brands? I answered, but said I found the questions intrusive, probably more for marketing than for security.
The order went through, but then 3 days later I got an email saying the order was cancelled because it had "not passed our security checks process." I called, and was told that while my credit card had been approved for the purchase, they wouldn't accept my order. I asked to speak to a manager, and was told none were available. They'd get back to me. 3 hours later, no call.
So I've bought the lens from KEH -- slightly more expensive, but no hassles, and much better return policy.
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price... (
show quote)
Regarding KEH, I just: 1) Purchased a lens from them. Excellent condition and I couldn't tell that it was not brand new. 2) Sold them a ton of old camera stuff and just received notification that they made, as per their promise, a nice deposit to PayPal (how I chose to receive payment). Bottom line: KEH great to do business with; at least, that was my experience.
Robeng wrote:
Stats153,
I brought a Nikon Z 24mm to 70mm without any problems from MPB.
They were stellar thoughout the whole process, the lens was like brand new.
Rob
Yep, I don't mean to say that MPB is a bad company to deal with. But my first experience with them was sure off-putting!
Stats153 wrote:
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price. Seeing lots of positive reviews (including here on UHH) I decided to make the purchase.
I called MPB, asking to place an order over the phone. Told I can't do it, must use web. Ok.
So I placed my order on the web, then got phone call for "security clearance." Fine, I can understand that: it was a big ticket item, and nobody wants to be scammed.
After a few legitimate questions (credit card, shipping address, etc.) they asked if I was an amateur or a professional. Seemed odd, but I played along. Next, what would I be using the lens for? Did I have other Nikon equipment? Had I ever used any other camera brands? I answered, but said I found the questions intrusive, probably more for marketing than for security.
The order went through, but then 3 days later I got an email saying the order was cancelled because it had "not passed our security checks process." I called, and was told that while my credit card had been approved for the purchase, they wouldn't accept my order. I asked to speak to a manager, and was told none were available. They'd get back to me. 3 hours later, no call.
So I've bought the lens from KEH -- slightly more expensive, but no hassles, and much better return policy.
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price... (
show quote)
I find Used Photo Pro (Robert's Photo, Indianapolis) one of the best places to deal with used equipment. Give them a try!
nj53
Loc: Canon City, Colorado
my only experience w/mpb was very good. bought a lightly used D850 for $600 less than b&H brand new "sale" D850. i like that they show photos of actual product on their website and give shutter count. the bonus was they included 2 RSS L brackets that sell for around $150 each....and didn't even advertise the high-end ($$) RSS brand name. was very happy.
J11
Loc: Ocean Springs MS
I second Used Photo Pro. Have bought several cameras and lenses at different time periods both by phone and online with nothing but professional service. Great company to work with. Jim.
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