prayingmantis

Over the past 20 years or so I have spent over $20,000 on camera gear at B and H. I agree with all the above comments. B and H might be the largest camera store in the world with over 1,200 employees. You can be certain when you contact B and H for advice on equipment that seems extremely obscure that among those 1,200 employees you will be referred to a member of the sales team who is a specialist in the area you are inquiring about and he will have the answer for you if in fact there is an answer to your obscure equipment question.
One of the coolest contacts I ever had with a salesperson for any kind of company was a 45 minute bullshit session with a B and H sales person who I was referred to with one of my obscure equipment questions. It turns out he was a serious photographer and had done a lot of photography of professional musicians. We got into a discussion regarding who was a better guitarist, Les Paul versus Jimi Hendrix. He was extremely well informed about the camera gear and the music scene. The fact that he had free license to spend that amount of time talking with me about subjects unrelated to my purchase and the fact that he was that kind of person who would engage in such a conversation was very gratifying to me. B and H is not just a great camera store, it can be a model for how a business can and should be run, with comprehensive service and great advice to whoever engages with them.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

To be fair (and I like BH too) I wonder what would have happened if you had simply telephoned your local retailer rather than clicked on, Contact Us. Would you not have received a similar response if you did that with BH?

I congratulate you on the new equipment and am not trying to put a negative on your purchase but you are somewhat comparing apples and oranges here. You clicked, Contact Us with your local retailer but clicked, Buy Now on BH. That seems like a big difference to me.

Have a wonderful Chrustmas,

Dennis

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

ditto

:) :) :)

jwestman Loc: Grand Rapids, MI

I can go you slightly one better. About 8 pm on the 22nd I finally broke down and ordered a new speed light hoping to get it in time for New Year's day. It arrived a little after 5 pm on the 24th. From NY to MI that's pretty amazing and to top it off shipping was free! All of my shopping at B&H has been pleasant.

Queticopaddler Loc: Western New York State

I second the endorsement for both B&H and Roberts.
-QP

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

I too bought from B&H on Sunday afternoon and received my order on Tuesday the 23rd. Free shipping included and in addition to my original order i was able to add Elements 13 for only $39.99

tjphxaz Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I have expelled serious GAS through B&H over the past few years and they are terriffic in every way (website, customer service reps, free and expedited shipping, no sales tax [some AZ cities have a tax greater than 10%], and terrific products at reasonable prices). All those things make me a loyal B&H customer but here is the deal sealer:
I posted a negative review on the B&H website for an LCD screen protector that I purchased a couple of months back for my new D750. Not an angry review, just noting the faults I found with the result after carefully following the installation instructions. The glass protector did not adhere for about a quarter of an inch half-moon shape in one corner. Only noticeable when the LCD is off - when on it doesn't show. I didn't seek a refund or replacement and I am still using the camera with the screen as is. About two days after posting the review, I got an email from B&H saying they were sorry I had a problem and they were refunding the full purchase price (about $27 as I recall). I appreciate that gesture.

DJ Mills Loc: Idaho

Good point. I hoped my local store had the item, but knew B&H would have it for sure. I am mindful of my local shopkeepers. I bought my camera locally for that very reason. I also disagree with the strategy of shopping (ie handling, testing) at a store and then buying online to save a few bucks. The local 2nd generation store has had to greatly expand its non-photographic line and now has an "Adventure Department" where they sell backpacks and the like. They still get my first shot for business.

Cappy Loc: Wildwood, NJ

I agree, unfortunately we don't have one in our area.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Thanks for pointing that out. I do the same thing with the local Samy's in Santa Barbara. Prices are competitive with the big name stores and I get excellent knowledge coupled with face to face service. My go-to salesman knows me and the equipment I have. Once I was prepared to buy a new lens. He pointed out that I already had a similar lens and I might give that a try. He was right. Often I have inquired about a new filter or small piece of equipment. He had gone into his office and come out with a used filter in new condition and given it to me. When I insust on paying he refuses to accept and says he will get it later. After 5 years now later has never come. In return I have purchased many cameras and lenses from him. To me that shows good business acumen on his part.

Dennis

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

When I do this, will I survive the bankruptcy and likely divorce after visiting the store? B&H has been excellent in serving me. I can't imagine walking into their store without having a fatal G.A.S. attack. :-)

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I had to return two products this month; one to B&H

My ex has a great eye and while she absolutely refuses to learn the technicalities of photography, she does take a lot of great photos with her eight-year old Canon P&S. I wanted a digital picture frame for her Christmas gift and got an Aluratec 14 inch from B&H. When it came it was in a sales box that had been torn open. The frame itself was missing the on/off switch. It should never have been shipped. A little bad quality control in shipping.

However, B&H immediately sent me a return label and entered an order for a replacement. The new frame came yesterday just in time for me to load a few of her pix and then wrap it back in the box and Christmas wrap it as well. I consider that excellent service. We all blow it occasionally, but when they take responsibility and fix things, that goes along way to keeping my business.

Amazon also does this well. I have never been dissatisfied with their response to problems.

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

Will you adopt me?

Seriously though, I think of B&H for every camera related purchase. We have one or two decent camera shops in the Philly area. Not the ones you find in your local mall. However, being a Pentax shooter makes it difficult to find equipment to handle prior to purchase. B&H takes the worry out of buying sight unseen with their fast, easy return policy. I took advantage of this when I needed a camera/day trip backpack. I ended up buying 3 and returning 2. No problems whatsoever. Bravo!

acelow Loc: Alabama

:thumbup: :thumbup:

rudynaval Loc: Los Angeles

When you deal with B&H you will always "B" "H"appy.