Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

I kept reading advertisements and receiving daily emails from Adorama stating that they were giving incentives and additional trade-in allowances if you trade certain Nikon cameras for the new d850. I have a d810 and a d500 and both were on their "list" so I thought I'd call and see "what's the catch?" I got a return phone call saying I could get "up to" a specified amount for trade-in. Now, many of you know I take excellent care of my equipment so I'm thinking wow, I could have a d850 and do a nearly even trade. They said they would pay UPS shipping both ways and I would be put on a "priority" list for the d850. So I sent both cameras to them on Aug 29th. I watched the tracking and confirmed that they received the cameras no more than 4 days later. I waited, I called, waited, called and waited some more. They said it could take 5 days for the cameras to be appraised. 7 days later I get call saying if I trade in for the d850, I would still owe a little over $1000 WITH the trades. I said no, please send them back to me ASAP. They confirmed my address and said I'd have a tracking number within 48 hours. I called another five days later and they again made me the same offer. I told them that I had heard this same offer five days ago and had asked the items be sent back to me. They confirmed my address again. They finally shipped them and I received them TODAY. Please be aware of how much time and trouble and how deceptive this process is. It took me exactly three weeks to get my cameras back.

Motorbones Loc: Fair Oaks, CA

You might try running a search on eBay for the type equipment you're looking to trade in. You might be able to sell them there and but the D850 nearly outright... If nothing else, at least you'll know where you stand with what you want to accomplish... Yup... your two cameras plus a grand is a rip... Bummer...

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Laura,

What hassle you went through. Thanks for the heads up about that.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

What was the "up to amount" they referenced over the phone? What was the actual amount the offered upon receiving the equipment? This anecdote will be helped by some details ...

cthahn

Just how much did you really think they were going to give you? Good business on their part.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

Adorama is in business to make money, not give it away. If you want 100% of the current value of your gear you would need to sell it yourself. You would be lucky to get 60-70% of their value using Adorama. They need to make money of the sale of your used gear. Thinking you would walk away without paying a dime for a new D850 is beyond reason.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

Lesson Learned: enjoy what you have, two high end excellent cameras.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

This is why I don't trade in cameras. A D810 full frame and the flagship for DX cameras, D500 are still in demand. When you trade in, you are not in control. A refurbished D500 was going for $1500 from B&H not too long ago. On a trade in, you would surely get less than that. Companies are out to make a profit. You decided the profit was not going to be from you. Your choice. This is how it works. You may want to put your cameras up for sale on this forum. Buy/Sell section. Nikon really hit the GAS jackpot releasing the D850. Almost everyone on this forum would like to own one. Qualified to use it or not?

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Some research on the Adorama site and basic math will show that they are offering slightly less than 50% of new retail price. That's fairly normal for trade-in values. What is not normal is their delaying tactics. But I wouldn't trust them with my gear anyway.

jmvaugh Loc: Albuquerque

Sorry for your trouble, hassle, and disappointment.
I’m now on the KEH email list. I’ve heard Hogg’s mention KEH as a good place to buy use and refurbished. Just for jollies, I just did a search about what I could get for my 3 month old Canon, bought new, now with about 1200 shutter activations, excellent + condition with all original box and manual. At best, I’d get 50% what I paid for it.

Yes, the large camera companies have to get their costs covered and make money, but trading in equipment is a tough way to recoup costs for getting a new camera. This also makes a great case for waiting awhile and buying used or refurbished because depreciation bites in the behind. Also, selling on UHH would probably be a better option but I won’t need to do that for several years.

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

“Up to” $3100 on the message.
$2200 once they had the equipment in hand.

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

I have always tried to sell here first and then eBay if necessary. I was just letting people know a detailed situation of how people get sucked in. Thanks!

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

They advertise 70% of what they can sell it for but at the time they were saying they were giving bonus trade-in dollars for certain Nikon models which mine were. That AND the fact I didn’t have a camera for three weeks are the issues I have.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Typical Adorama nefarious practice.......

And don't bother replying to chew me out. I've said my piece and am unwatching.

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

Believe me...I am thrilled to have my babies back in hand. Never again!