42nd Street Photo
Dec 23, 2018 07:10:51 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
tdozier3 wrote:
Was wondering if anyone has done any business with 42nd St. Photo. Contacted them twice to find out if a camera they had advertised was a US or an import model and have gotten no response. Is this a "GRAY MARKET" company ?
They get you interested because of PRICE ONLY. Other wise you would not have called them twice. Once they get you to order, they have you. Yes, they offer a LOT of gray market, that is why they are CHEAPER than everyone else. If you do get to talk to them, they will eventually tell you that if you want a USA version it will cost the SAME as B&H and Adorama.
I do not like being treated this way and refuse to do business with them.
Dec 23, 2018 07:14:23 #
Dec 23, 2018 07:34:45 #
bamfordr
Loc: Campbell CA
I’ve seen the negative reports about 42nd St on UHH for years. Wouldn’t go near them. But I wondered why they keep coming up in queries. So as an experiment, I googled them for reviews. Lots of 4/5 and 4.5/5 ratings on various sites. Except for “pissedconsumer”. And the 42nd St web site looks legitimate. Buyer beware!
Dec 23, 2018 07:58:21 #
Maybe UHH should write a program which automatically responds to the negative when a question regarding 42nd Street Photo is received.
Dec 23, 2018 08:19:02 #
tdozier3 wrote:
Why are they allowed to advertise on UHH if they aren't legit ?
It is a “legit” business in that they do sell a lot of merchandise in the same condition and at the same prices as other stores but as noted here they have some poor business practices. You are certainly free to ignore the experiences shared here...but you asked a question and you’re getting answers. As for why UHH allows them to advertise, I guess you’d have to take it up with admin.
Dec 23, 2018 08:19:30 #
Dec 23, 2018 08:20:12 #
Dec 23, 2018 08:53:19 #
AndyH wrote:
True, but not the only method. In addition to searching on the Hog, checking their warranty page and looking for references to manufacturer's guarantee generally reveal the ripoff operations.
Andy
Andy
The best method is go to Canon's website and get a list of physical or online approved dealers. You shouldn't go too far wrong with any of them and you'll be sure that a proper Canon USA warranty is given and will be honored by Canon.
Dec 23, 2018 08:55:42 #
Dec 23, 2018 08:56:34 #
Dec 23, 2018 09:07:13 #
tdozier3 wrote:
Thanks. Was not aware of a search on here. Now can I give you some advice ? Don't be such a douche.
Yes, many new members are not aware of the 'search' function, and I believe I have a remedy for this malaise. Prior to establishing a user account admin should institute a bright red flashing warning screen stating...
WARNING
Prior to asking any question, use the search function because 99% of the time the question will have been asked.
Now, don't even go to a post processing question because the Adobe fan boys/girls for the monthly rental plan PS/LR will think you are stupid if you aren't on board...
Dec 23, 2018 09:09:15 #
Be aware. Their practices are not what a reputable store like Adorama or B&H do for their customers. Yes, they sell gray market and do not tell their customers, just surprises them with low prices.
Your recent experience should tell you a lot.
Your recent experience should tell you a lot.
Dec 23, 2018 09:10:29 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
The word you should use is advice with a C.
You advise someone about 42nd Street Photo store.
They take your advice.
You advise someone about 42nd Street Photo store.
They take your advice.
I think the proper way for you to offer this advice would be to advise the poster to use a “c”. Your suggestion could have led him type “adviCe”.
Yeah, I know I might sound like a real pain in the ass, but I get better as the day goes on...usually.
Cheers👍
Dec 23, 2018 09:13:47 #
Correct me if I'm wrong, and you legitimately can, but it is my understanding that B&H and Adorama will ALSO sell you grey market cameras but are just generally more upfront with it, especially if you ask, and will even sell you an in-house warranty for some brands if you ask, so a major difference might seem to be in your individual salesperson in some cases AND the "bait and switch" part as well as a general reluctance to make it right.
Further, I have even bought grey market from the "bait and switchers" and through dogged persistence, have eventually come out with either what I wanted or my money back but it sure can be a test of will power and it can also can be a nightmare. One of the most offensive parts about grey market is that the bait and switch people often start advertising the availability of a newly announced highly desirable and long awaited new model that has only just been announced in the US but is already available in Europe and Asia through contacts that are themselves also bait and switchers and you get caught up in a big stall game.
It generally isn't worth it to save a few bucks even if you do outwit the manufacturer's worldwide distribution scheme and get that new model before all your friends, especially at the cost of losing a US warrant, even more especially in the case of Nikon which have taken steps to discourage grey marketing by choking off our ability to get warranty service on grey market items by cutting off the parts supply for independent repair shops and although it is not totally effective it is likely to be responsibility for some of the shift away from their sales in the end.
Further, I have even bought grey market from the "bait and switchers" and through dogged persistence, have eventually come out with either what I wanted or my money back but it sure can be a test of will power and it can also can be a nightmare. One of the most offensive parts about grey market is that the bait and switch people often start advertising the availability of a newly announced highly desirable and long awaited new model that has only just been announced in the US but is already available in Europe and Asia through contacts that are themselves also bait and switchers and you get caught up in a big stall game.
It generally isn't worth it to save a few bucks even if you do outwit the manufacturer's worldwide distribution scheme and get that new model before all your friends, especially at the cost of losing a US warrant, even more especially in the case of Nikon which have taken steps to discourage grey marketing by choking off our ability to get warranty service on grey market items by cutting off the parts supply for independent repair shops and although it is not totally effective it is likely to be responsibility for some of the shift away from their sales in the end.
Dec 23, 2018 09:26:48 #
camerapapi wrote:
Be aware. Their practices are not what a reputable store like Adorama or B&H do for their customers. Yes, they sell gray market and do not tell their customers, just surprises them with low prices.
Your recent experience should tell you a lot.
Your recent experience should tell you a lot.
Exactly papi! I would like to add Cameta, Robert's and Hunt's to the mix of outstanding camera shops, not only for new, but used as well. Also, for used I have had most excellent experiences with MPB & KEH, with MPB being my favorite...https://www.mpb.com/en-us/?msclkid=8a68552f641f1bc137670930fed23d68&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand%20-%20New%20-%20Exact&utm_term=mpb%20camera&utm_content=Generic%20-%20Camera%20-%20Generic&gclid=CMHw1_6Ttt8CFYKJxQIdjakHJA&gclsrc=ds
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