Thanks Helen for this nice info. Maybe one day I'll start to do some shopping at Your place, rather than at BH :)
Experience with BH
(50 posts) (27 voices)-
Posted 2 years ago #
-
I have been ordering a fair amount of gear for the last thirty years from various camera dealers. B&H have been the best, Adorama, easily the worst. B&H will always tell you up front what their handling of a specific order will be. On the other hand if you wanted to sell used gear.......then B&H surely is the wrong place to deal with.
Posted 2 years ago # -
DaveyJ said:
I have been ordering a fair amount of gear for the last thirty years from various camera dealers. B&H have been the best, Adorama, easily the worst. B&H will always tell you up front what their handling of a specific order will be. On the other hand if you wanted to sell used gear.......then B&H surely is the wrong place to deal with.Any particular reason why? I was looking into their offerings of more modern used SLRs.
Posted 2 years ago # -
On this subject...I pre-ordered from B&H on the recommendation of my co-worker. He highly recommends them based on their customer service. I know I've threatened to cancel my order on another thread but so far I've hung tight and have done nothing. Why? Well, the camera is supposed to be a Christmas gift to me from the wifey so the closer the delivery is to Christmas the happier my wife will be.
The problems are not knowing "when" the camera will be delivered, not getting anything definite from B&H as far as delivery, and not knowing if the camera body that I do receive will have that pixel problem or not. All of that is making me think more about getting a D90 or even a D700 knowing that within a couple of days those cameras will be at my front door from B&H. I've even thought about the 7D but every time I read something about slow shutter or softer focus it makes me not want a Cann....you know. I'm hanging tight with B&H because I feel they're reputable but I still question their order processing practice. I preordered on Sept. 18th but people who ordered days after me are getting deliveries already. That's kind of upsetting.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Rx4Photo said:
On this subject...I pre-ordered from B&H on the recommendation of my co-worker. He highly recommends them based on their customer service. I know I've threatened to cancel my order on another thread but so far I've hung tight and have done nothing. Why? Well, the camera is supposed to be a Christmas gift to me from the wifey so the closer the delivery is to Christmas the happier my wife will be.The problems are not knowing "when" the camera will be delivered, not getting anything definite from B&H as far as delivery, and not knowing if the camera body that I do receive will have that pixel problem or not. All of that is making me think more about getting a D90 or even a D700 knowing that within a couple of days those cameras will be at my front door from B&H. I've even thought about the 7D but every time I read something about slow shutter or softer focus it makes me not want a Cann....you know. I'm hanging tight with B&H because I feel they're reputable but I still question their order processing practice. I preordered on Sept. 18th but people who ordered days after me are getting deliveries already. That's kind of upsetting.
Not to be siding on B and H's side, but did B and H give an estimated delivery date or promise to have it delivered by a certain date?
Nikon is particularly bad at estimating demand for their products, so it might explain why B and H is slow on delivery, especially if they get lots of pre-orders.
Posted 2 years ago # -
NSXType-R said:
Not to be siding on B and H's side, but did B and H give an estimated delivery date or promise to have it delivered by a certain date?Nikon is particularly bad at estimating demand for their products, so it might explain why B and H is slow on delivery, especially if they get lots of pre-orders.
No, B&H didn't provide an estimated delivery date or anything like that. But let me clarify this. I'm not totally upset or irate or even pissed off. Fact is, I'm pretty understanding of the fact that this camera, based on its popularity, is not easily acquired right now. Most of my anxiety is self inflicted simply because I like new gadgets every now an then. Plus I did give my only digital camera, Canon Powershot Pro1, to my neice 3 months ago so I'm left with a SLR for now.
Sometimes it's not good to get your product in the "first batch" as many people were hoping. As a kid I built many model cars and trust me, the 2nd one was much cleaner and well put together compared to the 1st.
Best regards.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I've had no problems with B&H or Adorama..they are both excellent..but (OT) I believe only B&H is offering $300 off the 24-70/2.8 (and some others) if you buy a combo (with a camera)..but then again Adorama carries Think Tank and not B&H. Whoa, didn't know Adorama is giving 30 days..hmm..good to know..that is important.
EDIT: B&H is still doing the discount on the lens + body combo.
Posted 2 years ago # -
No problems with either on this end. I normally used adorama most of the time because I found their site easier to navigate (and thus easier to get what I want), but now that B&H has much cheaper shipping to Canada, they have become my preferred supplier (assuming similar prices).
Posted 2 years ago # -
My shopping experience with B&H photo was easily the worst experience I have ever had making a purchase of anything. I would never use them again not even for free actually just out of principle now. If you want first rate service you wouldn't believe how profressional Really Right Stuff is. The follow up emails, the confirmations, the speed and friendly service is really something. No wonder so many pros swear by them, very impressive company.
Posted 2 years ago # -
kanuck said:
My shopping experience with B&H photo was easily the worst experience I have ever had making a purchase of anything. I would never use them again not even for free actually just out of principle now. If you want first rate service you wouldn't believe how profressional Really Right Stuff is. The follow up emails, the confirmations, the speed and friendly service is really something. No wonder so many pros swear by them, very impressive company.What exactly did you buy from B and H?
I just bought a 62mm B+W UV filter for the 105mm micro from B and H. I got a $50 gift card, bought it online, got free shipping. I'm pretty happy with the purchase, it came quickly and reasonably on time.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I LOVE B & H. After having an issue with a new lens (UPS damage), they went above my expectations. They are the best.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Hi,
First, I have some acquaintances at B&H and have taught software in their classroom over the store on a tour I did for a hardware/software company a few years ago. They are nice folks. (I've ordered some gear from Adorama, too, and have had a great consumer experience and service from them, too - Hi, Helen!).
If you get a bum deal from B&H (or any place IMHO), call them. In B&H's case there is a page of contact numbers for customer service for just that. You can get a hold of a real person and work out the problem. If you have been short changed, you'll get your due - at least that's been my personal experience.
I'm not without my gripes. It's pretty crappy that they charge one's credit cards before shipping. I don't pre-order anything from B&H. For example, if I were to pre-order a D7000, it would be with Adorama or Amazon because of B&H's 'charge the card' thing. That policy, IMHO, sucks. It's their policy; it's my opinion - at the end of the day, we can all be friends.
But the rest of their doings seems pretty routine. I hit both Adorama and B&H weekly. I send some of their children to college.
My best,
Mike
Posted 2 years ago # -
DaveyJ writes:
>> I have been ordering a fair amount of gear for the last thirty years from various camera dealers. B&H have been the best, Adorama, easily the worst.
That has not been my experience. The TV station where I work orders a lot of stuff from B&H, while I have made nearly all my personal photo purchases from Adorama since the early 80's. I have found both to be highly dependable. However I'd probably give the edge to Adorama in customer service ... for example, as mentioned in earlier posts, they do not charge your credit card for backordered items until they are ready to ship. Also, I think Helen Oster's presence on this forum attests to the fact that they place some importance on serving the photo community at large, not just those of us who have actually ordered from them.
As much as I love Amazon, I have stopped ordering photo gear from them. Well, maybe a I'd consider a flash bracket or batteries but not anything delicate like a body or lens... these I now purchase from someone who actually knows how to pack photographic equipment. The last lens I got from Amazon was stuck in a huge box with a couple of inflatable pillows, not enough to keep it from knocking around in there like the steel ball in a can of spray paint. The lens wouldn't focus properly so I had to return it, and I ordered a replacement from Adorama, where I should have gone in the first place (silly, fickle me... I had traded my customer loyalty for the allure of free shipping). Maybe it's just the one warehouse that serves my region (SE US)... I've received quite a few shipments over the last couple of years that were inadequately packed, while I have a friend in Michigan who orders stuff from Amazon a couple of times a week and he says most of his stuff is actually overpacked. Even so, I think I'd place more trust in the shipping department of a company that sells only photo gear... there's probably more chance that they would apply a little extra care.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have ordered most all of my camera gear from B&H over the last 5 years. I could honestly not be happier with a vendor. I will say that I never order anything as a pre-order. If it isn't in stock then I would wait until it is. Since I order most items later in their life cycle availability has never been an issue.
Last year I also ordered a fair amount of computer equipment from B&H at the same time. All of it has been perfect. All comes well packed and never any damage to anything.
I have never used their customer service or return as nothing has ever caused me any problem. Can't really comment on how that would go.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Mo order from them never arrived, I had to pay a fortune in taxes when it arrived into the country, poor service over the phone and emails. I burried the hatchet with them though and I just promised myself never to deal with them again. In fact I wouldn't use them even if I received a free camera from them just out of priniciple. Yes I'm bitter, but hey, there are plenty of other options out there luckily, and I try to just buy locally now. I am generally happy after my awful experiences with B&H. I know you can't make every customer happy and many swear by B&H just not me.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Kanuck, not following what you are saying. The order made it into Canada and then never arrived at your doorstep? If that is what you are saying, I would be more upset with the postal or parcel service as they are the ones who stole your gear. If that isn't what you are saying, what did happen exactly?
Posted 2 years ago # -
Actually I live abroad in South Korea, and the order just never left New York. It couldn't be found with no tracking number although I paid for one, I just kept waiting for it and after 8 weeks I gave up and contacted them! They never followed up or anything. I had to say "umm by the way I never received my package from 8 weeks ago whats going on" I then had to go through a long painful process of proving it never arrived, then they resent it. After over 2 months, it arrived and the duty on it was higher than usual with a FEDEX package for Korea. Talking to them on the phone was also painful and responses were few and far in between.
B&H does fine though they don't need my business anyways I wouldn't recommend them, but like I say others swear by them. I was just disappointed with this supposedly best in the business giant from New York City. If you have never dealt with Really Right Stuff you wouldn't believe how great they are. Its like stepping up from a Kia to a BMW. They are quite the business and probably the finest consumer business I have ever dealt with. Really top drawer.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Kanuck, thanks for the info. While I have had fantastic service from B&H I always like to hear others concerns. Was just curious where things went sideways with your order. Sounds like it was an issue right from the start.
Never have ordered anything from RRS, but probably will in the future. I am, at some point, going to get an L plate and head, just haven't gotten that far yet.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Yes they definately offer great products, but the constant checking and re-checking via email really made an impression with me. Smooth shipping follow ups, not to mention the quality of the products themselves. I got a baseplate for my Leica M9 (a product not even made by any other company) and it has been superb. I was so impressed in fact that I got a plate for my D700 as well. The ballhead is so good as well that I'm sure it will be the last one I ever buy.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered
Posts: 9offlineMy wife and I have purchased two D7000s. The first was body only from B&H ordered and paid for on September 26th. It arrived about 10 weeks later. The second was ordered from Adorama with the 18-200mm Lens with rebate, ordered on November 6th, credit card not yet charged. After 30 days Adorama had to make a charge on the credit card to keep the order active. The camera arrived Feb. 1st. We have had multiple purchases from both B&H and Adorama with no problems, and will not hesitate to to back to either place, depending upon best price and availability.
Posted 2 years ago # -
There you go B&H is fine for many it seems just not me. KK51B where abouts do you call home by the way?
Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered
Posts: 9offlineJonesboro, AR for about the past year.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Hi KK5IB,
Know the place very well. Hope you enjoy Couch's BBQ or Ed's Catfish Kitchen. Plenty of photography opportunities.
My best,
Mike
Posted 2 years ago # -
FYI, according to diglloyd dot com BH will charge for the order when it is ready to ship and not when the order is placed.
"In order to better serve our Customers, B&H will be making a major change to the way we charge for phone & web orders. Beginning on Thursday, March 3rd 2011 (tomorrow) for phone orders (and Monday, March 7th 2011 for Web Orders).
B&H will no longer charge customers for items at the time the order is placed.
Instead, customers will be charged for their products only once they are actually ready to be shipped out from the B&H Warehouse. However, all Shipping charges for the entire order (if any) will be billed along with the first shipment."
I tried to find the info on the BH website but didn't see it anywhere.
Posted 2 years ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.
