Is B&H it? « Videomaker Community Forums

smaisch
Member

Everyon on these boards seems hyped about B&H, and probably rightly so. But anytime someone mentions another company selling cameras, everyone yells "scammers" and mentions B&H.

Is there not a single nother reputable camera company that sells over the internet?

Posted 5 years ago #
kkmac
Member

There are many reputable internet retailers. After you search through them you'll see B&H prices are hard to beat.

Posted 5 years ago #
smaisch
Member

How do you tell the reputable ones from the non?

Like this?

http://www.usaphotonation.com/products.asp?product_id=10010&engine=shopcartusa

They have a Canon GL for $1469 before the $250 rebate.

Thats a full $300 under B&H, but they sound reasonable? How do I tell?

Posted 5 years ago #
smaisch
Member

Well I answered my own question.

On a Roll posted this link:
http://www.resellerratings.com/reseller_list.pl?keyword_search=ccicameracity

I checked out USA photonation and they are scammers it seems. So sad.

Posted 5 years ago #
TimOBrien
Member

I bought a GL2 and a buncha equipment from B&H last month.

Super happy with 'em.

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

I tried to buy a camcorder (Panasonic C7) from Abe's of Maine once. Two weeks after they got my money, I hadn't heard anything from them, so I tried to contact them through their website - no luck. I tried emailing them. Three more days went by. Nothing. Finally, I called. Talk about the run around! Eventually they told me that the camera was backordered and it would be another month. They tried to switch me to something else, but I wanted the camera I ordered or a refund. I got hung up on several times. When I finally did get a "manager" (on the second day of phone calls), I was told that I was "stupid" for giving them my money and I deserved to lose it. His reaction was a lot different when I played some of his voice back to him. (I started the recorder too late to get everything). I got my refund.

My advice is to stick with B&H as long as their prices stay reasonable. I've done a lot of business with them and they've always been super!

Posted 5 years ago #
KBVP
Member

I'll second B&H. Over a couple decades, I've never had a bad experience. I only had one item that went back ordered, but it was only a few days later than the main shipment. Their web site is accurate for inventory and no pricing surprises. I would rather pay a bit more for good customer service.

Posted 5 years ago #
gieleuh
Member

Wgat about international shipping with B&H?

Posted 5 years ago #
On a Roll
Member

Well, a guy gets busy, vanishes for a few days, and everyone starts chattin' :-)

My advice would be to research anyone before you buy. A lot of us have had super good luck with B&H. That's why they get such high praise.

I've bought a couple cameras from Norman Camera. They have good prices on some of their stuff (Canons are usually cheaper than B&H at Norman, FWIW), and they're pretty reliable. I actually found them from the Canon website.

There are a LOT of grey market resellers out there. I prefer to stick to sources I can trust. That' why I use guys like B&H, who prove themselves repeatedly.

Posted 5 years ago #
Eric Piercey
Member

B&H is reliable. That's worth a lot when you consider the pain of having to cancel an order because _insert any of 100 reasons.

New Egg is also very reliable for computer stuff and I even bought my DVX 100B from there.

Posted 5 years ago #
brandon0409
Member

I know this is an old thread from July but hey why not get it started again. I am confused...

If Abe's of Maine is so bad, why does... or DID... VIdeomaker run their ads in its magazine.

Trust me... I am not arguing with any of your opinions. I have come to rely on your experience in saving my money. If Compusolver says don't do it, I WILL NOT.

But I believe it is a valid question, though. Does this magazine check out its advertisers first or just sell the ads?

Posted 5 years ago #
RB
Member

brandon0409 Wrote:
I know this is an old thread from July but hey why not get it started again. I am confused...

If Abe's of Maine is so bad, why does... or DID... VIdeomaker run their ads in its magazine.

Trust me... I am not arguing with any of your opinions. I have come to rely on your experience in saving my money. If Compusolver says don't do it, I WILL NOT.

But I believe it is a valid question, though. Does this magazine check out its advertisers first or just sell the ads?

Good question... :D

Posted 5 years ago #
cfulton
Member

It looks like Abe's of Maine hasn't been in the magazine since March '03.
It's not my place to comment on advertising sales, though--contrary to what some of you might think, sales and editorial are indeed separate here and do NOT influence each other, much as some advertisers do try to gain influence.
The best thing I can suggest is to check with the manufacturer of the product you want to buy (whether by checking the "where to buy" section of their Web site or by calling them) whether the store you found is an authorized dealer. If they aren't, find out who is. Another reason to do that is because manufacturers will frequently not honor the warranty on a product if you buy the product from an unauthorized dealer.

Posted 5 years ago #
Endeavor
Member

B&H is a good, solid retailer. But you won't steal anything there. There are places to find better deals on big purchases. I bought my last GL2 at Beach Camera (online) and I paid $300 less than B&H and the sale was perfect in every way. It seems that Beach doesn't currently carry the GL2 though (too bad, I need another one).

Posted 5 years ago #