From: blondin@druhi.ATT.COM (BlondinDJ)
Newsgroups: rec.photo,rec.video
Subject: Photographic Mail Order Survey
Date: 14 Oct 92 05:02:47 GMT
Distribution: rec


       Photographic Equipment/Video Mail Order Company Survey 

		     Posting : October 13, 1992

I. Introduction

	POSTING, REQUESTS: I get many requests for a copy of the mailing.
	I try to respond, but usually what happens is that the mailer
	bounces back my mail.  

	TIMELINESS OF ORDERS:  I'm working on revising the survey so
	we can get some sense of how a company might change over time.
	Thus, if your experiences are not recent (past couple months),
	please give a time so I can add it to the survey at the 
	appropriate date.

	CATEGORIZATION:  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE categorize your
	experience as one of no problems, minor hassles, major hassles
	or avoid.  I can make inferences, but some distinctions
	are subtle and need to be made by the person who had the
	experience.  I hate to be hard-nose about this, but I've gotten
	manys inputs lately that are borderline & have had to make a guess.
	If you don't classify it as one of the above, then I may "drop
	your input in ye ole bit bucket".  If you're having trouble
	deciding, at least give me a hint and what might lean you 
	which way.  Thanks, Doug.

	NAMES:  Please be careful when naming a place.  I don't know all 
	places and sometimes may split places up when they are actually one.  
	Try using the name as it appears in ads.

	Here is the latest version of the Photographic Equipment/Video
	Mail Order Survey.  The article consists of 5 sections:

		I.   Introduction - this section
		II.  Explanation of the Chart
		III. Chart summarizing the ordering experiences
		IV.  Tips for shopping from mail order firms
		V.   The experiences received since the last posting

	POSTING: I post this survey around the first of each month
	to rec.photo and rec.video.  I've found that posting the 
	survey is a good stimulus to people to send in their input.
	I believe that once a month is frequent enough.

	UPDATES/NEW EXPERIENCES/INPUT: If you have new experiences
	to report, and updates to the list (phone #'s) or have other
	input or questions on the survey, please e-mail them to me
	at att!druhi!blondin.  If you have trouble e-mailing me,
	then you can post to rec.photo and, if appropriately marked
	in the subject line, I will pull them off.  Note: that I
	do NOT read rec.video.  [My phone number and US Mail addresses
	are also listed below.]  When sending an experience, please
	make it clear which of the 4 categories it falls into.

	RATINGS BY MAGAZINES:  Some magazines have added ratings and
	disclaimers to assure the reader that ordering from those
	companies will be trouble-free (e.g., Popular Photography's
	"Check Rating").  While the magazines may be honest in their
	concern for the consumer (and I would encourage you to inform
	magazines if you have problems with "certified" companies),
	you should also realize that the magazines depend on the 
	companies for ad revenue.  Some readers of this survey have
	also noted that some "certified" companies have repeatedly
	been low-rated by this survey.  

	SURVEYS IN GENERAL: The consumer must take all input (magazine 
	ratings, this survey, other surveys, friend's advice, ...) and
	put whatever faith in them that they will. Companies may change 
	over time (both for better and worse), and different people/magazines 
	may have different standards.

	DISCLAIMER:  The figures presented here represent neither an 
        endorsement or a condemnation of any particular company.
        Rather, this table is simply a compilation of experiences 
        sent in by various netnews readers.  Your actual ordering
        experience may differ, and companies may change over time.

	KEEPER of the SURVEY:

		Douglas Blondin          11900 N. Pecos St.
		att!druhi!blondin        Denver, Colorado  80234
		(303) 538-4874



		II.  Explanation of the Chart

	Name:            Name of the mail order company.

	Last Info Date:  This is the date that I last received an 
			 "experience" on that particular company.  
			 I hope it helps users of this chart by giving 
			 some timeframe to the experiences.  In addition, 
	Numbers in []'s: After a number for a given column, you may see
			 a number in []'s.  That is the number of responses
			 received in that column for that company since
			 the last posting.  [NOTE: this replaces the 
			 old asterik (*) that just marked the last response]
	Phone Number:    Up to 2 phone numbers are displayed:
			 the 800 number (may not apply to instate orders)
			 and the general toll information/order number.
			 Consult the ads for other phone numbers (I have
			 limited space to list numbers).

	Experiences:     The numerical summary of experiences reported
			 by readers.  They are split into 4 categories:

		No problems:   Got what you ordered, in reasonable time, 
			       at expected price, no unpleasant surprises.

		Minor hassles: Minor delays, unpleasant saleperson, hard to 
			       get through to toll free line; probably not 
			       enough to keep you from ordering from them again.

		Major hassles: Major problems occurred, but you were satisfied 
			       enough with with the way they were resolved that 
			       you might consider ordering from them again when 
			       you cool off.

		Avoid:	       Major problems occurred that either were not 
			       satisfactorily corrected or that you feel were 
			       significant enough to begin with that you 
			       wouldn't consider ordering from them again 
			       under any circumstances.


		III. Chart summarizing the ordering experiences


               |  Last  |              |           Experience was:             |
Name of Mail   |  Info  |   Phone      |    NO    | Minor   |   Major |        |
Order Company  |  Date  |   Number     | problems | hassles | hassles | Avoid  |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-221-7774 |          |         |         |        |
47th Street    | 7/24/92| 212-398-1410 |   27     |    9    |    6    |   3    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
6th Ave        |        | 800-394-6283 |          |         |         |        |
Electronic City| 8/21/92|              |    0     |    0    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-221-9521 |          |         |         |        |
AAA            |12/12/91| 212-242-5800 |    2     |    1    |    2    |   4    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-227-0400 |          |         |         |        |
Abe's (Maine)  |11/18/91| 718-645-0900 |    2     |    4    |    2    |   2    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-223-2500 |          |         |         |        |
Adorama        |10/12/92| 212-741-0052 |   73     |   25 [3]|    5    |   2    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Aero-Comm      |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Photo Supply   | 4/ 2/91|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
American Audio | 8/13/92|              |    0     |    0    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
A/V            |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Distributors   | 4/ 3/91| 713-486-8866 |    0     |    0    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-221-5662 |          |         |         |        |
B&H            |10/13/92| 212-807-7474 |  151 [9] |   28 [4]|   12 [2]|   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Battery Park   | 8/ 4/88|              |    0     |    0    |    0    |   1*   |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Beache's       |        |              |          |         |         |        |
of Maine       | 7/ 7/92|              |    3     |    1    |    1    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-223-1970 |          |         |         |        |
Bi-Rite        | 9/18/92| 212-685-2130 |   11 [1] |    2 [1]|    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Brooklyn Camera|        |              |          |         |         |        |
Exchange       | 8/12/92|              |   11     |    1    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-847-4039 |          |         |         |        |
Brothers       | 5/ 2/89| 212-695-4158 |    1     |    1    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Calumet        | 7/10/92| 800-CAL-UMET |   28     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-221-2253 |          |         |         |        |
Cambridge      | 1/ 8/92| 212-675-8600 |    2     |    1    |    4    |  11    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Camcorder      |        | 800-338-4290 |          |         |         |        |
Land (Texas)   |11/ 8/90|              |    0     |    1    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Camera One     |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Sarasota, FL   | 5/ 2/91|              |    5     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Camera Sound of|        | 800-477-0022 |          |         |         |        |
Pennsylvania   | 3/25/91| 800-477-1003 |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Camera World of|        |              |          |         |         |        |
Charlotte, NC  | 7/24/89|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Camera World   |        | 800-222-1557 |          |         |         |        |
of Oregon      |10/10/92| 503-227-6008 |  126 [9] |   19 [2]|    3    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Cameta's       | 3/14/92|              |    2     |    0    |    1    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Central Camera |        |              |          |         |         |        |
(Chicago)      | 4/ 2/91|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Chambless      |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Productions    |        |              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Charlotte      |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Camera Brokers |11/ 1/90|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Colonel Video &|        | 800-423-8277 |          |         |         |        |
Audio - Houston| 6/24/92| 713-486-8866 |    2     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Columbus       |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Camera Group   |11/ 3/90| 614-267-0686 |    7     |    2    |    1    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Competitive    |        | 800-544-5442 |       Phone Disconnected     |        |
Camera         | 2/ 6/88| 212-868-9175 |    5*    |    1    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-558-0003 |          |         |         |        |
Computability  | 9/14/92| 414-357-8181 |   16 [1] |    1    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Crutchfield    | 8/21/92|              |    3     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
DBS Satellite  |        | 800-327-4728 |          |         |         |        |
Television     |11/ 1/90|CA:800-3272345|    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Del's Camera   | 3/14/92| 805-962-7557 |   12     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Direct Camera  |        | 800-526-6633 |          |         |         |        |
Warehouse      | 1/17/90| 212-719-3174 |    0     |    0    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-766-6710 |          |         |         |        |
Ecca           | 9/17/90|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
The Electronic |        | 800-323-2325 |          |         |         |        |
Mailbox        | 7/30/92| 516-759-1611 |    3     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Electronic     |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Wholesalers    | 3/ 6/91|              |    3     |    0    |    0    |   2    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-662-8559 |          |         |         |        |
ElectroWorks   | 8/21/92|              |    0     |    0    |    1    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-223-7323 |          |         |         |        |
Executive      | 6/17/92| 212-947-5290 |   10     |    6    |    3    |   4    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Focus          |        | 800-221-0828 |          |         |         |        |
(Honest Abe's) | 9/16/92| 718-436-6262 |   19 [1] |   10    |    3    |   7    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-847-4092 |          |         |         |        |
Foto-cell      | 3/27/92| 212-924-7474 |    9     |    5    |    2    |   2    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Frank's        |        | 800-421-8230 |          |         |         |        |
Highland Park  |        | 213-255-0123 |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-292-6137 |          |         |         |        |
Freestyle      | 4/13/88| 213-660-3460 |    5*    |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
800 # is wrong!|        | 800-223-5830 |          |         |         |        |
Garden         |        | 212-868-1420 |   13     |    0    |    0    |   2    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Gil Ghitelman  | 3/19/92|              |    3     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-GIFTIME  |          |         |         |        |
Giftime        | 6/ 4/90| 201-869-8180 |    3     |    1    |    2    |   4    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
G&S Photo &    |        | 800-551-2363 |          |         |         |        |
Electronics Inc|12/12/91|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-367-4854 |          |         |         |        |
Gould Trading  | 3/14/92| 212-243-2306 |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Haven          |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Electronics    | 3/ 6/89|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-621-6471 |          |         |         |        |
HELIX (Chicago)| 3/14/92| 312-421-6000 |    4     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
W.B. Hunt's    |11/26/91| 617-662-6685 |   10     |    0    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
International  |        | 800-638-3920 |          |         |         |        |
Elect. World   | 4/10/90| 301-488-9600 |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
J&R's Music    |        |              |          |         |         |        |
World in NYC   | 8/13/92|              |   14     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
KEH            |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Camera Brokers | 9/16/92| 404-892-5522 |   14 [2] |    3    |    1    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
KOH            |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Camera Sales   | 7/12/90| 516-933-9790 |    3     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Labelle        |        |              |          |         |         |        |
(= La-Mere ?)  |        |              |    3     |    2    |    0    |   2    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
LeBaron        | 7/ 8/88|              |    0     |    0    |    0    |   2*   |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Le Camera      | 3/14/92| 609-588-9090 |    0     |    0    |    1    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Lens & Repro   |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Equipment Corp | 9/ 5/92|              |    0     |    1    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Light          |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Impressions    | 5/14/91|              |    2     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Mibro          |11/18/91|              |    0     |    0    |    1    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Minox          |11/ 2/90| 516-437-5750 |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Mystic Color   |11/14/90|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
National Camera|        | 800-624-8107 |          |         |         |        |
Exchange (Minn)| 8/24/89| 612-546-6831 |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-488-8877 |          |         |         |        |
New West       | 7/ 8/92|              |    7     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-223-6119 |          |         |         |        |
New York Camera| 3/15/89| 212-564-4398 |    0     |    2*   |    1    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
North American |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Video          | 5/14/91|              |    0     |    1    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-456-9890 |          |         |         |        |
Not Just Video | 7/18/91|              |    2     |    1    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-223-1444 |          |         |         |        |
Olden          | 3/ 6/89| 212-725-1234 |    5     |    3    |    0    |   2*   |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-525-5014 |          |         |         |        |
Palace         | 1/ 9/90| 718-692-0829 |    4     |    2    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Peach State    | 7/16/92|              |    2     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Planet Video   |        | 800-542-8811 |          |         |         |        |
(Electronics)  | 6/ 6/90|              |    2     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-444-SAVE |          |         |         |        |
Photron        |12/ 1/88| 212-868-9455 |    0     |    2*   |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Porter's       |10/12/92| 800-553-2001 |   12 [1] |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Power          |        | 800-877-2900 |          |         |         |        |
Video (Texas)  | 3/ 5/92| 713-240-3202 |    5     |    3    |    1    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Pro Video      |        | 800-541-4055 |          |         |         |        |
Distributors   | 1/10/89| 516-741-5440 |    1*    |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Professional   |        | 800-736-6677 |          |         |         |        |
Video Warehouse|12/ 4/91|              |    2     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
		Phone reported as disconnected on 9/15/92
Russell's      |        | 800-292-0202 |          |         |         |        |
Camera West    | 3/ 3/90| 408-649-0232 |    7     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Seattle        |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Filmworks      | 1/20/91| 206-281-1390 |    2     |    0    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
                        | 800-366-6993 |          |         |         |        |
Smile Photo    | 7/ 8/92| 212-967-5900 |    8     |    2    |    1    |   6    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-543-3025 |          |         |         |        |
Skyvision (MN) |10/10/90| 218-739-5231 |    0     |    1    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Special Effects|        |              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Spiratone      | 4/ 6/91|              |    8     |    2*   |    1    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Stephen Stuart | 6/ 6/91|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Stereo         |        | HAS GONE OUT |          |         |         |        |
Discounters    | 3/16/88| OF BUSINESS  |    1*    |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Sunshine       |        |              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-332-2661 |          |         |         |        |
Supreme Camera | 1/23/92| 718-692-4110 |    2     |    2    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-289-5342 |          |         |         |        |
Stan Tamarkin  | 2/24/92| 203-789-0350 |    2     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Tape City/G&G  |11/20/90|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-221-1926 |          |         |         |        |
Tri-State      |11/18/90| 212-349-2555 |    1     |    1    |    2    |   1    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
United         |        | 800-448-3738 |          |         |         |        |
Video & Camera | 8/10/92| 212-397-1081 |    1     |    0    |    1    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
George Ury     |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Fine Photo Eq. | 5/30/90| 708-420-2951 |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
	       The following has been reported as being out of business
               |        | 800-222-5590 |          |         |         |        |
USS Photo      |        | 718-646-3633 |    1     |    0    |    1    |   2    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
Video          |        | 800-843-3687 |          |         |         |        |
Depot Inc.     | 2/ 7/90| OUT OF BUSI? |    5     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Video Direct   |11/ 1/91|              |    1     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Vienna Camera  | 4/30/92| 703-938-1534 |   19     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        | 800-221-4090 |          |         |         |        |
Wall Street    | 7/ 8/91| 212-344-0011 |    4     |    1    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
WDS - Wisconsin|        | 800-356-9514 |          |         |         |        |
Discount Stereo| 3/14/92| 608-271-6889 |    3     |    1    |    1    |   0    |
8/21/92 -- reported to be out of business; phone disconnected
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Woodmere Camera| 3/14/92| 516-599-6013 |    7     |    0    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+
               |        |              |          |         |         |        |
Zone VI        | 7/14/91| 802-257-5161 |   12     |    3    |    0    |   0    |
------------------------+--------------+----------+---------+---------+--------+

		IV.  Tips for shopping from mail order firms

1.  ORDER BY CREDIT CARD ONLY.  Don't pay the credit card bill until you have
    received the goods in satisfactory condition.  To avoid interest charges,
    when you pay the rest of the credit card bill, include a note explaining 
    the contested charge.

2.  ASK WHAT THE SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES WILL BE.  Most stores no longer
    just charge you the freight, but also include a sizable handling charge.

3.  ASK IF THE ITEM CARRIES A U.S. WARRANTY.  New York stores (but not others)
    now have to tell you whether what they are selling you carries a U.S. 
    warranty.  Grey market material does not carry a U.S. warranty and is 
    sold at a significantly lower price.  International warranties may be
    worthless, but you may not feel you need the warranty protection.  Some
    stores do not allow returns of grey market material.  If the material 
    arrives damaged you must file an insurance claim.  The price advertized 
    in photography magazines is frequently the grey market price.  And they
    may not have the grey market item in stock, but only the higher priced
    U.S. warranty item.  NOTE: May want to ask if it's a Manufactur's U.S.
    Warranty.

4.  DON'T AGREE TO BUY ANYTHING YOU HADN'T PLANNED TO BUY WHEN YOU CALLED.  
    For example, often when buying a lens, the salesperson may try to 
    get you to buy a filter.  Be sure you know what you're getting : there
    many different filters available, of varying quality and price.  You
    likely spent time determining the right lens, your filter is just as 
    important.  Filters may be as cheap, or just a little more, at
    your local camera store.  As a general rule, don't buy anything solely
    on the phone salesman's recommendations.  Though there may be exceptions,
    most are not there to help you. 

5.  WHEN ORDERING, ASK FOR THE NAME OF THE SALESPERSON.  Record this piece
    of information along with the time, date, and agreed upon sales price and
    merchandise.

6.  WHEN YOU GET YOUR EQUIPMENT, TEST IT IMMEDIATELY.  If it is defective, call
    the mail order company immediately and arrange for returning it.  See #1
    above.  Ask for a return authorization number and get the name of the
    person you talk to.  Most stores give you rather short period for 
    returning defective equipment, so waste a roll of film and get it 
    developed at a one day service place.

7.  ASK IF THE ITEM IS IN STOCK.  There appears, however, to be no reason to 
    believe their answer.

8.  Call around and get the best price with the desired warranty, including 
    shipping and handling.  Add 10 or 15 per cent for nuisance.  Then call 
    around to your local stores and see if they can come close.  Very 
    frequently they will.  

9.  Low end items, like small autofocus cameras, are frequently just as cheap,
    if not cheaper when you consider the shipping and handling, in the local 
    discount department stores.

10. IF YOU PAID FOR SHIPPING ALREADY, YOUR SHIPPING COMPANY SHOULDN'T CHARGE 
    YOU ANYTHING FOR "EXTRA" SERVICE.  If you paid for shipping to your 
    mail-order company, that mail order company should mail your goods to your
    house.  If you get a phone call from the local shipping company saying they
    need an extra "service fee", refuse to pay.  You can give the shipping
    company the phone number of the mail-order company so they can hash it out,
    or call the mail-order company directly and complain.  You already paid
    shipping.  Don't give any extra money to the shippers.

		V.   The experiences received since the last posting

==============================================================================

	Whoops, I added my own experience from B&H last time, but forget 
	to add to the count.  I've added it this time.

===============================================================================
From att!mcs.kent.edu!phintena Sat Sep 12 21:52:25 0400 1992
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 92 21:52:25 -0400
From: phintena@mcs.kent.edu (Peter Hintenaus)
Message-Id: <9209130152.AA05404@Condor.mcs.kent.edu>
To: blondin@druhi.ATT.COM
Subject: Re: Photographic Mail Order Survey

Hi,

ordered Swarowski binoculars from B&H this summer, arrived in time no problems.
Recently I got a Linhof Ballhead, Linhof Quickfix, and some small items from
B&H. Salesman told me they had to backorder two small items. Rest arrived 
within a week. Salesman was actually quite friendly, seems there is a difference
when one deals with the large format people. No Problem.


Peter

===============================================================================

From ulysses!pkb Mon Sep 14 07:49:06 EDT 1992
To: blondin@druhi.ATT.COM
Subject: Re: Photographic Mail Order Survey
Newsgroups: rec.photo,rec.video
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Murray Hill, NJ, USA
Cc: 

Just wanted to add my experience with Computability in Wisconsin, in May 92.
No problems at all.  I ordered a camcorder from them.  The price quoted, while
not as low as the NY places (which never have the item in stock), was reasonable.
Correct charges on the credit card.  No hard sell.  Delivered  when they said
they would.  I would strongly recommend them.

Pradeep Bansal

===============================================================================

From att!oasys.dt.navy.mil!goldberg Mon Sep 14 07:32:49 EDT 1992
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 92 07:32:49 EDT
Content-Length: 452

Note that USS Photo in Brookly, NY is out of business and has been for
some time.  When I visit relatives in Brookly, my route takes me past
the place, and it's boarded up and padlocked, witha few legal notices
attached.


   /|/| /||)|/  /~ /\| |\|)[~|)/~   |   Everyone's entitled to MY opinion.
  / | |/ ||\|\  \_|\/|_|/|)[_|\\_|  |      goldberg@oasys.dt.navy.mil
========Imagination is more important than knowledge. - Albert Einstein=======


>> EDITOR:  Thanks, I'll note as such in the survey.  Will likely remove
>> from the survey list shortly.

===============================================================================


From att!gnu.ai.mit.edu!bson Mon Sep 14 01:09:48 0400 1992
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 92 01:09:48 -0400
From: bson@gnu.ai.mit.edu (Jan Brittenson)
Message-Id: <9209140509.AA17248@geech.gnu.ai.mit.edu>
To: blondin@druhi.ATT.COM (BlondinDJ)
Subject: Two B&H, one Foto Cell

I've had two B&H experiences that I haven't reported, but your survey
inspired me to do so: both were delivered as promised, without
hassles. They were in November last year and January this year,
respectively.

I also had a good experience with Foto Cell, Inc. (1-800-FOTO-CELL,
including Canada and NYC) a couple of days before christmas. All other
places were either closed or asked for my credit card number first
thing (I always hang up immediately when that happens). I was in St.
Petersburg, FLA, and none of the local stores that were open had what
I wanted - a long macro for a canoeing trip in the Everglades Nat'l
Park. No problems whatsoever, got it all just a day or two after
christmas.

						-- Jan Brittenson
						   bson@gnu.ai.mit.edu

===============================================================================
From att!hpdsods.cup.hp.com!dale Mon Sep 14 8:37:14 PDT 1992
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 92 8:37:14 PDT
From: Dale <dale@hpdsods.cup.hp.com>
Full-Name: Dale
Mailer: Elm [revision: 64.9]

Please enter another No problem vote for Camera World of Oregon. I ordered
a new model Nikon camcorder from them. When I first called they told me they
were out of stock and would have some in 2 wks. (no pressure to backorder).
Two weeks later I called again. Yes, in stock, can ship today. Salesman was
polite, knowledgeable and helpful. He suggested extra battery and tapes.
Two days later it was at my door via UPS ground. 
--

Dale Schroeder
dale@cup.hp.com

===============================================================================

From att!library.Berkeley.EDU!mprats Mon Sep 14 14:59:00 PDT 1992
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 92 14:59:00 PDT
From: mprats@library.Berkeley.EDU (Mario Prats)
Subject: Adorama


hi, here is my contribution to the survey:

I ordered 6 rolls of Kodachrome from Adorama on August 28,
did not receive them until September 14.
Adorama gives the option of ordering "Direct Imports" or U.S. made
film. In order to save money I specifically ordered the imported films,
but they ended up sending me U.S. made ones.
I did not call to complain, it would have been too much of a hassle,
so I will rate this as "MINOR HASSLES" for not following my specifications.

I just ordered a Vivitar slide printer from them last Friday, will report
on how long that took to get to me...

===============================================================================

From att!att!jlk!b11!ingr!MAILER-DAEMON Tue Sep 15 12:22:14 0500 1992
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1992 12:22:14 -0500


  Based on phone calls I made last night, I have the following updates
for your survey:

  DBS Satellite Television # is now:  1-800-327-4728 (old #
  800-327-0046)

  Russell's Camera West phone 800-292-0202 has been disconnected.

  WDS - Wisconsion Discount Stereo phone 800-356-9514 has been
  disconnected.

 jeff

-- 
--------------------------------|---------------------------------------------
Jeff Kilpatrick			|		If you believe in yourself, 
Intergraph Corp.          	|        	have pride and dedication,
Huntsville, AL 35894-0001   	|		and never quit, you'll
(205)730-6103			|		be a winner.  The price of 
(205)720-6237 digital pager	|		victory is high, so are
jeff@jlk.b11.ingr.com           |		the rewards.
				|
				|			Paul 'Bear' Bryant
--------------------------------|---------------------------------------------


>> EDITOR:  Changes made, disconnects noted.  Thanks.

===============================================================================
From att!br1.hrz.th-darmstadt.de!"rtvax2::fuehrer" Wed Sep 16 14:06:56 +0100 1992
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1992 14:06:56 +0100 CET
Subject: mail order survey

I ordered a Tamrac bag from focus earlier this year. I asked for the price
by FAX and they answered promptly. They shipped in reasonable time at the
price offered. 
rating: NO PROBLEMS

===============================================================================

From att!krypton.its.uci.edu!raman Wed Sep 16 13:05:25 0700 1992
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 92 13:05:25 -0700
From: raman@krypton.its.uci.edu

Hi,
	I ordered a pair of binoculars from Bi-Rite.  I got the stuff
in good condition, but after a long delay (almost a month).  I would
classify my experience as Minor Hassles.  The salespeople were very
courteous and helpful.

Keep up the good work.  I am thinking of buying a camera soon and 
expect to make use of your survey.  Thank You.

>> EDITOR: You're welcome.

Balaji Ramanathan
Univ. of Calif. Irvine.--------

===============================================================================

From att!src.dec.com!sawicki Wed Sep 16 12:12:13 0700 1992
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 92 12:12:13 -0700

Classification:
B&H: major hassle, major hassle, minor hassle
KEH: no problem, no problem

Details for B&H, NY:

1. I ordered lots of stuff on Thu, asking for overnight delivery. I
had problems persuade them to send it to my work rather than to my
home.  On Wed the called me back to make sure the order was to
arrive on ... Friday. After a hairy discussion they send it as I
wanted.  However, I still haven't received one item (5 weeks
later), and they sent me Tiffens for Hoyas I ordered. MAJOR HASSLE,
I would say, though you may qualify it differently.

>> EDITOR: It's your call.  If you feel it's a major hassle, it is.

2. I ordered Benbo Trekker and a Quick Release head. Benbo came in
the damaged and abused box, and the head I can describe only as
BA--: heavy use. It works, so no problem for me, althought I do not
like to be treated this way. And, they queued my order (for normal
delivery) a week after I placed it. MAJOR HASSLE for me.

3. I returned to them one of the lenses I bought, asking for a
replacement (more expensive) of a different kind. They agreed (now
I wait to receive it), but did not want to send anything else along
with it; instead they asked me to call their orders department. Why
cannot they combine orders? MINOR HASSLE.

Details for KEH Camera, Atlanta, GA:

1. I ordered Minolta 9000, EX+ condition, and Program Back Super
90, BA condition, both overnight delivery. On the next day I
received Minolta looking like new, without box but without any
signs of use either, and with new batteries. Great. Program Back
came scratched and abused, without batteries but working. Worse
condition than I expected, but overall NO PROBLEMS.

2. I returned Program Back to them asking for some other items
instead. They happily agreed, quoted me the total price difference
to pay, and send it immediately, to the different address than
before. NO PROBLEM.

Summary:

Next time I will buy used equipment in KEH, and advice others to do
so. For the new, however, I will look in other places than B&H.

fi.

P.S.: Thanks for the great work you do.

>> EDITOR:  You're welcome

===============================================================================

From att!Eng.Sun.COM!Martin.Sodos Thu Sep 17 10:11:06 PDT 1992
From: Martin.Sodos@Eng.Sun.COM (Martin Sodos)
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 92 10:11:06 PDT

I have a minor hassle to report for B&H. I placed a large order for film, and
had it come back with the Fuji 100 portion on back order. They charged
my card immediately. After a month passed and I didn't get any updates,
I called and was told they couldn't even give me a expected date for delivery. 
I cancelled.

MS

===============================================================================

From att!vlsi.mitre.org!mgb Fri Sep 18 14:01:53 0400 1992
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 92 14:01:53 -0400

Since May I have received 5 orders with B&H with absolutely no
problems.  Two of these were placed (and received) within the last 40
days.  It has typically taken six business days from initial order to
receipt of goods (I had one aberration of 15 working days for a lens
back in May).

I ordered lots of film (RF, RH, and KR) and all was fresh (i.e. none
was close-dated).  I also ordered lenses.  None had been tampered with
in any way (warranty cards were intact, accessories were present, no
evidence of repackaging).

I did return one item from a large order (my fault, not theirs) and I
had no problems with the return; accounts were settled within 10
working days.

-mb

===============================================================================

From att!bridge2.NSD.3Com.COM!lakhindr Fri Sep 18 10:25:19 0700 1992
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1992 10:25:19 -0700
Subject: Camera World Of Oregon

Recently purchased a Tripod. 

Salesman: Courteous.

Slight hassle: they had to back order it: took them 18 days 
 to deliver. The salesperson gave the impression they will 
 send this product right away-- I sent them an angry Fax.. :-).

Will recommend to others: but do consider the possible delays.

Material packed well. Received okay. 

-lakhinder walia 9/18/92

===============================================================================

From att!ccwf.cc.utexas.edu!cul8er Fri Sep 18 10:45:32 0500 1992
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 92 10:45:32 -0500
From: cul8er@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu ( JOHNNY CHIU * KB5SJN *)
Message-Id: <9209181545.AA28246@mickey.cc.utexas.edu>
To: blondin@druhi.ATT.COM
Subject: Mailong Order Result


Thanks for the mailing order survey.  Recently,
>> EDITOR: You're welcome.
I purchase a short-wave radio Sony SW-55 from
Bi-Rite store in New York City, according to the 
mailing guide; first I told them that I saw their
ad. on the photo magazine, then I said I have some 
question before giving out the credit number, the sales
person responded very good, no further questions ask.
S&H time is right on promised, so I will rank no 
problem for Bi-Rite! 

===============================================================================

From att!cipr-server.MGH.Harvard.Edu!alexm Mon Sep 21 09:41:11 EDT 1992
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 92 09:41:11 EDT
From: alexm@cipr-server.MGH.Harvard.Edu (Alex Milshteyn)
Message-Id: <9209211341.AA05563@cipr-server.mgh.harvard.edu>
To: blondin@druhi.ATT.COM
Subject: Minor Hassle with Adorama


Hi:

1.  You are doing an outstanding  job with your list.  
	Thank you.

>> EDITOR:  You're welcome.  And thanks to you and all who input.

2.	I vote minor hassle for Adorama.  

	I ordered an ELAN and 35-135USM with overnight delivery.  
They refused to ship to my work address unless I would
give them the institution name as a recipient (probably
to avoid any liability for misdelivered :-) stuff).
I gave them the address of my colleague living next
building.  

	Cost: I payed $63something.00 - $120.00 less then
at Lechmere, $90.00 less then at Ritz.

	The merchandise was delivered the next day, looks
new, works fine.  Picture quality is very good.  The 
merchant did not enclose the invoice in the box,
although my plastic was charged the right amount and
the warranty card was enclosed.

	I still have to get that invoice that makes the 
warranty valid - but when one wants to save and does 
not go to a local store...  Would I order from them
again? - probably, yes.


regards,

Alex M. Milshteyn

===============================================================================

From att!orion.convex.com!sheppard Tue Sep 22 17:17:51 0500 1992
Date: Tue, 22 Sep 92 17:17:51 -0500
From: sheppard@orion.convex.com (Andy Sheppard)
Message-Id: <9209222217.AA21075@orion.convex.com>
To: blondin@druhi.ATT.COM
Subject: More photographic mail order experiences

Camera World of Oregon
	I've been through three orders with them - a JVC VCR, a Sony
	camcorder, and some small things like flashes and such. Never
	had a problem of any kind with them, and their service has
	always been top-notch. They're my first choice for mail-order
	stuff.

Peach State
	I didn't actually order anything from them, but I called them
	about a data back that I saw in one of their ads in Popular
	Photography. They quoted a radically different price ($75 as
	opposed to $55), even after I pointed out that it was a current
	ad and Popular Photography supposedly guarantees the prices.
	Needless to say, I didn't order the item.

B&H
	I then ordered the data back from B&H. No hassles on the phone,
	the item arrived within the time frame they quoted, and it
	works fine. The only problem is it appears to be a gray-market
	item - Japanese price sticker on the box, no instructions or
	warranty card. I haven't called them back about it since the
	item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and I'm happy
	to have it, but it bothers me just the same.

>> EDITOR:  So what are your inputs?  I can infer 3 no problems on CWO
>> but how do you classify Peach and B&H?  Send more mail if you want
>> those included.

Andy Sheppard (sheppard@convex.com)          Convex Computer Corporation

===============================================================================

From att!att!bnr.ca!adamyk Tue Oct  6 16:40:00 +0000 1992
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 16:40:00 +0000 


Company: Camera World of Oregon
Rating:  Minor Hassle
Sales person: TJ
Order: Sony TR-81 camcorder ($869), NPH77HD battery ($70)
Delivery: 7 working days to Canada, as promised ($40 UPS + $40 customs brokerage)

Minor hassle rating is due to the lack of a 800 number for Canada.   I phoned them 
several times while I was shopping around and had to use their regular phone number.
They only answered my calls about 25% of the time, and then sometimes only after 
20+ rings.  If they didn't have such a good reputation, I probably would'nt have 
tolerated this.  My other choices were B&H and Adorama, both of which were $20-30 
more expensive.  Other than the phone problems, everything went well.
     
The UPS delivery to Canada was more expensive than expected as UPS tacked on a 
customs brokerage charge of $40-50.  They claimed that if I didn't pay the 
brokerage charge, I would have to go to Windsor to pick up the camcorder (just a 
mere 10-hour drive).  I don't understand why things can be mailed from the States
without this brokerage charge (Land's End for example), but UPS shipments 
incur this charge.  Comments?

Doug, thanks for your maintaining this survey.  It is a real service.  With our 
collective buying power, we should negotiate a group discount with the more 
reputable places such as CWO, B&H, Adorama, etc! (I know, dream on...)

>> EDITOR:  Thanks

===============================================================================

From holder Wed Oct  7 10:06 MDT 1992
FROM:       druhi!holder
TO:         druhi!blondin
DATE:        7 Oct 1992   9:40 MDT
SUBJECT:    Mail-order camera buying experience

Here's the story on my camera buying by mail:

I ordered a camera (Canon Rebel S Kit) and a 75-300mm lense from Camera
World of Oregon in June.  I had compared the prices quoted in Pop Photog
for CWO, B&H, and Adorama and had called each for quotes, and CWO was
the cheapest (slightly).  The ordered showed up on my doorstep 4 days
later, everything was fine; the camera and lenses worked very well.

I was going on vacation (to Scotland) during the middle of August, so I
did some local research on a wide angle lense (24mm) and an attachable
flash.  Nine days before I was scheduled to leave, I again called up
CWO, B&H, and Adorama for quotes on the 24mm lense and flashes and a 
couple of lense cases.  Again, CWO was cheapest (slightly), but they
were out of stock on one of the items (the flash, I think).  Adorama was
next cheapest, although there was some availability problem there as well.
The B&H quotes were "without U.S. warranty", so while their Pop Photog
prices looked a little cheaper, it ended up costing a little more if
you wanted the U.S. warranty.  But they had everything in stock, so I
ordered from them, and requested their 2-day delivery (for an extra $20+);
they quote 1-2 week normal delivery, and I couldn't chance it being close
to 2 weeks.  After 4 days, the order had not arrived, so I called up their
customer service number.  The person I talked to found the record of my
order and told me that it had been shipped the normal (UPS) shipping instead
of the 2-day delivery.  She gave me a credit for the $20+, and told me
that if it didn't arrive before I left on vacation, to return the shipment
to them when I came back for a full refund.  Luckily, it came a couple of
days later (2 days before I was to leave).  Unfortunately, they packed
the wrong model of flash - they gave me a more expensive model than I
had ordered.  Since I really didn't have time to send it back and get
the proper flash, I accepted the one they sent as a token of esteem for
a valued customer and went off to Scotland with it.

So the bottom line is that CWO was just fine except for the availablity
problem.  I will probably use them the next time I order any new equipment.
And B&H had two minor screwups, but they (intentionally or unintentionally)
made good.

===============================================================================

From att!bedford.progress.com!mikep Sat Oct 10 14:20:48 EDT 1992
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 92 14:20:48 EDT
From: mikep@bedford.progress.com (Mike Pacholec)
Message-Id: <9210101820.AA14936@kiska.bedford.progress.COM>
To: blondin@druhi.att.com
Subject: mail order survey


Camera World of Oregon
NO PROBLEMS

I ordered a Canon EOS Elan and case from Camera World of Oregon.
I called once and asked a number of questions and was given polite
anwsers.  I called back to order, and had a couple of follow on
questions.  The salesman cut me off in the middle of my questions
and asked if I am placing an order, because they were short staffed
(it was a Sunday) and he didn't have time to answer questions.  I
came very close to just hanging up, but didn't want to hassle with
another mail order place, so I placed the order anyway against my
own advice. :-)

The camera arrived promptly on the day they said it would (3 days 
from my order day).  The extended warranty came within the week.

When I received the camera, I wished I had purchased a different
lens.  I called them back and asked if I could return the camera,
even though I had taken it out of the packaging.  They said 
no problem and gave me an exchange number.  They were very nice
about it.  I ended up keeping the lens I had, but it was nice
to know that they would have allowed the exchange without a 
re-stocking fee (I asked about that explicitly). 

Thanks for your survey.  I used it to select Camera World in the
first place and am now very satisfied despite the 2nd salesman.  
Rating NO PROBLEMS.  Please put me on the mailing list for the
survey.  Thanks!

>> EDITOR:  Thanks.  There is NOT a mailing list for the survey.
>> It is posted periodically to rec.photo and rec.video.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike Pacholec                   UUCP: uunet!mit-eddie!progress!michael.pacholec
Progress Software Corp.     Internet: michael.pacholec@progress.com 
14 Oak Park               CompuServe: 72130.2614@CompuServe.com 
Bedford, MA 01730

===============================================================================

From att!ardour.bellcore.com!hsong Tue Oct 13 09:29:09 0400 1992
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 92 09:29:09 -0400

One minor hassle vote for B&H.
I ordered films and processing mailers through B&H.
They sent me so-called "Direct-Import" films for Kodak GA100.
Adorama specifies them as "Direct-Import" to contrast them from 
the Rochester-made KOdaks.  Although I would rate this incidence
a "minor hassle", I would not order any more from B&H.
Previously, they sent a used Bogen light stand to me for the 
price of a new one.  I think they know that I would not make a
hassle over those small items.

I would go for CWO, next time.  Yeah, I know that CWO's prices are
a little higher than B&H for those Bogen's.

Thanks.

	Hugh

===============================================================================

From att!encore.com!equacken Wed Oct  7 08:39:15 1992
Date: 7 Oct 92 14:39:15 GMT


I called and ordered a Quantum 1+ battery and module from Camera World of
Oregon late on a Friday night.  I told them I didn't want a back order and
they said they would call back if there was and I could backorder, cancel 
just the backordered piece (they knew the battery was in stock but were not
sure if module was) or cancel full order.  They indicated that if I did
decide to backorder there would be NO additional shipping charge.  I was 
given an ETA of 5 - 7 working days and it would ship on the following Monday
do to UPS already had been and left.  Low and behold I received a box from
them on the 6th working day, everything was new and exactly what I ordered.
They were only $2.00 more than the cheapest price (after shipping) I had
gotten from the grey marketeers in NYC.  They were also very helpfull and
courteous on the phone.  I saved over $50 dollars from in town.  I'll order
from these folks again!

Eric Quackenbush
equacken@encore.com

===============================================================================

From att!berlioz.nsc.com!elau Mon Oct 12 15:52:56 1992
Date: 12 Oct 92 21:52:56 GMT

I ordered several items about a week ago.  a tamrac bag, a tripod, and a tripod
quick release adaptor, from camera world of oregon - no problem, got here in 
3 days (california).  I ordered some cheap and small items from Porter's, they
arrived within one week, no problems.  I wanted to return some of Porter's 
items (didn't want them anymore), and their customer service rep was friendly.
then I ordered a light box, a flash diffuser, and film from B&H, no problems 
again.  the film was fujichrome 100 (RD 135), and $6.30 got me USA film 
including processing. 

all three vendors were good.  now, on to the problem.  I called adorama before
calling CWO and B&H.  They didn't carry the first three items on my list, and
before I can go on to tell them the fourth item, the guy hung up on me.  I 
believe his name was Mitch, and I also believe I'll never call adorama again.

in summary: no problem vote for Camera World, Porter's, and B&H.  minor hassle
            vote for Adorama.

will the survey keeper please tally this vote, thank you.

>> EDITOR:  It's in there.

eugene


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	My own experience.  I ordered an Elan whisper driver kit from
	Camera World of Oregon.  With regular shipment, it was ordered
	Thursday and arrived Monday (in Colorado).  Everything was as
	expected.  I even had occassion to call customer service -- line
	was answered promptly and questions answered courteously.

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