From: bbarton@Ingres.COM (Brian Barton)
Subject: Re: A Word of Warning
Summary: 
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.4-b1  
Keywords: 
Organization: ASK Computer Systems, Ingres Product Division
Date: 2 Sep 92 23:14:19 GMT

In article <n089ft@ofa123.fidonet.org>, Mike.Turner@f28.n116.z1.fid writes...
>This is just "A word of warning" for anyone that is thinking of
>ordering any equipment by mail.
> 
>I called Cambridge Camera on July 20 and ordered a Sigma 28-80 f/4 lens
>and was suprised to see the ol UPS man pull up on July 24. When I
>openend the box, to my suprise I found a Sakar 28-200 f/4. When I took
>it out of box there was some kind of (for lack of a better word) "gunk"
>on the barrel that made it very hard to focus. Being an "easy" person,
>I thought that I would keep the lens if it did well.
> 
>Over the weekend I shot some with it, and found out that it was not
>even close to being sharp. So Monday July 27 I called Cambridge and
>told them what the problem was. They said to pack it up and send it
>back with a letter stating what was wrong with it... So I did.
> 
>I sent a letter stating that I wanted to exchange the lens for a Canon
>brand 35-105 f/3.5 Macro.
> 
>On 7/30 a person called and confirmed that they had received the lens,
>and apologized for the mixup. He stated that the 35-105 had been
>discontinued and they didn't have any in stock. So I changed my order
>to another Canon lens they had advertised. He said the next day.
> 
>On 8/12 I called to see where the lens was, and was transfered to 5
>different people. Then I was told that no one knew if it had been
>shipped, and to call back tomorrow.
> 
>On 8/17 I called and talked to the first man, and he said that they
>didn't have the lens in stock. Being fed up I told him to send my money
>back. He said "You can't wait a few more days?" I who is considering ordering 
>anything from Cambridge NOT TO. I
>don't know if I was just the exception or if they are rip off artist.
>Anyway, thanks for listining.
> 
>Mike  
> 
>---
> * Origin: Music City Photographer's BBS Ds/Hst615-356-8016 (1:116/28)
> 

The only real lesson that can be learned from your nightmare is "buyer beware."

I've ordered scads of stuff through the mail and some firms are down-right
"slime balls." (No need to blacklist them, though.)  I've definitely had 
several "hairy" experiences, but overall the money you save makes it worth
it.

MY NUMBER ONE RULE IS: I always order by credit card and as such, have never 
had a problem being "stuck" with junk or anything like that.  Just make sure to
send your returns (if you have to send something back) through some method 
where you can verify proof of delivery. (UPS or Fed Ex or the like.)

Also, beware of "bait and switch."  

They say, "Aw man...that's a piece of junk.  What you really want is...(which 
costs $200 more.)"  The bait you with a low price (Nikkor 180 2.8 ED IF for
only $399!) and then switch you to something else.  Sorry man, we're all out
of the Nikkor 180.  How about a Nikkor 200 f.2 instead?  

Some jerk pulled a "bait and switch" on me when I called about an ad for 
35mm B&W Ilford HP5+ that they said that they had on sale for $1.99/roll in 
quantities of 20 or greater.  "You know man, that stuff is really bad...it's
bulk-rolled and all.  How about some tri-x?"

Always know exactly what you want when you call and then you'll always be happy.

I won't stand for shoddy New York camera dealers!  (There are good ones, I 
know.)

Brian

Newsgroups: rec.photo