Adorama.com... is this a reliable store

I bought pair of new Pentax SP 10 by 50 roof prism binoculars from Adorama last May via the Amazon portal. Price was about $609.00 Within two to three (can't recall exactly) weeks the price went down about 145.00 on same Amazon site at Adorama. At the time though B and H was 50 dollars higher-interesting. I took no lesson from this,nor did I seek to ask for a refund which maybe I could have entertained... Prices on line go up and down all the time and I do like the Pentax binos and the shipping was superfast,though a bit costly by my standards for Fedex/UPS-it was about 43.95 bucks for a three pound box . And Helen, I feel no remorse or ill well towards Adorama and I will do business with you again Helen!. For binoculars and optics Adorama carries a huge inventory-just compare with other optical dealers. And they are all in stock as far as I can tell. I guess I am a real capitalist when $150 more or less doesn't irk me much anymore. Sometimes one gets a good promotional deal and it all works out in the end. Good for Adorama for upgrading its customer service. I haven't had need to use it. I shop B and H. J and R, Adorama and Calumet mail. All have me satisfied. No company can afford to lose a customer when it is so hard to get a new one on board. I do not just shop price, by any means... Gerald. Siegel, Mililani HI. ( But I will keep your e mail just in the event:-) aloha nui

Gerry

 

In your shoes, I'd have been fuming! But you're right, prices move up & down all over, on the 'net, in stores etc. One

thing, had the item been in the process of despatch when the price dropped, I'm pretty sure that the new lower price

would have been honored if you'd been in touch with us. I'm not sure about 2 or 3 weeks later - but it's always worth

asking! So, hold on to my details just in case

 

Helen

If I was Adorama, I would write off Frans as a totally unreasonable customer and not do business with him under any circumstance.

I've dealt with Adorama, B&H and KEH. I've only had good experiences with all three of them. Most of what I am interested in is older Olympus OM gear with some of it being rather rare. I generally deal with whichever one might have that item. With Adorama I have only ever bought film and new equipment through them, B&H and KEH I have bought used gear.

Gerry, I can't understand how such a large difference seems to have meant nothing to you, but, I suppose, if you're OK, I haven't any reason to feel uncomfortable...

It is easy to say a good word if you did not experience what Frans went through. It was frustrated and time consumed when you tried to deal with people who wanted to steal something from you. Think about what Frans did, called again and again to different people and couldn't get what he should get. I really appreciate Frans posted his experience here that teached us how to do to protect youself. And also it teaches Adorama a lesson that you have to be honest to your costumers since they help you for your business.

I have purchased new and used from Adorama for nearly 10 years and am more than satisfied.

 

 

Their used ratings seem right most of the time but not always. Sometimes I think that the grader must go over the item too quickly. This works in both directions. I got a used FM-2n from them about 7 years ago that was supposed to be "E-" but was nearly immaculate. On the other hand I have ordered 2 used lenses at one time one was "E" the other was a Demo lens. The Demo lens had more wear/brassing then "E" lens did. The Demo lens did come with the box. I returned the Demo lens without any problems.

We are in the process of trialling a new grading system; if it seems to be well received, I must try to remember to post it.

 

Helen

Everybody feels they got screwed sometime. Sometimes that is true. That is a given. The internet now offers a

remedy hitherto unavailable to the indignant--rating companies on line. Enough people say "watch out" and

eventually the thinking crowd won't do business there. Think about it: Angie's list. Click and Clack auto shop

reviews online. Power to the people never before held. I believe there are still crooks out there. (And auto

repair is one of the most lucrative scams. Who the hell knows if they used factory parts or not, or if the black

box air sniffing gizmo was really out of whack..) Professionals like so called cosmetic dentists are not immune

either. But there are checks and balances. I guess what I am leading to is this small observation. Ration your

indignation. Use the old 'shaft without vaseline' as a learning experience. Learn to write great powerful

letters. Forget e mail. A letter with copies to BBB and the local Commerce Department get attention. Then,

consider negotiation. Letter could end thus. " I think it is unfortunate that my experience was unsatisfactory.

I am prepared to remain a customer if you could replace my lenses with new ones at cost." Their counteroffer

will probably be cost plus 5%. (not always, but getting to the right person helps)That is how countries do

diplomacy. See what I am saying. I just am not another don't get mad, don't get even gent...it is the balance

sheet in the end of the life journey.....Go to a Mel Gibson movie and get your burning energy satisfied by the

gunplay. Beat the golf ball to death. Whatever. And when you buy used or sell used, the long run experience is

what counts.IMO. I wish you well, Kevin and Frans. I been there a few times. With bigger stakes by far.

I've now discovered that KEH and Adorama do indeed rate differently - my 20-35 2.8 from KEH in BGN condition is in almost perfect condition, but the 80-200 2.8 2-touch I've just received from Adorama in E condition is definitely not as good condition - a couple of scuff marks, a mark on the nameplate, there's the beginnings of a hairline crack on the A-M ring (the old common prob with these) and the AF intermittantly squeals. Not 100% sure how I feel about this - I definitely think it was graded too high but it's still a very nice lens, so maybe when the A-M ring finally cracks through I'll get the AF fixed at the same time. It's certainly an intimidating lens - with it mounted on my F5 and a hood stuck on it, I feel more like Rambo with a bazooka than a dude with a camera :)

I've only bought used stuff from keh and midwest, but I'm happy with Adorama with new stuff. I sometimes get free shipping and better deals than at B&H. I appreciate their email that goes out every couple weeks or so, have gotten some sweet deals, eg recently got a Crumpler 7mill bag for 99 with free ship, and included a smaller crumpler bag that holds a P&S.

<p>I recently made a purchase from Adorama. It was damaged during shipping. Their customer service has horrible hours, most don't speak fluent English. Their damaged item policy is out-dated. I was not satisfied. In the end after waiting over 2 weeks, they messed up and refunded my money instead of replacing the item. DO NOT USE ADORAMA! </p>

<p>Please accept my apologies, Ramona</p>

<p>I can't identify your order from your posting but if you can please email me directly: Helen@adorama.com with your order number I can promise that I will give it my immediate attention.</p>

<p>Helen Oster<br>

Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador</p>