This Could Be the Perfect Online Photo Store!!!
Written: Jul 22 '03
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Like many, I have a healthy bit of skepticism about buying photography equipment online—I have heard countless horror stories of bargain hunters getting ripped off. I have also read on various online reviews sentiments such as, “Don’t buy from online camera shops . . . especially those based in New York City. . .you can’t trust them!” While the truthfulness of that statement is debatable, B & H is an online camera store based in New York city, but I have ordered from them, I will order from them again, and when I do place an order I feel completely assured that this company will do me right.
I recently purchased a Canon Speedlite 420 EX from B & H Photo. I chose to buy my flash from this company for two main reasons: first, their prices were great; second, they have an incredible reputation. The transaction could not have been any smoother. Seriously, ordering online took just a few minutes, and there were no glitches. Without a doubt, I would be thrilled to do business with them again. Here is a basic breakdown of my experience with them:
Website
Honestly, I think that B & H’s website is should be considered in the upper tier of websites for online retailers. The organization is good; the color schemes are pleasant; menus are logical—suffice to say that surfing their website is a pleasant experience. I really was impressed with the menus they have because they are so useful, but not overbearing or confusing like so many information-packed sites are.
But getting past the superficial, their website contains an amazing amount of information. All of the specs about all of their products are right there, nice and easy check and compare. Personally, this is not the greatest selling point for me, because I always do so much research on the equipment I buy. With that said, their information is still insightful (they have more information about the flash I bought on their website than Canon, the manufacturer, does!!!). All the information is very objective (descriptions, stats, and specs). For subjective reviews you will need another source. I actually find this rather appealing, because there are no reviews trying to convince me what I need—just the facts telling me what the products do.
I would give an A/A+ to B & H for their website.
Selection
Well, when it comes to photography, they appear to have EVERYTHING. I suppose if a professional photographer searches hard enough he or she will probably find something that they do not carry—but I was unable to find anything I would ever want that they did not have (and I really tried). When it comes to the world of photo and video equipment, it is doubtful that their selection can be surpassed.
Again, I think they deserve a A/A+ for their selection.
Price
Honestly, I did find a price online for about 2% less than B & H charged (although most of the prices I found were 10-35% more). If you want the cheapest price, you might be able to save a couple of bucks by going with less reputable dealer—I have heard countless horror stories from people who tried to save a couple of dollars on photo equipment online. In all of my comparisons (I have compared countless digital cameras and many photo accessories), B & H is extremely competitively priced. There are very few authorized dealers who will be able to match the prices at B & H. I doubt an honest consumer would expect their prices to be any lower.
I would give B & H an A for price.
Ease of Ordering
The ordering process on B & H is painless—it took just a few minutes on their secure server. I did not need to call to confirm my order; they did not call me to try to sell me more accessories. A couple of minutes entering the address and credit card number and the process was completed.
I definitely feel that the ordering experience deserves an A+.
Customer Service
Customer service representatives are the people you deal with when there is a problem with your order—I have never had a problem with my order, so I have never had to deal with their customer service department (I think it speaks well for them that most of their customers never need to deal with this department).
Though I have had no problems with an order that I needed resolved, I do know that B & H’s reputation for going above and beyond in their treatment of customers is exceptional. I have spoken with several people who have had to deal with their customer service department, and I have yet to hear a complaint about the way that they were treated. Before I placed my first order with them, I did do a great deal of research (I read all the reviews and I checked all the forums); I was impressed because there are very, very few companies with such a solid reputation.
Based upon their outstanding reputation in this category, I would give them an A.
Email Notification
They sent me an email notification when I ordered the camera, but there was no email when it shipped (which was supposed to include the tracking information). There was a list of ways provided in the initial email explaining how I could receive the tracking information. One of those ways, was sending a blank email with my order number—I did that but received no response. So, I had to call their 800 number, and deal with a particularly annoying automated phone system, but after 5 minutes of pressing numbers into my touchtone phone, I did receive the tracking information.
I am not sure why I did not receive email that included the tracking information like I was supposed to, but that oversight drops my grade for this category down to a C.
Delivery Time
They promised three-day business delivery, and it came just when they said. B & H shipped my merchandise in just a couple of business hours (I ordered on Monday night at Midnight; when I got the tracking information the next morning it had already been shipped). I was incredibly pleased.
I thought they did great with their speed A+.
Condition of the Merchandise
Everything was in perfect condition. I could tell that they took great care in packaging my order (it was double boxed with plenty of foam). They did not try to sell me gray market merchandise—the product was exactly as it was described.
I give them a solid A for the merchandise condition.
Final Words
My experience with B & H was virtually flawless (except for the incontinence in getting the tracking information). As a photo enthusiast who has dealt with many online retailers, I can safely say that there are not a lot of companies that I really trust—but B & H has won my respect and my business.
When deciding upon a final rating for this merchant, I struggled between giving them four or five stars. Everything about this company screams five stars, with the exception of the hassle that it took to get my tracking information. I do believe my experience was an isolated incident, so I will stick with five stars.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Canon Speedlite 420 EX
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Epinions.com ID:
sdeinhorn
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Location: New York, New York, USA
Reviews written: 44
Trusted by: 7 members
About Me:
Young tax attorney who loves electronics, computers, theology, and books.
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