Adorama Strikes Again

Well I have never bought from them, sorry to hear this nightmare of a story, I do hope it works out. I have purchased from B&H and they are from NYC and quite reliable. Even when they have to ship up to Canada.

 

On the other hand

I called B&H yesterday (about 12 noon EDT) to place an order for a few things. The sales person promised me that they would make every effort so that the shipping department ships out the packages by Tuesday but they can't promise because they don't guarantee shipping date for anything other than next day delivery. Net-net, with "3 day select" shipping, I would likely get my stuff by Friday - though he couldn't promise. Having bought from them scores of times, I was confident, I would get it by Friday.

But B&H surprised me by shipping out Monday itself. So, now I will get the shipment on Thursday instead of Friday. Well, I won't complain .

 

B&H > Adorama

 

Sorry to hear that. Adorama used to have a great reputation, right up there with B&H. But they've really declined in recent years. I've found that they're just not as reliable as B&H.

 

Michael,

I believe this is more an indication of the extent that Adorama and B&H go to to prevent credit card fraud. I've had to wait for orders from B&H in the past due to verification even though I've been a customer since 1989. They both have a variety of items that will raise a verification flag including amount of the order, length of relationship. Their automatic verification principally relies on a land-line phone number traceable to the billing address. In the past, you had to call them back from your home phone that would show up on their caller id as the billing phone number to validate the order. Cumbersome.

It is unfortunate that they didn't explain it thoroughly enough (i.e. the phone number needed to be a land-line) when you placed the order, but that's the difference between the Sales department and Customer Service. I don't think you would have had any different experience at B&H, if that's any consolation.

Good Luck,
Joe

 

The fundamental difference is that B&H sales reps are more realistic and set expectations properly so that they can beat expectation. Secondly, their sales department does follow up with the customer service department for specially requested fulfillment orders so that they can operate in tandem as opposed to sales and customer service working in an isolated fashion.

 

michaelnel,

Sorry for your experience with Adorama. I've purchased from them several times and have never had anything but exemplary service, both on-line and through the telephone. I'd venture to say this is just one of those things which is going to happen when humans are involved.

 

I think one guy in Adorama is driving everyone nuts.

One young talent nature photographer from India had a bad experience with him as well.

 

I've never had a bad experience with Adorama. I did have to wait for verification of my order the first time I made a purchase there. When I called to ask why, they pretty much told me if I had never ordered from them before it was policy to verify. Haven't had it happen since. I feel your pain though, been there......

 

I am so sorry to hear that anyone experiences a situation such as this, but we all have to remember that nothing positive can be solved within these forums. Pick up the telephone or send an e-mail to their customer service department, then you may realize some sort of satisfaction. Unfortunately, posting the details surrounding this circumstance here gets us nowhere and only sets us up for public bashing of a business.

 

      That is amazing that one person could be found that many times with those types of complaints!

 

Frank,
You are absolutely right. From business owners perspective, there are some frauds whom make the rest suffer.
I recently sold an expensive lens in eBay. The buyer wanted me to overnight it. I overnighted it using UPS within an hour of receiving payment. But within two days, I received a Paypal dispute about non-shipment. I could track the Delivery conf. and provided to Paypal. They ruled it in my favor but my money was held for five days.

May be Adorama have faced these type of crooks and they are doing verification for first time orders. This is just an assumption. But I register your point here. We need to be fair to the business as well.

Personally, I had no problem in dealing with Adorama so far.

 

I've ordered from Adorama a number of times w/o a problem. Their service has always been first class.

Order verifications on first orders is a rather common practice. Its a shame that they weren't clear about that with you during your discussions. Were the people you talked with aware that it was your first order with them?

If I need something fast I will usually shop locally as opposed to having an item shipped. Even if the seller gets it out immediately there's always the chance that the shipping company will delay your item.

 

This is explicitly untrue. I recall fussing on this forum about a problem with the Kiesel camera bag company. I soon received an email from the owner offering to set the matter straight. He did and followed up to see that I was pleased with the transaction. So, it is possible to accomplish something positive within these forums.

Posting these details also warns others about the problem. They are then free to decide how or whether to proceed with a possible order. Personally, I appreciate this type of warning about service issues.

Your mileage may vary . . . :smile:

Ralph

 

+1

They are looking out for the safety of the transaction. I know B&H does the same thing.

 

I personally believe the pattern /profile of the transaction (quick express overnight delivery, high value) flagged their internal people and thought they had to be extra careful. Who knows...

 

Yes, but I believe B&H will ask you straight up front for credit card and indentification verification. It worked out smooth for me and once they have my particulars in their system, it's has been all but smooth for me. I'm pretty pleased except that I notice USPS EMS international shipping this year has increased tremendously.