Things Not To Do In Brooklyn: Shopping (for Cameras)
I happen to be a budding pseudophotographer. The other day, I was reading Ken Rockwell’s great site on photography. His site, in addition to having great tips on how to take shots, provides some advice on what gear to buy and where to buy it. I came across the following line:
BAD PLACES
Bad dealers tend to be located in Brooklyn, NY (area code (718) for customer service, at your expense). The good NY dealers tend to be in Manhattan. I have no idea why.
…
A reader writes that he got scammed by CCI Camera City dba Royal Camera and Video. He thought he bought a D70 for a great price, only $749 (usually $900). After placing his order he got a call from them asking if he wanted the charger and battery along with it, since the camera “didn’t include them.” They hit him up for another $200, since of course the D70 is useless without the dedicated battery and charger. OF COURSE the D70 comes with those, and this way he wound up paying more than he would have just by buying from a legitimate dealer in the first place. This reader is now busy reporting this to the appropriate attorney generals. This practice isn’t necessarily illegal, just deceptive. If this happens to you just call your bank, cancel the credit card charge, return the item, notify the manufacturer and tell everyone you know about the shifty antics. Then buy it again from a legitimate dealer. Here’s a whole page about Royal Camera on RipoffReport.com. I don’t make this stuff up.
In any case, it has become common knowledge that all or nearly all Brooklyn camera dealers are bait and switch crooks. Today, ConsumerAffairs.com published an article that reported that Brooklyn camera stores generate complaints nationwide. The article refers to the site WawaDigital.com and StargatePhoto.com, both based in Brooklyn as is CCI Camera. Most people in the know about camera shopping or about Brooklyn seem to acquiesce in this fact, but it has always confused me: why hasn’t anyone done anything about it?
Not only do these Brooklyn dealers employ bait and switch tactics, they are rude, sneaky, and sometimes threaten bodily harm. And how is this for customer service:
Brown admitted that they do hang up on customers because, “These customers call us and they don’t shut up about their problems.”
That these stores thrive in Brooklyn is a testament to the apathy of Brooklyn law-enforcement. This is not a new phenomenon, it has been going on for YEARS.
Brooklyn Sucks invites your comments, horror stories, and links to more of these scam-artist camera shops. I will list the places NOT TO SHOP below, but not link them lest some hapless newbie click and be directed to those deplorable shops.
Where NOT to Buy Cameras or Camera Equipment (list will be updated regularly):
Wawadigital.com
StargatePhoto.com
CCIcameracity.com
Royal Photo Camera
Ok, so where do I buy Cameras and Camera Equipment?
Definitely read Ken Rockwell’s article on the subject.
Caneras at Amazon is where I bought mine.
B&H Photo Video is another great MANHATTAN retailer. Very reputable, perhaps the best.
Buy.com is another reputable place to buy cameras.
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