Ritz Camera?

[GMNelson]

Any unbiased opinions about Ritz Camera? I'm looking at a Nikon D200 w/ lens package. NewEgg has a comparable setup for about the same $$$. NewEgg gets high ratings but I haven't seen much about Ritz.

Thanks all.

[Sintares]

http://www.bizrate.com/ratings_guide/cust_reviews__mid--21042.html

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1274.html

A lot of complaints re cancelled orders and items on backorder not being stated clearly.

[pas49ras]

Any unbiased opinions about Ritz Camera? I'm looking at a Nikon D200 w/ lens package. NewEgg has a comparable setup for about the same $$$. NewEgg gets high ratings but I haven't seen much about Ritz.


I've never used Ritz camera but have ordered many , many times from Newegg and have always been happy. I would use Fedex as the shipper other than there basic UPS shipping.

[EJEppele]

Any unbiased opinions about Ritz Camera? I'm looking at a Nikon D200 w/ lens package. NewEgg has a comparable setup for about the same $$$. NewEgg gets high ratings but I haven't seen much about Ritz.

Thanks all.

It isn't the same thing they offer online, it is better. So, if you can get the best price by walking into a Ritz Camera store, it is worth it to do that and purchase their extended warranty, which covers almost all possible mishaps and they will give you a new camera rather than having to deal with repairs, etc.

[corndog]

With any luck, I can give you an opinion on thursday.

[corndog]

Well, the D80 showed up today. I was very pleased with Ritz except for one abnormal problem. I paid for 2 business day service, and I recieved it on time. They have a nice Fedex tracking feature built into thier website, and I was able to track it from Missouri to California. Another cool thing was all the verification I had to do, it was nice to see people doing something about fraud.

The abnormal problem: My zip code had recently changed. About 30 minutes after placing my order, I recieved an email requesting me to call them. I called and spoke to someone who did not speak english very well. On top of that, she used a headset that was lousy. I had to ask her several times to go back to the handle so I could hear her. Every few minutes, she would go back to her headset again, it was quite annoying. She told me that the problem was a conflicting address. I recently had to deal with my zip code change though Paypal as well, so I was 99% sure that was the problem, yet she would not tell me specificly what the problem was. I asked for her supervisor/manager, and she said there were none available. She remained courtious the entire time, although I was obviously getting frusterated. She said she would have to call my bank to verifiy my address, and then asked me to give her the phone number(I should have given her my cell phone number and answered the phone as if I were the bank). I hung up the phone disappointed. My wife called them sneakily while I was outside, and squared everything away. I dont know what she said, but my camera made it on time.

So, the service would have been perfect, had I updated all my information ahead of time. Also, the camera was a great deal, $1099 shipped with Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED. They are having a special right now, free shipping and no tax on orders over $100.

Ive got the battery on the charger, now if I only knew how to use this thing...

[TNB]

Ive got the battery on the charger, now if I only knew how to use this thing...
That's one reason I purchased my first and only dSLR in person at the local Ritz--I could pester the heck out of them in person. :D Ritz also holds camera classes here most Saturday mornings.

[pagnamenta]

Ritz/Wolf are both good camera shops. Just so you know, they are usually a bit over priced but they will match competitor prices. You can probably get the D200 for a little over $1600. I would definately walk into the store instead of ordering online. They can answer any questions you have in the store, whereas online they can't. I would also recommend their extended warranty. I believe they offer them up to 5 years and they cover everything except fire damage and lose or stolen items.

[RichNY]

Corndog, glad to hear your transaction went so smooth.

I've decided to go with Nikon after all. Between the drop in price and added features of the D80s announced today how could anyone pass it up?

[corndog]

TNB - Do you get classes for free? If so, I wonder if I can sneak in even though I ordered online?

Rich - The D80 is probably a great camera, but you may want to consider a 30D ;)

[RichNY]

TNB - Do you get classes for free? If so, I wonder if I can sneak in even though I ordered online?

Rich - The D80 is probably a great camera, but you may want to consider a 30D ;)

Here's a link that might be helpful:
www.NikonD80-recall.com ;)

[corndog]

LOL

Evil you are!!!

[TNB]

TNB - Do you get classes for free? If so, I wonder if I can sneak in even though I ordered online?
When I purchased my camera I was provided with a small folder containing various coupons and a CD--the CD is for basic photo processing and emailing to the store for photo pick-up (though I've never used it). Some of the coupons were also for the camera classes and although I misplaced my coupons, the "classes" are also shown on the original sales receipt as a charge/no charge (cancels itself out). My guess is that they might ask you for one of the class coupons, the sales receipt, or to pay in order to attend one of the classes if they are offered in your area.

[Christian]

TNB - Do you get classes for free? If so, I wonder if I can sneak in even though I ordered online?


I didn't know any better when I started out, and I also bought at Ritz. About sneaking into the classes, chances are you'll be able to. They never asked for the little "vouchers" for the class that come in the packet when you buy in the store. Maybe start hanging around the store at different times a bit more and start asking heaps of questions, if you go to the class just act like you belong there. If they do ask, get indignant, lol.

Or, just tell them you bought it online not knowing about the classes and since you did buy it from them(bring receipt) you should be entitled to the classes.

I gave my vouchers to a friend awhile back, otherwise I'd have mailed them to you.

Good luck.

[Texan_Eagle_Scout]

Here in Phoenix, the brick and mortar stores are almost all gone. There are a few Ritz stores around though. I guess it pays to be a national chain. We were able to handle any camera my wife wanted to see (provided they had a charged battery for it). My sig lists what we eventually purchased. All in all a nice transaction.:) Nothing replaces actual in hand evaluations on this stuff. For memory cards I would recommend NEWEGG. I have purchased various things from them and I read a lot of reviews of items I am considering and their customer service is top notch.

[gmtech79]

The abnormal problem: My zip code had recently changed. About 30 minutes after placing my order, I recieved an email requesting me to call them. I called and spoke to someone who did not speak english very well. On top of that, she used a headset that was lousy. I had to ask her several times to go back to the handle so I could hear her. Every few minutes, she would go back to her headset again, it was quite annoying. She told me that the problem was a conflicting address. I recently had to deal with my zip code change though Paypal as well, so I was 99% sure that was the problem, yet she would not tell me specificly what the problem was. I asked for her supervisor/manager, and she said there were none available. She remained courtious the entire time, although I was obviously getting frusterated. She said she would have to call my bank to verifiy my address, and then asked me to give her the phone number(I should have given her my cell phone number and answered the phone as if I were the bank). I hung up the phone disappointed. My wife called them sneakily while I was outside, and squared everything away. I dont know what she said, but my camera made it on time.


I had the same thing happen to me when I ordered my D80 from Ritz, although they actually called me back and sent an email. I did not have the correct phone number for my credit card and I could hardly understand the rep that I ordered from, but after calling my credit card company I was able to get it straightened out. Had it sent using 2 day shipping and was delivered on time. I do not blame Ritz for having to call me back though, it was nice to know they have fraud protection measures in place.

[SpecialK]

I used to buy stuff from a local Ritz store years ago. However, I never bought from them on line and don't plan to.

Quantary makes nice camera cases, so that's what I recently bought from them on two occasions. And a filter and lens cleaning stuff.

I mentioned their online price was lower for the filter and the clueless salesperson said they were "not even run by the same people". I nodded and said "oh", but did not point out that the Ritz website had a store locator which listed the very store I was in :-)

To the guy who had a credit card address problem - the problem is that the authorization software compares the billing address to what the bank has on file to prevent fruad - and yours apparently had problems you alluded too.

[pagnamenta]

I have found that their prices are the most expensive around. The aren't too knowledgable about their products sometimes. They always will recommend their own brand, Quantary, even though I know it is really the worst brand around. I didn't think their sales associates were to friendly. They treated me as if I was unimportant and was expected to know everything.

The only thing useful is their photo lab. They make excellent prints, though their prices are higher and their memebership card is uesless.

[TNB]

I have found that their prices are the most expensive around. The aren't too knowledgable about their products sometimes. They always will recommend their own brand, Quantary, even though I know it is really the worst brand around. I didn't think their sales associates were to friendly. They treated me as if I was unimportant and was expected to know everything.

The only thing useful is their photo lab. They make excellent prints, though their prices are higher and their memebership card is uesless.

Since you are asserting that Ritz owns Quantary or at the very least inferring it by writing "their own brand", do you have any additional information to support it? Corporate links and information? It just appears sort of ironic to me since Nikkor is what is usually recommended to me by Ritz employees and since numerous employees I've run into shoot Nikon dSLRs as well as use Nikkor lenses--(yes, I realize you shoot Canon but would have also kept the batteries for a Nikon (based on your other posts)).

Around here, I've also seen Ritz price match other local stores. Regarding online pricing vs. store pricing, ever visit Sammy's Camera? Guess what, their online pricing is different from their inhouse pricing. In addition, Ritz Online could actually be a separate entity.

In my opinion, "most" employees have been very helpful; however, since it is a chain that stocks a vast array of product, I'm sure all of employees don't know everything and that all the stores are not run the same (especially since the turnaround may be higher at one store when compared to another). If there is a problem with a particular store or the store manager, there is also the district and regional managers that can be contacted. Consequently, have you voiced your opinion up the chain or simply preferred to post on the forums?

Myself, I've also received numerous coupons via their membership rewards program which can be used towards a latter purchase or toward prints. By the way, have you attended any of the Ritz classes? Of course, they may be too basic for you though not to basic for someone first starting out in photography.

And where did you purchase your camera equipment? I'm just wondering since I've ran into numerous people who purchase merchandise online hoping to save a few bucks, then end up in a local store seeking help--this doesn't just apply to camera equipment. As a matter of fact, one vender I know in another hobby provides so many free repairs to his customers, yet he refuses to work on certain brands and charges for repairs for merchandise purchased elsewhere. To me, this is understandable and not that far from someone else not wanting to help someone who purchases their merchandise from somewhere else and expects free help from the very same store one choose not to purchase from.

[davew]

Ritz/Wolf are both good camera shops. Just so you know, they are usually a bit over priced but they will match competitor prices. You can probably get the D200 for a little over $1600. I would definately walk into the store instead of ordering online. They can answer any questions you have in the store, whereas online they can't. I would also recommend their extended warranty. I believe they offer them up to 5 years and they cover everything except fire damage and lose or stolen items.

My local ritz stated the can and would only match a competitors price up to 50$, therefore my D50 was purchased at Circuit city as it was 64.95 Cheaper then ritz.

Ritz also will not give you a price break on a opened item like best buy or elsewhere will do they still want full retail for those said items.

So if you are really in need of something and all they have is the display model left you still have to pay full price.

[tiwiwei]

Just a small note; I called Customer Service and I was informed that RitzCamera.com and Ritz Camera Stores are two separate entities, so that might be the reason for the polarization of customer satisfaction between the store and site.

However, I still bought a camera and printer bundle from the site. I didn't get a confirmation email, except a receipt from google checkout. When I called Customer Service to ask about my order I was told when the products were shipped out so they were helpful. They're reliable in my experience though shipping took the full length of the 8 business days as they advertised.

[TNB]

Ritz also will not give you a price break on a opened item like best buy or elsewhere will do they still want full retail for those said items.
Did you read the post by one of the other members mentioning that he purchased a "new" camera at Best Buy, yet it turned out to be an open box item or at least had been opened. Then when he tried to return it, that particular store didn't have the camera in stock so he ended up at another store. My point, $hit can happen at any store. Myself, when I checked Best Buy--they didn't have the selection and I had already went through the hassle of purchasing items at stores that only sell the "base" items yet don't sell or sell very little accessories other than "perhaps" a starter kit.

[Texan_Eagle_Scout]

They just put the D-50 on sale for $50 less than I paid. The sales person said I could price match the difference. Well they said that on the phone anyway... I'll update when I have the final result. Either way we were gonna use the difference for a new bag.

Here in Phoenix, the brick and mortar stores are almost all gone. There are a few Ritz stores around though. I guess it pays to be a national chain. We were able to handle any camera my wife wanted to see (provided they had a charged battery for it). My sig lists what we eventually purchased. All in all a nice transaction.:) Nothing replaces actual in hand evaluations on this stuff. For memory cards I would recommend NEWEGG. I have purchased various things from them and I read a lot of reviews of items I am considering and their customer service is top notch.

[pagnamenta]

TBN,
I have worked for the local Wolf Camera store for roughly two months. I quit because of bad ethics. My manager wasn't a people person and she didn't understand many of their complaints.

It could just be the Wolf stores in my area, Chicago, Illinois, but I am not satisfied with the service I was provided with as a customer. People that don't know much about cameras need a lot of help when buying a camera, and as I looked at my co-workers, they weren't too friendly or knowledgeable.

Their reward program is only useful if you make a ton of prints. For the average customer, the card is useless.

I purchase all of my camera equipment online because I can usually find it cheaper. I haven't had a problem with any online e-stores.

[TNB]

Two months? Is the age correct in your profile? Do you believe that had something to do with it?

[tcadwall]

Since this seems to be a "bash or defend Ritz" thread... I might put some neutrality to it.

We have Wolf camera here in Charlotte. Wolf, Ritz, CameraWorld, and quite a few companies actually, might be "separate" but not entirely. I can say that here the experience with the store is basically not my preference. I won't say that the sales people are not knowledgeable, but they seem more sales driven, than customer oriented.... hopefully that makes sense.

We also have a few mom-n-pop photography shops. One in particular is my favorite. Not to be confused with the aforementioned CameraWorld, this one is also called Camera World. It's online site is http://cameraworldnc.com (http://cameraworldnc.com) I will plug them since I think it is to your benefit if you happen to be from this area. The focus there, from the minute you walk in to the less-than-impressive surroundings, is on the customer's needs. Yes, they can get busy, but if they happen to be busy, just be patient, and listen to what they are discussing with customers in front of you - you will likely learn something. They will get to know your needs and ensure that you get what you need, whether it is answers, or products, or accessories.

My first visit there, after quite a few stops at competitors, I knew I would buy from them. I figured that it would be worth a bit of premium in price to get this kind of service. So I was shocked when their pricing was actually LOWER than the lowest reputable online competitor. And my pricing from online retailers was not by filling up a shopping basket, but by emailing sales departments to put together a full quote for about 12+ items (better price in most cases than the shopping basket route). I have been nothing less than extremely pleased with them since.

Now, back to Wolf... I can say that their pricing was among the highest for what I was purchasing at the time. I have seen some sales ads from them that have good pricing though. I won't say I was "put - off" by them, but I was not blown away by them either. If I hadn't found my new favorite shop, or if we didn't have one in Charlotte, I might have purchased from Wolf.

One thing I didn't like at Wolf, was that warranty was brought up by them early in the discussion. While better than being sandbagged as you are checking out, the scare tactic was in place early on, that DSLR sensors are very sensitive and vulnerable to dust (true), and that a cleaning would cost $$(I think around $100) and x number of cleanings would be included with the warranty. Of course their procedure (at 3 different local stores) was to send it off for the cleaning, meaning you were without a body for a few weeks. When I mentioned cleaning to Camera World, the answer was "If Brown is here, and we aren't real busy he will do it while you wait and it costs xx" - I think it was less than $20!!!

Camera World also has used bodies, lenses, etc. as well. So if you needed something and couldn't afford top $ they might have something used in stock that would work.

[TNB]

Here, there are several mom & pop type stores. Overall, the bad thing for me is that they usually close at 6PM during the week, which means I can't get down there unless I get off of work early or unless it is a Saturday. Ritz stays open until 9PM and is also open on Sundays.

Although I haven't been to all of the small local stores, one of them seemed pleasant, knowledgeable, and have decent stock and I have made a few purchases at that store though some of the prices were more than at Ritz. That particular store also supposedly provides a small print discount to local camera club members though it doesn't appear to advertise the club or discount in the store.

Another small shop--well, if they thought you were going to spend $2K, then they would give you some attention. If they didn't, oh well. After my visit to that store, I did spend $2K elsewhere. And according to someone else I knew, that particular store preferred cash and didn't want to accept AmEx (even as advertised). That person also told me that the only reason he visits that particular store is because it is a block from where he works. There is also another store in the area, but again, it has to be a Saturday visit.

My simple point, there are probably some good stores that are well run as well as some bad stores that could be run better no matter if they are corporate, franchise, mom & pop, or online stores. Sometimes, it may also take some shopping at all of them.

[shoeytennis]

just my 2 cents
bought a 50mm f1.8 lens off ritzcamera.com 105 shipped it came in 4 days in operfect condition. no complaints from me.

[pdxmatts]

I bought a camera online for my daughter for xmas, came in three days and packaged well. No problem with the online at all. Although, I did have to call customer service about a tracking # because google check out did not provide that info to me. C/S was able to provide it with no problem.

Also, my husband returned a camera for me to the local store prior, and was not given a problem at all. Full refund, but that may be because it was never opened.

[pagnamenta]

TBN, does my age have anything to do with my experience?

[TNB]

TBN, does my age have anything to do with my experience?
I worked for Wolf over the summer, I too am a teenager.
It may not be right, buy many people have problems taking advice from a younger person whether they have more experience or not.

For example, I've met numerous national and international champion remote control car racers and helicopter pilots who started racing when they were around 4 or 5 years old. And though they had 10+ years by the time they became a world class champion, most people who didn't know them would mistakenly believe that they were just some kid who didn't need to give them advice simply because they were younger. This basically MEANS that sometimes the younger person has to prove themselves to the older person or simply walk it off. And on the flip side, some younger people don't want to listen or learn old school methods either and off course, that some old "bulls" don't necessarily have the specific experience in a particular field. Sometimes, the retail clothing business comes to mind since they probably love it since they can resell the same fashions over and over each time someone else "brings them back" into style even though others may believe the style is new when it is not.

Again, I am not asserting it is right or wrong, just simply that stereotypes and misconceptions take place in this unperfect world.

As mentioned earlier...
My simple point, there are probably some good stores that are well run as well as some bad stores that could be run better no matter if they are corporate, franchise, mom & pop, or online stores. Sometimes, it may also take some shopping at all of them.

[pagnamenta]

Fortunately I look older than I am. However, I believe that the purpose of this thread was to warn others not to buy from Ritz/Wolf if they don't want to deal with people that aren't too knowledgable sometimes and unprofessional.

[SHEILA5]

I don't have any personal experience ordering online with Ritz but I have purchased several items from Ritz at my local mall. I have always found the
staff to be very helpful. I purchased a lens with one of my cameras and wasn't happy with it, Ritz took it back with no questions.
If the price was close for the item, I would prefer to give my business to the local store instead of an online site. They need the business and you can always go there if you have a problem or for help.
Just a penny for my thoughts.

Sheila

[pagnamenta]

It seems the Wolf/Ritz in my area sucks. I was there today; way understaffed and not really all that helping and caring to the few customers it had. The number one sales associate, as he told me, was sitting cleaning his phone screen on his stomach.

[Rhys]

It seems the Wolf/Ritz in my area sucks. I was there today; way understaffed and not really all that helping and caring to the few customers it had. The number one sales associate, as he told me, was sitting cleaning his phone screen on his stomach.

Lol. Apply for a job there.

[SpacemanNX01]

Ive gotten nothing but good service and talked to nothing but a Knowledgeable staff at my local wolf camera (one of the 5 within about 2 counties of me) and they are Great! all young guys who know what they are talking about and an awsome store manager who is nothing but helpful!

[SpacemanNX01]

Ritz/Wolf are both good camera shops. Just so you know, they are usually a bit over priced but they will match competitor prices. You can probably get the D200 for a little over $1600. I would definately walk into the store instead of ordering online. They can answer any questions you have in the store, whereas online they can't. I would also recommend their extended warranty. I believe they offer them up to 5 years and they cover everything except fire damage and lose or stolen items.

They will cover fire also as long as u can bring in the serial number plate on the bottom of the camera/lens