Abe's of Maine vs. BH

[nsjuice]

Everyone speaks highly of B&H,

what about Abe's? If I remember correctly, they are up to par with Delivery and dependability right?


thanks!

[rdump]

Abe's was OK for me in the past (2-3 years ago) on a couple camera and enclosure orders. I'd use caution with them now, however.

After hearing about management/location changes, I threw them a test order for Canon batteries. The Abe's site and my receipt show Canon batteries. The invoice they included with the shipment was mysteriously switched to Sakar's replacement for the original Canon. And, as feared, the box contained the Sakar batteries.

While the Sakars claim higher power density, in my experience they've not equalled the Canon cell longevity under use. That's why I ordered the Canon batteries specifically.

When I called Abe's, the support/clerk was very polite, but exclaimed that he didn't know how the switch could have happened. I was polite in turn, and didn't bring up relative margins on the parts.

They did not offer to cover return shipping for their switched part. They would not agree to a return for a refund. They did give me an RMA for an exchange. They did ship the batteries I ordered promptly after they received the return.

In the end, the test was successful, but sadly with partly negative results.

As a resut of the test, I'll hesitate before ordering from Abe's again. I'd still consider ordering a camera from them if they have a price far below the competition, as I don't believe they'll yet remove essential parts from the package (such as charger) or substitute grey market in place of US warranty. Still, if I do order from them, I will assiduously avoid anything that might have replacement alternative parts with higher margins that can be switched on me after the order. I don't need that hassle.

B&H, Adorama, 17th Street Photo, and Helix Camera, on the other hand, have never switched parts on me, and give me no worries about essential part removal from packages or grey market substitutions. I greatly prefer them.

Hit them from an affiliate link on this site (if available) for the best support opportunity for dcresource.com.

[TheWengler]

I don't see much of a reason to buy from Abe's over B&H.

[D Thompson]

^^^^what he said^^^^

[nsjuice]

geezz..

i had such high hopes.


Money over service.

I am very anal about delivery time..


but that's even worse!!! Parts switcheroo!?!?

I'm not a very happy camper when it comes to getting Bamboozled.

Thanks guys.

[raven15]

I have never purchased from B&H because they are always more expensive. I have always had good experiences with these places: Amazon, Adorama, buydig.com/beachcamera.com (same place), 17th Street Photo, and Cameta Camera on eBay. Some times newegg, though their cameras and lenses are not cheap. As long as it's on my step in four days I'm happy, and Cameta provided very fast warranty service on a faulty factory demo I got from them.

[rdump]

It's been my recent experience (watching prices on a couple camera models) that B&H leads price reductions by a few hours, with Adorama following right on their heels. 17th Street Photo will stay a few percent higher.

[speaklightly]

You are very correct!

When Abe's of Maine made their move to their new digs in Edison, NJ, things really changed for the better. Deliveries are on time, there are no telephone jawbreaking attempts trying to sell you overpriced accessories, batteries and data cards, and things finally work right.

I now see them as very POSITIVELY changed for the better. While B&H has a huge reputation. They remain only "so-so" in terms of deliveries and real customer service.

Sarah Joyce

[henryp]

While B&H has a huge reputation. They remain only "so-so" in terms of deliveries and real customer service.

Thanks for your feedback. I think there are as many definitions for "real customer service" as there are filters in our warehouse, but I think the fact B&H is concerned enough to pay me to read and reply to this is an indication of our commitment to your satisfaction and to "real customer service."

That said, if you're in any way dissatisfied with an experience you had with B&H, we want to know.

[speaklightly]

Yes, with their move to their new "digs" in Edison, NJ, it appears that Abe's has become even more dependable and high up there with the big boys. To my mind they are every bit as depandable and honest as B&H.

So, no need to be concerned.

Happy Holidays!

Sarah Joyce

[Rhys]

Henry, I have always had good service from B&H. My only disappointment was an Impact CF card reader that I had. The pins came out in the card. Easily removed from the card but the reader was dead. I don't believe I had that many months before it disintegrated. It was dirt cheap and basically a backup reader for me. All I can suggest is that you might want to change suppliers for your CF readers.

[HelenOster]

Adorama......never switched parts on me, and give me no worries about essential part removal from packages or grey market substitutions. I greatly prefer them.

Thank you so much for your feedback on shopping from Adorama Camera, which is very much appreciated.


Reseller Ratings is frequently quoted as a source of the most honest reliable feedback available online; if you check out Adorama's feedback at http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Adorama you will see that while our current lifetime rating is only 8.3, over the past 6 months this has climbed to 9.13, reflecting the recent additional investment in customer care and service delivery.

In addition, if you ever experience or a problem or have a query with an order from Adorama Camera, you are very welcome to contact me directly: helen.oster@adoramacamera.com.

Sincerely

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

helen.oster@adoramacamera.com
www.adoramacamera.com