Will mail order companies screw me?

[fizbin]

I am really close to buying a Canon 20D from a mail order company. Beach Camera, ShopDigitalOnline, or BuyDig.com .. Does anyone have any thoughts on purchasing from an online company in the first place, and secondly from any of these three vendors.

The negative reviews from all the vendors seemed to revolve around having a visa charged even though the items were out of stock, being shipped used equipment, or rude salesman. The first issue is kind of bad, Amazon, B&N, Buy.com all the big guys never charge you until an item ships. I of course can always have the item charged back if I use a real visa or MC. Merchants hate this, as it is a hugely powerful tool (never use a debit card) . The second issue, used equipment, once again the charge back tool would satisfy this again, but how prevalent is this used equipment issue. Lastly, Rude salesman, most of these salesman are in NJ, NY, MASS, this is the best they can be coming from those states!

[Rhys]

I am really close to buying a Canon 20D from a mail order company. Beach Camera, ShopDigitalOnline, or BuyDig.com .. Does anyone have any thoughts on purchasing from an online company in the first place, and secondly from any of these three vendors.

The negative reviews from all the vendors seemed to revolve around having a visa charged even though the items were out of stock, being shipped used equipment, or rude salesman. The first issue is kind of bad, Amazon, B&N, Buy.com all the big guys never charge you until an item ships. I of course can always have the item charged back if I use a real visa or MC. Merchants hate this, as it is a hugely powerful tool (never use a debit card) . The second issue, used equipment, once again the charge back tool would satisfy this again, but how prevalent is this used equipment issue. Lastly, Rude salesman, most of these salesman are in NJ, NY, MASS, this is the best they can be coming from those states!

Amazon charged my CC a month before they shipped my book, some years ago and haven't changed for the better since. It took 3 complaints to Amazon before they finally produced my book. I have many bad experiences of Amazon and no good experiences. Personally, I refuse to buy anything online. If I can't pay cash for it then I don't want it. If I can pay cash then I make a thorough inspection before hand and buy it on my cedit card - just in case I missed something.

[Kenyada]

It's quite possible to get "screwed" standing at the cash register of a bad retailer. I've used mail order to purchase stereo stuff long before there was an Intenet. And in those days, it was tougher to do the research. Those who get burned are usually those who are looking for too much of a "deal." Check with competitors of the place you choose. On the Internet, you can use Pricegrabber.com for find great price comparisons, and they will back you up against fraud. I've used Beach Camera. I'm not sure, but I think they're owned by another reliable company.

I have never dealt with a retailer - online, mail order or in person - that hasn't had a few disgruntled customers. The difference is in how they choose to handle the complaint. Lately I've dealt exclusively with B&H Photo, because I feel more confident in them from the beginning of the transaction to the end, when I receive the item. I see it this way: If I have to worry about a purchase, then perhaps I need to shop somewhere else.

As for rude salespeople... I've never spoken to an online salesperson, only the robotic programs that take my order. They are always mannerable, informative and professional... and some of them, no doubt are from NJ, NY and Mass

[Fred]

FWIW, BuyDig and Beach Camera are sister companies. I can tell you that I have purchased a number of things from Beach over the years with no problems at all. Before you try any online retailer, check their ratings at resellerratings to see how they compare to others.

[skipper]

Tried to buy from bestpricecamera.com, they are theives. They will tell you the camera you ordered doesn't come with a battery or charger, then try to sell you one seperately. Then if they can't con you in buying something you don't need, they say the item will be shipped in 4 to 6 weeks.
Have had good luck with butterflyphoto.com and beachcamera.com

[eastbluffs]

A big chain like Ritz, Costco, or Best Buy makes me feel secure that they have policies to prevent such problems. However; I've never bought something from Fry's that didn't break later (seems like). And I've wondered if the D20 I got from Ritz was a return from someone else.

I've now determined to never buy delicate stuff from somewhere with too good a return policy. Nothing like a 15% restock fee to cut down on the used goods, as long as they don't sell gray market stuff.

Oh, heard bad things about Beach, very good things about BH Photo and it seems to be where most people get their stuff. Also; they passed on their volume savings on a MACK warranty that other on-line retailers wanted double for - and don't seem to bait-and-switch by overcharging for accessories or making bogus next day calls. I got a lense from Norman Camera (15% restock fee place) and had a very good experience (and lense).

If Kenyada says he/she never talks to on-line retailers, then he hasn't chosen the ones with tactics to always make the bogus call next day.

A friend shops at "Canoga Camera" because its 10 miles from him and loves it. Nice neighborhood store. They have a great online store.

[fizbin]

Well thanks for all the input. I did not know that the buydig and Beach were the same or I would have made my purchase at buydig as they were $40 less. Anyway, I puchased from beach late Friday night and received my camera on Tuesday! New box for the lens and camera. Smells and looks new, never opened so I feel real good about it. No one called trying to sell me anything else. I puchased the 1gig lexar from buy.com as they had a lower price and a 10% online coupon as well.

Thanks for everyone's feedback