BlueStripePhoto.com

[cfreeman]

There's one lonely RR review extolling the virtues of bluestripephoto.com Has anyone else had any experience with them or do does anyone have any opinions?

[nomaxim]

Here's the rating at RR , that was posted on June 8, 2006.

They have ratings here at bizrate.com , none of which are older the May 21, 2006.

A WhoIs search shows;

Blue Stripe Photo
abraham73@aol.com
1090 King Georges Post Rd
Ste 307
Edison, NJ 08837
US
Phone: 732-738-7387
Fax: 732-661-1095
Updated Date: 22-mar-2006
Creation Date: 31-jan-2006
Expiration Date: 31-jan-2009

The phone number comes back to;

Photo Distribution Company
EDISON, NJ 08863

EDIT: this Zip Code is for Fords, NJ. ( I know picky ,picky. )

The bbb.org , has no listing for them. Either 'Blue Stripe Photo' or the 'Photo Distribution Company'.

And the bluestripephoto.com site claims;

Among the earliest to sell consumer electronics online, Blue Stripe Photo has been around for more than 10 years.

and at the bottom;

Copyright © 2003 Blue Stripe Photo

I would recommand caution if you choose to use them. It's not unknown for compinies to post fake reviews, and I don't know what safe guards Bizrate has in place against that.
They take Credit Cards, so if you give them a try I would us a CC only (do not use a debit card). That way you are protected against any fraud.

EDIT:
I also found a rating for them at pricescan.com and some comments at http://forums.dpreview.com.

[robertdenninger]

I made a order with bluestripephoto , some lenses and a flash , got them on time and a good price , will use them again for sure

[cfreeman]

Thanks to nomaxim for the research. I did in fact read through all the Bizrate reviews and the discussion thread at dpreview.com before I posted here. However, I agree with you in that I never know how much to trust Bizrate reviews since it's not clear to me that the reviews are screened in any fashion to be genuine and not just fake reviews from the retailer. In any case your response provides a good template for an approach to begin to investigate a new retailer. I think it would be handy if it were made generic and made sticky on this forum.

In any event, I took a chance and ordered a camcorder from BlueStripePhoto (using an Amex card - Amex is very protective of their cardholders). They responded with a "shipped" notice within 24 hours and there were no calls to try and upsell or "confirm my details" or anything like that. I haven't received the camcorder yet but once I do I will post a review.

[cfreeman]

Well, I got my camcorder very quickly in good order and subsequently posted a review: http://www.resellerratings.com/selle...eller_id=13436

[champzz]

Thanks for the previous postings here - helped me convince that this seller was indeed genuine. Here is my transaction history.

1. Placed the order Sunday 7/9/06. Here is the email from BlueStripe.
---------------------------------
PLEASE NOTE: Since in most instances we begin processing your order shortly after you submit it on our website, If any changes are necessary you MUST contact us via PHONE ONLY, at 1-800-849-1533
Date Shipping Method Status Order Number
Sunday 09 July, 2006 Shipping Method (3-Day Air) New Order XXXXXX
Qty Price Total
Sony DCR-DVD405 DVD Handycam® Camcorder 1
---------------------------------
2. Received a Shipped Notice the next day ( 7/10/06 )
---------------------------------
Please print and save a copy for reference Thank you for your order.
Your order is now shipped. UPS Tracking #XXXXXXXX
PLEASE NOTE: The UPS Tracking number becomes active usually at end of day. To track your shipment please visit the UPS Website
---------------------------------
3. I used the tracking number which was sent in email at the UPS website, but it didn't have anything with this number. So I called the BlueStripePhoto customer support and they explained to me that it might take few hours for the UPS website to update thier databases. The support person I talked to was quite knowledgeable and friendly ( totally unlike the horror stories I heard about other online sellers )

4. So after few hours, I did see it show up on the UPS website
---------------------------------
Tracking Number Status Delivery Information
1. XXXXX
In Transit -
On Time
Sched. Delivery: 07/13/2006
Service Type: 3 DAY SELECT
---------------------------------

I will update you with the final post on 7/13 after I receive my shipment. I am quite happy with the purchase so far.

[champzz]

I just received my package just a few minutes ago, everything looks great. I would use BSP in the future as well. Just wanted to see if UPS Tracker's status got updated and to my surprise, it did, within 5 minutes after I picked up the package.
--------------------------------
1. 1Z 00Y 96A 12 5844 XXXX
Delivered on: 07/13/2006
11:45 A.M.
Delivered to: US
Service Type: 3 DAY SELECT
-------------------------------

[shelant]

Hi everybody.
I just placed my order this afternoon and... I already got an e-mail that it was shipped with UPS tracking N and so on. It's 8.30 now!!!
Hopefully it will come soon and I can check if everything i ordered is correct ( Nikon D80 w/1 year US warranty and nikon flash SB-800 w/1 year US warranty as well..
I will keep you posted...
PS crossing my fingers

[shelant]

I got my package. Everything is fine besides warranty for camera!!! It doesn't have the attached warranty form only accessories product registration (which came with flash too). I called to customer service and asked - where is my warranty, they sais - you dont need this form , just call nikon. I asked them to resend me this warranty form and they said they will put it in the mail today. Will see what is gonna happend

[nomaxim]

Just an Update.
This company now has a BBB Report.

Original Business
Start Date: 2/14/2005
Type of Entity: corporation
Principal: Edward Evenhouse, Manager
Local Phone Number: (800) 849-1533
Fax Number: (732) 661-1094
Membership Status: This company is a member.
Date Joined BBB: 6/27/2006
TOB Classification: Electronic Equipment & Supplies-Dealers
Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record with the Bureau.