Hot Buys Electronics - Beware before you buy. I bought a 120-300mm Sigma lens and 2x converter from them. I began the process of the online order. Once I added it to my basket, there was a huge banner that said please call now to ensure we have your order correct. Once doing this, they say they will do it over the phone instead of online. MISTAKE!!! They took the order and charged me over $150 more than what is stated on the web and also what they quoted me. Once I called them, they said that they sent me the lens with a metal connector (???). It also came shipped with a "shipped from Japan" box. Please beware that after their modification of the price, there was little difference between them and Amazon which is a reputable company. These people bait you and then charge you what they want. Once challenged, they say there is nothing we can do about it.  

This review was modified by its author, dzq6k6, on 1/24/05 9:57 AM.

Ordered a Epson PictureMate printer. Never received a confirmation email or phone call. Called a week later to inquire about the status of the order, they said it was backordered. "Probably available in about two weeks." Great way to do business.  
 
January 21 Update: I called back to cancel the order, was put on hold. When they came back to the line, they said they just got them in stock. But not for the advertised price. It's for the new price of $199. The same price all other retailers are selling them for. There needs to be a picture of these guys next to "bait and switch" in the dictionary.

This review was modified by its author, theMonk, on 1/21/05 3:58 PM.

Very dissappointing. Website advertised the Canon Optura 40 in stock and I was told that the product was not in stock "because it had not been released yet". Its one thing to be out of stock, another to lie that a product out in the market for more than 9 months.

This review was modified by its author, fultonjf, on 1/6/05 10:27 AM.

Beware… I ordered a Sony HT-6800DP home theater system on line and was quoted $463.34 for product, shipping and handling and insurance. I also printed a copy of the invoice. Good thing I did. I received a call from my credit card co. on the next morning Sat. stating that there was suspicious activity on my account and wanted to confirm the charges. I said ok what are they. One charge for $200.00 and another charge for $300.00 even. I immediately canceled my credit card and called them early Sunday and asked them why they billed my card for the wrong amount and why they billed my account twice and told them as a result I had to cancel my credit card. They told me that I was over drawn on my account and billed smaller amounts as a curticy to me I said if that was true you would not be able to bill it at all and you have to call me back to confirm second billing by law. Try again. Then they said it did not go threw the first time. OK what about the over charge. They told me I agreed to the amount that I was quoted wrong for the shipping and I agreed to the additional shipping charges. I said cancel my order. They said that once the card has been billed that the order cannot be canceled, I could not be leave what I was hearing. I said stop shipment and pull the box out of shipment and they would not do it the told me to come down there and pull the box myself. They shipped it and form what I read form others now I will not be receiving Box at all. I have reported the company to my credit card co. and they are doing an investigation.  
 
PLEASE READ DON’T BE FOOLED  

This review was modified by its author, Smashingbuck, on 12/14/04 12:54 AM.

I ordered a Sony DVP-CX985V 400-disc DVD changer from Hotbuyselectronics.com. When I called to confirm the order, they told me that the amount their wesite charged me to ship via 2nd Day Air ($42.15) was too low -- that I would have to pay "about $60" for 2nd Day Air. I was then informed that I had purchased the "International" version of this DVD changer; for an additional $30 I could purchase the "American" version (because if it needed repairs under warranty, the "International" version would have to be shipped to Japan while the "American" version could be repaired here domestically). At this point I told them to cancel my order.

I ordered, they charged mty credit card, but never shipped the item, they gave me a fake tracking number and gave me the run around for weeks. Do not use this bad company.

Called this company in regards to a $399 camera. After calling, I was told it will be $429. I asked for Fed Ex and they said they do not ship via Fed Ex, but said they could send it via USPS. I can't receive UPS because I am not home and have no car to go to the drop off location. Anyway, they quoted me shipping of $30. After calling my credit card, I was suprised to see $20 extra dollars. When I called them on this, they denied they ever said $30 shipping. Also, they were such jerks about messing up the shipping. Luckily the cameras are new and nice...but their customer service is horrible and their ethics are questionable. I would spend the extra money next time to go to a reputable dealer. I'm done with these sketchy dealers. I am suprised I did not receive a box of rocks instead of a camera.

I ordered two Sigma Lenses from HotBuys, including UV filters, for delivery to New Zealand. After comparing prices with two well-known online retailers, I chose HotBuys for the price. I placed my order over the internet and waited. The following day received an e-mail to call and confirm order, at which point was given the whole "plastic mount/metal mount - international warranty/US warranty" pitch. This sounded a bit "dodgy" (plastic mounts on this level of lens?), but the price quoted over the phone was still cheaper than the others, so I confirmed the order, including price via UPS to NZ.  
I decided to check this web-site (hadn't heard of it until then) and was alarmed that I may be getting ripped off.  
[start PANIC mode]  
Called CC company and verified billing information - no worries there.  
However, after a week (I am not totally happy with the way UPS handled the delivery at the destination end - but it is the other side of the world!), I received EXACTLY what I ordered in PERFECT condition and the goods were VERY WELL packaged. As stated, International warranties were provided.  
[end PANIC mode]  
Whilst I do not agree with the way the goods are advertitsed on their website, I cannot complain as I had discussed the products over the phone, and had researched the prices.  
Overall I am satisfied with my products. The service was a little blunt but generally polite and helpful, and my worries after reading reviews were unfounded.  
I cannot make any comments on after sales service, but international orders are always going to be difficult, and I have my international warranty.  

This place is all around terrible. I found them, because Froogle.com has them listed as the lowest price for Pentax WR-43 digital camera. After calling them, I found out that the TRUE price was $20 higher, plus they charged a $25 shipping fee! So, they lie about their "true" prices.  
 
Ok ... after a little negotiation, they agreed to add $40 to the price, which was still $20 cheaper than Amazon.com. Despite reading bad reviews on this site, I decided to take a risk (bad idea).  
 
Well, the package wasn't shipped when they said it would be. Because of that, I didn't get it in time for my vacation. They assured me that they would overnight another one so that I have it before I leave, but that never happened (of course).  
 
So, now I am in a battle to try and get my refund from these crooks. I know I can call the credit card company, and decline the charge, but instead I am trying to give them a chance. They either won't call me back, or they tell me that Customer Service isn't there. What in the world??? I am giving them one more day, and they I call my Credit Card company.  
 
Avoid at all costs! BELIEVE the reviews on this site, these people deal in bad faith.

I purchased a Nikon Slide Scanner advertized as "brand new in retail box," and paid the price expected for a new item. What I received was not in a retail box, was not new, and was defective. I got an OK to send it back for exchange for the advertized new product. Receipt of the return was not acknowledged for several weeks. When I called I was told it was "misplaced." After a few false claims that a new one would be shipped, I finally got the exchanged item and it was another USED scanner (the previous purchaser's name was still on the documentation). I returned it and got a refund. I was promised reimbursement for my almost $80 in shipping costs, but that was not provided.  

I ordered a c5060 Olympus dig camera 6-28-04. Paid full price $480 USD. sold me used camera. scracthed on lenses, missing lens cord, battery used (Contact charges scratched) remote all scratched. These guys are BAD NEWS. 2ND CAMERA THEY SENT ME SAME CONDITION. GREY MARKET & USED PRODUCTS. STAY AWAY. BAD NEWS. 15% RESTOCKING FEE EVEN IF ITS THEIR FAULT AND U PAY RETURN POSTAGE.

The worst experience online .. No replies for order requesting.They charged Credit Cards and no tracking number after more than 1 week .Now is the time I dont get the article and no answer .  
 
Info addes June 20 2004  
I got the order incomplete . 2 items missing for USD 200.They charged my credit card full order .This is a shame.Iclaim for the missing cameras and no answer after 4 days.

This review was modified by its author, jhongne, on 6/20/04 4:29 PM.

I ordered an epson printer from them and recieved a phone call a few days later. They were asking if I wanted the ameican or international version of the printer. Their website made no distinction and didn't imply that there were diffrent versions. The salesman and I agreed on the american version. When I recieved the printer the invoice charge was diffrent than the sales reciept. I figured I would check my credit card statement when I came in just for verification. They had gone back and charged my card a second time for an additional thrity dollars. When I called them I was told that the american version was thrity more dollars. I informed them that I wasn't told this and the salesman suggested that maybe I "forgot" I was previously told. He was completely unhelpful and rude. He offered no solutions for the situation.

Took forever to ship, used passover as excuse even though I placed order a week before!  
 
Fianlly returned email 2 weeks later, said UPS lost it... finally got item nearly a month late, was promised refund of the shipping cost - they lied....  
 
NEVER do business here, they are sleazy and cheap.

I ordered a 35-70 nikon zoom on 30/03/2004 via their website. Confirmation of the order was received shortly after - I am assuming it was an automatic confirmation response. The next day I received another email requesting personal contact via the phone to ensure rapid delivery of the item.  
I made an international phone call to a member of their sales staff who informed me that the price listed on the website was for the Thailand manufactured product which is fitted with a plastic mount??!!. The sales person immediately offered to provide the "Japanese" version at a higher cost which was all metal construction. The difference in all up cost(including shipping)was to be US$580 which was US$80 more than the price stated on the website. I agreed to this and confirmed the order and paid with Visa.  
When I checked my statement my credit card had been debited US$619.95! I sent numerous emails requesting an explanation but received no response.  
On a positive note the lens arrived in two weeks,which is more than acceptable for shipping to Australia. The lens is what I ordered and I am happy with the product although it came without a warranty card of any type.  
I have since been informed that this lens is not manufactured in Thailand,is only made in Japan and all are fitted with metal mounts.  
The main gripe I have with this company is the fact that their sales people blatently lie to their customers (check other comments)to increase the final cost. Of course adding another US$40 to the agreed price negotiated on the phone leaves a bitter taste in my mouth!  
My advice would be to shop elsewhere with honest traders and pay a little extra initially, as it will cost you less all up than from hotbuyelectronics.