excellent product, service, and follow-up. Would highly recommend FotoConnection and use them for further purchases

I ordered the Canon A590 IS from Fotoconnection.com for a great price. I was able to get rechargable batteries, a case, cleaning kit, memory card and 3-year warranty included with the camera for under $200.  
 
I didn't start reading the reviews for this company until after I placed my order. Some of the reviews made me think twice about if I should cancel my order or not. I figured I would take the risk since I could not find the camera in stock anywhere else.  
 
I received the order about 6 days after I had initially placed the order online - not a big deal for me. My order arrived with all the included pieces. However, some of the accessories included in the package are not the best quality nor were they what was listed online.  
 
First, I noticed online the package stated that a leather camera bag. That is NOT what I received. I received a regular digital camera pouch. However, for me this was not a big deal since I prefer a small pouch.  
 
Second,it lists that a FULL SIZE TRIPOD is included in the package. What did I receive? A small 6 inch tall tripod -- now that is not full size. I am upset about this because I would like what I paid for. What was listed on the invoice that arrived with the package was a "Digital Concept Digital Camera/Camcorder Tripod" but on my CCA it lists "1 x Full Size Lightweight Tripod with 3 Fluid-Head and Quick Release" -- THESE ARE NOT THE SAME ITEMS.  
 
I emailed them regarding this issue and have yet to wait for a response. I hope this company does not retaliate by charging different things on my credit card for replacing the incorrect item being sent.  
 
I am aware and have read numerous reviews about suspicious credit card charges after placing orders through Fotoconnection.com. I will be looking out for suspicious charges to appear on my account.  
 
I hope I didn't take too much of a risk.  
 
**UPDATE:  
Calvin Bittman responded to my email by contacting me on the phone. He apologized for the mix and stated he would be sending out the correct item a.s.a.p.  
 
I verified that I would not be charged any more for have this item shipped to me and he stated no.  
 
I received the package today and the item is more than I expected! I'm very pleased with my purchase now.

This review was modified by its author, consumer14, on 6/18/09 10:35 PM.

I have had trouble getting the order processed until I filled a poor rating here and got a call the next day and have talked to Mr. Bitman. The order was processed right away and quickly received. I received what I ordered. Make sure you research what you are buying and don't let the salesman change your mind without double checking.

This review was modified by its author, doc7eagle, on 6/11/09 9:12 PM.

UPDATE:  
I called the next day to cancel the order, but it seems that after initial placement they're much harder to get a hold of. Finally when someone answered, I was told only the Customer Service Department cancels orders and would have to call back when they were open, which was Monday. Between this time, and talking to CS, I received an e-mail with an offer of free items as long as I didn't cancel the order coupled with numerous phone calls to the same effect. Finally, I got through on Monday and to avoid any hassle or further attempts at keeping my business, gave the reason as I didn't want the camera anymore.  
 
Crisis averted.  
 
Somewhat...  
 
___________________________________________________________  
 
Absolutely horrified. I just bought the Olympus Evolt E-510 yesterday.  
 
I shopped around for this camera for hours. It was a gift to me from my family at graduation that was stolen from me two months after. I've finally decided to go ahead and buy it again.  
 
This site by far looked to be the best deal. Free shipping and handling in addition to the lowest price. However, the next morning I got two e-mails asking me to call so that my order can be shipped. Are you holding it for ransom?  
 
Very strange...  
 
I called, Louis, "my representative" never answered. I called multiple times in the morning. And again in the afternoon. None of the times did he answer. I spoke with an "Adam" who tried to bait me into buying a battery since 'the one that comes with the camera only lasts 30min.' I've had this camera before. I know it lasts longer than that.  
 
Unless you're scamming me.  
 
Not only that, I received a duplicate of the e-mail, with different order numbers. No sales person I spoke with thought that was strange either.  
 
The items included also doesn't list the manufacturer's warranty that I got with my first camera.  
 
My account still hasn't been charged but I'm nervous my information as well has been compromised.  
 
I'm calling to cancel my order ASAP.  
 
It's worth the extra $20 not to be wrangled in by these con artists.

This review was modified by its author, nmhicks, on 5/18/09 11:37 PM.

Ordered the new PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-ZS3A. Before placing the order I called to verify that they have the camera in stock and was toled it is.  
Since I placed the order and didn't get the tracking number I called several times talked to their support (after a long wait on hold) and was told the camera was already shipped but they couldn't give me the tracking number.  
When I decided to call again yesterday May 7th and asked to cancel the order I was told they don't have the camera in stock! Just a reminder I was already toled it was shipped. But not to worry - they should have it in stock by Monday May 11th. Interestingly enough if you check their web site today May 8th you will see that the camera is in stock.  
To summarize - very unreliable!!!  
As of yet (May 8th) I have not received the camera instead I received a bunch of excuses and stories.

BIG TIME BAIT AND SWITCH!!! I have ordered at least five digital still or movie cameras from online companies over the past ten years with not a bit of trouble... then I ordered from Fotoconnection. Big mistake!! I ordered a Nikon Coolpix S630 from their website for $239 - a great price. The next day I received an email telling me I needed to call an 800 number and confirm my order with someone named Mark. I thought this was strange but made the call anyway. Mark warned me that my package from Nikon would not be shipped with the regular battery, but with a "trial" battery that would last only 30 minutes. Although I had never heard of such a thing, he claimed that this was normal procedure and helped them keep the price low. He suggested that I buy an extended-life battery for an additional $30. I initially agreed, thinking that I could use the "trial" battery as a back-up. But Mark then told me that I would only receive one battery, not both. I asked him why this "trial" battery business was not mentioned on the website and he said it was in the fine print, which I couldn't find. I told him this was classic bait and switch and cancelled my order. By the way, I HATE to type. I really have to feel strongly about something to type more than two sentences.  
Deal with Fotoconnection at your own risk!!

Update- The camera I ordered was not as advertised. It was supposed to be a brand new factory sealed Nikon D300 camera, but what they shipped appeared to be a rebuilt model in a scared plastic bag, and stuffed in a blank white box. After many calls to customer service and getting put on hold and re-directed to the so called proper person to deal with this issue, they finally told me they could not supply me with a new factory sealed model as advertised, so they then tried to have me accept the order as is, and they would throw in an extended warranty. I declined and after way to much time they offered me a full refund. At my expense, I sent it back on 4/29 for a full refund. Here it is-Three weeks later I'm still waiting for my refund ($2,199.00). I just called my credit card company to file a complaint. I hope they can get this straitened out!!  
 
Original Review: Today I ordered a Nikon D300 camera package from FotoConnection.com. When I called to confirm the order I received assistance from a phone representative in about 5 minutes- that seems acceptable. I did however get pressure from him to buy an additional battery, which I broke down and bought it thinking I will probably need one- I don't mind kicking in for an extra battery when I believe I'm getting a very good deal on the overall camera package. That being said, I'm a little worried now after reading some of the reviews here. I hope I'm getting a brand new factory sealed USA model camera, that is fully functional and not damaged (all this was confirmed to be the case by the phone representative). I should be receiving shipment in a couple of days and I'll follow up with a complete review.

This review was modified by its author, Rwolfski, on 5/19/09 3:41 PM.

Not Recommended. Really put the Con in FotoConnection. I placed an online order on April 10 where the shipping Cost for my item was listed as $99.00 I received an email reply that my order was acknowledged but not necessarily accepted etc. A few days later I received an email instructing me to call "John" to confirm my order. This turned out to be less a confirmation and more of a Sales call to try and get me to purchase more upgrades. I did at this time purchase upgraded "Truck" shipping with insurance. Several days went by and my item still did not ship and by now it has been way beyond the stated shipping window. I contacted FotoConnection to inquire as to why my purchase had not been shipped and I was told that they can not ship my item for the $99.00 shipping because of the size. Regardless of the stated shipping cost posted on my item on the website. I was told that I must upgrade to "truck" shipping before they would ship my purchase. I mentioned that I had already made that upgrade with "John" and after a few minutes of dead silence on the line they finally told me that they refuse to ship my item unless I pay an additional $150.00. I then cancelled my order. What a waste of time.

AVOID THIS GROUP OF SCAM ARTISTS! This is not a legitimate store. Do not purchase anything from these people. I wish I'd found these reviews before I got suckered. I'll make sure to share what I've now learned far and wide.  
 
I ordered an "in stock" camera from them on April 12th. The website claims, "Any orders placed before 2pm on April 14th will be processed the same day." (They were closed for 2 days for either a mid-week holiday or a FBI raid.)  
 
On the 17th, five days later, I get a pushy phone call from "***" trying to upsell anything he could think of. He lied and said that the battery for this camera was "special" and that I needed to buy one for $150 or the camera would not work. Of course, this was a total lie -- this camera uses the exact same battery (EN-EL3e) as all of Nikon's prosumer models. He finally gave up when I told him I already owned this camera model and extra batteries.  
 
Then he repeats his verbal attack with extended warranties and with lenses. I outlasted him through sheer stubbornness, and he finally gave up and said my order would ship out that day. You guessed it -- another lie.  
 
This "store" has a 3.5 lifetime rating. Real camera stores have a 9+ lifetime rating, even though their prices are higher. Tell everyone you know -- I intend to.  
 
UPDATE. As expected, they called again to try and get me to change their rating. At least they were courteous this time. Offered up even more false battery information, then offered me a free battery. I said no thanks, cancel the order. Offered free shipping. No thanks, cancel the order. Called back two minutes later and offered free 3-year warranty. No thanks, cancel the order. They finally agreed to cancel the order, and I called AMEX and cancelled my credit card.  
 
No way to know for sure, but I suspect that this "company" does not have many of the items they offer for sale. When you place an order, they appear to make their money by selling batteries and warranties, or bait-and-switch to used and off-brand stuff. Then they'll send the wrong item, or a refurbished item when you ordered new. If you can't get them to correct or cancel the order, they'll hit you with a restocking fee. Sort of like two people playing a game together but by two different sets of rules. You can't win, so don't even play.  

This review was modified by its author, Just Say No Foto, on 4/21/09 5:31 PM.

Ordered a Canon camera lens at a great price on February 27th, 2009.  
 
Two days later I got an email from John at fotoconnection.com asking that I contact them:  
"Thank you for your order. In order to promptly process your order, please call me john at, 800-457-0889 Ext. XXXX. to confirm your order information, in order to ensure prompt delivery of your order."  
 
I called John and he told me that UPS/FedEx could not leave the package on my doorstep as I requested. Someone would need to sign for it.  
 
Well, that sounds fine. It was an expensive camera lens. But, John failed to mention anything about the lens being out of stock/back ordered. He did, however, try to upsell me a warranty and a lens filter - just being a good salesman, right?  
 
So, about 8 to 10 days go by and I still have not seen the lens. I call and am informed that the lens is back ordered and will ship in one to two weeks. Good thing I don't need it right away!  
 
I called on April first to check on status and was told that "we received an email at 6:00 am this morning stating that the manufacturer is no longer able to supply us with this lens".  
 
So, I wait 33 days to be told that they can't ship it - great.

Camera did not arrive with package, was said to be in stock,it is his birthday present, waiting on a dropped ship order for the olympus sp590 camera?????  
It has arrived as per order

This review was modified by its author, deva, on 4/2/09 5:32 PM.

(Update on 4/1/2009)  
Calvin which is one of the managers called me on 3/27 the next day after submitting my previous review. He apologized about what happened to my orders. He said the items not being in stock were handled from people somewhere else, so that it is hard to keep track on availability. He said it will be updated soon. I don't think so. It's been couple days, and they don't show the red z5fd any more, but now they have silver and brown color with higher prices. I bet they have these in stock. Calvin also asked me if he could offer me another model which was z100fd with $10 lower price than on their website, so that I would have to pay a little more. I didn't want that as it looks exactly like what 'bait and switch' is. Then he offered me a free $45 'high memory card' (whatever that is, SD, XD?) for free, which probably worth $5 anyways. Of course I declined his free offer. It seemed Calvin was trying his best to make up for by complaints though, so I will increase my initial reseller rating from 1 to 2. I still wouldn't recommend this store to anyone because the bait & switch. It's totally not worth the hassle.  
 
 
---------------------------------  
(below is my original review I submitted)  
The positive reviewers are probably working for this company. 3/22/2009, I ordered finepix z5fd (refurbished) at $65 including free shipping. Because this camera is refurbished and the model has been out for at least 3 years I thought the price sounded right. 3/25/2009, they sent me an email to call Tom. Who the fuck is Tom? I didn't call, but after one or two hours, they called me. They were trying to sell memory cards / extra batteries for overpriced joke. I declined any of those, and the sales person said ok and that my order will be shipped. 3/26/2009 7AM, I usually wake up at 8AM by the way, I got a freaking phone call from them telling me that they don't have the camera, and asked me if I wanted to get a z10fd instead. I said no and told them to just cancel the order and the rep said it'll be canceled. STAY AWAY FROM FOTOCONNECTION.COM THEY WILL NEVER CHANGE.

This review was modified by its author, hp79, on 4/2/09 1:25 AM.

Never in my LIFE have I had someone be so rude to me, let alone someone who should be trying to keep my business!  
 
After placing an order for the Canon XSi tonight, I went online and googled fotoconnection to check on the status of my order. Only then did I see all the websites warning against using this seller. As I read review after review, I decided that it wasn't worth the risk to wait out my order.  
 
I called to cancel, and was yelled at and treated with so much disrespect that I am left flabbergasted. At one point the man I was speaking with (Tom) actually said to me "Don't try to play games with us, little girl. We invented the games." When I spoke with the "manager" and complained about the sales rep being rude to me, he said "That's his job." I asked, dumbfounded, "It's his job to be rude to me??" He said, "It's his job to keep your money." I am SHOCKED by the nerve and attitude of these people.  
 
They said they are going to recharge me a 15% restocking fee, which is ridiculous...as restocking fees usually only apply to merchandise that has been shipped and opened. Obviously, my product was never shipped--no restocking is taking place. Infuriating. Do NOT do business with this company!!

INITIALLY I WAS THRILLED TO BE BUYING A DIGITAL CAMERA FOR SUCH A GOOD PRICE. THEN... I PLACED THE ORDER WITH NO PROBLEM AND WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE SO CALLED BILLING DEPARTMENT AND GAVE THEM MY CREDIT CARD INFORMATION. I ASKED FOR AN ORDER NUMBER OR CONFIMATION NUMBER AND THE GIRL SAID "I DONT KNOW WHAT GREG TOLD YOU BUT HE JUST TOLD ME TO GET YOUR INFORMATION" SO I ASKED HER WAS MY CREDIT CARD INFORMATION JUST GOING TO BE FLOATING AROUND THEIR COMPANY AND SHE SAID NO. SO I ASKED HER WHAT KIND OF COMPANY WAS THIS AND SHE STARTED STUTTERING AND TOLD ME THEY WOULD CONTACT ME. BY THIS TIME IM TRIPPIN BECAUSE THEY ALREADY GOT MY CREDIT CARD NUMBERS. LATER SOMEONE CALLED ME BACK AND SAID THEY WOULD SEND ME A CONFIMATION EMAIL WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED. WHEN I CALLED TO FIND OUT THE ORDER NUMBER, I GOT IT BUT WASNT ABLE TO SEE MY ORDER. SO I CALLED BACK TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WAS EVERYTHING AND THEY TOLD ME MY ORDER HAD BEEN SHIPPED. I SENT AN EMAIL AND ASKED THEM FOR THE TRACKING NUMBER AND CONFIRMATION NUMBER AND NO RESPONSE. WHEN I CALLED FOR THE TRACKING NUMBER THEY GAVE ME THE WRONG TRACKING NUMBER FOR MY ORDER. I CALLED BACK AND FINALLY GOT THE RIGHT TRACKING NUMBER. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I GOT MY CAMERA AND IT WAS CHEAP GENERIC LOOKING . WHEN I TURN IT ON IT MAKES A NOISE LIKE WHEN YOUR TV IS ON. BUT ALL IN ALL IT DOES WHAT I NEED IT TO DO. IT WORKS FOR ME. THE PROFESSIONALISM OF THEIR STAFF WAS JUST PLAIN AWFUL.I TOLD THE GUY WHO I SPOKE WITH LAST THAT I HAD BEEN REVIEWING THEIR RATINGS AND TOLD HIM THAT SO FAR I HAD HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HE ASKED ME HOW BECAUSE I HAVENT RECEIVED THE PRODUCT YET. THAT WASNT APPROPRIATE TO SAY, I WOULD HAVE APOLOGISED FOR THE MISHAPS AND ASSURED THE CUSTOMER THAT THEY WOULD BE HAPPY WITH MY PRODUCT. AND NO I WOULD NOT RECCOMMEND FOTOCONNECTION TO MY RELATIVES AND FRIENDS, OR TO MY WORST ENEMY FOR THAT MATTER!!!!!!

Great Customer Service and the products to match! I ordered a Fuji Digital Camera and in 2 business days I got it! They included a free starter kit, I had to pay the shipping, but it was worth it. They forgot to pack the lens cap, but I called and only waited a couple of minutes to speak to a service representative, and within another two minutes the problem wasn't a problem at all because they shipped it out. I don't ever review products or companies, but I felt that I had to because I wanted to let people know that there is a company out there who trains their sales associates and customer service representatives to treat their customers with respect and to actually provide help. That company is FotoConnection, Thank You FotoConnection!