1/5

posted May-31-2010

"I am a full-time professional adventure photographer and videographer from the United States. I had a need to purchase a specific Canon lens (and a few other items) while staying in Canada. I picked Camera Canada because of the good things I'd heard here, and because the price was relatively reasonable for being outside of the US. My total order was around $3,000.

The web site stated that the lens I required was in stock, which turned out not the be the case. A few hours after I placed my order, I was informed that it was back-ordered, and would take another week to arrive from Canon. An inconvenience, but not a huge deal. I had several other questions regarding my order, which I sent via e-mail to their listed customer service contact address. ALL of these e-mails went unanswered. 4 days later, I received an e-mail stating that they could not process my transaction, due to not being able to verify my US credit card through their "third-party verification service" (still no response to my earlier questions). The bank account is fully funded, and I use this card for business, all around the world, every single day without any such problems. And as a businessman myself, I can appreciate the need to verify larger orders. But finding this out after 4 or 5 days of waiting is just plain wasting my time.

Since they were unable to process my order, and their customer communication was virtually non-existent, I will take my business elsewhere. I sent another e-mail asking to cancel my order (which, again, went unanswered). So, I gave in and called them to cancel. Camera Canada, if you don't like responding to e-mails, then don't advertise online customer service. I do 90% of my business online. Ignoring your online customers or giving them a lower priority is really unacceptable in this day and age. If you are a foreigner looking to purchase camera gear while staying in Canada, or are placing a larger order, you may want to look elsewhere.

Just to contrast my experience, I sent an e-mail to Broadway Camera in Vancouver, and they responded to my inquiry within seconds. I have since purchased this lens from them (using the same credit card) without any problems. The entire transaction was complete in minutes, and I was outside shooting this lens on the same day. There's something to be learned here, and hopefully Camera Canada reads this as a constructive criticism to improve their business practices."

This review was modified by frosty406 on June 01 2010 01:19:08 PM

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5/5

posted Apr-02-2008

"Amazing Store, great prices for Canada, really really fast shipping, great customer service. No complaints as all. Job Well Done!"

This review was modified by xoxox on April 14 2008 10:05:27 AM

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5/5

posted Feb-01-2008

"Very impressed overall.

I put together an order on the 3rd of October for a D40 with the kit lens and a UV filter. I got an email on the 5th that the camera shipped but that the lens was on backorder, so I sent an email back to cancel the filter as I could get one quicker in town, and the refund was applied to my card the same day.

Absolutely wonderful service."

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5/5

posted Aug-07-2007

"I have ordered products from this store on several occasions. The pricing is very competitive and service is excellent. I had to cancel an order on one time and there was no hassle. I highly recommend them to any photographer in Canada."

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5/5

posted Jan-02-2007

"Great store. Bought a Nikon D50 at a good price (better than Henry's or Blacks) + shipping. Ordered on boxing day. Arrived nicely packaged on the 29th. No problems. So far :)"

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5/5

posted Jul-10-2006

"Ordered a new Lens from them on a friday - Had it in my hands by monday noon - The price was great - beeting anyone local here in vancouver - and I paid less tax!

I know where I'll be shopping in the future for my lnens."

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4/5

posted Mar-07-2006

"Website said product was in stock, but I recieved a "item is backordered" notice. Customer service was very helpful when I called and cancelled my order immediately. I reccommend you call to make sure the product is in stock before you order; the website appears to be updated manually. Otherwise I was very pleased with my dealings."

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5/5

posted Apr-24-2005

"Great service, fantastic prices and very low shipping costs. What more can you ask for."

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5/5

posted Mar-04-2005

"I have bought virtually every piece of photo equipment that I own through this store. Service is excellent and their pricing is extremely attractive too.

The sales staff are friendly, knowledgeable and professional. "

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5/5

posted Dec-08-2004

"Excellent prices, great service over the phone. Reps are very helpful. Items are well-packed for shipping."

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