1/5

posted Jan-26-2007

"I am not sure where the positive reviews come from but it looks more like "self-promotion" to me. My experience with this outfit was worse than horrible! My order (video camera) came with missing accessories. And the pain in dealing with the customer service was not worth the savings - not at all!

I would never let me friends or loved ones to waste their money at C&E. Learn from victims of unreliable businesses. Don't even think of C&E doesn't matter how much cheaper they are. "

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5/5

posted Jan-25-2005

"I feel obliged to rate this retailer because I saw so much rhetoric on this and other websites, it made me very cautious. In the end it was a comment on the C-Net site that asked for input if I had any problems with one of the retailers advertised on the C-Net site, that swayed me to deal with Cameras & Electronics (C&E).

I was pricing a Panasonic AG-DVC30 camera, and the pricing at C&E was agressive on this product. There were a number of sites with prices considerably (40%) lower, however I knew that a price that low brought trouble; and they were not on C-Net.

My call went to hold for 5 minutes, (with please be patient reminders every 30 secs or so) but I knew these people were busy and when I was answered I immediately stated that I had seen their site on C-Net and was interested in this particular camera. The salesman said yes, and quoted me the same price as was on the C-Net price survey. Now, being forewarned and alert, I asked what was included in the purchase and the answer matched the data from other more expensive sites, and the next question I asked was if the product was in stock and the answer was yes. I finally asked if this purchase would be followed by an e-mail request to call and was told those calls are a function of e-mail orders only. OK, I want to buy. Name address etc., credit card number, and I was then pitched on a filter set, (no thanks), a UV filter, (yes, thank you for reminding me), a better price on the filter set, (no thanks again), do you need tapes, (yes, I'll take a 3 pack), and then the inevitable pitch for the extended warranty. I listened to the pitch, said no thanks, listened again, again no, finalized all the info and got the third pitch for the warranty and again declined. Persistent, like a good salesman, (they only get one chance), but not rude and after three tries we moved on. Thanks for your business, you will get a tracking number. Eighteen hours later the tracking number appeared and three days later the camera arrived. The camera was in a factory sealed box and in perfect condition, exactly as promised.

The freight was $81. plus change, I had said that was high, he said it is for shipping, handling, packaging and insurance. More importantly I knew the shipping in advance because the C-Net ad had done the calculation before I called. Just checking. They were consistent.

As an interesting point, the first notification of shipping came from "Abe's Cameras" (or something similar but definately Abe's), and I figured they were probably also Abes of Maine, who are also in New York. Same people I think.

If you buy from any of these discount houses, be realistic and expect to be pitched for extras. The extended warranty in particular is a big money maker and they will try hard to sell. Just listen politely and let the man do his job, and then my standard answer is, "i'd prefer not to do that now, thank you". Relax and let him do his job again, and if you choose, reject it again. Their job is to get you to add to the purchase price of the deeply discounted product. If you can't take the sales pitch, buy from a big box and pay the balance, but I saved about $300.00 buying from C&E.

If the measure of a "10" is satisfaction and completion, then C&E get a "10". I got what was promised, in the time frame promised, at the price that was promised. Yes I was pitched hard (but politely) but I expected that and understand it is part of the procedure. I can say "no", if I mean it and I had no trouble. More importantly I believe you get back from people what you give them. These people work on slim margins and they are in business to make money. Know that going in, keep emotion out of the deal, be polite like your mother taught you, protect ypurself by using credit cards, and again, it was the C-Net protective phrase that moved me off center. I wold most definately buy from Cameras and Electronics again."

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5/5

posted Nov-22-2004

"To be honest, I was a little worried after I had placed my order and had read some of the reviews on various websites. I placed an order for a camera on Sunday and was told that it would ship within 24 hours and that I would get an email confirmation. Monday past and I still hadn't received an email, so on Tuesday I called. I was told that my order hadn't shipped out yet but it was going to ship out that day. After calling a few more times and talking to several different people, I was finally emailed a tracking number. I did receive my camera on Thursday (4 days) - which I think is fast and I'm very pleased with the camera. If you don't mind following up and making a few phone calls then I would use this business. The money that I saved from buying from them was worth the few calls that I made."

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5/5

posted Nov-08-2004

"Excellent Service, great store, will shop there again. Placed internet order, called to confirm, changed shipping to next day (at 4pm EST), received camera as promised next day. Returned camera, no hold time to obtain return authorization. Excellent customer service, very pleased."

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1/5

posted Oct-03-2004

"I feel I've been deceived by the "positive" rating for this merchant because my experience with Camerasandelectronics.com was a NIGHTMARE!

I had never dealt with an online business that was so poorly managed and untrustworthy. I ordered several items from this vendor and was promised a delivery in about 7-9 business days. However two weeks passed without any delivery but my credit card was charged almost immediately!

My repeated attempts to contact C&E by emails went unanswered. When I called them I got a series of run around and was transferred from one department after another. The representatives were rude and unprofessional. The made up stories and lies just to get customers off the phone.

I finally had to dispute the charges and fortunately my bank was on my side.

I would never do business with this company again and wish fewer consumers would have to go through the pain and agony I went through with C&E. Also I would be very suspicious of the "praises" I see on this page since they don't reflect the true nature of C&E, which in my opinin should not be allowed to practice their shyter-style business."

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1/5

posted Sep-30-2004

"I was drawn to this online store by the low price but I became very wary of their unreliability of service. After placing the order I waited for four days but received no tracking number as I was promised. When I tried to contact them by phone, no one answered the call and the voice mail box was "filled". My repeated emails received no answer either. Dead end!

I am not sure if the people who run this operation are ligitimate but their business practices resemble those of untrustworthy trades."

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5/5

posted Sep-02-2004

"I have to admit I was a little worried about ordering from C&E (Cameras and Electronics) after seeing some reviews here and on other sites. There seemed to be people very happy with their experience (price, shipping, product) and those who were downright disgusted.

I ended up being VERY HAPPY. I think what makes the difference is NOT ordering online, but instead calling your order in. I called and cut right to the chase about accessories and extended warranty (declined both) and placed my order. I got a shipping confirmation e-mail that evening and actually received the item (Nikon CoolPix 8700) the next day (I paid the $50 for air shipping because I wanted to make sure I got the camera before I leave for vacation.)

The price was right ($715, plus I now have the $200 rebate from Nikon), the salesperson was not pushy at all, when I called back to customer service to ask a question about an hour after ordering it was answered politely. All in all, a very good experience. I'm glad I took the chance and ordered. I saved myself more than $200 over what other sellers were charging.

Oh, One other thing... This was the 3rd seller I tried to buy this camera from. The other 2 (USAPhotoNation and UBDigital) were either HORRIBLE service (the upselling when they call to 'confirm' your order which I guess is common practice) and/or they were less than forthcoming about the fact that you were actually NOT getting a full product (UBDigital was going to sell me a camera. No battery, charger, lens cap, strap, software, etc. - all the stuff that's in the BRAND NEW box...) So, buyer beware. With a little perserverance, my experience with Cameras and Electronics was very positive. I will definitely consider them for future purchases."

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1/5

posted Jul-21-2004

"I ordered the camera and video camera in late November for a Christmas present.

I got the package the week before christmas, and wrapped it up as it was.

The present was opened a few days before Christmas, with only the video camera.

I called and emailed the company immediately. I was told that it was out of stock. I was never notified of this, and I was changed for both the video camera and the missing still camera, which I know for a fact is illegal, I cannot be charged until the item ships.

I was told that the missing would be shipping. I asked for a return call once the item shipped, and that it would be overnight shipped. I told them the date in which I required the camera or a cancel and credit on my card.

I had received no call by the date that I required. I called them and told them to cancel the missing still camera and credit my card. I then called my credit card and they calceled/disputed the carge for the part of the order that was missing.

When I was out of town on Christmas day, I checked my email remotely and had received a shipment notification from them.


When I got back home the weekend after Christmas, the camera was here. Though Christmas was ruined for the recipient of the gift,I decided to go ahead and keep the camera. I immediately called my credit card company and said to go ahead and allow the charge. It ws put back on for my Jan. bill.

The next I know, in May, Cameras and Electronics called my wife at work (I have no idea how they got her #) and just started yelling at her as to why I haven't yet paid.

That night, I checked my credit card statements, and in April (I believe) my credit card company, for some reason, took the charge off of my credit card again. I had them put it back on.

This is THE WORST business, by far, that I have dealt with, not even counting their breaking the law by charging me for items that I did not get (but did eventually).

Anything that you can do to make sure that word gets out regarding this hack of a company would be appreciated. I have made sure to get this information out as widely as I can on the internet."

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5/5

posted Jun-21-2004

"My second purchase from this company, and I am still very satisfied. We ordered online on Tuesday and received a call later that day informing us that it was out of stock. He verified that we had all we needed for the order, and didn't push. He estimated a ship date of Wednesday, and we received the camera on Friday. Fast, friendly, and efficient.

chris"

This review was modified by deneshac on July 04 2004 09:11:37 PM

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1/5

posted May-26-2004

"DO NOT BUY FROM THEM!!!!

I ordered a camera in which came shipped on time. However, in looking over the camera it was not what I was looking for. So, I exchanged the order for a different camera. They assured me since I had payed for 2nd day shipping, the exchanged camera would also be sent out 2nd day. IT WAS NOT!!!

I spoke with 3 different people before it was shippied, all of which assured me it would be sent out second day. They sent it out ground!! I would normally not be as angry, except that I will now not have it for my sons graduation from college! VERY DISSATISFIED!"

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