2/5

posted Nov-28-2009

Well, I've been satisfied with this place before. Ordered repeatedly but infrequently over the years, and not been bothered. But latest order pissed me off.

Items arrived fine and were shipped in reasonable time. Problem is they spam you. On the order form is a checkbox for 'do you want to receive updates', as is typical. Made sure it was unchecked. Got my order confirmation, a shipping notification, all fine. But then about a week after the order got a "thanks for your order" email which was a not-very thinly disguised ad, as it was titled "here's some more things you might want!". Clicking on the linkies for 'updating your newsletter preferences' verified that none of the boxes were checked - in other words, I wasn't subscribed to any of their advertising email newsletters, but they were still emailing me. The text at the bottom of the email said "you are receiving this because you either asked to OR BECAUSE YOU SUPPLIED US AN EMAIL ADDRESS" (paraphrased, emphasis mine). Bottom line: once they have your email, they'll use it for spam. And it wasn't the one-time 'thanks' excuse, I've received another with 'gift ideas' a week further on. So, they go into the list of internet retailers from whom I will not buy again, since they don't specifically inform you on their order form that simply supplying an email for order status also signs you up to their spam list. Too bad. Otherwise they were a nice site with good selection and reasonable pricing that I've returned to over the years for higher end culinary stuff. Obviously new management policies.

Their loss.

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5/5

posted Jan-28-2009

I haven't received this particular order yet, but I've done enough business with B&H over the years to have complete confidence leaving one. Their site is well organized and thorough complete with (sometimes rather critical) user reviews, their selection is extensive (as an underwater photographer, especially so!) and generally all but the wildest items are in stock, and their prices literally set the standard for internet photo dealers.

I hang out on underwater photo websites such as Wetpixel and the rule there is to check B&H prices first - if another retailer, especially in the Brooklyn area, shows prices that beat B&H by more than 2% or so, beware!...it's likely one of those constant name-changing bait and switch scam artists. You see the same comments at other photo places like DPReview. Occasionally you might find an ebay auction for a discontinued camera a tad cheaper...but if you want new, current merchandise from a reliable internet dealer then it's B&H all the way. I've bought at least 3 lenses for my Olympus DSLR, strobe arm parts, Ikelite housing ports, a color calorimeter (today), point-and-shoots for the wife, etc. all from B&H over the years. Not once have I ever received the wrong item or one that appeared to be 're-imported'. Long may they be in business!

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5/5

posted Jun-09-2007

Ordered Olympus E-330 KIT (with 14-45 lens) advertised as "NEW IN BOX" through ebay storefront. Was a bit concerned since there were many other similar listings for manufacturer samples. But item was indeed as new as I know how to check for (even had that 'new camera smell') with all bags sealed, all warranty cards new and untouched, all manuals (english, spanish, and french), etc. No reason to suspect either gray market or a fast change here.

Shipping was reasonably quick, packing was nicely done in a box sealed with their security-marked tape with extra padding surrounding the Olympus box itself. Receipt etc. included. Shipping charge was quite reasonable for the size/weight of the item.

Painless, correct-as-advertised transaction. What else can you ask for?

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