"OK -- I have to admit, in the long run, I'm only mildly dissatisfied with this company. I DID, eventually, get everything I purchased. Yes, they did attempt to aggressively upsell, but then, I'm an adult and am utterly capable of saying "NO" to a salesman -- even when the salesman doesn't like it. We ordered a Sony HDR-Sr7. When we went looking for prices, found the 'too good to be true' price on shopcartusa.com In fact, the price was SO good that we were suspicious. Called first thing the next morning and had the salesman tell us it was the right price. This is the first key to doing business with this company. DO NOT place an internet order. You have to call and make them process your order RIGHT THEN. Their price was less than half of retailers like Circuit City and Best Buy, and nearly half of online places like B&H photo. So good was the price, that we were able to buy the entire premium package for what we planned to spend on the camera. Yes, we could have saved a little more money by accessory shopping, but when you're planning to spend 'x' amount and you get everything else with it, the time not spent haggling over a few dollars is well worth it. The item shipped within a week, as promised, but, as others have said, came without most of the accessories. It took several phone calls on my part, writing down every name of every person I talked to, faxing receipts and so forth to finally get all the products promised. So while that was a royal pain, they DID deliver eventually.

A friend was recently shopping for a high end digital camera and asked what I thought about the online price she found here. My advice was, buy just the camera. DO NOT let them sell you anything else -- not even a warranty. Shop around, find the accessories and things you want elsewhere, and it should be OK. So it worked out for her, as well. You just have to be very willing to do a lot of leg work.

If you're spending less than 300.00, it's probably not worth the savings, but when you start looking at 2000.00 equipment purchases, that's a whole new ballgame.

"

"First of all, DO NOT buy from them or any of their other websites. See the BBB entry where all the URLs are listed.

However I've had a much better shopping experience then most people here. On June 4 I had ordered the Canon HV-20 camcorder on their website with one of the packages. The total value was around $900 or so. A few hours after I had ordered I then called to make sure the order was in and that it was what I wanted.
Well of course it turned out that it wasn't what I wanted. I had expected to received the standard Canon package with all the standard components from Canon plus everything from the package deal. The dude on the phone told me that it's just the raw camera body without any batteries, charger, cables, nothing.

So then I asked to get the regular Canon package and oh wonder, the total price skyrocketed to $1500. I was a little shocked at first and was ready to cancel the order. He said that he'd throw in an extra external charger, a video light and send the higher quality tele and macro lenses (made out of glass instead of plastic). So in the end I agreed to pay the $1542 with shipping and everything since I would've got those additional components anyway.

I was then told that I'd receive an email with a tracking number once the items are shipped and that my CC wouldn't be charged until the items actually ship. My CC was charged on June 6 and never received an email. So I waited one more day and then called their customer service. But the thing is THEY DON'T HAVE CUSTOMER SERVICE!
If you're patient enough, someone might eventually pick up the phone after 30 mins or so. Since I was at work, I could just let the phone run on the side and didn't mind it too much.
First guy told me that it's in the warehouse and that I'll get an email this day. No email. Called again the next day. Same story, it's shipped, will get email that day. Still nothing. Called again (you see, I've got patience and nerves). Eventually on June 11 some "supervisor" promised me that I'd have the package on June 12. Well, I didn't but finally I got the package on June 13.

So I was really curious to see now if they sent what they promised and actually pretty much everything was in there. I got the standard Canon package, got the higher quality tele and macro lenses, got the 12 DV tapes, etc. A few things were missing though. They didn't include the second battery, the external charger and the video light.
So the next day I tried to call again and now some fax machine would answer at that number. Whoa, wtf? I kept trying but it was either constantly busy or a fax would answer. So I sent an email. No reply to that of course. Finally on June 18 the phone system was up and running again and I got hold of some dude. Told him that I'm missing some parts. He then said that it's already on the way. (Hmm, I'm not sure if I believe you). So I said ok and called back the next day trying to get a tracking number. Dude only told me that it's on the way and that I should get an email that evening. Sound familiar? A well, I then figured I'll just wait a few more days and see what's going on. Hey, finally I got another package on June 21 which actually contained the three things that were missing in the first package. So now I really got everything that I wanted and had ordered.

I then went on a journey to find out if I had been scammed or if the products I got are adding up to the $1500 I paid. I found that I probably paid $100 to $200 too much. I could've found the camera for around $900 and all the other parts too that would've added up to a total of about $1300 or $1400. However most parts I found on different websites, so with all the additional shipping charges, it would've been close to the $1500 I paid.

In the end I didn't feel too bad, except that I spent hours and hours on the phone trying to get to their "customer support". And I have the product I wanted that's functioning well.

I filed a complaint with the BBB anyways and when I did that I found out that I had done business with them in the past and hadn't realized it. A year and a half ago I had ordered a Canon Rebel XT with a package from J & K cameras, through Ebay though. Their reviews there were really good which is why I had ordered with them in the first place. At the BBB site I found out that J & K is owned by the same dude that owns Century21 Electronics.
However my experience with J & K was great. I got the package I wanted with all the add-ons, got an email with tracking info and the package arrived 4 or 5 days after I had ordered. Everything was in the package and I was very satisfied. I had also checked if the package was it's money worth and it had turned out that I probably saved about $300 in total which made me happy.

So I don't think that I'd order from them again in the future after all the reviews and complaints I've read. I guess I must've just been real lucky with my orders. And I'm a very patient guy..."

"Oh god this is good: Blog it, Digg it... what ever just get the word out...call your local news!
Here goes...this company just made an enemy for life... and here's all the info you need to help bring them down!!!

Here's the photo of the current place of business:
http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/h0178.htm

Good links for reference:
http://sheddingsomelight.com/buy-cameras/list/dealers-mraccfam.html
http://www.newyork.bbb.org/reports/businessreports.aspx?id=12668

Their whois:
http://whois.domaintools.com/century21electronics.com

Their web site company: Feel free to call and harass. The name is fitting.
http://www.lysoft.com/ -

Lysoft, Inc. (Manhattan)
530 E. 88th St. Suite 4C
New York, NY 10128
Phone# ***-***-****
Fax# ***-***-****

Lysoft, Inc. (Long Island)
91 South Drive
Valley Stream, NY 11581
Phone# ***-***-****
Fax# ***-***-****

Also watch out for:
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/USA_Photo_Nation
http://www.shopcartusa.com
There's plenty more where that came from...

Report them here:
http://www.ic3.gov/
http://www.newyork.bbb.org/reports/businessreports.aspx?id=12668
http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/cmplanding.shtm
And anywhere else you deem necessary.

Why do I do it:
Because I can...

Why should you:
For all the little people who get ripped off everyday!"

"I order a camera they said that is in stock.
I call them and was told it will be ship it's backorder. This is April 16 2007 and I still never get any information, update or anything."

"For those of you who STILL doubt the ratings on this page - I genuinely confirm that this company is committing a bait and switch by providing the following facts within a 24 hour period.

1) Found Canon Rebel XTI body only for $279 on page. Was amazed but skeptical..
2) Called American Express to confirm that I am protected as a card holder. Placed my order through their web page.
3) Received NO confirmation email but an order number during checkout completion.
4) 14 hours later, contacted 1-800 number to confirm order. Here is the dialog:
Me: hello, I'd like to confirm my order please..
Richard (customer rep): sure thing sure, let me verify some information from you
Me: Ok. What information?
Richard: would you like the 2 hour or 5 hour battery?
Me: I don't need any add-ons or accessories?
Richard: Why not?
Me: Because I already have the camera and just the body broke, so I need it replaced. I still have the battery and memory card. (figured this was the best response)
Richard: So...the items survived but the camera body is broken..wow..well..ok, let me confirm your order of $324 with shipping and tax. you will receive the item in 8-10 weeks. call if you need us.
Me: That won't work. I need it for a shoot this weekend.
Richard: Ok, then, I have just cancelled your order and the card will not be charged.
Me: Thank you and Goodbye.

PEOPLE STAY AWAY!! These type of sites are the reason people are still worried about placing online orders."

"Once again, like many others have stated, I wish I had known of your web site prior to my making an order through this store.
What a joke. My order had been confirmed through an email. They tell you to allow a minimum of 2 business days for processing, then tell you to expidite the processing by calling them. After 2 days, and no response as to a shipping date, I called them. I was told the camera was available, and asked whether I wanted a 2.5 hour battery or a 5 hour battery with the camera. I told them I didn't want any accessories. The person then said you must have a battery to run the camera and I again told him that all I wanted was the camera. He said ok and transfered me to another person, who in turn told me that I would be recieving an email to confirm. After waiting two more days and no email I called again from work (about 10am pdt) and was told that I would recieve an email that day. When I got home and checked my email I had gotten a message from them (8am pdt) that that camera was unavailable and that they would let me know if it becomes available but suggest that I shop elsewhere.
In the meantime I had read your website on this store and felt a little better, I guess, that I wasn't the only person who fell into this trap of low camera prices high accessory prices, no accessories, no camera!
I called them the next day and told them to cancel this order immediatly, I didn't want a company like this fooling with my credit card!
I don't understabnd how a company can get away with these practices in this day and age!"

"Same story great price no product. I call sales team asked if they had in stock. They advised they did. I asked is it the $350 Nikon D80 they said yes. I asked to check the status of my order. They transfer me to Customer Service. CS claims it is on Back Order and that sales tell everyone that everything is in stock. 2 Minutes after the phone call the cancel my order. Typical bait and switch or purchase their high priced accessories. "

"Same story as most of the following, great price on a Cannon Digital. I placed an order on Saturday with 3 day shipping cost. I recieved the standard e-mail saying I needed to contact to confirm . This was recieved 5 days after the original order. I called 4 times before I got a response, they informed me it would be 2 weeks out because of back- order. This was on Jan 2. Today, Feb 14, I called after not hearing anything. They say it may be 4 5 or maybe 6 weeks out, they don't know when it will be in. I ask to speak to the Manager, they say his name is Scott Bitterman and he is also the owner. Bruce told me he was on the phone and it would be a 20 minute hold. I agreed and they hung up. I called back and spoke to another person, asked for Scott, they said he was out of town until next week......no answer and still no product. I have called my CC Company and reported them and will be canceling my order as soon as I finish writing this. Really wish I had found this site earlier!!!"

"I was so excited to find such a great "deal"....IF IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.... IT PROBABLY IS" I found this web site right after I placed my order,so I was prepared for the "SCAM". At least they are consistent in what they tell everyone. My camera happened to be on back order, but I could upgrade to one that was 300$ more than the one I wanted. YEAH RIGHT!! He said he would be nice and give it to me for his cost....only 200$ more than the original cost. "

"I placed my order on 2-2-07 for the Canon EOS Digital XTI in black for $395. I should have known by the price this wasn't going to end up a good story!!

I got an immediate email from them saying:

Thank you for your order with us. If you have any questions regarding your order please email our support team at ****@**** or you can also call 1-***-***-**** to speak with one of our representatives.

Your order number is : ........ (I erased)

Please allow a minimum of two business days for order processing.
To expedite order processing, please call us at ***-***-****.
If the address you chose to have your package delivered is different then the address where you receive your monthly credit card statements (billing address) then you must list that address as an alternate shipping address to with your credit card company by calling the customer service number on the back of your credit card. (This is simply a temporary note on your account that will allow us to ship to an alternate address)

Thank you for shopping at Century21Electronics.com


I called them today to check the status of my order. I was told it was on back order for 6-8 weeks. I asked why I wasn't notified by email or phone. He said we just got in today it's only been 1 day. In actuality it was 3 days. I asked will I be getting my order in 6-8 weeks and this guy named "Tommy" said it's canceled. I asked why are you still selling it on your website and he got really rude and didn't want to help me and just said it's canceled. I asked for the manager... HAHAHAHA... He said he was the manager. I said I want to talk to your manager and he said there was no one above him.. right!
I called back and went to the customer service que. Asked the person who the manager was and she said "Scott". I asked to be transferred to him. I was transferred almost 4 times and ended up with "Roy". Roy said that Scott wouldn't be back for 2 wks and that he was another manager. I told him about "Tommy" and he said he can't believe that he would do that.
I asked Roy to help me. He explained the order to me and said it was back ordered and canceled. I asked again why are you still selling them on your website and the response was that they aren't the authorized dealer and don't know when they will be getting them back in.
I asked if they had any cameras available and he said "NO". Interesting that they sell cameras but don't have any available.

I wanted to know who the owner was and he gave me his name and address since he doesn't accept phone calls. His name is:

Mike Lowry
1938 McDonald Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11223

I immediately called and canceled my credit card and got another one issued. These people do not know what good customer service is. I wouldn't buy anything from them. I wished I had seen this site prior to my order.

Good Luck All!!

"

"A bad experience based on a bait and switch. I ordered a Sony 40 in LCD after finding them through ShopUSA. I ordered with a "Total Price" including shipping. I get an email to call them and the guy asks me why I didn't order a complete TV. According to him, I ordered a "wholesale" TV and I needed to buy a remote, a battery, cables and software for $360 for the TV to work. Of course I was not happy about this and told him to cancel the order. He asks me why... so I tell him I'm disgusted about a $360 charge to get a working TV. He then says... "No, I told you $199". It was all I could do to stay reasonably calm to tell him to just cancel the order. He played dumb and kept asking me what I wanted so i hung up.

I've sent 3 emails to these jerks asking for confirmation of my order being canceled and I have no reply. I wish I knew about Resellerratings before I contacted Century21electronics.

After sveral emails to this company, I still have not received confirmation of my cancellation. No contact at all from them. I asume with their business practices they are well aware that I will never go back to them again."

"Called to check the price of canon 30d as website,only to get hung-up 2 times, then on third time, they tried to tell me that only one they have is the metal body and that one is 3 times as much... $430 vs $1490 what a scam..."

"I am such an idiot for not checking this site before I ordered. I was so excited about the price, and read the site reviews that were all great. I ordered a Canon xti camera, and like others, was emailed a note to confirm my order. I called to talk to David Weston ("he was personally handling my order"), and was asked if I wanted a battery with the camera. Of course, I thought a battery was included, but said no, I had already ordered a grip that came with two batteries. I was then asked if I wanted the camera in English or Malaysian. Huh?? I cancelled my order when I was told the price for the English version would jump from $439.00 to $699.00. What a joke! I should have suspected - the price was too good to be true. What a scam!!"

"I called them once I received the confirm email, but take about 10 min. of waiting. Then a man voice said, "may I help you" then immediately hang-up and put me back to the waiting. Finnally, I do a search and read up on this company (thanks to resellerraings.com).
This company is fraud."

"This company had the lowest advertised price on a Panasonic AG-DVX100b digital video camera. After ordering the camera (and giving out all my credit card information) they called me to "confirm" the order. They asked if I wanted the power supply and battery that goes with the camera included. With the necessary supplies the product was nearly THREE TIMES the price!! When I told the salesman that I could find aftermarket supplies at a much lower cost, he informed me that the camera was out of stock. I called back and talked to a different salesperson who said that IF I ordered the accesories the camera WAS in stock. This business is completely predatory and dishonest! Since I no longer trust century21electronics.com with my personal financial information, I am seeking recourse through my credit card company. Buyer beware. Thank you!! "