"This is about the collapse of Samy's once-vaunted service reputation. I have purchased plenty of costly Hasselblad gear from Samy's over the years and find the pro desk folks extremely on their game. So when my wife wanted to upgrade to a top of the line point and shoot, we went to Samy's camera expecting three things: 1. A helpful and knowlegeable staff. 2. Straightforward pricing policy 3. Customer-friendly service. Several unexpected glitches emerged. The staff, while outwardly helpful, must be over-dependent on sales commissions because she wound up with a completely inappropriate camera and all the pricey extras (some non-returnable such as batteries and memory cards --store policy in the fine print). Pricing was throroughly mixed up with rebates, discounts, gift cards and free printing gimmicks all stirred into the equipment decision -- rather like a bad Chinese menu. Finally, the return policy is just unacceptable. Samy's staunchly resists returns on volume consumer digital gear and only give a store credit, minus batteries and cards unless you've had the merch for more than 10 days in which case they deduct an additional 10% for restocking. This all assuming they pronounce the returned items "new and unused". The managers were rude and very insulting when my wife returned a very unsatisfying Nikon S-5 -- lots of features but no easy work around for night images that her old Canon handled without a hitch. Samy's reasoning: the camera had been used!! Well, yes, it was not what we asked for and you can't try it out adequately in the store. You only find out what it's limits are if you try it. So of course the memory card had stored data and the extra battery -- well, it was unopened. They could have very graciously helped my wife into a suitable 800 ISO/ SD600 Canon, and given her a full credit, but no --- first a protracted and very unpleasant argument - it's been a week and she's still upset. Unfortunately I have to revisit these characters one more time because they have a good chunk of my money, but lord help us if we have a problem. Too bad for Samy's, they must be feeling the pressure from the net . "

"I was attracted to Samy's because of their reasonable price on the Canon Powershot SD630 point-and-shoot digital camera. While my ordering experience was satsifactory, probably even above average, I wish they would have sent an e-mail when my order shipped. As it was, I had to call the store to confirm that it had shipped and when it would arrive. Additionally, the representative I spoke to refused to provide me with a UPS tracking number as they "aren't allowed to give those out." It seems that plenty of other online retailers don't have a problem with providing tracking numbers?

Overall, I'd probably do business with Samy's again. The shipping notification thing was a minor inconvenience."

"Don't shop here--but sometimes you have to because they are the largest photo store in LA. My reasons I don't like them:
1)if you purchase something you can only return it for store credit--why not just order from a NY Store and still have 2 weeks for a full refund and save on tax? 2) Half the time I purchase something with an expiration date it is very close to the expiration date. 3) If yo check the prices on their internet site and then go into the store expecting to pay a little bit more---you will end up paying a lot more. I will say this for the store-- there are some very knowledgeable people in the professional camera. department"

"Samy's is now, in my oppinion, an excellent source for equipment. I placed an order and upon receiving the package, I noticed that I received the wrong product - I called Samy's and without having to even ask, they agreed to overnight me the correct merchandise. I have never, in all of my online purchasing experiences, been so pleased by a business in regards to customer service. I will certainly be buying from Samy's again in the near future."

"I ordered two Canon lenses (EF 100mm f2.0 USM Autofocus Lens and EF 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens) and received both lenses very promptly. I discovered that I meant to order the Canon 100mm Macro lense instead of the EF 100mm f2.0. I contacted the support staff and the mistake was quickly and professionally corrected. I returned the "wrong" lenses and reordered the correct macro lense at the same time.
This was the third time that I have ordered from this company. Everyone there has always treated me exceptionally well. Their staff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. I continue to refer customers to this company because it is one of the best to deal with. This is the first place I check when I need any photographic equipment. "

"Online store seems to be a total fraud. Their price on Pricegrabber for a Nikon 50, with one lens, was clearly listed at $599.99. Called in to check on an upgrade to a two lens kit. Shawn checked stock and said yes I have the camera plus two lens kit in stock for $699.99. I place order. Later that day I checked, customer service, Michael said we haven't stocked 2 lens kit in months but we did sell you the camera and only one lens for $650, $50 above their listed price. They refused to honor their published price. Salesman told me the camera was a loss leader and that they were tired of losing money so they raised the camera price to $699.99. They were however giving me a $50 discount "to save face". I sent a couple emails to their customer service asking for an explanation. They never bothered to answer anyone of them. I cancelled the order. The only good news here is that all it cost me was my time. Don't waste your time with this outfit. "

"I have purchased from this store both On-Line and Off-line. Their Online store is quite difficult to search but, their price is unmatched. Their service is better than anywhere I've shopped Including that big Store in NYC.

Off-line store, I purchased over $20,000 worth of camera equipment. I can not be more satisfied with their price,customer treatment and service. Far better than B&? in NYC (I've been to their store and it feels like you become a luggage on a airport conveyor belt.)

Their offline store sometimes need to form a line and understaffed but, when visited in less crowded times, it is more personal and the sales people remembers their customers quite well.


I've ordered in Samy's online store for Camera related items only. I do not like shipping cameras or lenses in a Fed Ex box. I never had a problem with SAmys. Once I had problem with Fed Ex but it was a problem not related to Samy's.

"

"After much research I decided I wanted a Minolta A2 for my first digital camera. With a MSRP of $1000 I wanted to get the best price I could. I searched all over the web to find the best prices and when I did I looked up the sellers here and at other sites only to find a sick trend of new york based conpanys that do the "bate and switch" routine. All the lagitament companys were selling New A2s in the 800-900$ range(way to much for me) Then I found SAMY'S I figured they would be another conjob. But the fact that they had multiple retail stores in Californa made me look closer. After calling twice to confirm instock/whats included, I spent 649$ for my A2 (still somewhat skeptical)+ a CF card. I needed my camera for my wedding the next week so I got express shipping 2day. It arrived on time and just as promised. I am really impressed with there prices and the service. SAMY'S IS THE REAL DEAL And I Know that I will buy from them from now on"

"Incredible service and amazing prices. They've got a fantastic pro department, and everyone knows their stuff. I am quite surprised with how low their prices are, and the effort they extend to make sure to keep my business. Good people at Samy's."

"I ordered and recieved a Nikon D70 DSLR a week ago, delivery was very fast (free shipping). I ordered a polarizing filter on the first, and received it today, the third. On the phone they have been very pleasant and seem to have the customer in mind. I just placed another order with them today.

I have nothing but positive to say about them. I have not had any return issues yet, but I would be surprised if they did not show the same level of professionalism in such a case.


UPdate, I ordered a Sandisk 1gb compact flash card on Thursday, and on Friday I received a call from Samys, saying that the Sandisk card was out of stock, and that they would substitute a Lexar 1gb card if I wished at no additional cost. The Lexar card is a more expensive card. "

"Zero customer service.

I called Samy's looking for a specific hard to find film. My first question to the salesperson was do you carry this film? I was told yes. I asked again if it was the correct film type. Again I was told yes. I asked how much and placed an order for the film. Before I hung up the phone I once again asked if it was the film I was looking for and was told yes.

When I received my package, I opened it up to find it was all the wrong type of film. I called again and spoke with the salesperson only to be told that they indeed sent the wrong film- it was written on the order correctly, but that they do not carry the film I had ordered. ??? I was instructed how to return the film and was told that I would be recompensated for it in addition to the shipping and handling.

I then received an invoice several days later for my refund. I was not compensated for any of my shipping. I again called the store and spoke with a manager. She claimed that they could only pay for half of my shipping charges. I asked why since they had made the mistake of shipping the wrong item. She said that was the way they did things goodbye. So, they made how many mistakes in my order? And I am left paying for THEIR MISTAKE???!!! Unacceptable.

BUYER BEWARE: Samy's has NO CUSTOMER SERVICE- look on their web site. Who would you contact if you had a problem?"

"Samy's provided excellent customer service and knowledgeable staff to assist me with my first order from them. The company had to obtain items from one of its branch stores to complete my order, and Samy's upgraded the shipping (at their expense) in order to meet their agreed to delivery date! When I contacted them after delivery to inquire about a more recent rebate form, the company promptly faxed me the current form that I needed. Competent, attentive service both before and after the sale! (Thanks Michelle!)
Since the initial purchase, I've made another, and Samy's Customer Service came through for me. I paid extra for UPS 2-day delivery. UPS didn't do their job, and I had to ask Samy's Customer Service to request a refund on my behalf. They did so within just a day or 2, and got my shipping charges refunded! "

"Samy's is one of the best camera companies I've dealt with. I've only used them online, but email communication was outstanding. The lens I ordered was out of stock, but I was kept informed and when the item actually shipped, Samy's gave me a free shipping upgrade! Pricing was competitive and the only knock I have is that they're on the west coast, so it takes a while to get to Georgia using standard shipping. I keep Samy's on my short list of reliable camera dealers."

"Very nice people. Easy to talk to. Will check status of order immediately. Pricing is competitive. Shipping charges are low. Very fast delivery if you live in the Northwest area. "

"I have ordered, via phone, twice from Samy's this year and have had excellent service both times. In both cases the order was correct, delivered on time (quickly) and no customer service or after sales support was needed."