Rip off company! Call them and bitch....

Post by **MovieStuff** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:31 pm

Take a look at this online ad for a GL2 for $799.00.

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodeta ... =457921022

Someone had already warned me but when you call them, they do not tell you that it is just the shell of the camera with no functioning electronics or firmware. Normally, these cameras sell for over $2000. The salesman finally admitted that the camera did not function and that it was just the "shell". Anyway, I told them I would give them one hour to change the ad or I would forward it to the Attorney General's office in their state. What a ballsy rip off. Just amazing. I hate stuff like this. :roll:

Roger

http://members.cox.net/home-theater/ · Post by **JCook** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:38 pm

Normally these schlok houses will sell you the camera funtional but you'll get nothing but the camera. If it comes off such as lenses, batteries accessories etc they're not included.

This is a whole new form of the proverbial "shell" game.

Post by **JhnZ33** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:50 pm

Well, unless I missed something, it doesn't look like there is any new info about it being only a shell. It's definately past the hour mark.

Post by **jpolzfuss** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:51 pm

Another good reason to stick to FILM cameras!

Post by **Jim Carlile** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:59 pm

How could that possibly be? Who found out about this racket? (I love the U.S. warranty reassurance.)

This goes beyond deceptive.

Post by aj » Tue Jun 19, 2007 8:56 pm

And where do they get empty shells? From Canon, unlikely. Then these shells are a breach of brand and formdesign rights of Canon. Then it is best to contact Canon about this seller. I am sure Canon has a brand protection department with some nasty lawyers. All AAA brand have these departments to battle counterfeits and such.

Post by **MovieStuff** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 8:58 pm

Jim Carlile wrote:How could that possibly be? Who found out about this racket?

A client of mine was looking for a GL2 to use with his WorkPrinter and came across these assholes. When he called them, they simply said it was a GL2 for $799 but he kept asking them questions and hounding them because it didn't pass the "smell" test. Finally the salesman casually said that it was a "shell" and that it had no functioning firmware or functioning electronics. To get it to work would cost an additional charge. When I called, they never admitted anything and just said it was a GL2 for $799. I asked if it was missing anything and if there was any kind of catch. The guy said no. I asked if the camera was new and functional. The guy said yeah. I then told him that my customer told me it was a "shell" and the salesman then said, "Well, yeah. It's just a shell." I had to ask him what that meant because he would not volunteer anything. He finally admitted it the same information about electronics and firmware to me but, I gotta tell you, he was slow in coming to the point.

Jim Carlile wrote: (I love the U.S. warranty reassurance.)

Sure. Warranty on a camera that doesn't work!

Jim Carlile wrote:This goes beyond deceptive.

No kidding. (At least Yale tells you their policy up front ;) )

Roger

Tue Jun 19, 2007 10:57 pm

a few years ago I got suckered by an ad from a similar company selling a Z1U for $2000. When I called they quickly tried to sell me a "special" telephoto zoom lens, wide angle lens, tripod, extra batteries, etc. The final bill came to $6000. I told the salesman I would have to do a bank transfer and he gave me their routing number. I then did some research and found out that they were a bait and switch company. So I never went through with the order.

Two days later the slimy salesman called my cell phone! He told me that the transfer never went through and I told him I didn't want to buy cheap stuff at an inflated price. Then I said I would be willing to buy the Z1U for the original price of $2000 and he said it woulndn't come with the lens. If anyone knows the Z1U, you can't remove the lens! So I said "no thank you" and he promtly yelled at me calling me a bad business man for promising to buy something and going back on my word.

I told him I was sorry for not giving him the sale and he said, "whatever" and then hung up.

Ever since then I have dealt with B&H and only B&H. That company, by the way, was in Jersey. Ever since then I've had a distaste for people with a Jersey accent.

EDIT: you can go to http://www.resellerratings.com and check the name of the company you are buying from. Most likely, the company Roger was dealing with will be on this list with a LOT of negative remarks.

Post by **JhnZ33** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 11:39 pm

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Be ... _Cameras_6

Post by **Bjarne Eldhuset** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 11:53 pm

From now on, this thread could be used to discuss ways to put these people out of business. Any ideas?

Post by **reflex** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:00 am

Bjarne Eldhuset wrote:From now on, this thread could be used to discuss ways to put these people out of business. Any ideas?

Ignore them and buy only from a reputable dealer that is close enough to visit in person.

Post by **dirb9** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:35 am

There is no shell. THEY HAVE NO STOCK. It is literally some people working out of a basement. Go look at Don Wiss' site(http://donwiss.com/pictures/brooklynstores/), he went around and took pictures of all of the addresses that these companies listed (big surprise that most of them don't exist as stores) . They will make up any crap they can think of to get money from you. I've heard similar stories that they've told, such as point and shoots not having lenses, or the price advertised was just for the physical sensor, the camera body and electronics were extra. Roger, many many people have already reported them to the Attorney General's office; there was going to be a lawsuit against them, but I don't know what the outcome of it was. It basically comes down to: if the price is too good to be true, it is (with exceedingly few exceptions). I'm not as familier with the video market, but at least for the still camera market, 99% of the time, B&H has the lowest prices, anything lower than them is (usually) a complete scam.

Post by **Lunar07** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 7:55 am

reflex wrote:
Bjarne Eldhuset wrote:From now on, this thread could be used to discuss ways to put these people out of business. Any ideas?
Ignore them and buy only from a reputable dealer that is close enough to visit in person.

This is the wrong lesson to learn. I am in Texas - do you mean I should not buy from B&H or call Cavision directly in Canada?
One should apply good judgment. This does not include being a wimp. There are many good sellers on the internet. Scams like this should not prevent anyone from buying from other internet sellers who are and can be trusted, and I can give way too many examples of such fine sellers.

Post by **camera8mm** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:14 am

I've been looking to buy a canon xh a1 or similair.
I still shoot 16mm, 8mm and super 8 film, but am quite disatified with transfers i wanted to do them on my on, thus the camera (and to use it for freelance work)
I stumbled on this site of interest which deals in not dealing with those places and place to actually buy cameras.

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14677

Post by aj » Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:56 am

dirb9 wrote:There is no shell. THEY HAVE NO STOCK. It is literally some people working out of a basement.
.

I understand now. It is somewhat like the airline tickets from Easyjet or Ryan. These are advertised at like Euro 20 for Amsterdam-London. But there are only 4 seats at that price and these need to be booked 6 months. Also you need some extra money for taxes and fees. The real ticket then costs Euro 90.