Camera Giants
www.cameragiants.com
Internet
U.S.A.
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Camera Giants High Pressurized Bait And Switch Rip Off Giants Internet
1Author
4Consumer
0Employee/Owner
I found what I thought was a great deal on a Nikon D90 DSLR at Cameragiants.com on 3/10/2009. The website had many packages for the camera, and I chose one that had: the camera body, 2 lenses (one with vibration reduction), a tripod, a monopod, camera case, 1gb SD card and case, screen cover, usb card reader, and cleaning kit. This package was $624.99.
With $29.99 2-3 day shipping, and $49.00 tax for a total of $703.00.
Several hours later, I was contacted by "Randy" by phone. He said I had to call and verify my order. I thought this was a security level, and I immediately called back. Once I had "Randy" on the phone, he proceeded to try to upgrade me with "real metal based, glass lenses" for $189.00. I knew there was a catch, so I agreed to the upgrade. He then tried to upgrade the battery, A/C wall charger, and SD card for another $280.00. He said I could get the complete package for $1400.00. I refused. We went around and around for another 5 minutes and finally, he tells me "you won't steal this camera today, sir. Good day."
Seconds later, I got an email saying my order was canceled. It was like the website prices didn't even exist, and the amount I agreed to pay was just a suggestion. These guys are complete rip-offs, and if you're not savvy about what you want and the prices, you will be victimized.
The prices "Randy" quoted were on par with retail prices, but not the website prices, and the whole thing was incredibly deceptive. I highly suggest avoiding Camera Giants.
Ron
Rochester, New York
U.S.A.
Click Here to read other Ripoff Reports on Camera Giants
REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
1Author
4Consumer
0Employee/Owner
Updates & Rebuttals
#1 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Zio - North Stonington (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
POSTED: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Doesn't look like that website is in business anymore, I tried to go to the site to check out the prices to get an idea of what you where talking about, but yea it would appear you have won this battle since the site is gone.
#2 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: John - Memphis (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
POSTED: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Camera Giants is nothing more than a PO box at a Brooklyn, NY post office. Basically, all camera offers from New York and New Jersey should be treated as a scam. The only exception I know of is B&H Photo in Manhattan. They manage to stay out of the cesspool that the others are wallowing in.
If you really want to play it safe just use the the major online retailers like Amazon and Buy. A verify call is NEVER done with these folks.
I don't know what it is about New York and New Jersey that attracts this type of scam operation. You don't seem to find them anywhere else.
#3 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Laurie - Haslet (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
POSTED: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Forget High pressure sales tactics - YOU ULTIMATELY MADE THE DECISION
YOU ALLOWED IT TO HAPPEN - you did not have to agree to anything at all, and just kept your order as it was.
You made the changes as they were suggested. you made the choice to cave in to the salesperson.
#4 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Flynrider - Phoeix (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
POSTED: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The O.P. clearly stated that the shop refused to sell him the camera at the prices quoted on the website. This is clearly a bait and switch and is a common tactic employed by NY camera shops. I don't know why this type of behavior is so common to camera shops in the NY area. I'm sure that there are some reputable dealers in NY, but they seem to be outnumbered by these bait and switch outfits. Read some of the reports on this site. The tactics are very predictable. You order camera equipment on the web from a NY based camera shop, then you receive a call immediately afterward from someone trying to upsell you (at ridiculous prices). Another common tactic is that they'll tell you that things like batteries and chargers are not included (which they are from the factory) and you'll have to pay extra. In the end, the consumer never gets what they payed for.
Bottom line is that this has become so common, I will not consider doing business with a camera shop website in the NY/NJ area.
