Broadway Photo, Broadwayphoto.com, Broadway Photo. Com Tricks, Lies, Bait and Switch. How are they still open??? Internet

After doing an exhuastive search for a digital camera I decided on a Panasonic Lumix tz5a (which at the time of writing -11:40am 1/7/09 still shows available on the broadwayphoto website) selling for 300 or more in most stores. While searching for the lowest price via price comparison engines I came across broadwayphoto who advertised the price at 216 for the blue Panasonic Lumix tz5a-the letter at the end denotes the color and free with purchase a tripod, cleaning kit, and screen protectors.

Before doing any research on the company (silly and ignorant on my end for assuming because the website is so good the company should be the same) I placed the order got an instant reciept via email and started more internet surffing:

Dear ian (last name removed for security reasons),
Thank You for ordering with broadwayphoto.com!

Your order number is: W266xxxx
Please use this number when replying/calling about this order.

This email confirms that we have received your order for:
1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5A, 9.1 Megapixel, 10x Optical/4x Digital Zoom, Digital Camera (Blue)
Included Free:
Free Digital Camera Promotional Kit - Tripod, Cleaning Kit, LCD Protector

Please allow a minimum of two days for order processing.
To expedite order processing, please give us a call.
If the address to which your package is being delivered is different then the address where you receive your monthly credit card statements (billing address). You must list that address as an alternate ship 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)

If you have additional questions about your order please contact us toll free at 1-800-307-1148 or email us at support@broadwayphoto.com.

Store Hours:

Sunday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST
Monday - Thursday: 8:45 AM to 9:00 PM EST
Friday: 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM EST
Saturday: Closed

NOTE: Due to the holiday we will be closed on Tuesday, October 21st and Wednesday October 22nd. We will resume our normal business hours on October 23rd at 8:45 A.M. EST. Thank you for your patronage.

--
Thank You,

BroadwayPhoto.com
http://www.broadwayphoto.com

While surffing I came aross a complaint saying something about broadwayphoto which made me nervous but I know you cant please everyone so maybe it was a rare thing. Remembering this website I looked them up to find quite a few complaints saying very similar things about bait and switch, emails asking to call the company after the reciept had come through, how these calls were sales calls with rude salespepole selling overpriced memory cards and makeing outlandish claims of 20 minute battery life and NEEDed memory cards to make items function.

I became more nervous but couldn't believe 1.That a company could get away with tactis like that, 2.Clear bold face lies would be told so openly, and 3.That people actually fell for it.

Yet 2 days after I placed the order I recieved this email:
Dear ian ,

We thank you for choosing broadwayphoto.com as your choice for all your photographic equipment.

In order to further verify your order #W266xxxx, we will need to speak with you on the phone. Please call our processing department at 1-800-307-1148 Extension 263 so we may verify and process your order.

Extended Holiday Store Hours:

Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM to 11 PM EST
Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST
Saturday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST


NOTE: Due to the holiday we will be closed on Tuesday, October 21st and Wednesday October 22nd. We will resume our normal business hours on October 23rd at 8:45 A.M. EST. Thank you for your patronage.

--
Once again, Thank You for choosing broadwayphoto.com.

This raised two flags. 1st other complaints on ripoffreport.com stated this is how it started and 2nd in both emails make reference to a holiday in october...I placed the order 12/24/08 and this email came on 12/26/08.

Before calling the number I read through more ripoffreport.com issues with this company so I could be better prepared. The first thing I asked the man on the phone was "is this item in stock right now?" he responded "YES". He then confirmed my billing and shipping info then asked if I knew what came with the order and I in fact did. He then told me the battery that came with the camera was only good for 20 min. (same line I have read in multiple complaints) instead of argueing with him I siad that was fine because I only need to take a couple pics at a time when I was mountain biking. He then stated I would HAVE to purchase a large HIGH SPEED memory card in order for the camera to work. I told him this was not true, and stated a high speed memory card was to aid in the HD video which was more of a bonus and not a neccessity. I then stated I was a professional with very high end equipment and this was just something I could through in my pack when mountain biking. He said ok and confirmed my order was shipping out that day.

FOUR days later I recieved this email:
Dear ian ,

This e-mail is being to sent to update you on the status of your order # W2660414. Your credit card had has not been charged due to the fact that the product you ordered is currently on back-order. When the product arrives we will e-mail you and then process your order.

For updated order status, shipping and tracking information visit the "My Account" area of broadwayphoto.com or you may e-mail us at support@broadwayphoto.com. Click here to cancel you order

We apologize for any inconvenience.


broadwayphoto.com
Staff

I have sent an email that has not recieved a response as of yet today being 1/7/09.

AVOID this company and spread the news to everyone you know.

Ian
meriden, Connecticut
U.S.A.