Usaphotonation Usa Photo Nation deceptive sales tactics ripoff New York Internet

I will just paste the same message I sent to the Attorney General of New York, where I believe this company is based.

I recently purchased a Canon 30D camera on their website. Two days later I received a phone call from a salesman. He told me that the item I purchased was for the European market and would not work in the US. He told me I could upgrade to the USA model for an extra $400. I told him no and he got mad and hung up. I then contacted Canon and was told the 30D is manufactured for the "world market" and that a European specific model did not exist. After three phone calls they finally cancelled my order per my request. I went to ripoffreport.com and found three complaints similar to what I experienced.

I do not require any action on your part, but as a courtesy to future customers I felt it was necessary to contact you. I don't know how many people have been taken advantage of with their bait and switch sales tactics, but from the phone conversations I woud venture to say it was a lot.

Thank you

I have since found five more complaints here at ripoff report.

Here is a copy of my correspondence with Canon.
Date: Mon, 08 May 2006 13:55:01 -0400
To: xxxxxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Product Information (KMM5831738V10852L0KM)
From: "Canon Support" Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert

Dear Pxxx Xxxxxxxx:

Thank you for contacting Canon product support. We value you as a Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your
upcoming purchase.

The EOS 30D is compatible for usage in the world market. This means that we are not currently creating an EOS 30D body which is only compatible with European standards.

Here is a list of some online Authorized Canon Dealers:

1. bhphotovideo

2. amazon (online stores with store fronts only)

3. cdw

4. ritzcamera

5. dell

6. jr

7. officedepot

8. staples

9. bestbuy

10. officemax

11. compusa

12. costco

13. adorama

14. focuscamera

15. walmart

We hope this information is helpful to you. Please feel free to contact us again if you have any other questions or concerns.

Thank you for choosing Canon.

Sincerely,

Jason
Technical Support Representative

Special Note: Certain issues are very difficult to resolve via email.
If your question remains unanswered after you have received this email, you may call our special toll-free number for email customers with unresolved issues and speak to a technician by dialing 1-866-261-9362,
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight ET, and Saturday 10:00 a.m.
-
8:00 p.m. ET (excluding holidays).

If you prefer to continue to communicate via email, reply to this message and we will respond as quickly as possible.



Original Message Follows:
-------------------------

First Name: Pxxx
Last Name: Xxxxxxxx
Email: xxxxxxxxxxx @yahoo.com
Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx
Question:
We are long time Canon owners. The EOS compatability is what influenced our purchase of the 30D. Here's what happened. I recently placed an online order at USA Photo Nation for the 30D.

TodayI received a phone call from them. The salesman tried to tell me that the unit I had ordered was a european model and would not work in the US and that it would cost another $400 to get the USA model. I checked their website and nowhere does it distinguish that there is a European and a USA model. I have included a link to their site.
http://www.usaphotonation.com/products.asp?product_id=12760&dept_id=2525&shelf_id=&v=&show=description#box

Are they trying to bait and switch or is this legitimate? Is the European model for sale inside the US? How can I tell the difference?
Thanks

Confused

Phil
Oceanside, California
U.S.A.