86th Street Photo & Video Lowest prices, but never available Internet

I also experienced the same treatment from 86th Street Photo and Video as described here by a different consumer. I ordered a digital camera at the lowest price I could availably find on the internet. I was in no real hurry to receive the product, but now I know they are running a scam.

When the order was placed the site said the product was available and would ship within a short period of time (cannot remember what the exact time frame quoted was...definately within 72hrs).

Within a day I received an email requesting I call to confirm my order. After approximately 15 minutes on hold I confirmed and numerous accessories were offered. This is not my first digital camera so I have no need for anything, and didn't even get into their pricing of accessories.

The operator specifically noted at the end of the conversation that the product would arrive within 7-10 business days (I of course opted for the shortest/cheapest available shipping).
Within minutes of hanging up I received another email from the "shipping department" stating the cameras temporary unavailability. 3-4 weeks is what was stated in the email.

Once again, not being in any hurry to receive the product, I elected to wait.
Just over 2 weeks later I received an Order Update email. This one extended the unavailability of the product another 5-6 weeks. This and the previous emails of course offered me the easy possibility of cancelling my order at no charge to me.

The funny part about it all is that within a week of ordering I went back to the site to see if the product shows availability online and not only was it still showing availibility, but it was also indicating approximately $10 cheaper!

At this point I'm only a few days past this last email and haven't decided which action I will take, whether to wait the entire process out or just finish this game and purchase from a more reputable site.

Mike
Houston, Texas
U.S.A.