Express Cameras ANOTHER BAIT AND SWITCH Edison New Jersey

I ordered the Canon Speedlite 430EX TTL flash along with the 4-pack AA Nickel Metral Hyrdride batteries with the charger for a total order $238.99.

Although I am not well versed in cameras and accessories I did research the flash through the Canon website and based on that, was confident that I was buying a good flash for a digital Rebel XTI at an excellent price.

When I received the email to confirm my order and called - the sales person at Express Cameras proceeded to ask me why I chose the flash I did instead of getting a flash specifically for the digital rebel.

Needless to say I was taken aback as I though through the Canon website I had validated that the flash was for the Rebel - he proceeded to tell me about the AF 952, which was specifically made for the Canon digital Rebel and was on sale for 229.00 - regularly 449.00 despite the fact that the website was showing 329.00 it was an additional $100.00 off. The AF952 also came with the hot shoe cord and the 'free' lens cleaner, case and tripod.

I could upgrade the battery pack from the standard to the quick charge for only 10.00 more as it was on sale for 35.00, phone only special pricing. In essence my order was completly changed and went from 238.99 to 284.08. I questioned the amount as my math tells me 229 + 35 is 264, and I was told it was insurance not shipping and handling as I would still receive the "free" shipping.

From the moment I hung up the phone with this salesperson (Nicholas) I had an uneasy feeling and attempted to call back and cancel the order but, I could not get through on the toll free number.

I researched the AF 952 flash and was quite dismayed at what I found - most places were selling the AF952 for Canon from the 109 - 114.00 price range. Also I was quite irritated to realize that it was not a Canon flash but a Sakar flash that is compatible with the digital Rebel.

The next day I received the package from Express Camera and was even more irritated when I saw the quality of the flash and that there was not a hot shoe cord, I immediately called Express to discuss the issue - at that time I was prepared to return the entire shipment to Express and cancel the order - also the 14.10 I was told was "insurance" was listed on the invoice as shipping and handling when on the original order the shipping and handling was free. I felt at this point that a bait and switch was pulled and I was totally ripped off - I paid 284.00 for merchandise that at best case I could have purchased elsewhere for 170.00.

I was then offered a 4GB high speed compact flash card valued at 179.00 to "keep" me happy (salesperson, Chris). Once again I threw confidence to the wind and 'assumed' Express Camera was truly trying to make good on this deal.

When I received the compact flash card (and was aware of the brand of flash card) I researched it only to find that the 'value' of the item and the actual selling cost varied greatly... The 179.00 flash card can be purchased elsewhere in the 45 - 65 range.

I attempted to call Express Camera (spending approximately 3.5 hours on the telephone) only to be transferred to representatives and disconnected. Frustrated at my attempts to speak with someone, I put the matter aside until after the Christmas rush was over.

On January 3, I called Express Camera and managed to get through to the manager, Kevin, who also claimed to be the owner of the company. When I told him my last attempt at contact resulted in over 3 hours of phone calls, I was told he didn't have any record and therefore I didn't call. I told him I had the records of my calls, on my phone bill, to which he replied fax it to me...

He was belligerent and rude; unwilling to hear my story and demanded an answer to the question did the flash work appropriately? I attempted to explain that the flash was a gift - and I could not tell him whether or not the product worked well, further that was not the reason for my call. He told me that I already received a 4GB flash card and what else did I want.

I attempted to rationally explain my case to no avail. I paid 284.00 for merchandise that retails elsewhere for approximately 220.00 - his response to me was he made 15.00 profit on the deal and that he would send me the 40.00 value hot shoe cord that I was not suppose to receive anyway or he would credit me his entire 15.00 profit made on this sale, to close the issue.

I did make that the point that the customer service attitudes, and his attitude (for being the manager and owner of the company) was totally unacceptable at which point he proceeded to whine that his computers had been down and his call queue was backed up. Probably an indication of the number of complaints they were receiving regarding their operational habits.

The entire transaction with Express Camera was a horrendous experience to say the least, and I would not consider them as a reputable vendor for any future purchases.

Their items are overpriced based on other vendors, the item that may be offered at a good price, you are convinced to switch to a "better" product that falls into the misrepresented pricing category - customer service attempts to "satisfy" you with offering additional items that are again overpriced according to market... IF you finally get through to plead your case, you are then given a 'sob story" about the minimal profit they are making and the problems of the operation.

I made the error of relying on the website testimonials and the 5 star rating with ShopCartUSA

The Better Business Bureau, does not list Express Cameras as an accredited vendor, and has complaints dating back to 2004 for this vendor. See url: newjersey.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=89&bbb=0221&firm=12001957

Unfortunately for me, this information was learned all too late, I should have checked the BBB and Ripoff Report first... still I thought it prudent to add my experience to the list of complaints so that perhaps others will be aware of the tatics used by this vendor.

Another angry customer
Edison, New Jersey
U.S.A.