GREAT PRICE! BUT BE PREPARED BEFORE YOU ORDER
Written: Oct 29 '04 (Updated Nov 01 '04)
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I ordered a Sony DCR PC-350 video camera for $949.98 ($909.00 for the camera, $39.99 for shipping) and I thought that was the end of that. Yeah, not so much.
First thing I got was an email asking me to call to confirm my order. Not an unreasonable request considering Internet fraud, but that's not the reason they want you to call. The real reason is that they want to 'pressure sell' you accessories. Let's go over what I was told and what I now know.
First, they offered me a 4 year extended warranty ... original price $299, but for a 'limited time', $199. They explained that the limited warranty was good at any Sony Authorized Service Center ... LIE! The warranty is issued by a company call Mack Camera (www.mackcam.com) in Springfield, NJ. A reputable company with lots of authorized dealers (selling they're warranty service), but no huge list of factory authorized service centers. The warranty also entitles me to one free cleaning per year and that all the information would be spelled out in the paperwork I'd receive ... LIE #2. There's no mention of any such included preventative maintenance of any kind on the paperwork provided.
To further entice me me to buy the warranty, he said he'd throw in a 3-pack of Sony Mini-DV tapes ... normally $30 (yeah, exactly $18 if you buy them at Wal-Mart) and a lens cleaning kit. Guess what, both freebies weren't in my shipper when I received the camera. But, after a quick phone call to customer service, 5 tapes not 3) were in my hands in a couple of days ... a nice way to apologize for the mixup.
After a lot of discussion, I decided to go for the warranty, but paid $179 for the 4 year coverage (roughly $3.72 per month when you break it down).
Next pressure sale was for an extra battery. Regular price $79.00, their price $59.99. After doing a search on shopping.com, I found one for $39.99. Guess what? He sold me the battery for $39.99 ... WEIRD!
That's the bad news. The good news is they absolutely had the BEST price for my camera (including shipping and all that). Also, they shipped when they said they would and I got my camera in about 3 days time. The camera was the brand new, factory fresh, retail package they described on their website. There were no extra charges over what we discussed over the phone. The price he quoted for the entire package was the price I paid.
So, what's my conclusion? If you're going to buy something from this store do a little research into the cost of the extras you know you want. Do this BEFORE you go on their website to buy your camera, or call that number to confirm your order. When they tell you something cost "X" amount of dollars and they're selling it for "Y", be a little cautious. If they can't meet or beat the prices, buy elsewhere. If they try to sell you something you don't know the price of, get on your computer and try to look it up ... don't worry they'll hang on; the last thing they want to do is get you off the phone.
Lastly, be prepared for a somewhat high pressure sales experience. If that type of thing doesn't bother you, go for it.
Oh and yes ... I'm satisfied with my purchase and I'm sure I got a great deal. Many other store's price for just the camera was well above what I paid for mine with all the accessories (which by the way, I was going to buy anyway). I'm just a little miffed that I had to get difficult to get prices on accessories that weren't super-inflated.
The only thing that threw me off was the whole 'call to confirm your order' charade they used as an excuse to pressure sell. That, and the fact that the rep felt he had to lie to get me to buy what I feel is a pretty good deal on an extended warranty for the camera (ever have a camcorder repaired out of warranty? ... I did, and it's not an inexpensive experience).
If I had to do it again, I would ... but only after some research beforehand.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Sony DCR PC-350
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About the Author
Member: Dennis G
Location: Morris County, NJ
Reviews written: 85
Trusted by: 38 members
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