Simply a deceptive, dishonest company
Written: Sep 21 '06
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If you like being ripped off, then buy a camera from Preferred Photo. On certain models of camera at least it appears the operation they run is the total scam and you end up paying up to several hundred dollars more than you originally authorised on your credit card… without your knowledge. Here's how it works
You are attracted to their website by the low prices on certain models of camera. Take a Nikon D50 kit with camera and lens for example currently shown at around $600. You order the camera and then are asked to phone to confirm the order. At this stage the salesperson asks, you were you aware that you purchased a Japanese model and would you like to change to the US model. Apart from the fact there is nothing on the website to indicate that different models are available, I would assume that most people are expecting to get a US model if they are purchasing from a US based supplier. So you agree to this change, but at no stage is it mentioned that this will cost a lot extra.
You receive the camera and then you find that instead of around $600 you have been charged $799.99 for the camera. Call Preferred Photo to complain and they claim you approved the “upgrade”. They claim with the Japanese model you would see Japanese characters on the LCD menu screen on the camera instead of English but you are given the option of exchanging the camera for the cheaper “Japanese model” but the returned camera of course has to be in perfect condition in the original box less a restocking fee of 10% plus of course you will incur all shipping charges of around $30-40 or so in each direction. (i.e. about $150 all up). They offered to exchange this “Japanese model” for the so-called US model.
But if you check the manual that comes with the camera you'll find that the menu on the camera will allow you a choice of 12 different languages including Japanese. So what's the difference between any so-called Japanese model and the US model? Presumably nothing at all it is simply a scam so they can charge to $200 or so more than you originally authorised. Even the so-called US model has a large self adhesive label with Japanese script on the box and the instruction book appears to have been reprinted from a Nikon original as it is on poor quality paper with low quality printing. Check with Nikon US and you’ll find the so called US model your received has NOT been imported via Nikon USA. Oh, and by the way, note the 21 day Satisfaction Guaranteed statement boldly emblazoned on the top of their web page. Check the fine print on another page. This reduces to just 7 days for digital and video equipment – which I presume is probably the vast majority of their business.
And if you call to complain? Be prepared to be hung up on a couple of times and eventually maybe offered a $50-60 rebate and maybe one of their ridiculously overpriced accessories. But they won’t refund what they overcharged. And you’ll still have “gray market” camera with no official Nikon warranty. Be warned!
Recommended:
No
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Nikon D50 camera with lens kit
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intex4me
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