Focus Camera is My Choice for Camera Accessories
Written: May 16 '08 (Updated May 22 '08)
| Ease of Ordering: |
 |
|
| Selection: |
 |
|
| On-Time Delivery: |
|
|
|
| Full Review |
After buying a new camera I found that I wanted a Circular Polarizing Lens for it. Doing a Google product search brought up Focuscamera.com as having the lens I wanted at one of the cheapest prices. When the search also showed Focus Camera as being a 4 out of 5 star rated business I decided to order from them.
After completing this transaction I would have to give them a 5 star rating. It was one of the smoothest online transactions I've ever had.
Focus Camera Web Site
On first look at focuscamera.com I found it to be cluttered with products and information. On a closer look the clutter becomes useful as I was able to easily find the product category I wanted. I didn't have to do a search as I do on many other sites.
Along the top you will find the available categories. Surprisingly there are household items, home & garden, and other categories besides electronics. Down the left side of the page are links to help the shopper search for a product, shop by brand, contact customer service, track orders, and other helpful site tools. The middle of the page contains "daily specials", products they are offering at sale prices.
What really caught my eye and sealed the deal with focuscamera.com was the PayPal logo on the page. I don't like using my credit card online unless it is absolutely necessary. Being able to use my PayPal account was a perk I hadn't counted on.
Purchasing My Lens
Opening the page of the product I wanted showed a fairly nice size picture along with its information. The features & specifications info did give me a tip that I hadn't been aware of. Not only did I order something, I learned about the best way to use it.
Clicking on the easy to find "Add to Cart" button took me to a page that verified my product choice, showed that it was in stock and would ship within 1 to 2 business days. If I had a promo code I could have entered it here. There is a box to enter your zip code with a "get shipping" button. I could choose between Budget (7 to 9 business days) for $6.75, Express Saver (3 to 5 Business days) for $8.78, Second day for $12.38, or Next day for $29.08. I chose the express saver.
This page also shows the payment options. Credit cards accepted are Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. As mentioned above, I chose to click the "checkout with PayPal" button. I was then taken to a secure PayPal page to log in. All of my order information was entered and since I have a confirmed PayPal address it was already listed on the page. All I had to do was confirm payment.
After the Purchase
Within a few minutes of ordering my lens I received a confirmation email. All of the details were correct and it stated I would receive a tracking email when my order was shipped. Within 2 business days I received an email with a direct link to the UPS tracking page. Even though I chose the Express Saver, 3 to 5 business days, the link showed that I would be receiving the lens in the shortest amount of time. Within 3 days my lens was delivered to my door.
The packaging was more than adequate. There were several large air pillows surrounding the lens box. Even without the pillows I feel my lens would have been fine as it was in a hard plastic case and fitted into a plastic sleeve.
Return Policy
While I will not be returning my lens, I had checked out Focus Camera's return policy. On the customer service page, towards the bottom, I found "We extend a 10 day money back guarantee for returns and exchanges, less shipping & handling**, from date of receipt, provided the following conditions are met:". Then there is a list of 16 conditions to a return, including a restocking fee. It is a rather strict return policy so make sure you read all of the details before ordering.
Finally
With the strict return policy I probably wouldn't order a high priced item from Focus Camera so that lowers my overall rating to a 4 star. But, for this purchase I'm pleased with the prompt service, correct product, and lower price. In fact this is one of the few online stores that I've made a second purchase from. I have another lens on the way.
Updated: I received my second lens within 3 days. The second transaction was as pleasant and smooth as the first.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Circular Polarizer Lens
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
cmaw63
|
 in Pets, Books |
|
Member: Julie
Location: Illinois, USA
Reviews written: 303
Trusted by: 70 members
About Me:
Someone turn the heat down!
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.