Converted Skeptic
Written: Dec 27 '01
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| Full Review |
The Sony MVC CD300 is the desired purchase, and after doing some searching locally and on the web I found Abe's to have one of the best prices, and be the lowest priced Internet retailer with consistent positive reviews, and actually have an inventory of cameras .
Prices:
The Sony MVC CD300 sold in the USA comes in both US and international versions. Only the US version is supported by warranty. Several on-line retailers sell the international version which is less expensive, but lacks warranty and attachments that come with the US version. Abe's sells the US version of the Sony MVC CD300 camera, this is the first positive experience. Next, at the local Fry's/Circuit City in San Diego, the price for the Sony CD300 in December 2001 is 999.00. The lowest price that I found on the web for the USA version was $764.00. Abe's price is $787.00, close but not the best. Several retailers were selling the foreign version for $639 (no warranty, and no retailer had it in stock).
Where Abe's exceeds its competition, is product availability. I called 9 other online retailers. 3 made me hold, and after a few minutes someone disconnected my call. Others did not have the camera in stock (even if the web site claims it is in stock), the Sony camera was the foreign version or in one case, I was ready to order the camera, the person put me on hold, the phone went dead, and for the next two days the phone rang fast busy.
My inquiry of price matching at the local Fry's revealed a price reduction of $100 off Fry's list price. Fry's list in December 2001 is $999. The Fry's reduced price is $899.00. But the Abe's price of $787.00, is still the in-stock price to beat.
In my call on the afternoon of December 10, 2001 I had a pleasant greeting, confirmed the camera was the US version, placed my order, and replied no to "would you like the extended warranty, your current warranty is only 90 days," and "would you like any additional CD-RW to use with the camera. (the camera's storage is on CD)" Nothing pushy, just inquisitive, and I did think about an extended warranty because of the $787 camera price.
After the order I was given an order number. Keep this number! On Wednesday December 19, 2001 the package had not arrived, most likely due to the additional scrutiny of packages following September 11, 2001 and the holiday package herd. Abe's has a special section to track packages. In calling Abe's, I was given the UPS tracking number, and was informed that the package was mailed December 12, 2001 (order placed afternoon of 12/10/01), and it should arrive on December 19, 2001 (UPS delay). The package did arrive on December 20, 2001 nicely cushioned. During my second call, Abe's was only helping me find my package, and Abe's made no attempt to sell me any other products.
Abe's has the lowest price on available items without high pressure sales. Others may have a lower price, but the item may not be in stock, may be a different or foreign model or will be tied to unpleasant salesmanship to save .01% of the purchase price.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
wpennington
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Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 0 members
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