Best of the Best
Written: Jan 31 '02 (Updated Feb 01 '02)
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B&H Photo Video is the best online camera shop that there is, period. I don't typically make claims like this, but I have never been more impressed with an online vendor since I began shopping over the net. I have purchased from this place at least 10 times, and I have never had one single unsatisfactory aspect to any of the purchases. This place is just great. Now I'm not the type to make these claims without any evidence, so I'll try to give you a quick but descriptive overview of this online vendor.
B&H Photo Video is a photography store that is located in New York City. They offer everything from cameras, to accessories, to printers, and anything else related to photography.
Inventory: B&H has to have one of the largest inventories in the country. I have yet to look for something there, and have them not carry it. It's actually pretty amazing that they can carry all the stuff that they do. They have a real-time inventory status, so you'll never order something that's instock, then find out later that it really isn't. Basically, if it exists, B&H will carry it.
Website Design: The B&H website is well layed out, and easy to navigate. They have very clear menu options, and a great search function, that is quite accurate. The site can be a little slow at certain times, and I'm not quite sure why, but usually doesn't last long. The web address is www.bhphotovideo.com
Quality: This is a very important aspect about B&H. THERE ARE MANY CAMERA RESELLERS OUT THERE THAT ARE SIMPLY CROOKS!! Many online camera stores use a bait and switch tactic when dealing with their customers. For example, you place an order for a Canon G2 for $649, because it's a great price. You receive an email from them stating that you need to call them to confirm your order. Once you call, they use high pressure tactics to get you to buy outragously overpriced accessories. If you decline, these terrible dealers will refuse to sell you the camera, tell you it's out of stock, or sell it to you without a US warranty (gray market), and tell you that you wont receive the accessories that are standard. Some will just sell you a gray market, foreign camera, that have no warranty, and may not even function. B&H does not use any of these tactics!!! This is very important, because there are very few reputable dealers that are online. B&H never asks you to call them, nor will they call you to try and sell you accessories. This is a stand up shop, and they are first class.
Service: I haven't had to deal much with there customer service, luckily. Probably because they only sell high quality, non-gray market products. I have used a great feature though, which is live online chat. This chat can be used to have a knowledgeable person help you to find what you are looking for, or even answer any questions you may have. The same goes for calling them on the phone. This is a very knowledgable staff, and it shows. They also have a great 30 day return policy, one of the best in the biz.
Price: B&H has prices that are very competitive with any other reliable, honest camera outfit. They typically have better prices than the big guys like amazon, 800, buy.com etc. Some of the items are priced lower than the MAP (Manufacturer approved price), so they will email you the super low price instead. I was worried about getting junk mail from this the first time I did it, but trust me, you will receive absolutely no unsolicited mail from these guys. They definitely have some of the best prices on the net for reputable dealers.
Shipping: This is a great part about B&H. They use very reasonably priced Fed-ex shipping, for all of their products, no matter how small or inexpensive. The default shipping is fed-ex saver, which can take up to three days. HOWEVER, everytime I have ordered before 4pm eastern, I have received my item the very next day!!! These guys process orders quickly, ship the same day, and if you live close to NYC (I'm in Boston) you receive your product the next day. Shipping charges are about $5 and up, but well worth it.
OVERALL: My opinion is that B&H is the best, and most reliable dealer on the net. They are always my first choice when purchasing photography related items. I have not had one single problem ordering from these guys! It really is stress free online shopping. One sidenote, the store is owned and operated by hasidic Jews, and they obey all of the hasidic holidays. Orders placed after friday afternoon, won't be processed until monday, and if there is any other hasidic holidays, they will be closed. Make sure to check your calendar before you order, so that you don't have any unwanted delays.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: B&H Photo Video is by far the best online photography store. I have no doubt that I will continue to use them for all of my photography needs. I recommend trying them out, as I am sure that you will be as pleased as I was. Please feel free to leave me any questions you may have, and I hope that you found this review helpful!
PS. I like getting comments and ratings, so if you read and liked my review please let me know. Thanks!
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About the Author
Location: Boston
Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me: I'm a 24 year old strategy management consultant, currently living in Boston.
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B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio
