Broadway Camera is a "Bait and Switch" operation. They never intend to sell the products they advertise at the advertised prices.

I placed an order with Broadway Camera on January 15th and started takin notes the next day.

January 16, 2007

After placing my order last night for an Olympus E-3 from Broadway Camera, I got a call and a message to call Broadway Photo to confirm my order.

Mr. Diamond verified my address and then went on to tell me that the camera came without a battery. When I told him that the list of included accessories included a battery, he said “That’s only a twenty minute battery; I have the standard battery and the long life battery, which one would you like?”

I replied “Neither.”

He argued with me saying that I could not use the camera for more than twenty minutes without an additional battery. After the battery issue was solved (I didn’t order any additional batteries.) he asked me if I wanted the “USC” version of the camera. I told him I wanted the version that I ordered. He explained that it was the Japanese version and that all the writing and menus would be in Japanese. He then tried to push the “USC” version. He then went on to explain that they carried three versions of the camera: the “USC”, the “grey market” and the “Japanese” version.

I told him I would stick with my order the way it was.

He said (in a snooty tone)“ I hope you can speak Japanese. Enjoy your camera.” And hung up.

Even if I get the product I ordered and everything is in English, this hassle may still not be worth it.

Then I got this message by email:

From: Orders@bwayphoto.com Add to Address BookAdd to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
To: mail@frankrocco.com
Subject: Re: Your Order# W1482928
Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:03 -0500
Dear Frank Rocco,

This e-mail is being to sent to update you on the status of your order # W1482928. Your credit card had has not been charged due to the fact that the product you ordered is currently on back-order. When the product arrives we will e-mail you and then process your order.

For updated order status, shipping and tracking information visit the "My Account" area of bwayphoto.com or you may e-mail us at support@bwayphoto.com. Click here to cancel you order

We apologize for any inconvenience.


bwayphoto.com
Staff

This was my reply:

Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:54:02 -0800 (PST)
From: "Frank Rocco" Add to Address BookAdd to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
Subject: Re: Your Order# W1482928
To: Orders@bwayphoto.com
CC: info@uscp.org


Hello Gentlemen,

Your web site currently reads that this item is in
stock!

http://www.bwayphoto.com/productlistings.aspx?qu=e-3

http://www.bwayphoto.com/viewproduct.aspx?id=9778767

I hope you can resolve this issue or update the web
site immediately.

Thanks,
Frank

I believe this strategy is called “Bait and Switch”. The item advertised is not actually available so they try to sell you another item (in this case the same item at a higher price or with additional, overpriced items).

Two days later the web site still reads that the item is in stock.

Even Now, January 24, 2008, their web site still has the same price and claims that the camera is in stock.

I’m aware of the grey market risk, but would like to buy the advertised product for the advertised price.