Broadway Photo RipOff

[Lao]

I almost got ripped by those bastards too. I won't tell you what they said to me over the phone because of a simple reason: there's nothing more to add.

I already blocked my internet transactions on my Visa, but still, one question runs through my head: have anyone of you had drawn money from your cards by Bwayphoto after an experience like this? I mean without having bought anything from them, just providing them the CC info.

[UnhappyShopper]

Having read all the other shopper's experiences at Broadway Photo, I wish I had researched here before placing my order! Bottom line, I got the same bait and switch tactic and cancelled my order. However, this was the 3rd place I had gotten the same treatment from and I decided I'd had enough. I filed complaints with the FTC, NY Attorney General, NY Department of Consumer Affairs, and the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. I've heard back from the FTC and the NYC DCA. Folks, these scammers are going to keep screwing the unsuspecting public until enough of us get fed up and report them to the authorities that control their business license. I recommend filing a complaint with the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/home/home.shtml or www.nyc.gov/consumers
Document everything! I copied the webpages that showed Broadway Photo's deceit and mailed the whole package to the DCA. If they get enough complaints - they'll act!

[SkipBroadway]

Don't wait your time with Broadway Photo. Here is why.
I ordered a Sony HDR SR11 camcorder from them 2 days ago. Their reply email asked me to call them to confirm the order (what?) but they called me today to up-sell me a 2-hour battery for $149 which I could get for $60. I told the salesman that I didn't need it because the camcorder came with one even though it may last for twenty minutes. (We had a fight of whether I need one or not. It was one of those "Yes you do, no I don't" kind of fight.) I asked for his name several times, but he did not reply. He then tried to sell me the extended warrantee, which I turned down. He asked me whether I wanted the camcorder in Japanese or English. "English," I replied. He said the price for that was $100 more. (The web site did not mention that it's a Japanese-language version. This is America; why would they assume that they were selling the Japanese-language version.) I refused to pay the increased price. He asked me whether I want to cancel. I had no choice but to say yes. (Even though he did not use any foul language, he was rude most of the time when I turned down his up-sell.) Please check them out on the BBB, and don't waste your time with them.

[PCwik]

And the hits just keep on coming!
I just got the same bait and switch. I ordered a Canon 720IS last night and got an email this morning that I needed to call them to complete my order. After 8 minutes on hold I was met with a rude gentleman that tried to up sell me on everything from AA batteries to filters. Then he gave me the total price that included shipping and handling, the site had free shipping. I said to cancel the order, he argued that shipping is always included, I said cancel the order, he gave in and said since I didn't know about it they would waive it. I stupidly said fine. Gee I can't wait to see what I get...
Avoid these guys!:mad2:

[FLCoyote]

After shopping for a Garmin GPS on EBAY for two weeks without winning an auction I decided to go ahead and buy a new one. I surfed the web and found the lowest price at Broadway Photo. I've never had a bad experience ordering on the internet until yesterday and it may not turn out to be a problem at all. When I received an email from Broadway Photo stating that I had to call to confirm my order I thought it was kind of unusual. I did call them and got a hard sell for unneeded accessories and some outright lies. I will have to wait until I receive my GPS to see if I've been had or not. The email from Broadway and my reply follow:

I returned the requested phone call at 3:15PM EST. The customer service representative told me he had to confirm the shipping address and we did that. Then he tried to tell me that the Garmin GPSMAP 76CSX did not come with a memory card. It does! It comes with a 128MB memory card, a USB cable, A lanyard and seveal other accessories. He then told me that it only comes with a hard drive. As I am very familiar with this unit I assured him that it comes new in the box with a 128MB memory card. He then tried to tell me that this wasn't sufficient memory. Thats not even close to the truth. 128MB is more than adequate for handheld GPS use. He then tried to sell me an extended warranty. I declined. His last try was to offer me free annual software upgrades for the unit. These are already free from the Garmin website.

Becoming suspicious I googled Broadway Photo and immediately wished I had done that before I placed an order with you. That said I expect a New in the box Garmin GPSMAP 76CSX with all accessories. I clearly told the customer service rep that I did not want a refurbished unit and he assured me that it would be new in the box.

If you do not intend to deliver as advertised please advise me immediately and I will cancel the order. If the unit is delivered and is not as advertised I will dispute the charges and file every possible official complaint. Please advise of your intentions. I certainly do not want to receive a unit for which the accessories have been stripped or the operators manual is in a language other than english.


Respectfully

John Miller


On Tue Mar 11 15:10 , sent:

>Dear John Miller, We thank you for choosing bwayphoto.com as your choice for all your photographic equipment.In order to further verify your order #W1674330, we will need to speak with you on the phone. Please call our processing department at 1-800-307-1148 Extension 296 so we may verify and process your order.
>Store Hours:
>Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm EST
>Monday - Thursday: 8:45 am to 9 pm EST
>
>Friday: 8:45 am to 5 pm EST
>
>Saturday: Closed
>Once again, Thank You for choosing bwayphoto.com.

[RJF]

I got the same "bait and switch - upgrade" pitch after being told to call to verify my order for a Sony T300 -- I had a bad feeling about it at the time and should have cancelled. Of course, their price online was for an "import" version "did I want the USA version? DUH -- of course. So they upgraded to that for a price but then as you are all finding the "shipping and handling" which is not stated on their website entered in.

Although my order did ship the next day and appears to be fine, they still charged me $20 more than it should have been and the extra battery is not a Sony battery and the camera says it's not compatible.

I usually check these reviews carefully before I buy, but didn't do it this time. My mistake.

They are not worth the hassel of arguing with, but definitely do not buy from these guys.

[ergoetc]

I was on the Broadway Photo site today and saw they had the Canon EOS Rebel XSI listed as "in stock" and available for two-day delivery. The camera isn't slated for U.S. release until late April. I googled Broadway Photo and found this site. Thus, I guess the camera is either "gray market," an international version, or Broadway Photo is just up to its old tricks. Thanks to all previous users for saving me the headaches. It doesn't erase the frustration you have all experienced, but you saved a fellow traveler. That is worth something, right?

[liequan]

Here is my experience with broadwayphoto.

A couple month ago, I tried to buy Olympus E-510. I ordered it on broadwayphoto website and at the time the website said it is in stock. A day or so later, I asked for verification call(you all know that). I did it. Later I got an email stating that the product is out of stock. So I canceled it. -- Not too bad, the problem was just inconsistency between the website and its actual stock.

On 04/07/2008, I am looking for Olympus 1030 SW. The simple google led me to broadwayphoto again. I ordered it online with $306 and free shipping. And again, I got a request for calling them for verification. I called this morning. The other side of the line treat me like kids. First, he told me that the battery coming with the camera would only last 10 minutes and he recommended additional battery for additional 39.99 with very authoritative voice. I did not believe that but the extra battery is not bad so I said yes. Then he told me I would need to buy a battery charger for that. When I questioned him that "should the charger comes with camera in the package", he avoid the question and asked me to forget about the charger. Then he told me that the total price is 399.99. I learned the simple addition in my primary school so I immediately questioned why the total price is that amount. He stated that the extra battery would be 59.99 (which he mentioned it is only 39.99 just a minute ago.). I said that I do not want extra battery. This time he gave me another price which is about 350. Again I asked why it is different to the price shown during my online order. He said the difference is because of shipping insurance and it is non-negotiable. I feel fishy and said I wanted to cancel the order. He canceled the order. I feel that I am really lucky that I canceled the order after I googled the word broadwayphoto and found this site.

[gbukgb]

I found some info on the BBB website, just a heads up when ordering from any of these websites listed as they are all part of Broadway Photo...

Website:
www.bwayphoto.com
Additional Websites:
BuyeRetail.com
www.amphotoworld.com
www.cameratopia.com
www.digitalliquidators.com
www.kingcameras.com
www.preferedphoto.com
www.preferredphoto.com
www.prestigecamera.com
www.regalcamera.com
www.thedigitalexpo.com
www.tronicity.com
www.wilddigital.com

[sebahlke]

Having read all the other shopper's experiences at Broadway Photo, I wish I had researched here before placing my order! Bottom line, I got the same bait and switch tactic and cancelled my order. However, this was the 3rd place I had gotten the same treatment from and I decided I'd had enough. I filed complaints with the FTC, NY Attorney General, NY Department of Consumer Affairs, and the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. I've heard back from the FTC and the NYC DCA. Folks, these scammers are going to keep screwing the unsuspecting public until enough of us get fed up and report them to the authorities that control their business license. I recommend filing a complaint with the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/home/home.shtml or www.nyc.gov/consumers
Document everything! I copied the webpages that showed Broadway Photo's deceit and mailed the whole package to the DCA. If they get enough complaints - they'll act!

Thanks for the advice. I will certainly do that and hope others will, too!

[djmaryjoe]

Wow, this sounds like the experience I am having with them right now. Same thing with trying to add a $100 battery to the camera because the one they are selling with the camera is a 20 min battery. All of the people there are as rude as they can be and keep asking you if you want to add more items to your camera. Will never use this company. Truly the worst I have ever seen.:mad2:

[Elskipo]

These are badguys. I ordered a Canon 5D MkII which they sent. I'm not sure it isn't grey market and I purchased an extended 3 yr. warranty. Instead of MAC warranty which they promised they sent one fron Consumer Priority Service which it doesn't take much research to find out that is totally bogus. Since I have not yet paid the credit card charge I have informed Broadway that I will contest the charge with American Express to get them on my side. I have demanded a MAC warranty or a refund. I have also stated (not threatened) that I will contact the NY state Attorney General's office. They have messed with the wrong person.

[smithymeng]

Having read all the other shopper's experiences at Broadway Photo, I wish I had researched here before placing my order! Bottom line, I got the same bait and switch tactic and cancelled my order. However, this was the 3rd place I had gotten the same treatment from and I decided I'd had enough. I filed complaints with the FTC, NY Attorney General, NY Department of Consumer Affairs, and the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. I've heard back from the FTC and the NYC DCA. Folks, these scammers are going to keep screwing the unsuspecting public until enough of us get fed up and report them to the authorities that control their business license. I recommend filing a complaint with the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/home/home.shtml or www.nyc.gov/consumers
Document everything! I copied the webpages that showed Broadway Photo's deceit and mailed the whole package to the DCA. If they get enough complaints - they'll act!

How can those guys do business this way? I Have to thank all of you above for leaving such an important and useful information. You guys help a lot, help me away from those liar. I really planned to buy a camera from that website. Now I knew those Xxxx...

thank you all