Discount online retailers, is it worth it?

I've done a little searching, and have run across a number of online retailers selling the 20d for $800 or even less, for the body only. In trying to figure out how they are getting away with it, it turns out some of their accessories are wicked over price, plus they ream you on shipping...

Other than that, how safe do you think it is to order from them? Their not going to outright rip me off, are they?

BM

See the <A href="http://forums.photographyreview.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=10">Camera Dealer Feedback Forum</a> for all the horror stories you can stomach.

There seems to be a consensus that B&H, Adorama, and some others are good. Other than that, some online retailers are just in the business to screw you. That's all.

I have puchased close to 10,000 USD worth of stuff from B&H over the years and have never had a problem, not one. Others have had similar experiences with them. They are the only online new equipment dealer that I trust. Their prices will be higher than some other dealers, but they won't hose you or charge 100 for shipping.

As an aside, I have bought used equipment from KEH.com twice in the past and they seem reputable as well.

Hmm... I never noticed there was a forum dedicated to this subject.

Thanks

BM

I second everything Greg has said here. In the online photography equipment market, if it sounds to good to be true then it is. B&H, Adorama, and KEH are all excellent dealers and I have had many excellent experiences with all of them. As I'm sure you'll find in the Dealer Feedback forum, the cheap-o companies will scam you to buy accessories, extended warrantees, and then suddenly not have your camera in stock if you don't buy their add-ons...

As Walter said... if it sounds too good to be true, it unfortunately is. That doesn't mean you can't find deals, but you have to search and look for sales. I'll be honest, the majority of my online camera experience has consisted of ebay, and I've never had a problem, you just have to be smart about it.

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Originally Posted by bmadau

I've done a little searching, and have run across a number of online retailers selling the 20d for $800 or even less, for the body only. In trying to figure out how they are getting away with it, it turns out some of their accessories are wicked over price, plus they ream you on shipping...

Other than that, how safe do you think it is to order from them? Their not going to outright rip me off, are they?

BM

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Personal I would not order from any supplier which sells cameras piecemeal out of the camera box, ie battery, manual, charge, body, and if it a kit the lense, and then the lense case, etc.

Check out any vendoer with the Better Business Bureau, or other City or State Bureaus.

Most of the time after you pay the shipping you can many times pay less locally. But then I'm in a larger city.

Stay away from 99% of these guys. Everyone of us has somekind of horror story about these guys. Bait and switch is the favorite along with very high shipping. I know from first hand experience.

I have to echo what everyone else has said already. Most of my business has gone to B&H but I also use Calumet Photo. Adorama, Cameta Camera and Canoga Camera are good outfits too. I've never used KEH but always heard good things about them - I can't remember any bad stories about them.

Some of these places are well known for the ol' bait & switch. You probably won't be able to get a 20D for $800 unless you buy a bunch of accessories at overly inflated prices to go with it. If there's a problem with it, then you might be stuck - many of those places deal in "grey market" merchandise and at least Nikon USA has taken a stand against servicing any grey market products. IOW, no warranty other than thru a shady dealer...