Digital Imaging and Photography → Re: Before You Buy

It would also be nice to see a warning to buyers somewhere about the latest in online camera sales scams. This involves lowballing the price on the camera, but only if you buy expensive accessory packs. When I bought my dsc-f717 on line, I started from the lowest online price (572.00) and began making calls. The first SEVEN calls went like this:

me: Is the 717 in stock?
knowledgeable sales person: sure is, what accessory packages would you like to add to your purchase?
me: none, I just want the camera and the accessories included in the original box from Sony, with the US Warranty, of course.
KSP: ok, let me double check on availability (pause, comes back on the line) umm, the camera is currently out of stock and won't be available for 3 to 5 weeks...

on the EIGHTH call I finally got somebody who would sell me just the camera and guarantee shipping in 24 hours. Final price was 689 including shipping, still a good hundred bucks under Sony's price, but the procedure took 2 hours worth of calls and BS.

Hmm, after the first call I think I would have turned elsewhere. I'd rather buy locally and spend a couple of extra bucks - warranty issues are much easier.

said by MacGyver:

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Hmm, after the first call I think I would have turned elsewhere. I'd rather buy locally and spend a couple of extra bucks - warranty issues are much easier.

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guess I didn't make myself clear. I called seven DIFFERENT dealers and got the same run around. In my case buying locally is not an option. And I saved quite a bit more than a few bucks.Lots of people buy online, I'd just like to see them warned against this tactic.

said by MacGyver:

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Hmm, after the first call I think I would have turned elsewhere. I'd rather buy locally and spend a couple of extra bucks - warranty issues are much easier.

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Is 1 to 200 extra bucks just few?... that is what it really boils down to... and so far no tax (vs local) though if you aren't careful shipping can be excessive.

said by Hayward0:

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said by MacGyver:

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Hmm, after the first call I think I would have turned elsewhere. I'd rather buy locally and spend a couple of extra bucks - warranty issues are much easier.

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Is 1 to 200 extra bucks just few?... that is what it really boils down to... and so far no tax (vs local) though if you aren't careful shipping can be excessive.

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That depends on the dollar value you assign to your time. Sure, you may save $100 bucks by dealing with "NoNameCameraOutlet.com," but if there's a problem with your order, you'll spend a good bit of effort and energy trying to correct the situation. Remember, you'll never get that time you wasted back again.

- Dan