Small Glitch in ordering system was quickly and professionally resolved.
Written: Dec 17 '07
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I ordered a Nikon D-40 ( Refurbished ) from Adorama about 3 weeks before Christmas. The price they were selling them for ( $399 w/18-55 lens ) was the lowest I found from what I consider known reputable camera vendors. There were a few lower prices from lesser known sites and with less well known history's so I stuck with Adorama.
It was my first time buying through them as I usually go directly to B&H in NYC. But simply put, they had the camera I wanted and the price was good.
I received an email from a rep the following day ( I had ordered at night when the store was closed ) which stated my credit card was being rejected. I use Citi Virtual Card numbers which allow me to create a card number for the exact amount of the sale, so I can't be overcharged. I have to admit that my first thought was that they were trying to do exactly that and their shenanigans were causing the rejection. As it turns out it was a mix up in their computer systems in calculating the sales tax. The sales tax for my confirmation was calculated at 8.5% and that is the total I made my card out to be valued. Upon running the sale though another system it calculated it at the correct rate of 8.65%. A discrepancy of less than $1. but obviously enough to keep my card from being accepted. (I strongly suggest getting a Citi card and using virtual account numbers for all online purchases ).
I do not know if one database of theirs needs to be updated or if they took care of it since I pointed it out, but it was a minor setback only. The salesperson responded to my email reply later that afternoon confirming my cards acceptance and that it would be shipped later that day.
As I was in no real rush for it to arrive ( having 3 weeks to receive it in time for Christmas ) I opted for the most inexpensive of the shipping methods, I believe it was $9. This is a VERY low price for a camera body and lens when compared to most other online shops. Obviously they have faster options at higher rates but as time wasn't an issue I went cheap. As I recall the estimated shipping time was 7 to 9 days.
Even with the fact that I live only 65 miles east of their store, I was amazed to find the Camera at my house in two days time from when I ordered it. Had I paid for the 2 day shipping which was $25 or so, I would have been happy to get it in 2 days, but to get it for $9... I was thrilled.
The packaging was excellent, sturdy box and Adorama logo'ed air filled bags ( as opposed to styrofoam peanuts or paper ).
The items came as described with all parts and accessories that were expected. There were no games regarding trying to upsell or taking out accessories which were supposed to be part of the standard purchase. This is something I've seen at other less reputable camera sellers.
Overall, I'm very happy with the service, speed of shipment and the products description as well as the ease of navigating the website in the first place.
In a way, I'm actually happy to have had the minor problem with the sales tax because I was able to get a taste of how Adorama works with a customer to fix an issue. I'm quite happy with the speed of communication as well as the effort to get the shipment out the door the same day as the issue was addressed.
As a side note, I emailed one of the less expensive sites ( still a large and well known name ) and had asked them if all the standard accessories such as the battery would be included with the price their web site quoted. ( The site was very vague about what came with it ) and though I sent out that email a week prior to ordering with Adorama, I've still yet to receive a response. Obviously that kept me from considering that site any further, but it highlights the huge difference between a vendor who actually values customer service in todays world.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Nikon D-40 body and Lens Kit - Refurbished
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Epinions.com ID:
bongi22
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Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 2 members
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