Caveat Emptor! Buying Camera Gear in Brooklyn 

Buying anything over the internet is a gamble, fortunately, if you use a credit card, you can always dispute the charges. Regardless of the true nature of the disagreement, this may put a ding on your credit report.

In trying to purchase a camera recently, I ran across a number of well put together sites that were selling camera gear at GREAT prices. These were nearly 50% of list. So, I investigated carefully. There are a large number of photo shops in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New Jersey that are unscrupulous in their dealings. Here's the scam:

• Prices are incredibly low. These are gray market imports that DO NOT carry the USA warranty.
• The site may even say: "Full USA Warranty", or "US Warranty". They will then try and sell you a $399 five year policy that is held by them. Hey, Brooklyn is in the USA, right?
• These warranties are bogus because the manufacturer will NOT sell them parts. They can service it for a time but not too far down the road their ability to service will stop -- well before your 3 or 5 year warranty runs out. Some folks have reported that they could NOT get ANY service after the sale.
• Most manufacturers WILL NOT service these gray market items, for any price. Those that do, charge something like 50% of list. That is nearly the price you paid from these guys! It breaks, you're screwed.
• Many features, like video out or battery chargers, may not work with typical U.S. equipment.
• They often open the box and strip out things like batteries, chargers, straps, and software and then try and sell them back to you at enormous prices.
• The customer service is atrocious, unhelpful, and rude.
• They will ask you to call and verify your order. Sounds like a security thing, right? WRONG. They are going to try and upsell you with expensive accessories. Some will even back off and tell you that the camera is not in-stock after you refuse to buy the accessories!
• They double the shipping charges. I found one site that wanted $75 for 2-Day UPS.
• These guys join the Better Business Bureau and pour in money. Consulting the BBB in New York is useless.

How do you tell the difference? It is difficult. There are even WONDERFUL stores in New York like Adorama and B&H Photo with huge selections and GREAT customer service. However, expect NO discounts.

There are, however, several tell-tale signs:

1. Prices too low to believe.
2. No physical address given, only a phone number and an e-mail.
3. An area code or address in Brooklyn
4. Huge shipping costs.
5. USA Warranty or US Warranty instead of Full USA Manufacturer's Warranty

Be careful when trying to squeeze every last nickel out of a purchase, it may end up costing you dearly.