Bait and switch: Online electronics stores (in Brooklyn) caught in fraud

[cwerdna]

Hope this isn't a repost...
Bait and switch: Online electronics stores caught in fraud | Crave - CNET
On Line HDTV Stores Get Nailed For Consumer Fraud HDGURU.Com

For those of you who shop for electronics using price search engines like Pricegrabber, mysimon.com, pricescan.com and the like, I always noticed that there were some shady retailers w/seemingly low prices compared to legit ones. However, when you go check at Store Ratings and Reviews by Real People - Trusted Online Shopping, you'll find TERRIBLE reviews and ratings for them. (No, I'm not talking about reputable NY retailers like B & H or J and R).

I didn't realize that 7 retailers ran 40 scam web sites.

I usually end up paying a few extra $ and going w/a known reputable reseller, esp. one I've bought from before.

[nthach]

I've never used pricegrabber for anything. I see it this way, you get screwed by some places online or a small mom and pop just like you would at Best Buy.

[Midpack]

'If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.'

I recently bought a good camera online. I saw some sites that were offering very low prices, in fact some mentioned in the link above. After seeing and being tempted by a few and remembering the adage above, I Googled for reviews on the bargain sites. And as expected, there were countless horror stories of buyers who got refurbished, used, gray market or all sorts of unexpected merchandise and non-existent customer service after the sale. There were some positive reviews, but I suspect they might have been planted.

There are definitely reputable dealers online, with prices considerably below Best Buy (a little of 11% in my case), but you have to do your research. It's pretty easy to set up a website, as little as $9/month.

And guess how I stumbled, at least in part, on who the reputable online dealers are? By joining some photography forums and reading for a few weeks before I made my purchase. The reputable (and not) sites are well known...

[DaveinOlyWA]

most of my electronic purchases are done thru the MASSIVELY Expensive people. the last two purchases were done at costco.com

my problem is lack of patience. i hate shopping in stores. i go to stores to buy, not browse so i am usually in and out in 30 minutes and it only takes that long if i have to try something on as i NEVER bring any clothes back (which is just the opposite of the person i live with who spends a minimum of an hour. buys 7 things, 3-4 of which will be returned because they dont fit)

[efusco]

This has been going on for well over a decade. I've even tried to buy from 86th street photo in the distant past, but learned my lesson and now use only the reputable stores even if the price is higher. But when you're buying expensive camera gear the price differences advertised are huge and it is very tempting to go for the lesser known stores, esp. when they have a glossy ad in the back of your favorite photography magazine.

Glad they've finally got cracked down on, but it took FAR too long.

[amm0bob]

I haven't used them...

I have used Amazon... and will again.

[MarinJohn]

Luckily I took a screen shot of the 'final price including shipping' before signing off. When the bill hit my credit card it was $200 higher than our 'agreement'. Luckily I charged it on AMEX. I simply called AMEX explained the problem and sent them copies of the screen shot. Amex immediately removed $200 from my bill, dealt with the online company, and that was that. Go AMEX! In the fiture I will take my own lesson and save a screenshot of the price and ALWAYS charge online pruchaces to AMEX. It is unlimited fun to sic one corporation on another and let them duke it out while I stay out of the frustration and fray.

[efusco]

Originally Posted by MarinJohn

Luckily I took a screen shot of the 'final price including shipping' before signing off. When the bill hit my credit card it was $200 higher than our 'agreement'. Luckily I charged it on AMEX. I simply called AMEX explained the problem and sent them copies of the screen shot. Amex immediately removed $200 from my bill, dealt with the online company, and that was that. Go AMEX! In the fiture I will take my own lesson and save a screenshot of the price and ALWAYS charge online pruchaces to AMEX. It is unlimited fun to sic one corporation on another and let them duke it out while I stay out of the frustration and fray.

Unquestionably the best customer service ever with AMEX. I buy without concern online and elsewhere.

[mrblaise]

No surprise here. It always amazed me how 86th street photo would have prices that would blow the competition away. The problem was when customers would try to complete the sale. They had the old phone call system where even if you tried to order online, you would get a call from someone to "confirm" the order. When the buyer wouldn't fall for the upsale on accessories, etc., suddenly the product was sold out. Crooks!