Hello...
I wanted to add this topic because over the last few years I have become quite the online specialists when it comes to selling, purchasing, & communicating!
Ebay, Price Grabber.... GOOD DEALS... BETTER DEALS... All the money you could save, why not take the chance... This is why...
An uninformed consumer may not be knowledgeable enough about a product they are purchasing, are not aware of possible scams that can be the difference of a easy sailing purchase and a nightmare that can tie up your money or create an overall loss!
I see this big time with Camera equipment, as I am always upgrading and am not too proud to say I spend quite some time looking for the best, safest deal! As much as I type in amazon.com, I still research before clicking 'checkout!'
I am not going to get into too much detail about the scams and unhonest people & companies.... But unless you are meeting someone in person & have something in writing (contract) stating what you are promised for what you are paying (or a reciept)... There is only so much these companies like ebay, amazon.com, pricegrabber.com can do to protect you... So especially big purchases... DO YOUR HOMEWORK. When I decide I am ready to purchase something I start price comparing (don't forget shipping & where you will and won't be charged tax-can be the difference of $100 or more on say a $1000 lens... Most companies only tax the state of which they do business!) After I see that
www.adorama.com has a lens for $1049.00... but four companies have the same lens priced at $849.00 with Free shipping! Instinct.. Good Deal... CHECKOUT!!! NO NO NO... stop there...
GO TO...
www.resellerratings.com For example type in Broadway Photo... BAD Reviews Right.. well then type in
www.bbb.com (check a business) type in Broadway Photo AGAIN... and see it does business under 15 differenet business names! That only took 5 mins and probably would have saved someone alot of money and stress! Or you can do an overall
www.google.com search, many forums have already address issues and concerns you are encountering!
Most likely that super deal is the result of an item being used, advertising as new... or a refurbished item that may or maynot truely have the warranty of the manufacturer... Or a grey market item that may not meet USA standards, not have english manuals, not to mention will have to be shipped out of the country for warranty issues!
So bottem line, we all like to save money where we can, but if it is too good to be true... well, it probably is... However, anything is possible, just make sure you have seen some history giving you reason to trust a company!
