Avoid Adorama
May 31st, 2007 by Mark
UPDATE BELOW – 1655 PDT
I decided to purchase a new camera. After debating and researching, I decided on Adorama as I felt they were more reputable than others at the same price point.
Even though they were slightly higher priced than another store that I was considering purchasing from; I was swayed by a photog I know, and they have an affiliate program that I wished to join. So I figured hey, if I want to others to buy from them, then I should also.
Glad I did. Now I know. They are horrible. And to think it started all so well.
When I first ordered my camera, I realized that I mistyped my expiration date on my credit card. So I called and had it corrected, and Franny was great. She said she would handle it on Thursday when the order shows up in her system. Sounds good. Well Franny did what she said she would do.
That’s when it went down hill. I receive an email (see below) first thing this morning.
Hi Mark,Your Order is being held for the following reason. Thanks for your order- Your order is being held for verification of the shipping location. We need the listed telephone of the shipping location we need the NAME of the person the phone is listed. Do you have another telephone number which is NOT a cell phone? OR the name of the business at the shipping location. For verification– did you buy from us before?– previous address? Please respond to us as soon as possible. Thank You
Tobias <xxxxx@adorama.com>
Adorama Camera Inc
42 West 18th St. New York, NY 10011
Tel# (800) 223-2500 Ext# xxxx or (212) 741-0052 Fax# (212) 463-7223
www.adorama.com
I redacted his email and extension. It’s not Tobias’ fault, so I don’t want him getting hammered. Adorama on the other hand…
They were unable to verify my address. What? Have you people heard of Google Maps? How about the UPS or FedEx verification that comes with your accounts?
So I responded by email stating that my address is the same as the Amex I used, and that I have both a home phone and cell phone. The home phone is NOT listed.
An hour later I receive a call. I later found out it was not due to the email.
They wanted to know who lived with me, too. My word that they have never ordered from them was not sufficient for Adorama. In order to ship my order they demanded I fax them an Amex statement so they could verify my address.
Oh hell no! Fax my Amex bill so you can have info you don’t need? I think not.
What really hacked me off was the attitude of the customer service rep. It was not friendly. Oh two occasions he became quite rude. Well gee whiz, sorry that my order was a measly $700. The fact that I would need accessories, lenses (one on backorder is $1000), and possibly print services seems to have escaped the NY’er with an attitude.
I can assure you that my photo-blog will cover this. I am still steaming, and it’s been almost 6 hours since this happened. I have ordered from another company, and hoping for a verification by this afternoon and shipping to happen on Friday.
UPDATE:
I just received an email saying that my order was shipped at 1943 EDT from B & H Photo’s warehouse!
Life is good! B & H Photo has a new customer.
UPDATE 2:
Based upon my experiance, get your gear here:
