I purchased a new SONY camera from FotoConnection.com on 10/16/07 for $339. Their website listed a 30 days full return policy, so I felt confident buying from them. I got an e-mail from them the same day saying there was a problem with my order and to call James. James said that the problem was that if my order was over $500, I would get free next day air and sold me a bunch of accessories brining the order to $529.
The camera arrived on 10/18/07 and none of the accessories were as advertised. For example, the SONY memory card was a generic brand; the full size 3 fluid head tripod with quick release was a small flimsy piece of aluminum that didnt adjust properly, had no quick release, and only had 1 fluid head. I decided to try the camera and see if it actually worked and it did, but the image quality was atrocious. Everything had a purple glow around it and the image quality was so poor the pictures are un-printable.
I called Photo Connection on 10/22/07 and they said that just how this camera is and suggested I sell it on eBay and said they gave me such a good deal I would make more money than I spent. I tried selling the camera on eBay and no one bought the camera and I am now out $41 in sellers fees.
I called SONY and they told me that this particular camera lot I had was known as defective and should have never been sold and that I need to return it for a full refund. When I mentioned fotoconnection.com they said that they are not an authorized reseller and are known for selling defective cameras as new. They said I would probably have trouble returning the camera.
I called fotoconnection again on 10/29/07 and was told to e-mail them for an RMA number and shipping address (the only list a PO Box on their website). I e-mailed them the same day and got a response telling me I had to call. When I called they would still not give me an RMA or a shipping address and they yelled at me and treated me like I was stupid and just didnt know how to use the camera. I e-mailed again and they said they will only provide a physical shipping address and RMA number if I sign an agreement and fax it to them stating that I accept a refund minus what they calculate for shipping handling and insurance from when they sent it to me (even thought it was supposedly free shipping), minus another 15% restocking fee, as well as additional deductions as they deem fit for anything that has been opened. They would not tell me any of these costs in advance. I asked how this was fair for a broken camera and they said that its just their policy and its either this, or dont return it. They said without me signing this, they will not provide their physical address and if I dont put an RMA number on the box, they will accept any deliveries.
I called the Better Business Bureau and they gave me a shipping address for Photo Connection and said they are not a legitimate business and defraud people the same way they did me.
I called the number on the back of my card on 10/31/07 and spoke to someone who said I can dispute the charge, but I do have to provide proof that I shipped it back to them with tracking information. If they refuse to accept the package, there is nothing I can do.
Any one else have any ideas? This seems like a complete scam. Sell something that was knowingly broken and the making it impossible to return. I think they thought this out.
0 comments