Express Cameras (who is being sued by the Attorney General for similar tactics) is now either operating as "Lenses N' More" or Lenses N' More is using the EXACT same scam.
Ordered the Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS USM last Friday, at $1189 with free shipping. On SUNDAY I get a call, "we need your CVVM number". I didn't think much of it, gave it to him.
Then he started talking about how Canon makes a "plastic mount" and "metal mount" version and this is the plastic mount one that "WILL BREAK". He wanted to upsell to a $2500 "metal mount" version of the same lens.
I was driving so I told him to hold the order (I had spent 3 hours researching this awesome lens with NO mention ANYWHERE of any problems)... Called my friend who works at Norman Camera and he said, "oh yeah that's a scam".
I did some research (search "express cameras" and you'll find a ton!) There is no such thing as a plastic/metal mount for this (OR ANY OTHER) lens. Companies simply DO NOT make different versions!
They will say this about ANY lens, from any manufacturer, in order to switch you to a VERY cheap lens that they'll charge A LOT MORE for.
Luckily they haven't charged anything yet, so I ended up cancelling my credit card (what a PITA, have to wait 10 days to get a new one).
So today, I called them to see what kind of lies they would tell. They went on about the plastic/metal thing, ADMITTED that the lens is "grey market" and "an import" but insisted it has a US warranty (IT DOESN'T!). He started getting VERY aggressive, getting mad, calling me an idiot, etc. Finally I had gotten enough from him (I wrote down everything he said) and said I wanted to cancel the order. He said, "GREAT! I'll just charge you for the cancellation fee". I told him good luck since I canceled my card. He said, "fine so I'll send you to collections and sue you". Laughable.
These guys are real creeps, obviously stay away. For that matter, seriously re-consider if you are doing ANY business with camera shops in New York City. They are known scam artists even when you go into their stores... What do you expect over the internet?
0 comments