I called Thunder Cameras to buy a Canon Rebel T2i and 2 Canon image stablizing lenses that I could use while taking high definition video with the camera. I expected to pay approximately $850.
Similar to other reports on this site, I was also told that the camera did not come with a battery and that I had to get a special SD card (~$250) to take high definition video. The person on the phone said he could offer a package with all of this and even better Canon lenses for video, which he led me to believe were also both image stabilizing, but just a better grade Canon lense.
When I returned home later that same day (a Sunday), the man had sent an email describingan order for $1218.99. The order included 2 cheaper Sigma lenses, including 1 without image stabilization for video. It also included $69 for insurance. I tried to call to cancel, but they were closed.
I benchmarked the lenses they swapped on me for cost. They were listed at more than 200% higher than MSRP and 300% higher than competitors.
I called first thing on Monday morning and told the person on the phone I wanted to cancel the order. I asked if it had shipped and he said that it had shipped so I had to wait until I received it to cancel it. I explained the problem and told him I would return it when I got it. I sent a confirming email stating I called to cancel and, again, asked them not to ship ifthey have not done so already.
The next night, I received notification from UPS that they picked up the package for shipment more than 24 hours AFTER both my call and email asking them to cancel the order.
Thunder Cameras has not responded to my communications to try to work things out is a reasonable manner. I see from other reports on this site that this is also part of their pattern.
My next step will be to work with my credit card company and the authorities in New York state. The myriad ofother stories across the Internet suggest Thunder Cameras is engaged in a pattern of deceptive practices. I would not be surprised to see a class action form.
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