Arriving in Orlando, we picked up an Orlando map at the tourist
information booth. Produced by 'wheretraveler.com', it prominently
featured a full page ad on the back cover advertising 'Camera &
Lenses Superstore' describing a variety of discounts. My wife had been
interested in purchasing a Nikon 18-200 zoom lens, so based only on the
wheretraveler ad from the Orlando Information Booth, we stopped in. Our
intent was to purchase only the one lens.
The salesman was extremely friendly and smoothly persuaded us to purchase a Sigma 70-300
lens at his '25% discounted' price of $399.99. Next he said we needed a
filter for protection. This we normally do, so nothing wrong here. He
then demonstrated and talked us into getting a Bower Digital,
Multi-Coated PRO-DHD PL 58mm filter for $59.99 (25% discount).
While we were about to leave the store, he said "How about an SD card"?
We almost said no, but ended up with a PNY 4gb 'Ultra High-Speed High
Capacity SD card for 'only' $89.99. The guy was smooth and we unwisely
went along with his suggestions, paying a total of $585.71 for the
three items.
When the receipt did not indicate their 25%
discount, I asked why it was not indicated. His reply "The discount was
figured before writing down the price." Being taken by the mood, we
did not question that unusual practice.
On the way out, he
said "What about a 2x telephoto extender? That will really bring things
in close!" We decided to look at one and bought a Kenko 2x MC4 DG
converter. While ringing it up, the salesman whispered to the manager
(within earshot) "OK if I give them a 50% discount?" The manager
quietly nodded. When a receipt was filled out for $399.99, we
questioned it. He replied "The price for this converter is $800.00".
Two more strange occurrences.
1. We first offered another credit card. They told us it was refused.
When I called the Credit Card company, they said there was a credit
check on that card by "Camera & Lenses" but there was absolutely no
reason to deny the charge. I asked the credit card company to not
honor any purchases from "Camera & Lenses".
2. The
salesman asked if we could pay part of the amount in cash, "like $100
or so". Foolishly, I gave him a $20. That difference was reflected in
the receipt being $20 higher than the actual charge. They guy was slick
and smooth. Usually cautious, we were really 'taken in!'
Back
at our hotel, preparing to pack for the trip home, we checked the
Internet to confirm our good prices. We know that prices on the Internet
are lower than a store, but we also assumed that the Camera &
Lenses promised 25% discount would result in similar prices.
What a disgusting shock! (Comparisons all use identical, new equipment)
Item 'Full Price' Amt Paid List Price Ripped off Over-Paid
Sigma Lens $533.33 $399.99 $239.00 B&H Photo $160.99 167%
Bauer Filter $79.98 $59.99 $40.00 Amazon (Real $12.50) $47.49 150%
PNY SD Card $119.98 $89.99 $25.99 Amazon (Real $10.16) $79.83 346%
Kenko 2x Cnvtr $800.00 $399.99 $129.00 B&H Photo $270.99 310%
We called the store that evening and were told "Shift changed, call back tomorrow"
Called the next morning to hear the manager say. "No returns! No
adjustments! We sell only high quality new equipment! We don't do
anything illegal." He would not budge!
This was a professional con job. We were badly taken in. We warn everyone reading
this "Don't even walk in the door! They are professional con artists
who focus on tourists!"
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