Adorama Camera

I have never had a single problem over the last six weeks making about 15 purchases totaling about 13K, many returns made by mistake, getting refunded, or shipping. I only regret not purchasing their awesome VIP360 membership which I will do tomorrow if they can cover my recent purchases (they have never said no to me). They also have great support, a learning center, Adorama TV, and so many more benefits. Seriously, as a big Amazon shopper, I buy all my camera gear and lighting from Adorama only. They are also a big company with many customers, but some people are just never happy no matter what you do for them. Some of the negative comments here are suspect for me because of my experience with Adorama, and they don’t deserve some of the comments made here.

In about 1.5 weeks, a rep named Jessie contacted me by phone and email. They said the kit was out of stock and asked if they could send me the individual pieces of the kit (camera, SD card and mic) instead. I was amazed that a company even cared that I got my product in time to offer an alternate solution. I was the one that ordered out of stock so Adorama did not owe me anything to separate the items out. I took their offer and just got the entire package today. I am amazed at their customer service. I've never had this type of treatment before. I know I was a bit concerned about ordering from Adorama initially due to online reviews but after this experience, I felt I owed a positive experience so people can see that it's not bad at all. It was actually beyond what I expected. I will for sure order directly from them for any future camera needs. They have a customer for life.

Since there is mark up with new equipment, I knew I would get a better deal by trading and purchasing. I took screenshots of Adorama's website with the matching photo equipment that I was selling in same condition. I took Adorama's list price as my basis for what I valued my equipment and then took the 70% mark, which they advertise. (Mint: Profoto D2 Duo 1000w/s, Excellent: Canon 400mm f2.8 IS USM II, Excellent Canon 5DMIV & more).

I sent an e-mail to Mr. ** outlining the items I wanted to trade in and what I was willing to accept for them. I also itemized a list of the new items I wanted to purchase with the trade. He calls me on the phone rushed and tells me I have a zero out of pocket trade for my desired purchases and it would be going to ship out. I thought great! Happy customer...

I then get a shipping notice and invoice and when I go to my Adorama Account to find a credit worth much less than agreed to and several items on my list had been excluded. In other words...Mr. ** gave me a $6,100 credit for equipment, with a minimum value at the discounted rate of at least $1,000 more! That was just for the three items I actually listed when I sent several other items I haven't included in this review. I sent an email trying to clear up any misunderstanding and Mr. ** respond for me to call him. I called and left him a message with NO return call. Until now this is still NOT resolved. At minimum, I now have to get my attorney involved to attempt to resolve this issue. I would say SELLER BEWARE!

The problem is, it happened so fast, I didn't have time to think.  

My expectations of how Adorama does business is by clearly presenting all the relevant data and then allowing their customers to make thoughtful, informed decisions. I was caught off guard by the used car salesman fast talking techniques of the over-the-phone-Adorama. I waited the rest of the day for verification of my transaction, but all I got in the evening (after hours) was a shipping notification. I did not receive any verification of the trade-in of my lens, the details as discussed over the phone of the purchase of the used lens, or verification of the used quality of the lens being sent to me. The Adorama employee lied to me about not having new models in stock, tried to cheat me on the price of a used one, and didn't honor the additional $200 trade-in credit when correcting the price. Save yourself the stress and headache and sell your used equipment elsewhere.

I read the whole listing and this was not mentioned whatsoever for parts or any E1 error. I double-checked my receipt and emails about the purchase...nothing was mentioned. The rep told me it was unreturnable due to the disclaimer. I requested the listing information and they said it was taken down and they will need to retrieve it. I knew they were lying at this moment so I said, "No. I need a refund or I will call my bank," and only then did they grant me my refund but without the shipping cost refund. They then told me I had to pay UPS to ship this item back and I would be out of over 80 dollars due to their mistake. They finally granted me a free shipping label to return but I am not sure they will issue me a refund after seeing reviews on here. I may have to contact my bank for this fraud transaction. I needed a second flash and 2 aperture 120 D's and I ended up purchasing from Amazon instead. Never purchasing from Adorama again. You lost a customer.

Well, they offered me very small money. Laughable. But that’s not the worst. They trade in department is rude and uncaring. Arthur is talking to you like you are beggar and not a customer. I talked to them about just exchange for Sony gear. Zeiss Batis 85 mm, Tamron 28-75 and a Flashpoint Speedlight V1. They said I will need to pay extra $200 which I did not agree to and asked to send me my gear back. So they offered just even exchange with no extra charge for open box equipment. I was particularly worry about Zeiss, and asked multiple times if that’s the lens I am getting and was confirmed that that’s the one.

I am getting email now that they send me Sony 85 mm not Zeiss 85mm which is $350 cheaper!!! Where is the deal guys?! They just give me open box equipment for the same money they offered me on a beginning (if I would take cash). ADORAMA TRADE IN DEPARTMENT WORKS LIKE FIRST CLASS SCAMMERS!!! They want to give you cheaper stuff. I want my equipment back ADORAMA! I will have my business elsewhere and never buy from you again! I want to warn everybody- never trade in your gear there. Go to B&H - they are serious people who treat you like gold, and don’t act like scammers in Adorama! I hope I can get my gear in same condition I send there, with all the warranty and original packaging! You would think they value they reputation and customers, but all they want is to cheat you and make profit. Unbelievable!