Express Camera Order

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN (Camera Consumer);

I placed an order with Express Camera on Monday, Nov. 27, 2006, for a Canon, EOS Rebel XTi, Silver W/ Express Package, cost $1,359.99. Oder was placed via phone with their sales person John. The first question I asked was this camera package in stock and culd it be shipped within 2-3 days? After John checked (while I was on hold) he came back with YES, it was in stock and YES it could be shipped out within 2-3 days, NO problem. I further asked John was all the lens in stock as well. Johns reply was again, YES all in stock and chould b shipped with no problem...John then asked did want to place an order, I then said YES. He then asked for all the payment and shipping details, which I then gave him...

Then it began, which I supected would be the case, the UP-SALE. It started with lens covers to protect the investment, I resisted at first then gave in to the tune of $99. It then went to UP-SALE of batteries and charger, which he stated the factory (Canon) one that came with the camera (battery) would only last 15-20 mins at most; so naturally you should Up-Grade it to 5 hr. battery, then the factory charger (Canon) that came with camera would take 5hrs to charge the battery. He stated, he could Up-Grade the battery andcharger for $210 and again reluctantly I accepted.

I really only wanted the Camera package (this was an order that my son asked me to order) as it was for my daughter-in-law. After I accepted the charger and battery up-grade I told him look, I told I was merely ordering this for my son for his wife and they only told me to order the package only.... He said he understood and John said your daughter-in-law and son will really appreaciate the improvements, believe me they will. I then said ok, how can this be shipped he then said within 2-3 days. I asked him if I could get it shipped 3-day and he said yes and gave me the total of $1,679.99. I approved and said ok, please advise me when you ship. John then said I only have one other question. I answered I don't want anymore Up-Grades, just ship what we agreed on, ok. Ok he replied, but what about the lens? I said he (my son) wants the Canon lens. John again replied, he won't be happy with those lens. I replied, that's ok, he want the Canon lens, just like the ones listed in the advertisment. Are you sure, I could get much better lens, I'm telling you, they wont like those lens... I again said, look John, please just ship what we agreed on, ok....

John finally said ok, you'll be shipped the package and we went over the entire package he gave me the order confirmation, amount of $1679.99 and stated you should recieve it by this Friday (12/1).

I thank him and I hung up....

Well here it is Tuedays, Dec. 5th and no camera and no charger to my credit card. I must state I suspected this (no ship) as I was looking at my credit account (over the internet) everyday and no charge was made, ergo, no camera was ever shipped....

I called today and as I suspected, they stated the item was on Back-Order. Second question asked, did you want to cancel the order. I then asked when they expect it could be shipped? They stated 2-3 weeks. I then asked after XMAS, their reply, yes after XMAS.. I told them, its ok, we'll take it 2-3 weeks from now. Ok.

I only wish one thing and really this is simple. People would be HONEST. It really isn't that hard to be HONEST. In fact it's much harder to lie than it is to be honest. If they don't have the Camera or it is a LOST LEADER, meaning they use it to get people to call after seeing the advertisment, thats fine. Just after they continue and can't or don't want the Up-Sale of whatever then say I'm sorry the computer is telling me we are out of those lens. I can either different ones or you can try and wait for these.... If they don't get the picture then simply state it may take 3-6 weeks to get them in.....

But no, people can't be HONEST, they just can't.....

IF ANY CONSUMER WANTS A CAMERA OR LENS OF ANY VALUE, PLEASE LOOK ELSEWHERE AND NOT AT EXPRESS CAMERA... THEY'RE SIMPLY NOT A HONEST VENDOR.....

Their out and I'm out, and two wrongs never make any one happy.....

Richard

San Diego, CA

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