Camera Express Orlando

Camera Express, Florida, Orlando 192

Like many other people on this site I wish that I had read and knew about

how appalling this place really was before I visited!

I also warn everyone, never even go close to this place (or places, as they

have two stores) for any reason what so ever! They are con men.

I was looking for a decent prosumer video camera such as a Sony FX1. At

first they did seem very interested in my interest in buying an expensive

camera. They said they had one and became very pushy for me to have a look

at one. They insisted I pay a fully refundable deposit of $50 to get a

driver to bring the camera from the "warehouse" to the shop. I was ensured

that if i still didn't wish to buy the camera after looking i could get my

money back and leave no problem. So still non too willingly I gave my $50

over so i could view the camera. My reason for looking in shops instead of

the net was solely to be able to handle the camera first hand. While

waiting on the delivery I looked on my cell phone web browser to see how

competitive their price was. I discovered that I would be able to buy the

same camera for around $800 cheaper off the Internet back home in the UK.

After ten minutes a car parked up outside the store with the camera. I still

used this as an opportunity to view the camera but knowing I could now get

the camera cheaper elsewhere told the guy in the store who very suddenly

turned and became aggressive and rude. He lowered the price but was still

more than what it was worth. After deciding I was not going to purchase the

camera he became more loud and aggressive towards me and my partner

threatening that I had waisted their time and wasn't serious about buying in

the first place. They made us feel very uneasy and threatened. On asking

for my deposit back I was told to come back the following day as "the

cashier who took my money had gone home". This was total rubbish and things

became even more heated and uneasy. So much for "if i still didn't wish to

buy the camera after looking i could get my money back and leave no

problem"; his exact words!

After more threats and more workers at the store coming out in gangster

style to surround and intimidate us we refused to leave or would take

further legal action. After much bull about not been able to get the money

back out of the till and all the old tricks they finally refunded me the

money, threw the $4,000 camera to the floor in front of me and continued to

shout and swear at us as we exited the store.

Thankfully the cowboys didn't manage to get any money from us but the

experience did leave both myself and my partner quite upset and distressed.

I was quite close to calling the sheriff out but felt too upset and angry at

the time we just wanted to get out of there, we also didn't know where we

legally stood with the American law system (being British tourists).

I am glad I checked on the price when I did and didn't try to purchase

anything from them. I would like to warn others to never go to Camera

Express on the 192 or IDrive!

Thank you

Regards,

Andy

Comment On This

Ive had a similar problem with the exact same store, i went in wanting a wide zoom and macro lens, after much looking round etc. he brought up a lens that was around $630 he said, which he discounted it to $330 then after haggling a bit more he brought it down to $200 with his so called "personal discount" i was very impressed with the cameras etc. and was wanting to buy it however decided to look up online back in the villa at the price of the same lens and similar, upon researching i found the same lens to be around $150 cheaper!!

I agree with all the comments and advise not to go to the store UNLESS! you know the prices of certain lenses etc. and they will offer it cheaper :/

Comment On This

well well, i had a very similar experience with the same shop. a russian/eastern european body guard who knew nothing about gps systems bullying me into buying something i didn't want. eventually they all became aggressive and after a slanging match i left, intimidated and upset. i am still upset now a year after and wish i could send them an email telling them what a bunch of t055ers they all are. after the stories i have read, i am glad i didnt buy anything as they would have given it me at a bargain price and then sorted my credit card out big style.