I have yet to encounter a photographer of any level, from entry level amateur to experience hardened professional, who has had a bad experience with or complaints about B & H Photo.
Being a skeptic about most things in general and Internet shopping in particular I am happy to report I have had no problems at all with my dealings with B&H Photo. I am a fan of small business and small photographic shops, so, naturally I was careful when I first approached this NYC based firm.
I was also exceedingly cautious about shopping on the Internet – so much so, that at the suggestion of my bank manager (she seems to like me), I opened a debit card account specifically for Internet purchasing. When ever I plan to make an Internet “buy” I do my shopping, electronically transfer funds from my regular account to my Internet account in the exact amount I am intending to spend, and then make my purchase. It may seem overly cautious, but the banker and I think the system adds an additional level of security and works well.
After having said all this, when buy equipment on line, I usually end up buying at B&H. They have an excellent selection of all levels of photography equipment and digital cameras – as well as TV’s and electronics-- their staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and not at all rude or pushy (I have experienced no high pressure salesmanship here), and frequently they make useful and helpful suggestions.
I still like the one-to-one of the stand-alone environment of a camera shop, but B&H comes darned close at meeting all of my demands, from price and information to the odd amount of small talk. And, if I can’t find what I am looking for anywhere else, B&H almost always has it – at a price I am willing to pay. |
