Complaint Review: CCI Camera City

I placed an order with CCI Camera City for a Minolta Maxxum 5D camera Kit in which the camera and a Minolta 18x70 lense was included in their advertisement. Shortly thereafter, I recived an Email confirming my order.

The next day, I recieved an Email which requested that I call "Max" at 800-896-2626 ext. 216 to confirm my order.

When I responded to their request, I was told that the camera advertised in their advertisment was an inferior model manufactured for the oriental market and that if I wanted one made for the American market, I would have to pay a higher price. "Max" also tried to sell me additional accessories at a price which was about three times the price for the same items from local vendors.

Although I believed that they were pulling a 'Bait and switch' I accepted the camera kit at a higher price. Subsequently, I contacted Minolta Corp who told me that there was no difference in the cameras sold in the Asian market from thoe sold in the U.S.

When I opened the package,the camera body was there but the lens which was advertised as part of the Kit, was not there.

Calls to Camera city, got only an offer of a $50.00 discount or a chance to return it at my own expense and pay a 'restocking' fee before I got a refund on my purchase. I turned that offer down and requested that CCI fulfill our contract by sending the lens.

When, after 6 weeks, no lens had arrived, I contacted the company whose credit card I had used for my purchase. After complying with their request for copies of the sale information that I had in my files, the credit card company credited the amount of the purchase back into my account.

Although CCI Camera City still has an opportunity to rebut my complaint, I anticipate that, at a minimum, they will be forced to recognise that Fraud carries with it, the possibilities of undesired consequences.

Barnard
Stinson Beach, California
U.S.A.