Digital Depot Online Bait and switch, high pressured sales, Excessive penalties for returns Brooklyn, New York
On November 28, 2011 I ordered a Nikon 105 mm macro lens for my Nikon D3000 camera. Digital Depot's online price was $648.00. I opted for free shipping which would take two weeks. The following day (Nov. 29) I was called by a sales rep for digital Depot (David?) and told that for a bit more I could receive a Sigma lens with wider aperture. He told me he shoots with sigma and has been well pleased with the results. I told him it sounded fine and go ahead and order the lens. I also opted for a neutral density and polarizing filter to fit the lens. Total price with 49.99 shipping insurance was $779.98.
Two weeks would have been Dec. 13. By Dec. 16, I still hadn't received the lens so I called Digital Depot. I was told there was a storm in Japan and as the lens was to be shipped from there, it was delayed. I asked when the lens was due to be delivered and was told "guaranteed delivery" by Dec. 21. I also asked for and received a tracking number. I took possession of the lens Dec. 22.
Although the mount fit my camera, it was not compatible with the D3000 electronics. I called Digital about returning the lens. They sent me an e-mail with an RMA number and a readout of their sales agreement. I mailed the lens back via UPS Dec. 27.
I called Digital on the 27th to tell them the lens was on the way and asked about the $199.99 additional charge on the readout with the RMA #. I was told the Nikon lens was more expensive than the Sigma and this figure represented the difference. I complained that the original internet price for the lens was $648.00. I was told that that was a limited time offer and this price was no longer in effect. I told the sales rep I could get the same lens for substantially less from B&H photo and wished to cancel my order and receive a refund. I was told that was fine but there would be a 15% restocking fee applied to my credit card which amounts to $110.00. According to the same email I received from them their policy states their restock fee is a MINIMUM of 10%. He offered instead to sell me the Nikon lens at B&H's price. So far today (Dec. 28, I've received no e-mail receipt for our verbal agreement to send me the Nikon lens.
Based on the time delay previously there's no telling when or if I'll get my lens. Whoever reads this - do yourself a favor and stay away from Digital Depot online.