Complaint Review: 42nd St Photo - New York New York

Ordered Canon 7D Mark II and Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD Macro len with check for $1,808.  Received instead of lens was Hi Speed Professional 16gb 1200x SD card and Lithium LP-E6 2000 Mah Battery without authorization from me. 

Contacted Jack who said prices are for foreign goods, not American and that I got American (reason for substitution).  In ignorance I sent another check for $649.00 for the Tamron lens.  Jack called and suggested Canon EF 70-300mm US ISM lens which he said was the same price and would operate the same way.  I consented relying on Canon's reputation and Jack's integrity?  The web price for the Canon lens is $359 and does not operate the same way.  It is the oldest model and has been replaced by OD and L model.  The Tamron lens has just come out, and does not need camera setting adjustments to operate efficiently.

I immediately experienced severe focusing problems and contacted Canon who offered camera adjustments, that modified problems but did not solve them.  The camera and lens perform erratically, with over exposure, and out of focus problems prominent.

I started to check 42nd St Photo and found numerous complaints on Yelp which I substantiated in my own case.  Checking online for Canon and Tamron and found that if not an authorized dealer, then they are selling "gray market goods", and warranty or technical assistance is not available.  42nd St Photo is not an authorized dealer for Canon or Tamron and therefore selling "gray market goods" with no warranties.

After filing complaints Jonathan x5005 from Marketing called and urged me to register for warranty online, providing the computer link to do so.  He said this would be proof they were not selling "gray market goods" because I would not be able to register otherwise.  I registered but do not have warranty or technical assistance available.

More complaints filed and Anthony x5005 called and offered to send replacement for the camera and lens, but he still stuck to American vs foreign pricing for difference in web prices vs checks sent.  I reluctantly agreed with contingency by Anthony that replacement would depend on my response to the complaint with Consumer Affairs.  I wrote again that I thought they were practicing "theft by deception" and it ought to be stopped, with resultant no shipping instructions forthcoming from Anthony i.e. no RMA number sent.

I am left with defective products, with no warranty, and no options for a refund.  You are not able to ship products back with out a RMA number, which Anthony did not provide.  Even should I send everything back, it would be subject to a 20% restocking fee, which would amount to $500 in my case.  It's a win-win situation for 42nd St Photo and a lose-lose situation for anyone who is caught in what I believe, are a myriad of hidden, and deceptive profit-making schemes for 42nd St Photo.