Complaint Review: Camera & Lenses Inc - Orlando Florida

Arriving in Orlando, we picked up an Orlando map at the tourist

information booth. Produced by 'wheretraveler.com', it prominently

featured a full page ad on the back cover advertising 'Camera &

Lenses Superstore' describing a variety of discounts. My wife had been

interested in purchasing a Nikon 18-200 zoom lens, so based only on the

wheretraveler ad from the Orlando Information Booth, we stopped in. Our

intent was to purchase only the one lens.

The salesman was extremely friendly and smoothly persuaded us to purchase a Sigma 70-300

lens at his '25% discounted' price of $399.99. Next he said we needed a

filter for protection. This we normally do, so nothing wrong here. He

then demonstrated and talked us into getting a Bower  Digital,

Multi-Coated PRO-DHD PL 58mm filter for $59.99 (25% discount).

While we were about to leave the store, he said "How about an SD card"?

We almost said no, but ended up with a PNY 4gb 'Ultra High-Speed High

Capacity SD card for 'only' $89.99. The guy was smooth and we unwisely

went along with his suggestions, paying a total of $585.71 for the

three items.

When the receipt did not indicate their 25%

discount, I asked why it was not indicated. His reply "The discount was

figured before writing down the price." Being taken by the mood, we

did not question that unusual practice.

On the way out, he

said "What about a 2x telephoto extender? That will really bring things

in close!" We decided to look at one and bought a Kenko 2x MC4 DG

converter. While ringing it up, the salesman whispered to the manager

(within earshot) "OK if I give them a 50% discount?"  The manager

quietly nodded. When a receipt was filled out for $399.99, we

questioned it. He replied "The price for this converter is $800.00".

Two more strange occurrences.

1. We first offered another credit card. They told us it was refused.

When I called the Credit Card company, they said there was a credit

check on that card  by "Camera & Lenses" but there was absolutely no

reason to deny the charge. I asked the credit card company to not

honor any purchases from "Camera & Lenses".

2. The

salesman asked if we could pay part of the amount in cash, "like $100

or so". Foolishly, I gave him a $20. That difference was reflected in

the receipt being $20 higher than the actual charge. They guy was slick

and smooth. Usually cautious, we were really 'taken in!'

Back

at our hotel, preparing to pack for the trip home, we checked the

Internet to confirm our good prices. We know that prices on the Internet

are lower than a store, but we also assumed that the Camera &

Lenses promised 25% discount would result in similar prices.

What a disgusting shock!!  (Comparisons all use identical, new equipment)

Item             'Full Price'    Amt Paid      List Price                          Ripped off     Over-Paid

Sigma Lens      $533.33       $399.99     $239.00  B&H Photo                    $160.99        167%

Bauer Filter        $79.98         $59.99       $40.00  Amazon (Real $12.50)    $47.49        150%

PNY SD Card    $119.98         $89.99       $25.99  Amazon (Real $10.16)     $79.83        346%

Kenko 2x Cnvtr $800.00      $399.99     $129.00  B&H Photo                     $270.99        310%

We called the store that evening and were told "Shift changed, call back tomorrow"

Called the next morning to hear the manager say. "No returns! No

adjustments! We sell only high quality new equipment! We don't do

anything illegal." He would not budge! 

This was a professional con job. We were badly taken in. We warn everyone reading

this "Don't even walk in the door! They are professional con artists

who focus on tourists!"