Complaint Review: CCI Camera City - Brooklyn New York

I originally ordered via phone call, a Panasonic AG-HVX200 camera from CCI Camera City. The package, according to their website, includes the camcorder, 2hr battery, 5 tapes, case, lens cleaning kit, table top tripod, LCD screen cover, head cleaner, and UV filter for a total of $1819 including shipping.

The man that I spoke with, Brian Peterson, mentioned that the package doesnt include the lens, polarizing and fluorescent filters, and battery charger and that I had to buy these separately and quoted me $2499 for everything that I needed. When I was ready to order, he asked me how much my budget was and offered (according to him) a better deal.

He said that theres a new camera from Sony thats just released, HVR-A1J, an upgrade of HVR-A1U, and is not available anywhere else. He offered me a price of $2799, a little more expensive than the one I was really looking to buy, and said that its worth the $300 more since its a much professional and better camera than Panasonic AG-HVX 200; and, that I had 21 days to look at it and decide whether I want it or not. If not, then I could just return it with no questions asked. He said hell throw in everything that I needed to get things going including accessories and HD lenses.

He charged me $49 for shipping because I needed it the day after. I told him that I didnt know whether all this information was true and that I am just taking his word for it. When the package arrived, I was very disappointed with what I saw. It didnt look like a professional camera and nothing that he said was in there. I tried to research about the model and found out that its not an upgrade of Sony HVR-A1U, but a Japanese version, that I could have bought for a much lesser price elsewhere.

I called the sales department and was looking for Brian Peterson through the extension that he gave me, but hes apparently unavailable every time. I asked for an RMA, thinking that I have been given 21 days to decide whether or not to return, and at that point, I already wanted to return it. The person I talked to, Ronny Shy, the sales supervisor, said that they sent 2 packages and that the 2nd one was probably delayed for just a day. So I said, Ill give it a day, and if it doesnt come, Im going to have to return it.

He said that I would have to be charged $150 for shipping it back, and another $150 for re-stocking fee. Neither of these has been mentioned by Brian Peterson when he gave me 21 days to make a decision. The 2nd package came 4 days after, and still, nothing that they said were there. I kept calling for an RMA number but nobody wanted to give me one.

I was able to speak with Ronny Shy again and he offered me to keep the Sony for $300 rebate that he said he was ready to transfer back to my account at that time. When I said I really wanted to return the package and all I needed was an RMA #, he offered me the camera that I originally wanted (Panasonic AG-HVX 200) for $4600, way more expensive than the $2499 than Brian quoted me. After a LOT of phone calls, I finally convinced Ronny to give me an RMA #. I returned it on February 20, 2007 and until now, I haven't received any refund.

I've been having trouble with my bank because of this. They do not want to return my money and have been investigating if this is in fact a fraudulent act by the CCI Camera City. Now their web site is being redirected to a different site and their phone numbers just keep ringing.

Herb

Tustin, California

U.S.A.