Anyone ever get Used merchandise from B&H when you purchased new?

[aerosolcheese]

I have to ask, because I've had an unusually high number of things appear to have been used when I bought them new. Two of the last three items that I purchased appeared to have been used, and lenses in the past have arrived with fingerprints, etc... I don't really care if it's used or not, but I don't wanna pay full price for it if it is.

About three months ago, I got a Sachtler tripod (not inexpensive at around $2K) When I opened the box, I noticed that the instruction decal on the head had been ripped in half, and the camera plate had brassing/ scratched from tightening of the screw. Last week, I bought an Arca-Swiss Ballhead from them ... Again, not cheap at around $400, when I opened the box, I noticed that it had finger prints all over it, and scratches/ brassing on the clamp, and scratches/ rub marks on the post rising from the ball. I didn't return any of these items, because they will get like this anyway with time, but it would have been nice to pay used prices for used merchandise.

Anyway, I politely emailed them to let them know and I got a pretty rude email in return.

[johnastovall]

No....

[Dobick]

most of the items that I have bought from them have been canon stuff, and a few memory cards and each and every item that I have ever bought has been completely new, without question fresh from the factory.

That really does not sound like any report I have heard from B&H

That sucks and I would be mad

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

If it happens again take pics of the problems that day and email them right away because I think their rep is pretty good.

[miffed67]

That hasn't happened to me, personally, but I work in government purchasing and we bought a department a digital SLR from B & H once that was used. We promptly returned it and purchased the camera somewhere else. I've bought other things from them that were brand new and fine, and as far as I know, that's the only example of that happening. They recently became a BuyBoard (one of the co-op purchasing contracts we use) contractor, tho, so I wonder if we'll start seeing more of that.

[Atfulldraw]

It's never happened to me, but

I would be interested in seeing the email exchange.....

[Carl Stone]

Originally Posted by aerosolcheese

I have to ask, because I've had an unusually high number of things appear to have been used when I bought them new. Two of the last three items that I purchased appeared to have been used, and lenses in the past have arrived with fingerprints, etc... I don't really care if it's used or not, but I don't wanna pay full price for it if it is.

About three months ago, I got a Sachtler tripod (not inexpensive at around $2K) When I opened the box, I noticed that the instruction decal on the head had been ripped in half, and the camera plate had brassing/ scratched from tightening of the screw. Last week, I bought an Arca-Swiss Ballhead from them ... Again, not cheap at around $400, when I opened the box, I noticed that it had finger prints all over it, and scratches/ brassing on the clamp, and scratches/ rub marks on the post rising from the ball. I didn't return any of these items, because they will get like this anyway with time, but it would have been nice to pay used prices for used merchandise.

Anyway, I politely emailed them to let them know and I got a pretty rude email in return.

I don't know who you communicated with, but here's the customer service rep that can deal with issues.

henryp@bhphotovideo.com

[Carl Stone]

Some afterthoughts. Short of returning the gear that you determined not to be new, for either a replacement, or a credit, I see little that B&H can do. Certainly, they would need to confirm your suspicions before they could take any action in the matter. I've always found B&H to be honest, and to equitably settle differences, given the opportunity. Communicating with Henry Posner is my best advice, as Henry will do whatever he can to deal with your problems. Be sure to include all relevant info, such as order numbers, your name and address, etc.


As to your choice of equipment, it's about as good as it gets. New or used probably isn't going to effect how it works for you, as you've pretty much said. I've not had this particular issue with B&H merchandise, but the fact that Henry has the job that he does is proof that errors happen. It's also proof the B&H is interested in taking care of the customer. Talk to Henry.

[lucian]

I've been using them since 2001 for my government purchases. Never a problem.

I've been using them since about 75 for personal stuff and never a problem.

I've always known them to be honest so I think they'll respond to your concerns.

[sldi]

Maybe these items were showroom samples, not really new but technically not used. Since they are rather high end items, they may be cutting back on inventory and sent what was available. They should have at least contacted you and confirmed you would except such merchandise though.

[toverman]

Say it isn't so! I'm most troubled at the rude e-mail you received in response. If you had the same outlook in your correspondence with them that you do here, that in no way merits rudeness in any way. I've used B&H several times for things and never had a complaint. In fact, the customer service I've received during and after the sale has kept me going back to them.

[brad]

Never had the problem myself.... with B&H, that is......


Its possible that they weren't "used" in the truest sense of the word... but they could have been returns that were then sold as new. Still, I would think they should have to disclose that.....

.....not that they ever do at Fry's.

[bondarnes]

I have never gotten anything used or new from B&H. I like to look at and touch things before I buy them. TMMV

[janikphoto]

tens of thousands of dollars and close to fifteen years later... never had that happen.