Mutha Uckas.
- At September 16, 2008
- By Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
- In Humor, Rant, Stories
66
About a year ago, I badly wanted a new camera. I really wanted the brand new Canon Powershot G9. My birthday is in October, only a couple months after the release of the G9 to the public, and John said I could consider it my birthday gift and order it. So I did what a cheap-ass does. I found the best price online from a website that APPEARED to have many positive reviews.
The words, “if it seems to good to be true, it probably is” have strong application here.
I got, for lack of a better way of putting it (and no desire for a better way) – totally and completely dicked around by the asshatians at 86th Street Photo and Video. Yeah, you can go ahead and mark it down to never do business with them. First it was in stock, then it was on back order for 2 weeks, then it was on back order for 5 more weeks. I canceled my order. And was intensely pissed off. And decided to make due with my old camera. So no birthday present, no new camera.
Recently, I decided I’d like to try for that G9 again – I really am ready for a new camera, and once again my birthday is coming up, so I was thinking I’d find a way to have that camera for my birthday this year. So I found another good price online (somebody just shake the dumb out of me, please?) and saved up my ad revenue until I had enough. A week ago, I placed the order.
When I didn’t receive an email confirmation within 24 hours, I got annoyed. 2 days after placing the order, I called. After being on hold long enough for my pubes to turn grey, a customer service rep confirmed my order#, my name & address, and the product I had ordered. He said it would ship by the next day and to enjoy it.
Today was one full week from that conversation, and no camera. And, uh, they are not based ON THE MOON, so I figured that was too long, and I called again.
After being on hold for another insanely long amount of time, a man said, “How can I help you, Sir?” (Apparently the news has gotten around that I have a penis.)
I said, “Well, I’m not a “Sir,” but I do hope you can help me. I need to track an order.”
“What’s your order number?”
“55968832″
“That’s an invalid number – there is no such order.”
“I talked to a customer rep with your company just a week ago and confirmed my name, address, and product order, and said it was being shipped to me the next day, so how can that be?!”
“Well, I don’t know who you talked to, but that’s not an order.”
“That doesn’t make any sense, I know I placed the order and got a confirmation by voice.”
“Well, sometimes things are on backorder and what you can do is either wait until they come in or cancel your order and place it again when the product is back in again.”
“You know, this is really ridiculous, it was bad enough that I didn’t get–”
“Ok, we’ll cancel the order–”
“Excuse me, I was talking. It’s exceptionally rude of you to interrupt me and tell me you’re cancelling my order. That is NOT good customer service. This entire experience has been a horrible customer service event. What is your name?”
“John.”
“Okay, John, I DO want to cancel my order, and I will NOT be placing it again. Your business practices are irresponsible and unacceptable.”
“Okay, your order is cancelled.”
He went on to give me a confirmation number for the cancel (after I demanded it) and then practically hung up on me. Add Prestige Camera to your list of places to NEVER do business with.
Also, be aware that when the price is low (probably wholesale) and you don’t add on any of the insanely high priced accessories they also sell, you will probably be put into a situation where you will want to cancel your order… because they WANT you to cancel it. It’s a type of “bait and switch” tactic — they draw you in with the low price on the main item, then convince you to buy accessories with hugely marked up prices. They make all their $$ off of the sale of the price-inflated accessories, and if you don’t buy those, selling to you at wholesale is a loss for them. So it is to their advantage to make you want to cancel.
Nice, right?
These are the types of businesses I’d like to nuke. Or smother in dog diarrhea. Either would make me smile a little.
It makes me unhappy to know that they have my name, address, and credit card information, too, as some of these places are actually just fronts for identity theft rings. Here’s hoping they don’t steal all our millions of cents.
Mutha uckas.
The mutha uckas run a rip-off uckin’ biznas.
Mutha uckas won’t sell me a cam wit no assessories!
The shi- fight’s gonna get vicious and malicious.
Cut the cra- I need my cameralicious!
Too many mutha uckas uckin’ wih mah shi.
How many mutha uckas?
Too many to count!
Mutha uckas. 
<3
PS: Check out this post to win a $50 Gift Certificate to an online store that DOESN’T suck. In fact, it’s awesome! 
66 comments
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Elizabeth
Ugh–not cool at all! I’ll keep them on my never buy from list for sure.
Elizabeths last blog post..The deal fell through…
Donna
How totally frustrating. Very little in life irks me more than poor customer service.
You might want to report it to your CC company, too just to make sure…
missy wiggins
Sux! I sincerely hope your next shopping experience goes better
..And I hope you get the new camera soon too!
missy wigginss last blog post..One more time.
Twitter: molassa
blanchard
Been there. It bites. They bite. Sorry.
Rachael
UGH! So lame. I hope the next time works out – third times a charm right?
Rachaels last blog post..Movie Monday: The Women (suck)
Twitter: rachael1013
Mr Lady
Yeah, baby? Stop looking for The Best Deal and start looking for a Good Deal. Good meaning reputable. If you’re paying those kinds of bucks for a camera, you want to be sure the fucker works when you get it.
(PS: i am almost afraid of the shit you’re going to crank out once you DO get it. Bracing for the awesomeness now…)
Mr Ladys last blog post..Personally, I Don’t Even See a Glass
Jenn
Hey! We have that camera! AND, I would advise you to steer clear of weird little stores and stick to any of the following, all of which we’ve ordered from successfully more than once:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
http://www.newegg.com/
http://www.jr.com/
and of course amazon.com, pcconnection.com, and even sometimes the big box stores that you don’t need my help finding like bestbuy and circuitcity… on occasion they will have a good deal. Right now the legitimate low price seems to be about $439. I wouldn’t trust a place that is charging any less than maybe 10% lower than that price. It would probably be a scam. (Not including if you have some kind of coupon or sale or something.)
Anyway, we love the camera so I highly recommend it. Before that we had the G7 which we also loved.
Jenns last blog post..Dude, I was so tired last week
Jenn
p.s. Right now circuitcity.com is selling it for $439. We like them because their return policy is generous. Not that you’ll be returning this camera of course.
Jenns last blog post..Dude, I was so tired last week
Karin
I feel paralyzed with empathy as I read this sorry little tale of SUPER SHI people delivering SUPER SHI service. These people should be locked up in a small room with telephones stuck to their ears, forced to stay on the line for endless so-called customer service reps. What makes this even worse is that you are only trying to organize yourself a friggin’ birthday present! And don’t you deserve it? Mutha uckas indeed!!
Karins last blog post..Urgh
river
And this is why I NEVER buy things online.
Veronica
And that is why I always lust over things on the internet (and no, not the things you are thinking of, although now I have ideas….) but can never actually get my shit together enough to buy them. Unless they are worth like $5.
Veronicas last blog post..Ranting
calicobebop
Dammit! I hate that kind of shit. I tried to order a computer two years ago and something very, very similar happened. Needless to say, if it costs more than $100 I’m now to wary to buy online.
sherendipity
How do you cancel an order that doesn’t exist?
You know that guy was just doodling random penises on a piece of paper, while eating Cheetos and wiping the orange gook on his pants, biding his time until he could get you off the phone. Then, when under demand, he pulled a random set of numbers out of his ass and called them a “Cancellation confirmation number” feeling all proud of himself that he just invented something momentous.
Lisa
I’m with Sherendipity….how do you cancel and order that doesn’t exists?
They are definitely added to the “Do not buy list”. You should really look into an XTI, you can get ‘em super cheap now since the XSI is out.
Lisas last blog post..I’d rather be a 40 y/o virgin
Ashlie- MommyCosm
Ok, so I didn’t get much past here:
After being on hold long enough for my pubes to turn grey
I had tears in my eyes I was laughing so hard, couldn’t read the rest. Hope you found your G9.
Ashlie- MommyCosms last blog post..What do Obama, fried chicken, Stonyfield Farm, Ben&Jerry and The Common Man have in Common?
Chris
Now see, you should have asked to speak to HIS manager for being a smartass. Since you have dealt with that as the manager of a smartass, you’d be prepared for the conversation…
Jenny from Mommin' It Up!
that is very sad that you don’t have your camera and very crappy that those places are so sleazy…but i LOVE the way you tell it! you crack me UP!
Twitter: jennyitup
Melizzard
It’s bad all over buying cameras on the internet. 2 years ago I bought my D50 from Amazon because I had a gift certificate. When it came it had a power plug for Australia not the US. I called Amazon, they said it was Nikon’s problem. Nikon said it was most likely grey market which meant I had no warranty. And I bought this from Amazon directly.. not a reseller. Since then I’ve just watched for sales and gone to Circuit City or Best Buy.
Melizzards last blog post..We interrupt the normally scheduled post to bitch about the weather.
Jeanette
That’s so not cool!
Jeanettes last blog post..Eye of the Zebra
Twitter: jenty
Stacey
Sorry you have been having that problem with cameras. It’s so hard to tell on the net. I’ve been eyeing a D40 at Broadway Photo for a couple months now. It’s $120 cheaper than anywhere else & I’ve been wondering how it could be. I think you’ve explained it.
Staceys last blog post..Fear of Deer
Anon
I’m sorry but wasn’t it you that recently had a button on your sidebar or something asking for donations to help your family move out of a mold infested home? Because you were broke and had no means of moving without help from strangers? OR all the crying you do about all of your unpaid medical bills. And now you are posting about what a pain in the ass you are having while trying to purchase an extremely expensive camera? Nice Lotus, nice.
autumn dahlia
Uckas is right! They suck. I hope it works out soon though. John (different than salesman John, I promise) was going to buy me a new camera for my but then I weasled his D50 from him instead. He’s getting a new one, so I say win-win
autumn dahlias last blog post..Work schmirk.
Carrie
B&H Camera (out of NY) is a REPUTABLE online/catalog company for photo equipment – and they usually have good prices and sometimes match prices if you call! My hubby (a prof photog) orders equipment from them all the time! Good luck on getting your camera (and btw – what a
SUCKY comment above from Anon. Hey Anon, good luck with a verbal throwdown with Lotus – I’m pretty confident she’ll kick your shizzille out of m’nizzle!)
(ps – Lotus ROCKS!)
Ashley@ mrs007.net
Oh Lordy! the dog diarrhea thing got me. Soooo funny
I have tears in my eyes…even though I am sorry you have had to deal with such horrid customer service yo.
And to the anonymous commenter: You could use a little smear of runny dog poo yourself
Sorry….but if you’re gonna leave a snide comment at least stand behind it with your name. Just sayin’.
Ashley@ mrs007.nets last blog post..Make a list Monday: Whamma lamma ding dong
A Whole Lot of Nothing
You had me at ‘pubes turning gray’.
A Whole Lot of Nothing
You had me at ‘pubes turning grey’.
Miss Britt
I am fuming at the injustice of you being denied your totally awesome bargain!
Miss Britts last blog post..How You Can Tell You Are Making Progress In Life
Sarcastic Mom, aka Lotus
“Anon”
Feel free to pass personal judgment on anyone you please, thinking you know everything as you sit in your glass tower of righteousness. That is a very mature thing to do. “Nice, Anon, nice.”
Just because a person has asked for help before doesn’t mean they can never make purchases of their own. We’ve paid off the last of our built up medical bills just recently, actually, and I’m now able to have the next follow-up for my thyroid – something I’ve needed for months, but held off on because of the med bills we already had built up, needing payment. Incidentally, we regularly give to others, our church, and charities when we can to pay back the humanitarian kindness that others in the world have shown us at the times when we needed it.
If you actually communicated with me on a one on one level instead of hiding on the internet in “anonymity” I might feel more obligated to discuss this with you at further length. Suffice it to say that I haven’t allowed a birthday or Christmas present for myself in 3 years, and so that I could continue to grow in photography, I saved up ad revenue for months and accepted paid review jobs, just so I could afford this camera. I don’t feel bad about allowing myself a small measure of material happiness once in a great while.
Your anonymity is false, btw, as you send quite a bit of electronic information whenever you hit a site, and even more when you leave a comment. Your IP address tells me where you are and how long you’ve been sitting there (or at least how long your computer has had my website loaded) and that you’ve been refreshing your browser, waiting for me to respond. You really have nothing better to do? If you’re really antsy to hear back from me, why not actually own up to your identity and send me an email next time?
Lotus
Twitter: LotusCarroll
ali
i’m sorry but your answer to anon?
best thing i’ve read all day. you are awesome.
alis last blog post..perseverence and how one day i will how to have some
Connie
Sorry you had to deal w/such terrible customer service Lotus & I hope that you find a reputable company soon where you can order your much needed, MUCH DESERVED new camera
As for Anon, I think he needs a few rounds of being smothered in doggie diarrhea (that line cracked me up, btw!)! How very RUDE & uncalled for to make submit a comment like that! They obviously don’t know what photography talents you are blessed with & how much you so deserve a new camera! I like the way you handled Anon w/your response~WAY TO GO LOTUS! I wouldn’t let Anon bother you because anyone that reads you & “knows” you online knows that YOU ROCK & are one of the nicest people around
Have a good day Lotus & again, I hope you get your new camera very soon
Connies last blog post..Weekly Winners=September 7th-13th 2008
The Other Dawn
DUDE. SAME DAMN THING HAPPENED TO ME BACK IN MARCH.
This required all caps. Sorry.
So many posts, but here’s what happened:
http://growingapair.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/captain-obvious/
The Other Dawns last blog post..Dream Assassin
Connie
I just noticed in my comment that I refered to Anon as “he”~I meant to say “they”~~no idea whatsoever as to their gender
Connies last blog post..Weekly Winners=September 7th-13th 2008
Miss Britt
Lotus,
Can I call you Lotus? I feel like I can, since I’M USING MY REAL FUCKING NAME and all.
You don’t ever have to justify what, how or why you spend your money on.
If someone has a problem with donating to someone who is not spending money they way they see fit – DON’T FUCKING DONATE.
The only time I’m going to worry about how someone else spends their dime is:
*when it’s the gov’ts
*if they owe me interest and are overdue
Miss Britts last blog post..How You Can Tell You Are Making Progress In Life
WiredMonkey
Word like a Mutha Ucka, Lotus!! Damn skippy about the spineless-ness of anonymous posting. Seriously, Anon, grow a pair (that goes for girls OR boys in my mind) and stand behind your statements. It’s your kind of attitude that makes the Baby Jesus cry.
Love,
WM
WiredMonkeys last blog post..My Little Monkey
Wendy
Why do people feel the need to go all “anon” when they want to be bitchy? I mean, if you’re going to say it, at least have the balls to say who you are!
Sorry you had to deal with that. But good for you for doing something for yourself!
Wendys last blog post..Just Resting. Not Quitting.
Isabel
thats not cool at all.
I actually get my stuff from uniquephoto.com
I ordered online when i was abroad and send them an e-mail with some questions and got a reply back within hours from an actual person. I was amazed.
They are located in Livingston NJ. I totally recommend them
Isabels last blog post..Stock Photography Set: La Conciergerie
lynette
haha…snort. cover in dog diarrhea. I feel that way about walmart.
Anna Ellis
I hope you are able to geta new camera before your b-day. Im really sorry you are going thru the crap you are to get one… have you tried nashville.craigslist.org? I buy all my crap off there!
Undomestic Diva
As a pro photographer, I am telling you that a much cheaper price for a camera that is consistently more expensive everywhere else, is totally a bad deal, waiting to happen.
Also something to watch for? (And carefully… it’s not always obvious.) Make sure you buy the USA version of your camera and not the IMPORTED version. There is a difference, especially when it comes to the warranty.
The best place, hands down, to buy camera equipment is http://www.bhphotovideo.com — Not only do they have great customer service & the lowest prices (better than Amazon), but if you live outside of NY, you don’t have to pay tax. Which means saving a lot of money when buying a $1000+ piece of equipment.
Undomestic Divas last blog post..Tragedy
Daph
I swear I had the same experience with Prestige Camera — and I’m, like, 99% sure the same guy I talked to was “John” also. Douchebags!
Anyway, I ended up buying my camera from New Egg — I’ve bought tons of electronics from them, and highly recommend them. They have super fast shipping, and the people that answer the phone aren’t all named John.
http://www.newegg.com/
Daphs last blog post..Sewing.
VDog
I love it when people get all Judgy McJudgerson anonymously.
Good luck getting your camera, hun. You DESERVE it!!
VDogs last blog post..I Love the 80′s
Twitter: VDog
Sam (The Edge Of Insanity)
Anon,
It’s a camera, it’s not like she bitching about the broken clasp on her new Tiffany’ necklace… IT’S A CAMERA! Considering that Weekly Winners is the brainchild of this person you’re implying is financially irresponsible, AND she works for Blissfully Domestic in the Photography section, I’m pretty sure a camera would fall under the category of “work related”. Asshole.
Sam (The Edge Of Insanity)s last blog post..Weekly Winners… That’s The Point (Of A Sharpie)
Elisa
You are crazy, you know? And I love it.
What I don’t love is those mutha uckas. Those guys and the ones from infomercials are the worst.
Elisas last blog post..Teaching responsibility
Chris
Hey,
You probably already know this but, Have you tried using Google Checkout? I use them and they have never failed me.
Its a great service and on your first order (unless they stopped it) they give you a $10 discount. They partner with several online sites and the ratings are ratings you can trust.
Chriss last blog post..SN 1006: A Supernova Ribbon from Hubble
Marcy Writes-The Glamorous Life!
B&H Photo.
amazingly reliable.
The BEST there is.
Seriously. Based in New York.
I have spent (NO JOKE) about $15,000 with these people over the years. Never a problem. Never an issue.
*NO I don’t work for them!!!
Sarcastic Mom, aka Lotus
Thanks for the support, guys!
By the way, I totally looked at B&H yesterday for that camera (John told me to, he buys stuff for his work there) and they don’t have it for sale.
I will not be dumb enough to go for the deal anymore, promise. I actually kinda knew better before, but I was just too eager to save $. Just have to save up more ad revenue before I can get that new camera.
Anyone want to buy some ad space? HAHAHA.
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Colleen - Mommy Always Wins
This is why I say paying the “sale price” of a real-lifeon store is worth it – whatever the difference in price? FINE. I’ll pay it for the convenience of being able to walk out of the store THAT DAY with product in hand without these frustrations. I say you take your bootie down to Circuit City for your Precious.
Good luck!
Twitter: mommy_wins
Jacki
I agree with other commenters that have suggested B&H Photo. They are very reputable, and we’ve ordered several cameras and accessories through them.
Adorama is another good one. So is Beach-something.
Stay away from Broadway Photo.
Jackis last blog post..If you’re happy and you know it….
Suzanne
I’m glad for the comments. Someday, I’ll upgrade my SLR to digital and now I know to check out BH. We’ve had amazing success with New Egg for everything computer related-and Ed buys from them a lot!
My former employer has also been good on prices, but I don’t think they’ve got the Canon you’re looking for.
Suzannes last blog post..Borrowing an Idea
AnnD
I am so surprised to hear that you don’t want a DSLR? You are so totally rockin the photography! You deserve a DSLR girl!
Sarcastic Mom, aka Lotus
AnnD,
Aw, that’s really nice of you. I would love one, but they are just so very expensive. The P&S I chose is very nice for the price, and while the price is pretty high, at least it’s easier to shoot for than the EOS DSLR I want, which is about $1400 just for the body! I’m going to have to pull off some serious feats of money making to get that one! Maybe sell an organ? LOL
John doesn’t even have a camera, and he sees lots of cool things while he tours, so it’s a shame. So we decided to try to upgrade me to a super nice P&S that we could relatively afford once I saved up ad revenue and then give him the old Kodak (it’s actually discontinued now, so it’s like a collector’s item, hahahaha).
Eventually, I’d love a DSLR, of course. *dreams*
Lotus:)
Twitter: LotusCarroll
AnnD
I understand. I have a DSLR now…it’s 3 years old and has the paint scraped off of the sides cause I take it everywhere with me. It’s like an appedage at this point. But, I am DYING for an upgrade and there is just no way we could afford that unless we just put it all on the credit card and we’ve just spent so much time digging ourselves out of debt that I can’t justify doing that. You deseve a DSLR though!
Barbara
Well, I have several things to say now that I’ve read all the comments.
First – Anon – all of what they said but I’m British so you’re also a complete tit.
Secondly – Oh Lotus, I always suspected I love you but now you’ve posted Flight of the Conchords I know it.
Thirdly – anyone who can photograph as well as you deserves a bloody good camera. Hope John’s looking forward to the Kodak!
Barbaras last blog post..260/366 – Just a Picture
Secret Agent Mama
I’m with AnnD, you need a DSLR. I’d love to see what you could do with one. Oh and the new one I want is around $2000. One can hope and pray, eh.
Kim
Okay.. Thanks for the heads up..that is completely crappy..
Kims last blog post..Fight The Sag Update..The Good, The Bad and The UGLY
Funsize
This happened to my husband buying a car, they listed the car he wanted and even told him that they would pull the car off the lot for the day he was going to pick it up, so it wouldn’t get sold. The car ended up “getting sold” during the two hours it took him to get out of work and pick the car up. They ended up selling him another car that was in his price range- the original car was a bait car. The car is still on the website he first saw it on. We were thinking about filing a claim to the BBB. Is it possible for you to report your camera retailer to the BBB for their fraud, or at least poor customer service? I would do it.
Funsizes last blog post..My mantras
Avitable
You should keep an eye on resellerratings.com or pricegrabber.com and you can see the ones that do the bait and switch. Your best bet for getting it reasonably priced is to look on eBay.
Avitables last blog post..Where did you put your wallet?
stephanie
Yeah, I’d have to say it’s time to go to a store you know. Or at least one that someone you know recommended. There’s just way too much shadiness out there…
stephanies last blog post..Sad news
KAT
Wait… HOW did he cancel your order, if the order number you gave him was invalid? He would have had no order on the screen in front of him TO cancel?
Liars.
I don’t recommend Best Buy. They have no return policy and superbly crappy customer service in the case that you have problems… we’ve had the run around with them twice. We’re slow.
KATs last blog post..Woooot
Tatiana
Try Ebay! I just bought a Canon Mark III and it is perfect! No shenanigans there! There are some shady ass camer businesses out there though. Put Lenses And More on your list of shit camera dealers to smother with dog diareah please! Ha . Thanks! I hope you get your camera.
-Tatiana
Karen
That is REALLY messed up. If you have an invalid order number, how do they even know what order to cancel?
SCREWY!
I’ll be sure to avoid them too.
Karens last blog post..What? No Comments?!?
Candy
Gad that’s infuriating, and has happened to me so many times I’ve lost count! I had no idea of the bait and switch thing. You’re so good to us, Lotus. Please teach us how to be wise Internetz.
Candys last blog post..Diabolical Dog
Tranny Head
I am SOO glad to have read this post today. My birthday is 9/30 and I am getting a 12 megapixel Canon Rebel. I was just digging around online today and now am way too scared to order from the “cheap” websites.
Anwyay – thanks for the heads up.
Tranny Heads last blog post..Parental Underwear
Zoeyjane
There’s a hell of a lot of comments cuz I’m a few days late to the mofo partay, but did anyone else mention that he told you there was no such order and then interrupted you to say that they could cancel it? Like, dude’s so dim, he couldn’t even keep his inexistant story straight. For that, I would TOTALLY report him to the BBB.
Zoeyjanes last blog post..On being thankful
Shug
I second what Avitable says – check http://www.resellerratings.com before buying electronics online. You never would have chosen Broadway or Prestige (which appear to be the same company and also sells as A&M Photo World, Regal Camera, Preferred Photo, Royal Camera, and more.) It has a a lifetime rating of 1.8 of of 10 and the reviews are incredibly bad – http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Broadway_Photo.
Jessica
I love Flight of the Conchords!!! I just had to get that out of the way first…
That sucks that you had such a crappy camera buyin experience. I have heard many similar stories about these kinds of places. If I were buying a new camera I would price compare between B&H, Newegg and my local camera shop. As tempting as those discount camera places are they too good to be true.
Jessica
http://www.momshots.com