Why does anybody buy from B&H?

[rexbobcat]

I don't understand why anyone would use B&H for anything other than gear research. They're a great company and all, but 90% of their stuff can be purchased from Amazon, and Amazon is so much better with shipping.

I looked at a set of rechargeable AA batteries, and the earliest shipping time is April 13...ten days from now...Whyyyyyy?????

 

[AvianStewardess]

I guess because I reward them for having that gear research...

As for the ten days from now: they are on holiday for Passover. I lucked out and got my exchange done on time...I was holding my breath as I want the filters along on an upcoming visit to family.

 

[rexbobcat]

Okay so apparently it's because of passover, but even so, rarely are their shipping times short especially for camera accessories.

Like, some things often seem to have a shipping time of over a month. And they aren't even out of stock (according to the website)

 

[ruifo]

I never had problems with B&H, and I had problems with Amazon. So, from my personal experience, I run way from Amazon, and see B&H as a safe harbor. Since 2013 I concentrate my purchases at B&H, always with expedite free delivery, and not a single problem, or return, so far. The only thing that piss me off is the religious observations...

So I guess we all have different experiences with these many stores.

 

[limr]

Better prices and wider selection for film than on Amazon.

 

[rexbobcat]

Better prices and wider selection for film than on Amazon.

That makes sense. I was thinking more about lighting equipment. If you need a softbox in a pinch, good luck.

 

[limr]

Better prices and wider selection for film than on Amazon.

That makes sense. I was thinking more about lighting equipment. If you need a softbox in a pinch, good luck.

Well yeah. I don't think I've ever bought anything from B&H other than film-related stuff. So it's pretty great for me, but if I were looking for studio gear or something, then no, I wouldn't buy from them. But then again, I have no use for studio gear.

But some people are willing to pay a premium to buy from a trusted source, or maybe they don't know any other sources.

One of these days, though, you should visit the store in Manhattan. It's a hell of a thing.

 

[rexbobcat]

Better prices and wider selection for film than on Amazon.

That makes sense. I was thinking more about lighting equipment. If you need a softbox in a pinch, good luck.

Well yeah. I don't think I've ever bought anything from B&H other than film-related stuff. So it's pretty great for me, but if I were looking for studio gear or something, then no, I wouldn't buy from them. But then again, I have no use for studio gear.

But some people are willing to pay a premium to buy from a trusted source, or maybe they don't know any other sources.

One of these days, though, you should visit the store in Manhattan. It's a hell of a thing.

yeah I used to get their massive catalog which was cool. Since moving to LA, there isn't really a megastore quite as large as B&H, but there is Samy's Cameras and a Leica store. I actually held in my hand $20,000 worth of camera equipment, which is something I never thought I'd get to do. That was pretty cool lol.

The thing about Amazon is that I only buy from it when the supplier is either Amazon or the manufacturer of the product. If it's a third-party distributor: nope.

 

[terri]

You're in LA - have you given Freestyle a try? There are 2 brick & mortars in the LA area, and I've never had a bit of trouble ordering online with them. Yes, they cater to the film crowd, but have plenty of digital equipment, studio equipment, etc. I'd love to visit both B&H in NY as well as Freestyle in LA! I've never had any issues with B&H online, either (though I understand occasionally it sets you up for a delay).

Here ya go - Freestyle!

 

[Designer]

I looked at a set of rechargeable AA batteries, and the earliest shipping time is April 13...ten days from now...Whyyyyyy?????

There might be a couple of reasons.

Passover for one thing, and the merchandise you want could be on backorder.

 

[rexbobcat]

You're in LA - have you given Freestyle a try? There are 2 brick & mortars in the LA area, and I've never had a bit of trouble ordering online with them. Yes, they cater to the film crowd, but have plenty of digital equipment, studio equipment, etc. I'd love to visit both B&H in NY as well as Freestyle in LA! I've never had any issues with B&H online, either (though I understand occasionally it sets you up for a delay).

Here ya go - Freestyle!

Oh wow I didn't know Freestyle was in LA. I've bought some film from them online. Neat! I'll have to check out their brick and mortar then.

 

[Gary A.]

There are a ton of Brick & Mortar in SoCal. I use OC Camera. They give me B&H prices, I pay the tax, but no waiting.

 

[The_Traveler]

I buy virtually everything from B&H or Adorama (both in NYC)
If you've ever been to the B&H store in NYC, there is a UPS trailer backed up to their shipping dock and that goes out every day.
If I order Sunday through Thursday, I get almost everything next day.

 

[Gary A.]

PS- Pro Photo is heavy into film and studio stuff.

Pro Photo Connection

G

 

[Mach0]

Whenever I get something from BH they send it the next day


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