Adorama, really?

Vtec44 · Oct 7, 2012

So I placed an order for my Nikon 105mm f2.8 on Oct 2nd an selected 3-day shipping so I could get it before the weekend (in stock item). Three days later, the order was still showing as "packed" so I sent an email early in the day on 10/5 asking for a status update. I didn't get a response back by the end of the day so I put in an order cancellation request for it on 10/6. I got a reply back this morning (10/7) stating that the order has been invoiced, packed, and is on the loading dock. The interesting part is that I get a UPS tracking number, but it won't go live until it is shipped out on Oct 10, per Adorama's email. So the order is packed, ready to go, but won't be shipped out an additional 3 days later. On top of that, it takes 7 business days to ship an in stock item? Adorama, really?? I've purchased about $5k worth of equipment from them in the last 12 months, which is probably not a lot compare to other people but a lot for me. Needless to say, I won't buy from them again unless I can't find the item else where.

ewick · Oct 7, 2012

I hate when that happens. and its usually some new kid that don't know what to is going on. Be patient because overall they are prety good. I have not had a problem with them as of yet. Then again I am not spending nowhere near the amount you are spending.

pixmedic · Oct 7, 2012

We have been ordering from KeH lately and their shipping has been very fast on every order.

jhodges10 · Oct 7, 2012

I've had great experience with Adorama. I know B&H has been closed a lot recently for holidays and Adorama was closed for a few as well, maybe they just weren't open and weren't clear about the shipping procedures during that time.

Rob99 · Oct 7, 2012

Jewish holidays, says right on their website "we will close on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 3:00pm and will reopen Wednesday October 10, at 9:00am." It pops up again when you add an item to your cart.

Netskimmer · Oct 7, 2012

I recently ordered a Sigma 50-500mm OS from Adorama with 3-day UPS shipping. The lens got here pretty quickly but I looked like someone had played hacky-sack with the case by the time I got it. The lens box looked ok and so far the lens is performing properly but I was a little perturbed. Though I can't say who is responsible, UPS or Adorama. I also ordered a tripod head from them a while back and though it was listed as new, the product box was a little rough and the dials showed signs of wear. I let it go because the head was still in good shape and worked properly but these little things are starting to add up.

SCraig · Oct 7, 2012

Rob99 said:
Jewish holidays, says right on their website "we will close on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 3:00pm and will reopen Wednesday October 10, at 9:00am." It pops up again when you add an item to your cart.

^^ This. Adorama, B&H, and JR Audio Video are all effectively closed until 10/10. Adorama's notice isn't as obvious as B&H though, but it is there. I was going to order some SDHC cards from them last weekend and remember seeing it before I placed the order.

Derrel · Oct 7, 2012

Rob99 said:
Jewish holidays, says right on their website "we will close on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 3:00pm and will reopen Wednesday October 10, at 9:00am." It pops up again when you add an item to your cart.

Diz-actly.

480sparky · Oct 7, 2012

Yet another reason I deal with local brick & mortar stores. Online outfits really don't care whether you've spent $50k in the past year or this is your first order.... it's just an order to them.

kundalini · Oct 7, 2012

Both Adorama and B&H are pretty upfront about their holiday schedule. The only difference... and correct me if I'm wrong... Adorama will process your on-line purchase within the holidays, but B&H will not.

I would suggest to contact TPF member Helen Oster. She is the customer rep we can contact for Adorama. She is very much on the ball and IMO a good advocate to satisfy customer complaints.

Vtec44 · Oct 7, 2012

Rob99 said:
Jewish holidays, says right on their website "we will close on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 3:00pm and will reopen Wednesday October 10, at 9:00am." It pops up again when you add an item to your cart.

When I placed the order, nothing popped up for me or on the site. BHPhoto Video has a warning when you place an order for this kind of stuff.

That's fine if they're closed and the order couldn't be processed, but when I tried to cancel my order they said I couldn't because the order has "left" the warehouse... to be shipped 3 days later. lol That's bad customer service IMHO but whatever.

Tee · Oct 7, 2012

I wonder if Calumet's orders increased last week? I was at their NYC store last weekend and they were expecting an increase in foot traffic.

usayit · Oct 7, 2012

480sparky said:
Yet another reason I deal with local brick & mortar stores. Online outfits really don't care whether you've spent $50k in the past year or this is your first order.... it's just an order to them.

My thoughts exactly. BUT.... not everyone has a decent camera store nearby (more so lately) so BH and Adorama a like bring the selection of a big nice brick/mortar store to the masses. Its a holiday closing for them...

manaheim · Oct 7, 2012

Helen Oster from Adorama is on the forum here somewhere... I think she's on as "Adorama"... if you're having troubles, give her a yell and she'll generally be very helpful if it's within her power to do anything.