Axer "composition" lens....Yeah Right

[D-B-J]

Why was that a scam? He was just a good salesman.

My thoughts, haha.

 

[D-B-J]

Those prices are beyond crazy!!!

For those prices you could buy a REAL lens, instead of a screw-on attachment...

 

[Overread]

What's more worrying is that the scam appears to be working out of more brick and mortar stores instead of just off online retailers. One would think a legitimate highstreet store wouldn't want to risk such trade - sure its a VERY nice profit margin but word must get around and they might find they get a short term boost for a long term loss.

I'm guessing you've never been to the 'tourist shopping area' of a large US city? These are NOT your typical respectable high-street store, rather they're the sort of place where, if the salesman shakes your hand, you'd best count your fingers after! San Francisco is the stand-out in this area; the area between Fisherman's Wharf and the Maritime Musuem is a solid mass of these stores which all sell essentially the same selection of cameras, radios, binoculars, etc, at crazily marked up prices...

Ahhh sounds like market stalls!
Yeah I get the kind of store you mean now

 

[Bulb]

I have a specific purchasing policy that I adhere to: I don't spend more than $50 on an item without doing my own research.

• No return policy is a red flag. If it's a legitimate item then there's no reason that they would be afraid that someone would return it.
• Being in a tourist area is a red flag. Tourists are typically very, very susceptible to scams. They usually bring a lot of cash when traveling and are too far from home to return if something goes wrong.
• The salesman showing you the price online is a red flag. How sketchy does it sound that something is so seemingly overpriced that they need to 'prove' that you're getting a good deal?
• Dropping $250 off of the price right off the bat is a red flag. Why wouldn't he want to sell it for full price? Why would he then drop it down to $500? It makes you wonder how massive the profit margin on this item must be considering the price is at 50% and they're still making a profit.
• It was a screw-on lens adapter. Huge red flag.

The only solution is to try and return it anyway. They say "no returns", but I wouldn't pay any attention to that. Here is what I would do:

1. Make them aware of your intent to return the item using email, phone calls, and a physical letter. Make a point that the item is defective and you were scammed. Let them know that you will tell everyone about your situation if they do not help you resolve your problem.
2. Do the same with the manufacturer.
3. Wait two weeks for a response.
4. Contact the Better Business Bureau and write negative reviews on any business and product review sites you can find.
5. Make more complains on any social media sites you currently use.
6. Contact the store and the manufacturer again. Tell them that you are still unhappy and are letting others know about your dissatisfaction. Send them links if necessary.

All of the above is assuming that you can actually find the store and they actually have a reputation to defend.

It's better to be proactive than reactive.

 

[Robin_Usagani]

OP, can you post results? I would love to see it.

 

[manicmike]

People seriously spend that much money without knowing a thing about what they're buying?

 

[table1349]

Does the name of PT Barnum mean anything to anybody here???

 

[minicoop1985]

That royally sucks, man. It always pays to do research and know what you're buying before you get into it, and you just found that out the hardest way. It could have been worse, of course, so there is that.

 

[bratkinson]

Unfortunately, P T Barnum was right over 100 years ago when he said: "A sucker is born every minute".

It must've been 'my minute' when I bought a pair of screw-on macro and telephoto lenses for my first DSLR several years ago. Fortunately, it was only about $45 on ebay. Other than the auto-focus on the lens unable to lock on and manual focus only produced a blurry picture after I checked it on my computer, those lenses were great! Needless to say, I didn't even TEST the 2nd one before I threw them both in the trash!

I really have to wonder how anyone has the balls to sell something for $750 that only cost $10 or so...That's not a salesman...That's a THIEF!

 

[Braineack]

I really have to wonder how anyone has the balls to sell something for $750 that only cost $10 or so...That's not a salesman...That's a THIEF!

It was a mutual agreement correct?

 

[amolitor]

Some of these guys are very very good. Selling is an art. If a magician steals your watch, you're not a sucker, you're just being manipulated by someone who knows a great deal about manipulating human attention. If you lack certain pretty specific knowledge, and you have the available money, there are guys that simply will sell you a piano or an Axer lens. You're psychologically outgunned the second you walk in the store, and if you haven't got the specific information necessary to protect yourself, you're in trouble.

Doesn't make you a sucker, it just makes you outgunned and outmaneuvered by someone with some specific skills.

 

[Aloicious]

Why was that a scam? He was just a good salesman.

I would submit that your definition of 'good' and mine are vastly different Robin!

I agree with you John, a GOOD salesman is one who can make consistent sales, maintain a high reputation for themselves and the business, and keep/build repeat customers...not someone who manipulates people who don't know any better for the occasional ridiculously high profit margin transaction.

 

[Robin_Usagani]

Luckily I grew up in south east Asia. I am used to practice like this.

I really doubt the would try to sell you that if you go in with a higher class lens and camera.

 

[Overread]

Actually they are more likely to try and sell it to you if you look like you've got money to spend. The key is they'll likely ask you several questions early on to determine if you really know what you're doing or if you've just got a big wallet and a big camera. Once they know your general knowledge level and your wallet size then they'll know if they can get away showing you the cheap stuff.

Heck they might show it even without any of that; its not like they've anything to lose if you say no.

 

[Robin_Usagani]

Actually they are more likely to try and sell it to you if you look like you've got money to spend. The key is they'll likely ask you several questions early on to determine if you really know what you're doing or if you've just got a big wallet and a big camera. Once they know your general knowledge level and your wallet size then they'll know if they can get away showing you the cheap stuff.

Heck they might show it even without any of that; its not like they've anything to lose if you say no.

True, but I highly doubt it. They more likely only have the 58mm (kit lens) attachment. If you walk in there with professional grade lens, I highly doubt they will try to sell you that.