Axer Lens = Scam / Ripoff . Run Quick! Friend Ripped Off

JBrown · Nov 27, 2012

So my friend just came over to the house to show me her new lens and was really excited. Last thing I heard she was going to get a Nikon 50 mm 1.4 so I was excited to see her new purchase. She arrived at the house and proceeded to show me a Axer brand lens and explained to me how awesome it was etc etc. Told me how she went into the camera store and the salesman showed her this and gave her a real good deal at $600. Of course she googles the price first and finds the website which shows it as a whopping $1500.

Long story short I do some researching and realize this lens is nothing more than a re branded $20 wide angle adapter and is one of the most common scams perpetrated in camera stores.

So the delima is, do I tell her? Right now she is happy with her purchase and has no idea she got screwed. I feel that there is no way the store would refund her money and me telling her would just make her bitter. On the other hand she believes the store has great people working in it and they gave her a great deal. Im torn what to do.

Main thing is, no matter what do not buy Axer lenses for $100's. I really hope Google web crawler finds this thread so others don't get screwed over.

MK3Brent · Nov 27, 2012

Umm..
I'd tell her, personally.

Please explain why she couldn't get a refund?

480sparky · Nov 27, 2012

How could she 'not get a refund' if she's never tried to return it yet?

JBrown · Nov 27, 2012

Well considering the guys at the photo store are knowingly selling her a $20 wide angle adapter for $600, I seriously doubt they would let her return it. Whats the point of scamming someone if they find out later and return it.

thetrue · Nov 27, 2012

If its a common scam, I'm sure the store knows that it might come back. Most people (like your friend) may just be too gullible and never return it, therefore camera store FTW

Light Guru · Nov 27, 2012

You call this person a friend so of courts you tell her. If you don't tell her then you are a lousy friend. Why would you even ask us the question?

JBrown · Nov 27, 2012

Only reason I even hesitate is I am operating on the premise she will not be refunded. If I tell her she finds out and is angry/pissed/bitter etc etc about being scammed and wasting $600. Right now she is happy with her purchase. So my hesitation is what is the net result?

Derrel · Nov 27, 2012

Check THIS web page out!!!!

Lenses

JBrown · Nov 27, 2012

Derrel said:
Check THIS web page out!!!!

Lenses

Yep the Axer Lenses are rebranded Vivatars. Of course the Vivatars sell for $20 or so.

43-58W :: .43x Wide Angle Lens :: Vivitar

jrizal · Nov 27, 2012

Any purchase should not be made solely on the "discount" being offered. That is the main trick used to scam people. Back to Axer, I am no pro but given their prices and the type of products I wouldn't buy them even if I had the money.

Here's something I found. Guided Impulse Purchase - The Diy Chronicles

As for your dilemma, I would prefer to tell your friend about this so that she won't make the same mistake again. Whether she tries to return it and not get a refund or do nothing at all, she's still out by $580 but she'll know better. Other options she may take are to report it to the BBB or go to small claims court. Just my two cents.

JackandSally · Nov 27, 2012

If it were me, and a friend knew I'd bought a cheap lens and paid a ton for it, I'd expect them to tell me and be MORE pissed if they didn't.

If it's a legitimate store, they will refund her money. This is also why knowing your research before you walk into a store to buy ANYTHING is crucial.

If it's a "big box store" of any sorts, all she has to do is threaten with calling corporate and they will change their tune VERY quickly (trust me, I threaten companies all the time with corporate because I don't like getting screwed over or buying junk).

If it's a small mom and pop place, they tend to go by word of mouth and if they're getting negative word of mouth, they won't be in business long - and if it happens the owner isn't aware of what is going on, you can be sure the owner will be the first to make things right to keep reputation.

Either way, as a friend, you need to tell her. It's the right thing to do.

Sorry... needed to edit the grammar. Stupid they're there their.

Overread · Nov 27, 2012

You tell her right up front and as soon as possible.

The shop can't refuse her a refund in the least because of consumer trade laws, the best they could sting her for is a "restocking fee" however I suspect once you reveal to your friend the full details of the scam she'll be annoyed enough to challenge them even on that front. Heck if you're worried you could also offer to accompany her to the shop.

Considering that its a sale made in a physical shop its a very bold move as they can't just run away so easily

MK3Brent · Nov 27, 2012

JBrown said:
Well considering the guys at the photo store are knowingly selling her a $20 wide angle adapter for $600, I seriously doubt they would let her return it. Whats the point of scamming someone if they find out later and return it.

That makes no sense. She has a receipt. .. just take it back