Is it worth fighting with Adorama over a not-as-described 5D body?

Sleepy_Sentry · Nov 11, 2012

Long story short, I ordered a used Canon 5D body for $640 on Amazon through Adorama in "Very good" condition, which Amazon states should include no scratches or signs of wear-- "9/10" condition. My 5D arrived with some heavy scratches on the LCD, a small but very noticeable red stain on the hand grip, scratches / scuffs across the body and a third-party charger (no Canon charger).

I've ordered used gear online before and never had issues with quality. I understand that the 5D is an old model so it's not going to be in mint condition, but I feel like the LCD scratches, red stain and inclusion of a third-party charger should have been mentioned. I emailed Adorama to try to work something out without returning the item, explaining that it should have been listed in "acceptable" or "good" condition instead of "Very good." Customer service replied back with an offer for $10. :/ If I want to return the item I'll also have to pay shipping both ways ($30 or so).

Now I am unsure whether I should simply return it and find another used 5D. Are these flaws normal for the price I paid, or would I be better off finding another 5D?

fjrabon · Nov 11, 2012

no, thats not normal. id return.

Trever1t · Nov 11, 2012

sean7488 · Nov 11, 2012

I'd return it, I would never keep a camera in that condition if you paid for a like new camera.

kathyt · Nov 11, 2012

I would expect a bigger credit then that.

Dao · Nov 11, 2012

You may contact Helen Oster helen.oster@adoramacamera.com and see if she can offer some help.

HelenOster · Nov 13, 2012

The OP HAS been in contact with me, (thank you, Dao), and I'm pleased to update as follows:

the used ratings on Amazon are NOT Adorama ratings. Apparently they will not allow retailers to use their own ratings - bizarre or what??

The CS rep who offered the OP $10 to keep the unit was bang out of order, and this has been addressed with him. This unit came with a 6 month warranty, which included a 30-day returns period.
The customer SHOULD have been offered a pre-paid label to return it to us, (or a bigger discount) and either a full refund or an immediate exchange.

The OP has elected to exchange the unit and a replacement will be on the way out to him.

gsgary · Nov 13, 2012

I wont buy anything from Amazon they dont pay UK taxes

Village Idiot · Nov 13, 2012

I've ordered a filter like that through B&H that was described as in very good condition by B&H's standards and it arrived scuffed and scratched. Apparently their very good = acceptable for my 16 pixel camera.

jhodges10 · Nov 13, 2012

Village Idiot said:
I've ordered a filter like that through B&H that was described as in very good condition by B&H's standards and it arrived scuffed and scratched. Apparently their very good = acceptable for my 16 pixel camera.

16 pixels?! That's a pretty crappy camera.

The_Traveler · Nov 13, 2012

Both Helen from Adorama and Henry (?) from B&H are class acts and are fine representatives of their respective organizations.

I've never had any issues with either of those stores that weren't resolved very satisfactorily.

HelenOster · Nov 13, 2012

The_Traveler said:
Both Helen from Adorama and Henry (?) from B&H are class acts and are fine representatives of their respective organizations.

Thank you so much! I'll pass the word on to Henry, as well.

Calicajun · Nov 13, 2012

HelenOster said:
The OP HAS been in contact with me, (thank you, Dao), and I'm pleased to update as follows:

the used ratings on Amazon are NOT Adorama ratings. Apparently they will not allow retailers to use their own ratings - bizarre or what??

The CS rep who offered the OP $10 to keep the unit was bang out of order, and this has been addressed with him. This unit came with a 6 month warranty, which included a 30-day returns period.
The customer SHOULD have been offered a pre-paid label to return it to us, (or a bigger discount) and either a full refund or an immediate exchange.

The OP has elected to exchange the unit and a replacement will be on the way out to him.

This is why I buy direct for Adorama or B&H only. I visit both sites a lot, sometimes to just visit my money. :lol:

unpopular · Nov 13, 2012

I've had excellent luck with Adorama on eBay as well. I once used Buy It Now on the incorrect cable, Adorama quickly cancelled the order once I told them of the mistake and I was not obligated to pay.

henryp · Nov 13, 2012

Village Idiot said:
I've ordered a filter like that through B&H that was described as in very good condition by B&H's standards and it arrived scuffed and scratched. Apparently their very good = acceptable for my 16 pixel camera.

I'm very sorry to read this and will be happy to investigate. Unfortunately I cannot ID you or this transaction from the info here. My email is in my sig, Feel free to contact me.