Comments on New Mercies . . . each morning: Cord Camera = Terrible

John, thanks for reading! Paying the fair share...

2009-06-19T11:36:06.889-04:00

John, thanks for reading!

Paying the fair share of taxes is an on going argument beyond the scope of this blog post. The online taxes are actually due at the end of the year if one doesn't lie on their tax forms. However, the tax bill on a D700 purchase and a lens could total upward of $270 in taxes alone. That's a lot to pay up front that if I don't have to, I won't. So saving 6.75% is a big deal.

Where I think you go a little awry is why you say Cord has a 2 week return policy. Actually, everyone (online retailers as well) has a two week return period on photography equipment like cameras. Most everything else (things that don't damage too well like picture frames, camera bags and memory cards) usually can be returned with original packaging and a receipt. IF Cord has a 2 week return period to keep people from trying it out and returning it, as you suggest, they have a poor system because two weeks doesn't prevent this from happening! A 2 week return period is the risk all retailers take in this matter. So I don't think that's why they have it as I could still buy it, try it, and return it, all in 2 weeks.

No, I think they try to trap you into keeping your purchase, and them keeping my money. Again, if I buy an item for a birthday party two weeks away, the person cannot return their gift for cash. That is plain DUMB! :)

A final word on retail salesmen: Know your stuff before going into the store. The internet is an amazing tool and with careful research, you can inform yourself. Most salesmen are great and just want to help you out, but for every one like that, as in all of life, there are bad apples that will steer you the wrong way to help them line their pockets with items that they have in stock or their own in store brand, that aren't what you need. So yes, it's nice to talk to them, but make sure you educate yourself first. I guess that goes without saying :)

Have a great Father's day weekend, if you are in the U.S.

You make several interesting points in your blog. ...

2009-06-18T12:25:55.348-04:00

You make several interesting points in your blog. A few of which I feel I must comment on. First and foremost for me is the need for more people to support local businesses. You mention that you can skirt paying taxes by purchasing on-line. While that may be true, that money is part of a system which helps fund our schools fix our road ect. The less money that the local government makes on sales tax the more likely they will be to allocate the money elsewhere, like higher state income taxes.
It is entirely possible that locally owned retail stores are forced to have such strict return policies because so many people purchase an item to see if they like it and return it just to make the purchase on-line; and for what, to save 6.75%? I am not putting down stores such as B&H or Adorama. They operate very successful businesses. But I also believe that there is a value to going into a store putting your hands on the item you are interested in and asking someone whom knows something about it questions. There are plenty of people out there who know as much or more about camera then the employees at Cord. But for those of us who don’t, it is very helpful to be able to ask some questions and hold the product.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect yours. I am even more impressed that you allow posts on your blog. Very honorable of you.

Ha Ha! Touché. However: I'm fully sure tha...

2009-04-20T23:47:00.000-04:00

Ha Ha! Touché.

However: I'm fully sure that God's mercy does extend to "Cord Camera and the people who work there." :o) Unfortunately, we never were able to beat them at their own game, as we couldn't return the frames (nothing fraudulent about that) -- and sprinkling mercy into my posts won't help change their crazy policy. Please remember that my beef is with their policies, not the employees as you infer.

Pretty bold of you to make a drive-by comment anonymously, though! I may start deleting comments without names . . .

Are there new mercies for Cord Camera and the peop...

2009-04-20T09:57:00.000-04:00

Are there new mercies for Cord Camera and the people who own it and work there? I presume there will be new mercies for you buying frames and fraudulently taking them back to another store. heh heh. There is no problem warning others of issues with a store but a less than merciful attitude is very present in your post.

Helen, Glad you found the blog. I've probably...

2009-04-17T07:58:00.000-04:00

Helen, Glad you found the blog. I've probably made my last 10 big purchases at Adorama, even over B&H and Amazon. I love you guys.

I really enjoyed reading your blog; thanks particu...

2009-04-17T07:26:00.000-04:00

I really enjoyed reading your blog; thanks particularly for the recommendation for Adorama Camera, which is very much appreciated!

Sincerely

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

helen.oster@adoramacamera.com
www.adorama.com