B&H photo lenses so cheap, why?

[jenncreel08]

I have gone into my local camera store and found a lens I am interested in and it is $220 more in the camera store then on B&H. It's not like $30 stores have competing prices different, it's $220!! Why is this? Am I missing something? I don't wanna get screwed, someone enlighten me.

 

[USAFRet]

Is this price differential on multiple items, or just this one lens?

If just one, B&H may just have it as a loss leader.
Or, your local shop may just be way overpriced.

What is the price elsewhere?

 

[kenrivers]

I don't know about the price of the lens but all of my experiences with B&H have been positive. I have purchased from them for years. The second video camera I purchased was from them and it was considerably less than it was at a big box electronics retailer (actually got a new one for less than the price of a demo model, the same make and model, as the big box store).

 

[Ubrales]

"Grey market' parts are cheaper - some stores carry both types, The difference us that the grey market p;arts do not have a warranty.

Over the years I have purchased Nikon bodies and Nikkor lenses from B&H Photo; very satisfied.

 

[kenrivers]

I understand "gray market" as I was ripped off with the first video camera I purchased. I didn't purchase it from B&H but a store, which at the time I didn't know, was less than reputable. Should have had a clue when the place called and pushed upgrade items such as a battery and filters that were over priced. Got the battery but the filters never arrived. You have to be leery of sites that advertise prices well below what other sites prices. The camera mentioned in my previous post, from B&H, was a US model with a full warranty. It was being discontinued and thus the lower price than Best Buy.

 

[bandhphoto]

I have gone into my local camera store and found a lens I am interested in and it is $220 more in the camera store then on B&H. It's not like $30 stores have competing prices different, it's $220!! Why is this? Am I missing something? I don't wanna get screwed, someone enlighten me.

Thanks for your interest in B&H. Your concern is very reasonable. B&H buys in much larger quantities than most other stores so we get discounts from our suppliers. We also usually buy some of every item and accessory offered so that also enhances our ability to negotiate the most attractive prices.

We've been in business since 1973 and at resellerratings.com we've earned a 9+/10 from thousands of customers. I hope this takes care of your concerns.
-- Henry Posner / B&H Photo-Video

 

[MsPhoto]

Jenn, which lens is it exactly? Nikon makes many different lenses and some of them are similar (for instance, there are two different 70-300mm lenses, one with VR and one without). Generally speaking, B&H's prices are tough to beat, they are a very high volume retailer.. and as mentioned, be sure you know the difference between grey market (as though you bought the lens overseas) vs. the US market lenses.. "Items marked "USA" are imported and/or distributed by the manufacturer or the manufacturers official licensed importer/distributor and are warranted by them. Items marked "Imported" are imported and/or distributed by other entities and are warranted by B&H Photo-Video. "Imported" products do not qualify for manufacturers rebate programs. There is no difference in the item itself."

 

[angrydj]

They are scam city. The low prices are simply to bait you, and hope that you fall prey to one of their traps.

I ordered a product online on March 13, 2013. It was never delivered to my address, even as of July 8, 2013. I had paid in full at the time. (Product: + Shipping to Saudi Arabia ).

I ordered from B&H Photo in the past, and products were delivered to me in Saudi Arabia, and the United States, therefore I assumed my money was safe. On July 8th I asked for a refund for the full amount due to their non delivery, and negligence in handling my order. The Drop Ship rep agreed to the refund. He later said I would get the refund for the product, and NOT for "services & duties". I received my refund for the product to my credit card for JUST the product.

I have complained several times to the refund the full amount Customer Service and Drop Ship Team Head over the phone, but have no further response. Why am I being charged for a service I never received? Delivery was never made. There is no proof that I have received the product, and refused delivery.

Right now, a "Henry Posner" is accusing me of being a liar, and a dumbass for not entering the shipping information correctly. While at the same time, showing no proof of delivery. Shameful.

B&H Photo simply does not care, once they get their money. Very unethical, avoid like the plague.

 

[Ubrales]

I don't know about the price of the lens but all of my experiences with B&H have been positive. I have purchased from them for years. The second video camera I purchased was from them and it was considerably less than it was at a big box electronics retailer (actually got a new one for less than the price of a demo model, the same make and model, as the big box store).

Ken, congratulations on your Mod status!

 

[kenrivers]

I don't know about the price of the lens but all of my experiences with B&H have been positive. I have purchased from them for years. The second video camera I purchased was from them and it was considerably less than it was at a big box electronics retailer (actually got a new one for less than the price of a demo model, the same make and model, as the big box store).

Ken, congratulations on your Mod status!

Thank you!

 

[Chimayred]

Nonsense. Bh is a great company. Most NYC photo companies are nauseating. B & h is honest great prices, surprisingly friendly for NYC and ultra competitive. I've gotten great prices service and shipping from them on everything from sd cards or wrist straps to $600 lenses.
This person's comment is virtually libelous!

They are scam city. The low prices are simply to bait you, and hope that you fall prey to one of their traps.

I ordered a product online on March 13, 2013. It was never delivered to my address, even as of July 8, 2013. I had paid in full at the time. (Product: + Shipping to Saudi Arabia ).

I ordered from B&H Photo in the past, and products were delivered to me in Saudi Arabia, and the United States, therefore I assumed my money was safe. On July 8th I asked for a refund for the full amount due to their non delivery, and negligence in handling my order. The Drop Ship rep agreed to the refund. He later said I would get the refund for the product, and NOT for "services & duties". I received my refund for the product to my credit card for JUST the product.

I have complained several times to the refund the full amount Customer Service and Drop Ship Team Head over the phone, but have no further response. Why am I being charged for a service I never received? Delivery was never made. There is no proof that I have received the product, and refused delivery.

Right now, a "Henry Posner" is accusing me of being a liar, and a dumbass for not entering the shipping information correctly. While at the same time, showing no proof of delivery. Shameful.

B&H Photo simply does not care, once they get their money. Very unethical, avoid like the plague.

 

[Ubrales]

Time to close this thread.