From: Josh Lieber [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Nikon Gear scam
Date: Wed, 03 Jun 1998
Hi there,
I posted a lot of gear earlier today under the name Josh Lieber. So
far I have received well over 30 emails, most of them offering to zip
off money orders.
THIS IS A SCAM!!
I did thid to hopefully wake some people up an help them avoid what
recently happened to me.
I answered an ad for an EOS-1N. The guy seemed legit, I even spoke
with him on the phone. Then I sent him a money order. Needless to say, I
never saw the camera. The email address was a web TV address, and it too
disappeared. I even found out that the address i had shipped to was a
Mail Boxes Etc, and the the phone was a cellular.
None of this will help me get my money back, no one really cares if
you have been scammed out of $1000. But here is the point:
I set up the email account at Yahoo without needing to provide any
info as to who I really am, where I live, or how to track me down. It is
untraceable.
I could easily pay cash in advance for a mail box at Mail Boxes Etc,
they also do not require any ID.
An excellent false ID in any name I choose, such as Josh Lieber, can
be mine for $45 through the internet. this would allow me to cash the
money orders at any one of many check cashing places here in NYC.
As of last count, If I went through with this scam, and if everyone
who said that they wanted gear came through, I would have made $23,000 +
today alone!!!
Do not get scammed!!!! Do not buy from people who have hotmail,
yahoo, webtv or other email addresses that can't be traced and require
no ID to activate. Try and contact the person ahead of time at home and
at work, though this is still no guarantee,
Finally, COD and any one of the several companies that will
handle transactions for you may be a good investment.
I have made dozens of deals over the net, and have never used
iEscrow or anything like it, but I am sure that it would have cost me
less than the $1000 that I lost.
I am sorry if people are pissed and angry at what I have done, but I
was trying to make a point and hopefully help people from getting
scammed. I saved long and hard for that camera body, and now I have to
start from scratch.
Thanks,
Sam aka Josh Lieber
Hi everyone,
I wanted to alert all of you to a scam which has seriously hurt a number of
people in the photo industry. Please share this information with other
individuals and lists who could be in danger.
There is a ring of crooks operating in New York state. They are buying
high-end photo equipment and paying for it with bogus cashiers checks.
Here is how the scam works. One of these people calls a seller and
expresses an interest in specific high-end photo gear which that seller has
advertised. He will request overnight shipping by a courier service, COD.
He wants you to call him when you have shipped and give him the airbill
number of the shipment. The phone number he gives you to call for this is
a pager or message service, not a home telephone number. He knows little
or nothing about photo equipment if asked questions.
When the shipments arrive he or an accomplice is waiting in the lobby, or
flags down the driver on the street and claims the shipment and passes the
bogus cashiers check to the driver. The actual people at the shipping
address are not involved, and have been cleared by the police. He never
uses the same address twice.
Several Shutterbug advertisers have been hit by this ring, who at present
have managed to steal around $ 100,000 worth of merchandise. The cashiers
checks being used appear to be drawn on Chase Manhattan or Fleet Bank, but
are completely fake.
If you are approached by someone who fits the above profile trying to buy
high-end equipment, please contact me by private e-mail and I will put you
in touch with the appropriate Secret Service and/or FBI agent.
I hope none of you get caught by this theft ring.
Bob Shell
I've just gotten off the phone with the detective in our local police
department who was investigating something for me, and thought I should
pass along this scam warning in case these people are targeting
photographers.
Several weeks ago when I was out of town someone called my office and left
a message on my answering machine. They identified themselves as Coast To
Coast Couriers and left a toll free number and an airbill number. They
said they had a package for me and needed delivery information. My wife
checked the machine and phoned them, and got a recording, so she left
delivery instructions (my photo lab takes deliveries for me when I am
away).
When I got back I checked with the lab and nothing had been delivered. So
I called the toll free number. I was immediately suspicious because their
recording says all their agents are busy and asks you to leave your phone
number and the airbill number but does not identify the company by name.
After leaving callbacks a bunch of times and getting no calls, I decided to
try and pursue this further. I called the telephone company to see if they
could find another number for Coast To Coast Couriers. Sure enough, they
found them in Dayton, Ohio, and gave me the number. I called and talked to
them. The toll free number I had was not theirs and the air bill number
was not theirs either.
Next I asked the phone company to trace the toll free number so I could
find out who really had called. No luck, it was provided by a private
carrier.
That's when I turned the whole thing over to the police. It was obviously
a scam of some sort, but I couldn't figure out what.
Well, it turns out that these folks are well known to police around the
country, but this was the first report in my area. The scam is this, if
they reach you on their first tries, they tell you they have a package but
you must pay shipping since the shipper did not. The shipper is some
company you never heard of. If you fall for it, you are asked to mail them
a check for the shipping costs and they will then arrange for delivery of
the package.
That's the last you hear of them or your money.
Boy, some people sure have a lot of time to think up scams as complicated
as this!!!!!!
Bob Shell
[email protected] (Bob Shell)
writes:
> Next I asked the phone company to trace the toll free number so I could > find out who really had called. No luck, it was provided by a private > carrier.
================================================
Did their toll free number show up on caller ID? Try running their phone
number through reverse look up on Infospace:
http://pic2.infospace.com/info/reverse.htm
If you come up with a name and address, Infospace will even provide you
with a map to their location! Not only is that cool, it's free, too!
R. J. Bender ( A Nikon, Mamiya and Rollei user. )
mailto:[email protected] or
mailto:[email protected]
http://homepages.infoseek.com/~rbender/RS.htm
From: [email protected] (NMcgroarty)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Fraud Warning for Camera Sellers
Date: 30 Dec 1998
Beware of counterfit Certified Bank checks. I recently "sold" a Pentax
645 camera to an individual from New York City who paid me with a
certified check. This check turned out to be fraudulent. There are people
out there using these fraudulent bank checks to buy photo equipment. This
check was drawn on Midland Marine Bank in NY. Anyone who sees a Pentax
645, body s/n 1014603, lens s/n 4123458, please contact me. Thanks, and
be careful!!
[Ed. note: I am including this posting to show that even stores that have
a bad reputation on the Internet and negative BBB rating (as I write this)
can change, and stores can't last long if they upset a large fraction of
their customers. Still, your chances of a good experience improve a lot
if you are a saavy buyer, know exactly what you want, and insist on
getting it without substitutions, use a credit card, and otherwise use
the tips and pointers herein and elsewhere on the WWW and Internet...]
From: [email protected] (F19841975)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm
Subject: Cambridge Camera - IMHO, not as bad as many think
Date: 16 Dec 1998
I needed to order a new flash (540 EZ) for my Canon camera. I checked
several "reputable" dealers with whom I've done business over the years:
Adorama, Calumet, Freestyle, as well as several local stores in Rhode
Island. None of them had the unit in stock.
I called several dealers in New York and was treated very rudely. It was
with trepidation that I called Cambridge Camera, an outfit which has a
"bad" reputation. I dialed the 212 number (675-8600), which was answered
on the third ring. "Thank you for calling Cambridge Camera, this is
Rhavi, may I please be of assistance?" Rhavi had a noticeable South Asian
accent (Indian, Pakistani, or Sri Lankan), but was easy to understand. I
asked him if he had the Canon 540 EZ speedlite with US Warranty in stock.
"Please hold, my kind sir, I will be happy to check." I was on hold for
about 30 seconds when I heard "I apologize for the delay, sir. We do have
the Canon 540 EZ with US Warranty in Stock. That will cost $309.95
please, sir. Would you be interested in ordering?" I double-checked with
Ravi to make sure the flash had a US Warranty. "Oh, yes, my sir. This
flash has a one-year warranty by Canon USA. If anything unfortunate
happens within a year of purchase, please return it to Canon in Jamesburg,
New Jersey for complimentary repair."
I told Rhavi I'd be interested in ordering. "Would you like to order
anything else today, sir?" I told him no, but thank you, the flash would
be it. He asked me for my name, address, telephone number, and credit
card details. He asked me how I'd like to have it shipped. I told him
"the least expensive way possible." Ravi said the shipping cost, by UPS
Ground, is $7.50. The order total was $317.45, "no tax for you sir, since
you live outside of New York." Ravi then asked me what my favorite type of
film was. I told him Fuji Sensia 100, but at that point also told him to
make sure not to add any film to my order (I still have a bunch of Sensia
sitting in my freezer). "Oh, no sir, I am just curious. I like to know
what types of film people use." I thanked him for the order, "oh no,
thank you, sir. Thank you for calling Cambridge Camera." Thank you, bye.
"Goodbye, and happy holidays, sir."
I got the package two days after ordering. The 540 EZ flash was brand
new, in a sealed box. Also enclosed were two rolls of Sensia II 100,
135-36, with a 5-2000 expiration date. I checked the receipt, which
showed the flash for $309.95, shipping for $7.50, and, in handwriting,
"Please accept these two Sensia films with my compliments. Thank you for
shopping with Cambridge Camera. Your friend, Rhavi." I couldn't have
been happier with the purchase, but the proverbial icing on the cake was
when I got a voice mail message a couple of days later. A transcription
follows:
"Hello, Mr. O'Connell, this is Ashok from the Customer Service department
at Cambridge Camera in New York. I thank you for ordering your Canon 540
EZ flash through us and trust that you have received it satisfactorily."
[note, I signed for the UPS package, so they knew I received it] "I hope
you enjoy your new Speedlite, and hope that you please consider us for
future orders. Please call me at 800-221-2253 if you have any questions
or comments. I wish you a happy holiday and peaceful and prosperous new
year. Thanks again for your business, Mr. O'Connell. Goodbye."
I would like to stress that I have NO connection whatsoever with Cambridge
Camera, other than as a very satisfied customer. I'll admit to being a
little leery when placing my order with Rhavi, but I could not be happier.
I have no hesitation whatsoever with doing future business with what I
consider a first class firm. I'll be traveling to New York next month and
look forward to dropping in to their store and checking out their
inventory.
Michael O'Connell,
Rhode Island (USA)
[Ed. note: see update and "seconds thoughts" posting below...]
[Ed. note: Too good to be true? A Rebuttal..]
Date: Thu, 25 Feb 1999
From: steve zwicky [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: cambridge story
Just a quick rebuttal to the heartwarming story about someone named
'Rhavi' at Cambridge. I called today and asked for him. The person on
the phone said 'Who? Robby?' a couple of times, then said to wait a
minute. After a few minutes, a similar person (with a somewhat yiddish
accent) returned to the line. I asked his name, and he countered by
asking who I wanted. I said 'Rhavi' and he said he was Rhavi. He then
gave me the standard pushy and brusque sales experience I have always
gotten when attempting to buy from them. Once again, I told them thanks,
but no thanks and called B&H. The moral: if it's on the web, it must be
true (or not).
Steve Zwicky
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999
From: steve zwicky [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: cambridge story
Hey Bob,
I have so far tried four times to take the leap of faith and buy
something from Cambridge. Each time, I ended up hanging up after some
blatent high pressure tactic or general rudeness (for instance, I called
their 1-800 number (listed as 'for orders only') with the intention of
ordering. I asked if they could tell me if an item were in stock. The
answer was no. I was supposed to call the toll number for that
information! A few days later, I called the toll number very near their
closing time, to check stock and place the order. I was told that they
didn't have time.
Here is the humorous twist: after I hung up, my old refrigerator finally
failed. By saving me from myself, Cambridge kept my bank account healthy
enough to buy the 'fridge.
Cheers,
Steve Zwicky
Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999
From: Michael O'Connell [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Second thoughts about Cambridge Camera
Although I am not a Bronica user (I own several Canon SLR cameras, FD and
EF mount, plus a Canon Sure Shot), I found this web site by searching for
"Rhavi" and "Cambridge Camera." Thank you for posting my comments about
Cambridge Camera, written last December (1998).
I went down to New York City on Tuesday, 6th September (the day after
Labor Day) and, while I was there, decided to check out Cambridge Camera
for myself. They are at the old B&H location on 17th Street, east of 7th
Avenue. I went in there and the first person I encountered asked me,
brusquely, "yes, what do you want?!" I asked if I could see Rhavi (the
very pleasant salesman with whom I did business last year). "Rhavi no
longer works here," he snapped. I asked for Ashok (the customer service
manager who left me a voice mail after I placed and received my order).
Without saying a word, he stormed away. I thought he was going to ignore
me, so I started to walk toward the door. Just before I left the store, I
heard a gentleman yell "sir, may I help you?" I walked back and asked him
if he was Ashok. He said yes and asked if he could help me. I told him I
would like to buy a couple of filters and some film. I wanted to buy two
B&W filters (58mm size), a Circular Polarizer and an 80A/Tungsten for
Daylight film, 10 rolls of Fujichrome Sensia II 100, and 5 rolls of
Fujicolor Superia 400. He checked the inventory and apologetically told
me that he didn't have the B&W 80A filter in stock but he did have the
equivalent by Hoya and Tiffen. I told him no thanks, I'd like the B&W and
I'd check for that elsewhere. He did have the Circular Polarizer and the
Fuji films I requested and asked me if I'd like to buy them. There was NO
pressure to buy the Hoya or Tiffen filters; he said "I understand" after I
told him I was adamant about getting the B&W brand.
I told him I was surprised by the way the first guy treated me when I
walked in, since I got such excellent service over the phone. He
apologized and told me he'd "have a word with him." I then asked Ashok
about Rhavi. "Oh, he took a job with another camera store." I said that
was too bad, since he was an excellent salesman.
"I miss him too, he was one of our best salesman. A lot of people still
ask for him."
After he rang up and packed my order, I thanked him for his time. He
stretched out his arm to shake my hand and again apologized for the
behavior of the (first) person.
The moral of the story is, there ARE good people even in "bad" camera
stores. I can't blame Rhavi for transferring to what I hope is a happier
and friendlier environment. I hope Ashok is able to "lay down the law"
and stop such rude behavior by some Cambridge employees, both over the
phone and in person. I should have suggested (to him) that he read some
of the internet newsgroups.
BTW, I walked two blocks down to Adorama (on 18th Street, east of Ave. of
the Americas, or 6th Avenue) and got my B&W 80A filter with no problems.
Adorama's staff weren't overly solicitous, but they were polite and
professional. I've used Adorama for mail order several times over the
years and will probably visit them first the next time I travel to New
York.
Again, I have no experience with Bronica equipment, and I apologize if
this posting is out of bounds of newsgroup regulations, but, since my name
and message was posted here, I felt as if I had to respond. Thank you.
Michael O'Connell
Providence, Rhode Island, USA
From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Mon, 25 Oct 1999
From: "Ben R. McRee" [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Re: OT: Shipping--USPS/UPS/FedEx
Sometime within the past year Consumer Reports (much maligned recently on
this list) ran extensive real-world tests on the three major U.S.
shippers. They shipped hundreds of packages from various points around the
country and tabulated how many arrived on time, how many were lost, and,
most pertinent to recent discussion here, how many were subjected to
extreme shocks along the way (using the sort of acceleration detectors
that Richard Knoppow described).
What did they discover? Although no shipper was perfect (as seems also to
have been the RUGs experience), the boxes that were least often abused
were those shipped parcel post--U.S. Mail ground service in other words.
The worst for shock was one of the second tier FedEx services--2nd day air
or Economy, I don't recall which. If I remember rightly FedEx did,
however, have the best on-time delivery record.
Cheers,
Ben
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Fri, 24 Sep 1999
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Camera Stores
> I use those two as well. One thing I cannot for the life of me figure > out is how the rip off stores manage to stay in business with their > practices. One need only to read the store review web site to hear tale > after sorry tale of plain-ass fraud. If they were in my state the AGs > office would shut them down in about two minutes. And probably send the > principals to jail too.
That's what's so frustrating to those of us who would like to clean up
the industry. Most of the people who order from these guys are good,
honest Americans who have never had to deal with slick operators and are
totally unprepared for the experience. These people are not on the
sinternet. I think internet numbers are grossly exaggerated. I talk
to a lot of Shutterbug readers and the majority are not on the net.
The NY State Attorney General's office has made it very clear to us
that they just are not interested in this issue. Officials in NYC
have told us the same. When the people charged with enforcing the laws
refuse to act it is just about impossible to do anything to clean things
up. Believe me, all of us in the photo magazine business consider this
an important issue, but we need help to get rid of the slick, devious
and fraudulent dealers.
Bob
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999
From: jchow [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei Off Topic--Method of Payment from Japan
> > I have a gentleman from Japan that wants to purchase a small item (Rollei) > > from me ( I live in the U.S.) What is the best method to ship it to him > > ( weight less than 1/2 pound) / what is easiest /best way for him to pay > > me ( is there a International Money Order or the like ? ) ?
As I live in Japan, when I have to send small sums of money to the US, I
send international postal money orders in USD. It costs the sender 1000
yen for the fee. The other possibility is just to send travellers checks
in USD, but it's more inconvenient to get traveller's checks...takes my
bank about 45 min to issue travellers checks while it's more like 5-10
min for the post office to issue money orders. I have sent these before
and they've been cashed with no problem (takes a little longer to clear
than an in-state personal check but less than an out-of-state personal
check). For larger sums (over $5000 USD), I wire the money direct, as
the loss in commission from the money order/travellers checks is greater
than the loss of commission from sending the money directly (a better
exchange rate) plus the 3500 yen wiring charge. Don't forget that
there's a receiving charge on the other end, usually about $10.
For shipping from the US to Japan, FedEx sucks. Period. They zap the
receiver for an extra 500 yen fee, even after all the shipping has
supposedly been paid for. FedEx also barely has a presence in Japan;
there isn't even one nearby in my city, and I live in the second largest
city in Japan! Ditto with DHL. Here, Takyubin rules. The have an
alliance w/ UPS. If I'm sending something overseas, the easiest method
is express mail (cheaper/faster than 1st class). The drawback is that if
you have to send, say, a Rollei part to Germany for repair, it queues up
in German customs for 4-5 weeks (we've been through this discussion
before).
--Jim
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 1999
From: [email protected]
Newsgroups:
rec.photo.equipment.misc
Subject: Re: What does camera KIT imply?
Kenny G [email protected] wrote:
> When buying a KIT does it mean than the KIT costs LESS than the sum > price of its components???? > Almost every camera kit is being sold with a 28-80 lens.. but I would > like to take a 24-85 or a 28-105 instead... so i'm wondering if it would > cost me something extra... > > Some other questions: > 1. What does it mean that a lens diafragm can go up to a value to one > end and up to another value at the other end??? Shouldn't it use the > whole aperture range for any given focal length?? If not, is there any > lens that does this? Are there any advantages/drawbacks of having this > feature? > > 2. Is the number of diafragm blades an important feature of a lens? > > 3. About eye-controled-focus: They say you have to look at a focus > point in order to focus in that direction... Would this mean than the > focus is limited only to that small focus points?? What if I want to > look at any point in the image? would it still focus on that point??? or > do i have to make other adjustments? (how? is there a dial for that? I > cannot manually affect the focus if the camera is not in manual mode... > right?) > Thakx for any feedback, > Marius
When buying a kit -- be on your guard. This is the way some dealers
pull fast ones on the customer. Know what you are getting, by brand by
model and by importer. I would stick with US equipment only until you
have more experience in buying camera equipment. If they don't say in
the ad that the lens is by the same company as the camera - it isn't!
Some kits contain such valuable accessories as lens tissue, and a
blower brush. Make sure you KNOW what you are getting. Pay a few
dollars more and get your camera (kit or a la carte) from a reliable
dealer (Adorama, B&H, Cameraworld - in alphabetical order), but even
with them be sure you know what you have ordered. Just on GP I would go
for the 28-105 anyway. In fact I did when I bought my Elan.
The difference in apature is standard in modern zooms. It is one of
the reasons we can afford them. It simply means that the largest
apature remains the same size as the zoom goes through it's range. The
same size but a changing ratio. Apature is a ratio. An f1.0 lens has
the same size opening as it's focal length. F2 is one half the focal
length etc. The drawbacks are dealt with by the light meter in the
camera, the advantage is price.
Number of blades is important. The more blades the closer the
apature is to a circle, which would take an infinite number of blades.
I don't think you will find too many lenses with too few blades
however.
-- With any auto focus camera you must put the object you want to focus
on in a focus spot (the center on most cameras), depress the shutter
slightly, locking focus, and compose your shot. Cameras with more than
one spot allow you to do the same thing at several places on the
screen, but you still must lock and compose, if you want to change
framing, you just don't have to do as much. Eye control allows you to
do this with your eye, instead of a control that you must use with your
hand. Once you have your focus point you still must lock before moving
your eye. It takes very little time to get used to this, but there may
be other factors too. When I tried eye control several years ago it
worked very poorly if I wore my glasses, but pretty good without. I
haven't tried it since.
The camera can be in auto exposure mode but manual focus mode, and
vice-versa.
[email protected] wrote:
> I have a gentleman from Japan that wants to purchase a small item (Rollei) > from me ( I live in the U.S.) What is the best method to ship it to him > ( weight less than 1/2 pound) / what is easiest /best way for him to pay > me ( is there a International Money Order or the like ? ) ?
From Japan, Postal Money Orders seem the way to go for small exchanges,
and wiring of funds for larger. I, too, have had the problem with the
high cost of collecting on overseas checks drawn in foreign currency, and
my experiences vary dramatically from Bob Shell's -- and I, too, have a
commercial account. And I have had problems with several different banks,
as well.
Hence, I just insist on payment in US funds. Works for me!
As for shipping, Bob Shell recommended FedEx. BEWARE! Watch out for the
"unique item" rule. FedEx, UPS, &c, regard any item which bears a serial
number and which is no longer in production as a "unique item" and they
will NOT insure this. Oh, they will take your money but, if the item is
lost or damaged, they will regretfully decline to pay, tell you they
should not have allowed you to insure it, and refund your insurance
premium. (Thank heavens for my FedEx delivery guy, who warned me of this
when I was preparing an $8,000 lens for shipment to Japan a few years
back!)
ALWAYS ship by government mail. The insurance requirements can be funky
but, by heavens, they do pay!
Marc
[email protected]
From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999
From: Bill Grimwood [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei off topic- Method of payment from Japan
I have had several experiences with people in Japan buying from me. The
safest way to do it is to insist that they send a check in US dollars on a
US bank. There are many banks in Japan that cooperate with US banks and
the bank can arrange payment in this way. When it is done like this there
is no $20.00 fee for cashing the check.
Bill Grimwood
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999
From: Marc James Small [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei off topic- Method of payment from Japan
Bob Shell wrote:
>Maybe you just have to owe the bank a lot of money!!! My account is with >First Union and was with Dominion before they were swallowed. My house and >business loans are there, too, and I get many bank fees deferred for this >reason. No one ever mention a fee for deposit of a foreign check, but >maybe that also comes with the territory.
...
Bob
A LOT depends on how the check is drafted. If it is drawn on an American
bank doing business in, say, Japan -- such as BoA or the like -- then, no,
there are no charges, other than currency-conversion charges. But IF the
arrangement is for a "corresponding" bank to do the dirty work -- that is,
the check is made through a local bank which has a deal with an American
bank to honour their checks -- then there normally is a rather hefty fee.
(I just got burned on such a deal with a most esteemed and elderly
Canadian professional photographer of international reputation -- both of
us should have known better, but we got burned, for the all of it! I bore
the loss.)
Western Virginia Fiscal History Experts, Only, Take Note:
Dominion Bank, NA, had a foreign-exchange section located about three
blocks from me. No hu-hu. I could get anything done there. After the
Short Guy got through gutting the bank, the foreign-exchange section went
away. Then they were merged with First Union (known in the trade as the
"FU" bank for obvious reasons), and I went away, as well. I have a couple
of accounts with BoA and, now that they're in town, may go there for my
main commercial account.
As to shipping, the "unique item" rule ONLY applies to items no longer in
production. Leica II camera bodies. Contarex and Kilfitt lenses. It
doesn't apply to stuff still being made.
Marc
From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999
From: Richard Lahrson [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei off topic- Method of payment from Japan
Marc James Small wrote:
> Bob > A LOT depends on how the check is drafted. If it is drawn on an American > bank doing business in, say, Japan -- such as BoA or the like -- then, no, > there are no charges, other than currency-conversion charges. But IF the > arrangement is for a "corresponding" bank to do the dirty work -- that is, > the check is made through a local bank which has a deal with an American > bank to honour their checks -- then there normally is a rather hefty fee.
Hi Bob and Marc and Everyone!
That's it, the third party bank. So, best to check! But I still
think the International money order is best, though, as I explained, my
one experience was having the mail botch it; but the Postal service made
good on it.
Since we're telling stories, I sold an item and waited more than
reasonably for the M. O. in the mail. I e-mailed the buyer and he
explained the letter was returned to him; my address was BEYOND legible
on the envelop and the contents with the M. O. were also crushed and torn.
But the US Post Office came through without charge for a SECOND Postal
Money Order.
More stories! I sold a Minox Enlarger and packed it carfully. The
buyer received it in fine order, but told me that the Post Office fully
distroyed the box. Moral: pack carefully.
Cheers,
Rich Lahrson
[Ed. note: pack inside zip lock bags with silica gel to ship???]
From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1999
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei off topic- Method of payment from Japan
I recently sold some Kilfit lenses to a fellow in Portugal. I boxed very
carefully and shipped via air parcel post insured. The lenses were
perfect when shipped, glass clear and unmarred. He contacted me when he
got them several weeks later to complain that they were full of fungus!
Somehow between here and there the box got VERY wet and sat around
somewhere in a hot place and you know what heat and humidity does -- yep,
fungus.
I'm still haggling with the post office on this one. They don't want to
pay the insurance claim because the man did not keep the box and packing.
Meanwhile he had the lenses cleaned by someone in Italy and wants me to
pay the repair bill.
Headache.
Bob
....
Well,
In a previous life, I worked for UPS and I am familiar with the way they
handle packages.
They use conveyor belts to sort them by destination and the machines are
designed quite well with seamless steel walls so nothing gets shredded. Of
course, they are not perfect and I have often seen belts jamming 18 feet
high in the air and before they can be stopped there are boxes tumbling to
the ground below.
Small envelopes and flat packages can get trapped by the belts and torn
up.
Bigger packages with improper packed, heavy items can punch through the
cardboard and spill the contents all over the place.
By far, the most damage is inflicted by your friendly driver. On average,
a
dirver has more than 100 deliveries to make in a day (downtown guys have
as many as 300). Their little trucks get packed to the gills and often
boxes tumble down at turns, or when opening doors. most often the floor is
piled up with boxes and then the driver just walks over your precious
package with all his 200 pounds plus the weight of the box.
If you use UPS, or any other shipping company, for that matter, I highly
recommend you do the following:
1.- wrap your items individually in several layers of bubble wrap
2.- make sure that items do not touch each-other or the walls of the box
(use biubble wrap, styrofoam or other things to separate them
3.- add anything you can (styrofoam, newspapers, foam, etc) to create a
barrier betweem the box walls and the items
4.- put a sheet of paper with your address and the destination address
INSIDE the box.
5.- insure for 110% of value (replacement value, not actual cost which may
be lower) to cover costs and shipping expense.
6.- Never ship unique items via UPS because their insurance does not cover
them
7.- cross your fingers and strat praying :-)
-_______________
Andrei D. Calciu
From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000
From: Erik Stiegler [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] bad UPS service, was ripoffs, ebay....
I wouldn't loose any sleep over it. Over the years I've recieved hundreds
of packages from UPS, and I can recall exactly one problem. The end of a
box had come undone, and the contents were visible, but undamaged. Every
day UPS successfully delivers tens of thousands of packages. It's the
horror stories that people remember. If your camera is packaged well, I
doubt you have anything to worry about.
Erik Stiegler
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] bad UPS service, was ripoffs, ebay....
Not only do they mangle packages, as I said earlier, the system is
designed to be gentle to packages, and the majority come through
unscathed, however, there are always some poorly packed boxes that will
have a tough time surviving.
Did you know that manufacturers recommend re-using the same box only once?
the corrugated cardboard is weakened by repeated manipulations (open,
close, stack, etc), even if not crushed with heavy weights. On the third,
fourth and consecutive uses the chances that the box will collapse
increase dramatically. For instance, a box designed to withstand 250lbs
crushing pressure when new, will probably give in at less than 180lbs
pressure on the third use. Do you know what it takes to get 180lbs
pressure per square inch? it takes a 6 pound object dropped 3 feet (i.e.,
the corner of another box).
Also, did you know that corrugated boxes for supermarket products are
built to a LESSER standard than shipping boxes? Yes, they are all designed
for one time use and the retail packaging inside is factored in as
additional support for the box strength. Next time you ship your 1000
dollar camera and save 2 bucks by using a discarded Sloppy Joe crate,
remember this message.
How do I know all this crap? When I was in college I worked for a box
manufacturer in Ohio. Job paid $3.75 per hour and sucked, but in those
days it was much more than flipping burgers, plus it included all the
health and retirement benefits of the day. Needless to say, when summer
came about I found a construction job that paid 11 bucks an hour and the
box factory was history.
they also Take a whole week to ship east to west
Second Day Air gets there faster than Priority Mail, can be tracked in
real time (within 3 to 20 minutes of each scan, the data shows up on the
website) and includes the first 100 dollars worth of insurance. and are
more expensive than the post office.
There is a good reason for the price increase. There is a federal law
which REQUIRES private carriers to charge at least TWICE the postal rate,
even if the carrier could deliver for half the price.
This is one of those rare examples of government doing a better job than
the private sector.
Nope, this is one example of Goverment dictating market prices.
By the way, if you guys want a good investment tip, from an unbiased
party,
you should buy UPS stock on May 11. That is when the IPO lockup expires
and
all those foolish drivers will rush in to cash some of the stock they
received when the company went public. The price will dip for a few days
and then will come back to where it belongs (about 60 bucks per share).
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 08 May 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] another ebayer to avoid
The problem is that people want to charge "handling" on top of
shipping. Sounds like this guy "handled" this camera a lot before
shipping!!!
I bought some stuff a while back from a well-known NYC auction
house. I didn't know until after the fact that they charged $ 50
handling fee on top of shipping!!!!! That really burned me up.
How much time and manpower can it take to wrap something in bubble
wrap, put in a box, fill box with "peanuts" and tape shut???
Bob
----------
>From: Denton Taylor [email protected] >Subject: Re: [Rollei] another ebayer to avoid >Date: Mon, May 8, 2000, 11:46 AM > > Shaun, to ship a 5# box anywhere in the USA costs about $5 or less. > Internationally, that's another story, but this was not an international > shipment. No one in their right mind would ship a $30 camera fedx or other > overnight courier. Trust me, I ship and receive 20-30 packages a day.
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 8 May 2000 18:09:29 -0400
From: [email protected]
Reply to: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: [Rollei] another ebayer to avoid
Hell, you have to be on the web to do this anyway, why not use the USPS or
UPS
or FedEx web site 'rate calculator'?
http://postcalc.usps.gov/
http://www.ups.com/using/services/rave/rate.html
http://www.fedex.com/us/rates/
....
Albert, it's interesting that you'd ask that question at this time.
My experience: when PayPal works, it's very convenient and my experience
is consistent with yours.
However: I think they're having growing pains.
They say it takes 10 days to 2 weeks for the address certification process
that allows one full use of the 'pay' option via credit card or account
transfer. Don't count on it. It took well over a month for my
certification to arrive. And if you email them to ask about it, all
you'll get is a form reply telling you it takes 10 days to 2 weeks. It
took so long I gave up on them and lost a couple deals I had pending and
irritating two sellers.
Lately, they've had a LOT of down time, seemingly related to system
problems. Can't log in, can't see history, etc. To complete a couple
recent deals, I've had to log in in the wee hours of the morning.
FWIW/Scott Gardner
Albert Ma [email protected] wrote
> Nothing to buy or sell....but how is everybody's experience with > Paypal.com? > > So far I have no problem with PayPal. I have sent money to people, and > have received money from people. And the charges on my credit card have > been accurate. I suppose I'd love to be able to transfer money out of the > PayPal system to my own bank account, which I have just attempted. I need a > few more days to find out if it works fine. From my experience, there seems > to be no problem with sending money. But in a few days I will know if I can > easily get the money out of their system....if not, then I guess I'll buy > more things! > > The nature of money: if you believe in it, I believe in it, everybody else > believes in it, it has value and can be used to transact, store value, etc, > etc......electronic, paper, token---the forms don't matter.
From: "Sarawoot Chittratanawat" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: PayPal
Date: Thu, 18 May 2000
How about the alternative Payplace (www.payplace.com)? Any one has
experience with it?
I have used Paypal for 2 months with no problem. But they often have
downtime these days. I think they overrun the business.
[Ed. note; some cautions re: paypal and related services...]
From: Joe Blow [email protected]
Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2000
Newsgroups: sci.astro.amateur
Subject: Re: Astromart Woes
There are many problems with PayPal as I see it...
Even if you just want to pay a debt you MUST sign up for the
service. That in itself is unacceptable to me, but I looked into
it further at one point and ran, not walked, away. Does anyone
who uses this actually read the terms of service? To use Paypal
you must give them loads of personal information they have no
business having (IMO). In return you basically get a bank
account that pays no interest and is not insured. They either
keep your credit card number which authorizes them to
automatically charge any transaction above and beyond your
balance but then (conveniently) they deny any liability for
"unauthorised interception or use" or computer and
telecommunications errors which they have nicely set you up for.
The only way around this is to have a positive balance in your
"account" via snail mail checks or electronic funds transfers.
But then since said account is interest and insurance free nobody
in their right mind would ever put significant amounts of money
there, so this way of doing business is useless. Furthermore, if
you are a seller, the only way to actually get your money is to
request they mail you a check otherwise you'll never see it.
I've heard others who ran into this brick wall as well. Bottom
line is you cannot dispute a Paypal purchase which is one of the
most common reasons cited to use it. The merchandise comes from
the seller, not from Paypal, therefore your dispute lies with the
seller, not Paypal. Paypal was just the service you used to
process the card and is no more liable than the service a local
merchant uses to process your card in the checkout lane. This
information is also in the Paypal TOS that you agree to when you
sign up. Amazing what the fine print says!
From: Joe Blow [email protected]
Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2000
Newsgroups: sci.astro.amateur
Subject: Re: Astromart Woes
"Many credit cards have some form of fraud protection and ways to
dispute charges. Any disputes should be handled through your
card provider rather than PayPal. If your card doesn't have
policies to your liking, it's probably not tough to get another
card."
The problem isn't the credit card, it's what you might call a
loop hole in the system. Paypal was only the service that
charged your credit card and put the resulting cash into the
hands of the seller. Paypal did nothing wrong, did nothing
sneaky, did not scam, or do anything illegal. Paypal did
everything they promised to do and everything you agreed to.
Your beef really lies with the seller, but since they were not
the ones who charged your card, no bank in the world can do a
charge back. That is why you do not have the normal credit card
protections when using Paypal.
From: [email protected] (Kar Yan Mak)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Date: 30 May 2000
Subject: Re: B&H Photo:
>They ask me to send me the filters back and they claim they did not get >them and >now refuse to credit my account.
I'm a longstanding B&H customer, although most of the time there has to be
some kind of hassle involved. *But* they are always prompt to credit the
refund into my credit card account.
The filters might be lost in the mail and if you didn't buy insurance for
them, you're losing everything. B&H cannot do anything over the operation
of the USPS. That's why everytime I return something (to any mailorder
store) I will get both insurance and the delivery confirmation (total of
$1.20 extra) you'll definitely know if your package has arrived and if
it's lost, there's the insurance you bought.
Sincerely yours,
Kar Yan Mak
http://www.kyphoto.com
This looks like a telephone billing scan to me.
He is hoping everyone will telephone him to complain
about his spam. If you do, you will probably get
hit by large fees, even though he lists a "toll free"
telephone number. This is a common scam, where users
get connected to a 'pay-per-call' system via a
seemingly toll free telephone number.
Note one of his fake usernames is "pleasecall".
------- Forwarded Message
Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000
From: david [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: affiliation
Hi,
I found your site in webcrawler. I am looking for websites who are
interested in either getting listed on our website or participating in
co-op programs with us. We are kind of in a rush to get things going for
the holiday season.
If you have a moment, please give me a call at 877-835-9308 x616.
Thank you for your time. If this note went to the wrong person
at your company, I am sorry, I don't know which email address is the
correct one. I will not be re-sending you anything, and you aren't on any
kind of database.
Best Regards,
David Rubright
877-835-9308 x616
------- End of Forwarded Message
Dear eBay Community Member,
The bid that you entered for the item
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=429704516
has been cancelled.
You can view the reason provided for the cancellation by selecting the
(bid history) link from the individual item page.
Regards,
eBay
------------
[Ed. note: from cancellation site:]
On Sep-11-00 at 12:37:03 PDT, seller added the following information:
We are sorry to say but the item has been sold already.
[Ed. note: and from EBAY's CYA:]
Note: This is a Reserve Auction in which the reserve price was not
met. Therefore, there is no transaction between the seller
and the high bidder. Since there is no transaction, this item is not
eligible for eBay services that protect buyers and sellers,
such as transactional feedback, escrow or insurance. Those services are
available only for items listed, bought and sold on
eBay in compliance with our guidelines and policies.
[Ed. note: in other words, you can't even complain in feedback
etc. ;-(]
Recently we received an order over our web pages from one xxxx xxxxxxxx
in Indonesia. The items were purchased with stolen credit card
numbers. These credit cards were approved by the credit card company's. We
shipped these items via UPS.
We shipped these items via UPS fully insured. For over four thousand
dollars.
The person in Indonesia refused these items because he said he could
not pay the customs duty on this package.
We were notified by NDC which is the administrator of the credit card
companies that these were stolen credit cards.
We notified UPS of the situation since we tracked the items and they
hadn't been delivered yet and we asked for their return.
UPS at this point notified us that we had two options. We could have
the package which we assumed was our merchandise returned to us and pay
return shipping charges and pay duties and taxes assessed by Indonesian
customs of $2393.00.
My second option UPS advised me was to abandon the package and it would
be held for one year and then auctioned off.
My advice to anyone shipping any merchandise out of the USA to check
the shipping terms with the person that is handling your order and make
sure that you have the option of your package being returned to you intact
without any excessive charges. Also make sure that the shipper that you
use retains possession of your merchandise and that it is not released to
someone else. I assumed that since I entrusted my package to UPS that it
would be returned to me if I asked to do so which I did. That is not the
case.
This has to be one of the biggest scams going and I would advise you
not to ship to any Asian country until this mess is cleared up, especially
Indonesia.
Oakdale-Bohemia Cameras Inc.
Bohemia,NY..........................................email [email protected]
Copies out to all camera and electronic stores on the internet.......
Below is a good list of things I compiled over a few years. I used to
post this every week or so, but got busy with other things.
Looking into the newsgroup, I see several requests for information about
stores and mail order, so I thought I'd post it again, and maybe again and
again if it's needed.
I haven't updated it in quite a while, so comments for revisions are
greatly appreciated.
I used to be [email protected], but now I'm [email protected]
or [email protected], but post your thoughts here instead of
e-mailing me.
Dave
==================
Here it is...
==================
Every single day there are posts in this newsgroup from people who
have been cheated by certain mail-order stores. Before you purchase by
mail-order, do the following,
1. Know what you want to buy, and know what their advertised price
is. If they don't have it, say "thanks" and hang up. Don't let
someone on the phone talk you into a "bargain" that you are not
knowledgeable about. You WILL regret it. NEVER let them talk you into
a product you are not familiar and comfortable with. It WILL be
inferior. If the price seems to be very low, be skeptical, then watch
out for high shipping charges, extra charges for the warranty, etc.
2. Read this newsgroup and ask for advice about equipment, prices,
shipping charges, and any alternatives. You will get good advice! It
drives all of us more experienced photographers and equipment buyers
crazy to keep reading posts saying "I think I was just ripped-off."
It is avoidable! Learn first, buy later. We like helping!
3. Always purchase by charge card! Use Visa, Mastercard, American
Express, whatever, but be certain you can call the card company and
get help if you think the store is trying to dupe you. Don't give them
your charge card number until you are absolutely certain you are ready
to buy.
4. When you start the conversation, ask for the salesman's name. First
and last. If he doesn't want to give it to you, don't give him yours.
Write it down.
5. Ask if it is all definitely in stock. Ask if it will be shipped
immediately. If it is on back-order, cancel the order and call back
after you expect the product to be available. Otherwise, they may bill
you today and ship it to you in six months, if at all.
6. Ask if it is new, and if it has a USA FACTORY warranty.
If you don't ask, you will get a "gray market" warranty.
This means only that store, and not the factory, will honor the warranty.
A USA STORE warranty isn't good enough.
No warranty card in the shipment? Return it NOW.
7. Ask what the return policy is. If you have read their
advertisement in a magazine, look for printed information on the
return policy.
8. Ask them what the shipping and handling charges will be. They may
not be able to give you an "exact" price, but they will give you an
estimated price. If it sounds too high, cancel the order.
9. Ask them how soon you will receive your order. 10 to 12 days is
reasonable.
10. For safety, you can use a fax to get your pricing, availability,
and warranty information. That way, you will have a hard copy for the
record. If they will not communicate by fax, consider taking your business
elsewhere. You can use the fax to dispute charges with the card
company if you need to.
11. Be polite, and expect them to be polite. Expect them to answer
your questions patiently, but understand that they don't have all day
to explain features, etc. Be reasonable. They aren't there to teach you
over the phone. You should know all this before you call. If they are
abusive, tell them so, and hang up.
12. If you don't receive your entire order, call and ask why. If you
don't receive the balance within a few days, cancel the balance. Call
your card company and tell them you have canceled the order for goods
not received and will not pay for them.
13. If your products are defective, incomplete, no warranty cards,
etc., call and tell them you are returning it. Then, return it
immediately by registered mail or UPS.
14. Watch out for those add-ons. Be grateful if the salesman
recommends you buy a battery for your new camera, but if he suggests
things that you are wary about, filters, flash, etc., say "No thank
you. I can't afford that yet", then do your homework before buying it.
15. Know exactly what you are supposed to get with your purchase. Some
storew will take a box that contains a camera, and remove stuff the
manufacturer wants you to have, like the strap. Then they will try to sell
it to you for more money. Know what you are buying.
Some of the stores that are most highly recommended by users of this
group are:
B&H Photo, New York City Camera World, Oregon Del's Camera, California (a tad pricey?) Keh Camera Brokers, Georgia Adorama, New York City Charlotte Camera, North Carolina Camera Exchange International, Swansboro (used equipment) Porters, Iowa (pricey) M&M Photo (received several good reviews) Unique Photo, New Jersey Calumet Access Discount Camera
Many writers have complained about the following stores. It is
recommended that you do not do business with them:
Cambridge Camera Exchange, New York City Smile Photo, New York City AAA Camera Exchange, NYC Focus Camera, New York City Beach Photo, Maine, New Jersey, Florida Wall Street Camera, New York City (some good reviews also) Su's, New Jersey Abe's of Maine Honest Abe, New York City CCI, New York City CamAmerica Cameta Camera, NY Family Photo and Video Camera City Discovery Camera, Linden, NJ
My personal experience is only with B&H, who was wonderful, and
Cambridge, who lied to me. The rest I've gleaned from reading the NG.
I'll try to post this often for the benefit of new readers. Comments
are very welcome.
Please post them here.
Dave
If you get an email saying you got $$ from Pay Pal, but it does NOT GO
DIRECTLY INTO YOUR PAY PAL ACCOUNT, so you have go Log into a "PayPal"
account to have the money transferred, ITS A SCAM.
PayPal money transfers go directly into your account, WITHOUT you having
to log into anything.
A thief is making it appear the email comes from PayPal, so you will log
into a fake screen with your passwords, so they can use your password and
empty your account.
Stephen Gandy
From: "Antonio Plaza" [email protected]
Hi:
I was recently shopping for a new Nikon F5 camera and a Nikon 20mm f/2.8
lens.
I bought a Popular Photography magazine and started checking the ads
listed there for every store, specially the ones located in the NYC area.
I found that some of them, like ROYAL CAMERA, CAMERAWORLD, REGENCY CAMERA,
DISCOVERY CAMERA and BROADWAY PHOTO had the camera and the lens listed
much cheaper than some of the biggest and more popular dealers like B&H
Photo Video.
I started making phone calls to order the camera and lens, but then I
realized that these advertised prices were nothing else than a BIG SCAM.
When you call, they tell you they have the stuff in stock ready for
shipment, then they start PUSHING an EXTENDED WARRANTY very hard. After
you keep saying NO, I DON'T WANT ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY, then they try to
push the BATTERY PACK, and the scammers make it sound like you won't be
able to use the camera unless you buy the "BATTERY PACK" that comes
separate, I asked them if this was a NIKON item, then they put me on
hold for about few minutes and came back to say that the battery pack
was not a Nikon item, but it was still needed to operate the camera.
Then I told them I DID NOT WANT ANY BATTERY PACK either, just the camera
and the lens. Ok, we'll send both items to you, they said, giving me a
total that was WAY OVER the one listed in the magazine, I asked WHY?
they said because of the SHIPPING/HANDLING Charge that was more than
$180.00 and I live in New Jersey. I kept CANCELING the order and calling
other places, we'll they kept giving me the same B.S. over and over
again, and one of the last stores I tried, the guy even said that the
ORDER WAS PLACED ALREADY, AND IF I WANTED TO CANCEL IT I HAD TO CALL ON
A WEEKDAY FROM 11:00AM TO 3:00PM at a NON-TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CANCEL IT,
so I replied, EITHER YOU CANCEL THIS ORDER NOW, OR THE CREDIT CARD
COMPANY WILL AS SOON AS I CALL THEM, then he agreed to cancel it.
I ended up calling one of the big photo dealers, and paying the "high"
price that ended up to be lower than what these SCAMMERS mentioned above
wanted for it.
BE CAREFUL AND STAY AWAY FROM THEM, THEY ADVERTISE THOSE ULTRA-LOWER
PRICES SO PEOPLE CALLS AND THEN THEY RIP THEM OFF.
I'LL KEEP BUYING FROM B&H PHOTO, ALWAYS HONEST, ALWAYS SMOOTH.
Happy Holidays for you all, if you have any experience like this, let
other people know.
From Rollei Mailing LIst;
Depending if you are looking for either new or used Rollei equipment.
Meaning are you in the market for the newer 6000 series equipment or just
TLR stuff?
Some other source if you are looking at SL66 and TLR equipment:
NYC Vicinity
1. Lens & Repro = You can occasionally find a good deal here. The gear
here tends to be on the expensive side.
Now if you havew time and a car, you should try these two shops that is
outside the NYC area.
Outside of NYC - Long Island
1. Koh's Camera = Very good selection of used Rolleis (35mm and TLR)
Evan Dong
[email protected] writes:
[Ed. note: a month of computer tag?]
On August 26, 2001, I was defrauded of nearly two thousand dollars by a
clever Yahoo Auction thief. Since then my repeated efforts to contact
Yahoo to dscover if they have any credit card, address, or other
information concerning the defrauding seller has generated meaningless
computer reponses but no human contact and no information about the
registered Yahoo thief. I have reported the fraud to the FBI and do not
think that there is anything more that I can do. The lack of any human
response from Yahoo is most disturbing. I would not use Yahoo auction
again.
George Shadoan
_You_ may not be confused about the ownership of your cameras and lenses,
but your heirs probably will be unless you keep a lot better records than
most of us ;-)!!
actually, the scams I have seen described are aimed at the widows of
camera and similar high $$ well-known collectors. The widows don't know
and can't figure out the ownership status of all this stuff, and if they
get a letter (on fancy letterhead yet) claiming that their husband owes
$2,098 for camera ######## (actually bought on ebay, or from collector's
meeting display by a sharp thief, or other records from auction sales etc
where this innocent seeming data is available) - and the bereaved widow
finds the camera - well, they often either pay up this "debt" or they
"return" the camera and wait forever for the "refund" of the "deposit" on
the camera. Another scam approach is to send a nearly worthless but old
looking camera (a $10-15 value oldie Kodak box camera, say) with a "repair
bill" for $XYZ to the spouse. Clever, huh? Attacking your spouse at their
most vulnerable time - but it works for some despicable thieves.
the point related to rollei collectors in particular is to make sure that
you have records and document for your spouse and explain to them enough
about your expensive camera collection so they aren't taken in by such
scams if and when you die (usually ahead of them statistically). If you
have cameras in/out on consignment sales or repairs, keep an updated list
of those as well. It can be pretty easy to videotape and document your
collection both for insurance purposes and in case of your death, along
with prices of items, which may be quite surprising to a non-photographer
(e.g., a B&W $150 polarizing filter). Or perhaps you would prefer for all
your old rollei stuff to get sold for $2 or so each at a yard sale?
for more related scams, see the links at Jeff Albro's IMPACT! used photo
gear pages at http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/albro.html - esp. the bogus
money order scams that seem to be popular lately too...
regards to all
bobm
On Wed, 3 Mar 1999, Marc James Small wrote:
Date: 26 Oct 1999
I bought a refurbished Nikon many years ago and had no trouble with it.
Refurbished just means there was something wrong that was repaired by the
manufacturer under warranty and returned to a retailer for resale. They
are industinguishable from brand new, and manufacturers state they may be
even "better", since they get a thorough exam before leaving the
manufacturer. The dealer I bought mine from (Central Camera, Chicago) was
completely honest about the camera, but another dealer could certainly get
away with not telling you. P.S.- Mine was in the original box, and Nikon
had stamped "refurbished" in red ink inside the cover flap. No other signs
were there. So, it's certainly "buyer beware" if you don't get a box.
Hope this helps a bit,
Date: Tue, 26 Oct 1999
Where I work, refurbished cameras are a better deal than new. New cameras
come from China, Indonesia, etc. They're inspected/repaired here in the
U.S., usually by people who know what they're doing.
The only reputable source of refurbed cameras I'm aware of is
cameraworld.com, which frequently offers them on their auction site.
rec.photo.equipment.35mm
scott,
many mailorder firms use low price advertisements to tease customers into
calling, then change the price over the phone by claiming exchange rate
fluctuations, or "that's for the taiwan made canon, the japan made unit
costs more", etc. a.k.a. "bait & switch". personally i have found
(non-exhaustive) two companies that are especially good at carrying out
verbal instuctions, b&h & cwo. with all others i call & confirm prices 1st
WITHOUT ordering over the phone, then type up the order, and FAX it in,
listing MY non-negotiable purchasing policy, & terms and conditions, such
as "NO BACKORDERS", "ORDER MUST SHIP BY MAY 5 1999 OR CANCEL", "NEW",
"GRAY", "USA", "I'M RELATED TO JACKIE CHAN AND VISIT NEW YOUR CITY ALL THE
TIME" :-> etc.
there are times when you absolutely want to get the lowest price possible,
but you don't know if you can trust them, and you keep geting put on hold
or run into flak over the phone. in these instances, i would FAX in a
"request for quotation" listing the items, new/gray, and asking the price,
in-stock status, etc., and instruct them to respond by FAX. (this advice
i got from a full-time parts buyer at a local silicon valley electronics
contract manufacturing firm). if they are serious then they will respond
in writing.
...randy
------------------------+~~~~~~~~~~~~ Boycott Javacidal Companies
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
rec.photo.marketplace
-- I recently ordered a nicad battery pack for a Metz 45 series flash
from Smile Photo. I wasn't "Smiling"
when I got my invoice! The battery pack weighs at most
a pound (5AA's & some plastic) and is smaller than a can of pop. $54.95
for the pack was reasonable, but not the $19.95 they charge for
"Shipping/handling and insurance" - not NY to OH via UPS ground!
Beware: It seems that some dealers profits are made in their "handling"
charges.
In the future - Smile will be my source of last resort.
Cheers,
K. Wagner
[Ed. Note: Thanks to K. Wagner for highlighting this issue; actually, I've
heard of far worse, with charges of $50+ for shipping a $10-20 item, and this
practice is just one of the many ways in which some photo dealers do make
money.
The only solution is to inquire about what the shipping charges
will be and total charge before you okay the order and give your credit
card number.
Frankly, I don't find a $20 s/h charge to be excessive, and
I wouldn't fault Smile Photo or other dealers for such moderate charges. But
you
and I as buyers have to ask to find those dealers charging excessive amounts.
Conversely, when I wanted to buy a small item from KEH recently, I
emailed for an alternative to their minimum shipping charge (circa $12).
They responded with a note that they could ship slower UPS ground for
less, for circa $6. So you can work with many good dealers to find
a lower cost alternative for even small and modest profit buys. Of
course, I am likely to continue to buy from KEH in the future, as in the
past, for this approach to customer service...]
Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2000
I have bought from many of the mail order firms in the past, usually with
poor results. I have been charged 9% shipping for a $500 lense that
weighed 1.5lb, $45 for a $15 uv filter, recieved gray market lenses
instead of what I ordered etc. A friend told me about B+H. I order a new
flash from them, I recieved what I ordered, they didn't try to sell men
anthing else, and I was only charged standard UPS rates for shipping. The
cheaper prices at some of the other mail order companies are never cheap
in the long run.
Will
[Ed. note: thanks to Angelo for these notes!...]
I have browsed this newsgroup for over a year now. In the recent months I
have seen some posts talking about the reduced volume of forsale items in
the newsgroup. The proposed explanation was that people got scared away by
some cases of fraud publicized in the newsgroup itself and also by
articles in traditional media about fraud on the internet. It was
suggested that people found refuge in the safe even of e-bay, where
apparantly buyers are somewhat protected against fraud. I have indeed
noticed that a larger proportion of the posts in the newsgroup are now For
Auction posts.
I found it ironical when today I read an article (in Computer World
Canada, March 23, 2001, p 4) that the FBI indicates that 66% of all
internet fraud complaints were for on-line auction fraud. This was
followed by non-delivered merchandise or payment at 22% and credit or
debit card fraud at nearly 5%. One must however not forget to take into
account the volume of transactions occurring via auctions versus any other
type of auctions. So these figures alone do not indicate that the
probability of being defrauded is higher in internet auctions.
I personnaly find it sad to see the reduced volume of activity on this
newsgroup. It seems to turn into a bulletin board where people advertize
their e-bay auctions.
About a year ago I sold a few items on the newsgroup. In the last months
I have noticed that posting an ad on photo.net is the best bet when
selling something.
my opinion that I wanted to share....
"DolbyNR" [email protected] wrote:
You basically have 4 options, but only 3 work in all situations:
1) Cash by mail, possibly registered mail:
2) Postal Money Order:
3) Bank Money Order (aka Cashier's Check?):
4) Direct bank-to-bank transfer:
(posted & mailed)
--
Willem-Jan Markerink
From Rollei Mailing List:
Lucian, and all interested in dealing with German transactions,
I have made numerous purchases from Germany, not just cameras, but also
cars and other big ticket items. Here is a quick run-down of my favorite
way of handling transactions:
1.- small amounts (usually 200 bucks or less), I send cash via postal
service (well wrapped, usually in aluminum foil to make sure nobody can
see the contents. Best method to send it is Registered Mail which is quite
secure. It takes 7-10 days for registered mail to get to the destination.
2.- medium sum amounts - less than 1000 bucks I handle via travelers
checks, personal checks, or international money orders (Germany has been
excluded off the list for postal money orders as of July 1, 2000). German
banks charge between DM5 to DM20 to process an international check.
Shopping around for low fees really pays off here. Sending these via
Global Priority Mail gets them to the destination in 4 days for a $5
stamp.
3.- large amounts - over 1000 bucks are best handled via wire transfer. My
bank charges 30 dollars, the German bank charges up to DM50, so overall
your transaction cost can be as high as 50 bucks or so. Takes only 3 days
to effect such a transfer. Over the years I bought several cars this way
and I never had any problems.
4.- any amount - any amount can be handled via credit card when this
option is available. the only flag here is that the payee received DM not
$ in this transaction. However, the benefit is that the best exchange
rates apply. You get almost the rate printed in the Wall Street Journal,
because banks routinely exchange more than $50,000 per day. Second benefit
here is the float. You can play for up to 25 days on the bank's money and
in a business transaction you have a recourse through the credit card
issuer (this may not apply to non-US cardholders).
-_______________
Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2000
I buy an international bank draft in the post office. If to USA, the
int'l bank draft is in US dollars on a USA bank. If in UK, in punds on a
UK bank. The seller cashes it with no problems and no fees charge. On my
end I pay about US$3 for buying the int'l bank draft.
The other way round, I can't cash personal chcks (from USA, UK,
whatever). MO or bank draft- I incur bank charges of US$15 (minimum) and
2 months waiting for the money.
So, for me, it is easy to buy but difficult to sell. Buyers are
reluctant to send money(cash) by post to me. Small amounts ($10, $20 or
even $50 US) but $200- no way they send it to me. I can't sell my
lenses, cameras and bigger value items easily.
==
Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000
I got my Pop Photo today and was rather interested in their sudden "new"
policy about mail order dealers.
I also noticed that a few regular advertisers are missing, such as
Cambridge and AAA. The ones that have ads seem to be saying, "No bait-and-
switch here! We give you -ONLY_ what you want; no added stuff and no
phony shipping charges.
However, I also note that at least one advertiser has some pretty alarming
shipping rates: such as minimum of $7.99, up to $100, 6.5%, up to $500
6% and over $1100, 5%. So, for shipping a Nikon camera that weighs 3
pounds but costs over $1000, the shipping charge would be $55??
Good grief!
And then, these same guys are now saying that there's a _minimum_ 10%
restocking fee for returned items. What does that exactly mean? They
could charge you perhaps 20% if they wanted to?
So, they ship you the wrong camera...you ordered an N90s and receive
an F90x. You call up and voice your displeasure loudly. They tell you
to send it back, then ship you the correct item but bill you a 10%
restocking fee plus charge you for shipping again ($70). So, they've
billed you twice for the correct camera and have already made the
profit on it.
Nice business.
--
Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000
.....(above post)
It's creative. But, then I'll bet is the same old 'lowest advertised
price' bait & switch artistes.
And it is better than it used to be with these devils. Not long ago
someone beat his breast and confessed in public one of the scam shops
charged him $152 for shipping on a $300 camera.
Over the years I have come to the opinion the scam outfits serve a
useful purpose, as do all God's critters. They teach not to be greedy,
and not to whore after the lowest price. And they separate idiots from
their money, as an idiot with money is a dangerous thing. And last, but
not least, they keep the memory of Barnum alive.
Who knows, B&H may fund them, just to make B&H look so good.
--
(person's name) purchased an item from me and a piece was accidentally left
out of the package *not by my fault, but by UPS when they inspected it for
shipment (common policy now)*. The piece was recovered and sent to
(person's name). He then canceled a MONEY ORDER for $800. Anyone else under the
assumption that a money order cannot be canceled? Yes, that's what I
thought! I am persuing this matter with legal actions.
[ed. note: just fyi re: money orders can be canceled, person's name
deleted]
Post office is no help. A guy in Brooklyn scammed at least 4 people a
year or so ago. PO said we had not proven fraudlent intention on the phony
checks. They just do not have the manpower to follow all these complaints.
George
Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999
Dear Amazon.com Eyes Subscriber,
I'm excited to tell you that we've opened Amazon.com Auctions.
Auctions is something truly different for Amazon.com. In the
past, if you bought something at our store, you were always
buying directly from us. Now, with Auctions, our community of
almost 8 million customers can sell anything they want to on
the Amazon.com Web site. Letting millions of sellers
participate at Amazon.com is another way for us to give you
the broadest selection possible. You'll find rare books and
signed first editions, rare music, vintage toys, antiques,
sports memorabilia, collectibles of all kinds, etc., etc.
We're also doing something bold with Auctions--we're
guaranteeing buyers a safe auction experience, and we're
doing it on the honor system. Essentially, we'll take your
word for it if you're ever the victim of fraud. There are
some restrictions; for example, the guarantee doesn't apply
to purchases above $250 (the vast majority of items sell for
significantly less than that). The guarantee is described in
full on the Web site.
Finally, and most important, we'd like to take this
opportunity to recommit to you. In everything we do, we'll
try to be the best, the most innovative, and the most
customer-obsessed. That's as true as ever for books; it's
true for music and videos; it's true for auctions; and it'll
be true for everything new we do.
We've worked hard to bring you Amazon.com Auctions and we're
super-proud of it. I think you'll be surprised how easy it is
to use. Please give it a try:
http://www.amazon.com
Thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bezos
You are certainly entitled to your opinion and perhpas you've suffered
abuse at the hand of a buyer.
I find value in a service such as i-escrow.
As a buyer:
I can charge a significant purchase to my credit card when it
might not otherwise be possible.
If the seller ships me a brick, incorrect merchandise,
something in condition other than advertised, improperly
packages it, or doesn't ship at all, my funds are protected.
As a seller:
I know the funds are good before shipment.
Someone can buy an item from me and use their credit card when
they might not otherwise want or be able to complete the
transaction.
While a seller may include such a clause as terms of the sale,
i-escrow does not arbitrarily operate with a blanket "money back if
not satisfied" policy.
They only require that the involved parties lives up to the terms of
the sales agreement. Seller must clearly and accurately define
conditon of the merchandise and all terms of the sale before
transacting at i-escrow.
Bob Shell mentioned that when Classic Collections closed, it was on short
notice. And, apparently they had cameras on consignment. This raises a
point about putting a lot of cameras--or anything else--in a store on
consignment.
In the USA, at least, if a store has not been paying taxes, the government
can come in suddenly and without notice and close it, seizing the inventory
and selling it to pay taxes due.
Had a friend who sold his art glass regularly through a store on a
consignment basis. I don't know if he didn't have receipts because he
sold through them regularly and the relationship became casual (no
receipts), but he told me that the items had to be labeled as being "on
consignment, property of XYZ". In any case, one day the store was locked
up, and his stuff was sold along with the store's inventory. He fought
it, but was unsuccessful. I would be a little careful about putting a
large lot of cameras or anything else in one store on consignment all at
one time without checking further.
bob
[Editor's Note: the following posting has some useful hints for buyers.
You should probably refer to the related Danny
Gonzalez CWOL- Used Equipment Buying Guide and the links to camera
store reviews at Jeff Albro's IMPACT Used Camera
Dealer Pages for a more numerical view of camera store issues. My own
experience with some of the ''bad'' listed stores in the poster's list is
that some are really bad, and others delivered as expected with no
problems. So your mileage may vary. But these hints should help you avoid
some obvious problem areas and issues which often cause buyers
grief...]
From: [email protected] ([email protected])
Every single day there are posts in the newsgroups from people who
have been cheated by certain mail-order stores. Before you purchase by
mail-order, do the following
1. Know what you want to buy, and know what their advertised price
is. If they dont have it, say "thanks" and hang up. Dont let
someone on the phone talk you into a "bargain" that you are not
knowledgeable about. You WILL regret it. NEVER let them talk you into
a product you are not familiar and comfortable with. It WILL be
inferior. If the price seems to be very low, be skeptical, then watch
out for high shipping charges, extra charges for the warranty, etc.
2. Read this newsgroup and ask for advice about equipment, prices,
shipping charges, and any alternatives. You will get good advice! It
drives all of us more experienced photographers and equipment buyers
crazy to keep reading posts saying "I think I was just ripped-off."
It is avoidable! Learn first, buy later. We like helping!
3. Always purchase by charge card! Use Visa, Mastercard, American
Express, whatever, but be certain you can call the card company and
get help if you think the store is trying to dupe you. Dont give them
your charge card number until you are absolutely certain you are ready
to buy.
4. When you start the conversation, ask for the salesmans name.
5. Ask if it is all definitely in stock. Ask if it will be shipped
immediately. If it is on back-order, cancel the order and call back
after you expect the product to be available. Otherwise, they may bill
you today and ship it to you in six months, if at all.
6. Ask if it is new, and if it has a USA FACTORY warranty.
7. Ask what the return policy is. If you have read their
advertisement in a magazine, look for printed information on the
return policy.
8. Ask them what the shipping and handling charges will be. They may
not be able to give you an "exact" price, but they will give you an
estimated price. If it sounds too high, cancel the order.
9. Ask them how soon you will receive your order. 10 to 12 days is
reasonable.
10. For safety, you can use a fax to get your pricing, availability,
and warranty information. That way, you will have a hard copy for the
record. If they will not communicate by fax, take your business
elsewhere. You can use the fax to dispute charges with the card
company if you need to.
11. Be polite, and expect them to be polite. Expect them to answer
your questions patiently, but understand that they dont have all day
to explain features, etc. Be reasonable. You should know all this
before you call. If they are abusive, tell them so, and hang up.
12. If you dont receive your entire order, call and ask why. If you
don't receive the balance within a few days, cancel the balance. Call
your card company and tell them you have canceled the order for goods
not received and will not pay for them.
13. If your products are defective, incomplete, no warranty cards,
etc., call and tell them you are returning it. Then, return it
immediately by registered mail or UPS.
14. Watch out for those add-ons. Be grateful if the salesman
recommends you buy a battery for your new camera, but if he suggests
things that you are wary about, filters, flash, etc., say "No thank
you. I cant afford that yet", then do your homework before buying it.
Some of the stores that are most highly recommended by users of this
group are:
B&H Photo, New York City
Many writers have complained about the following stores. It is
recommended that you do not do business with them:
Cambridge Camera Exchange, New York City
My personal experience is only with B&H, who was wonderful, and
Cambridge, who lied to me. The rest Ive gleaned from reading the NG.
Ill try to post this often for the benefit of new readers. Comments
are very welcome.
Beware when using your "debit" card for mailorder purchases. I realize
that it too says Visa or MasterCard just like the regular credit cards
but I learned the hard way that they do NOT offer the same
protections.
I recently found out on a mailorder purchase gone bad that you cannot
get credits or refunds because of a problem. Once a debit is made to
your account you cannot get it reversed no matter what the reason.
I have since quit using my debit card and started using a regular Visa
just for mailorder, telephone orders,etc.
Watching the dueling wits over Shutterbug & Cambridge ( some of it down
right funny) I have noticed the BBB being referred to. I once lived in NYC
for 5 years and during that time I worked for a very small camera store on
Lexington Ave.. One of my jobs was to answer complaint inquiries from the
BBB. WHAT A JOKE.......First of all many.....yes many....of the complaints
made to the BBB weren't worth responding to. Complaints like, I bought a
TV there was no antenna (rabbit ears) or there wasn't a lens cap with the
camera I bought. These people NEVER came back to the store to complain.
We even had a person try to return a stereo they had purchased and
smashed.....they claimed it was that way when they opened the box and
demanded a refund......the store would not take the stereo back so the
customer filed a complaint with the BBB.....which I ignored....along with
stacks of other worthless complaints. My point is this...we bent over
backward for the customer and we STILL had complaints made against us, LOTS
of them and there were only 6 people working the store. The owner & or his
partner were there every day.
AND GEE........GUESS WHAT.....some of the complaints were made by people
who were just trying to rip off the store. SO......before complaints to
the NYC BBB is brought into the conversation.........one should know what
the complaints are about.
Just my 2 cents.....having lived and worked in the Big Apple........
Mike Jenkins
From: SellSafe Online [email protected]
SellSafe Online is a unique Internet trade/escrow service for classified
sales that allows you to list your items for payment through a secure
server.
The benefits of this are immediately obvious: you can sell your stuff
faster and more safely! Buyers have the added convenience of payment with
their VISA or MasterCard, and the seller has the extra security of knowing
that the funds will be forwarded immediately.
Please check out our website at http://www.sellsafe.com
Thank you for taking the time to read this brief commercial advertisement.
[Editor's Note: Robert's email below suggests one way to protect yourself
from potential ripoffs by using escrow agents for major purchases:]
From: Robert Abramowitz [email protected]
Check out the "after the auction" area at EBAY. There are a couple of
escrow services that will hold your payment until you have examined the
item. You have 1 day to determine if the merchandise is as described;
if not, you return it and the escrow agent returns your money. I have
purchased several items, not all of them photographic, in this way. (In
fact, this is a good way to purchase through the marketplace.) In every
case that I have been a serious potential bidder, I have e-mailed the
seller to see if that arrangement was acceptable; in one case it was
not, and I therefore did not bid and told the seller why not. In all
other cases it was ok with the seller. The fee for the escrow was
minimal when compared to the price of the merchandise.
In addition, and this is probably paranoid, I always open any equipment
sold to me by a private party while in the presence of a witness
(luckily my next door neighbor is a photo buff), just in case I would
need independent corroboration of condition. Hasn't happened yet.
There will always be nogoodnicks selling whatever; luckily they are in
the minority (to date, at least) both here and on EBAY.
Happy holiday to all.
[Ed. note: EBAY is a major online photography auction at www.ebay.com]
rec.photo.marketplace
I just purchased a Military version of a Graflex XLRF from a seller on
eBay. I used TradeSafe as an escrow agent. It cost $30.00 for a
transaction that was over $600.00, a small price to pay for piece of mind
(and the seller split the cost). Visit www.tradesafe.com for full details,
but basically you send the money to TradeSafe, seller ships product to you,
you review product and inform TradeSafe if you accept the item. They're
holding your money, so if you don't like the item, you'll get your money
back.
From: "Antonio Plaza" [email protected]
For all of you interested in purchasing equipment from postings on this
ng, or from any other source on the Internet, do not trust nobody, and
start doing your transactions the safe way, using "Tradesafe Online", a
very reliable escrow service that I have used myself and found it to be an
excellent service, you can buy from anyone with no risk of being taken or
ripped off. For more information visit their web site at http://www.tradesafe.com.
Both
parties, the buyer and seller must agree to
complete the transaction using the service, so if the seller refuses to
do it, you know that chances are you will be taken.
It's a shame to see this kind of things happening here, so help yourself
and avoid the hassle of being robbed.
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Shop with your head, not your wallet. :-)
[Austin] Exactly, but what that means to me, is use a credit card, and if
any problems occur, dispute the charges. If there is a problem with the
merchandise (wrong item, non-working etc.) return it. Also, DON'T let
them claim they have to send it somewhere for repair. DEMAND a new
replacement item to be send immediately after they receive your old one.
You didn't pay for a repaired item, but for a new item. If they don't
oblige, dispute the charges. ALWAYS get proof of return...ALWAYS... All
you have to do is prove you sent it, not that they received it.
Once the merchandise is returned, and you have proof of it, the credit
card company is legally obligated to refund your money.
I also FAX a P.O. with the exact order information on it, to someone, with
the credit card information on it. I also state I will not take a repair
in the first N days after receipt, but replacement only and I state the
warranty terms. Additionally, I specify the shipping method, charges (so
there are no hidden charges), and delivery terms (must ship today or order
is considered void) etc. Works great, and the credit card companies HONOR
this (at least for me they have when a vendor charged me more than the
price listed on the PO).
Geeze, for $800 I'd put up with a little headache ;-)
OK. Here goes. I have a true story about number one and two. I once sent
a Mamiya 645 Pro and some lenses ($3000 US) to someone in Washington
State COD and UPS did not pick up his money order or check. The person
was honest and sent the money to me. This happened one other time with a
smaller package, and the person who received the item also sent me a
check.
.....
From: phil taylor [email protected]
Just some helpful hints when you pick up that phone this holiday season
to get that special someone (YOU) that special photographic necessary.
1. Know the equipment you have before you get more.
2. Name brand is ALWAYS better than a third party.
3. Never believe that a cheaper model is better than a more expensive
one.
4. Always ask if the item you want is in stock.
5. Never buy a piece of photographic equipment with the idea that you are
going to replace it with what you really want later.
6. You can always take pictures with an oatmeal box and a pinhole if have
to.
7. You should always know more about what you want than the person trying
to sell something to you.
8. Pay with a credit card if you can.
9. You will always get screwed on shipping and handling.
10. You do not really need anything as fast as they can send it to you
for an additional 20 bucks.
Merry Christmas (OOPS, NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT) Er Happy Holidays???
Phil
Date: 15 Jul 1998
The one time that I used COD from the Post Office was a $100 transaction.
The carrier handed the shipment to the recipient and didn't collect the
Money.
I was lucky the recipient was honest enough to send the money order to me.
My follow up to the Post Office yielded
ZERO results.
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998
eBay is an Internet auction. I started trading gear on eBay
about two years ago. Every day there would be between 350
and 500 photo items to bid on. Last time I looked (5 seconds
ago) there were 4305. The URL is:
http://listings.ebay.com/aw/listings/list/category625/index.html
I've traded over $25,000 on eBay and had only two problems
that couldn't be resolved. One was a seller who defrauded a
bunch of us on computer equipment; the other, a buyer who
stiffed me on a COD delivery. I mention that because there
are people who are afraid to deal at a distance via an
auction. eBay has a "feedback" section where you can check
on a seller's reputation.
Watch what your selling. There are some people that will
give your ups man A phony mo or cashiers check for cash
{yes they will accept it even if you specify cash only}
You'll never see your camera again and never see the money
either. The only way to be sure is to have them send you a
Postal mo first then send the camera to them insured.
Postal MO's fall under the treasury and it is a fed offence
to copy one. Not so with a bank check or a mo.
Bob
Sellers Beware! There is an individual in the Atlanta area purchaseing
photo equipment using forged Global Express Money Orders!! I got clipped
for almost $800. If you receive payment via this or any other money
order call the issuer FIRST!!! Most have an 800 number available from
the 800 directory assistance, (800-555-1212). If anyone has been taken I
would appreciate a private response to compare notes.
Bob
From: Luc Novovitch [email protected]
--
From: "BOB" [email protected]
I hear what your saying but in practice your counterfeit mo
is not very high in the fed list of things to do. My
brother was told to hire an attorney by the attorney Gen.
office. They said it is an offence but not counterfeiting.
As counterfeiting is on treasury issued notes.
You also have to prove that the money transferred on the
internet such as a wire transfer. Call ups or Fed Ex
sometime. I have and they tell me it's my responsibility to
make sure I'm dealing with a honest person. I know that
there are laws but how much money and time are you willing
to spend to try and catch someone who had you send a camera
to a deserted building and then stood there waiting for ups
gave them a mo and took your stuff. That is how it happened
to my bro. We went to the address and there was a empty
warehouse there. The ups man said someone identified
himself and had the mo properly made out. He took it and
away went the camera.
Bob
About U.S. Postal Money Orders
rec.photo.marketplace
Residents of the United States should be aware that (unlike many
other countries with what are usually thought to be reciprocal
postal relations, like Canada and the United Kingdom) the US post
office has _two_ kinds of postal money order. The usual one,
and the default in most offices, is a domestic money order
-- it cannot be cashed outside the USA, at least not without hassle
and cost to the recipient. The other is a bona fide
_International_ Postal Money Order. If you are sending money
out of the United States of America (whether in US funds or
otherwise), the US International Postal Money Order is the way to
do it, especially to Canada and the UK.
(It's probably not the same for other countries.)
Philip Hiscock (in Canada)
rec.photo.marketplace
Doug Olsen wrote:
NOT a good idea. Do you know what happens if a US Postal Money Order is
lost, stolen or for some reason the other person does not get it?
You must wait 60 days before you can make a claim and THEN you have to
pay a fee to the US Post Office in order to make that claim. And that's
only if no one finds the Money Order and cashes it.
Henry
rec.photo.marketplace
Only a US Postal Money Order is absolutely safe, but bank m.o.s are a
close second.
"Funny" m.o.s like Western Union, Traveler's Express etc. can be
STOPPED, so are no more secure form of payment than a personal check -
after all, they're commonly used for bill paying by the lowest life
forms who cannot even qualify for a checking account.
When in doubt, read the fine print on the back - look for words like
"issuer can stop payment". If so, treat them like checks and allow time
to clear. You can always call the 800 number on the m.o. to confirm
clearance.
And, yes it is possible to receive a "fake" m.o. - one run off on a
color copier. But since real m.os have watermarks and Postal m.o.s have
distinctive texture and checkwriter imprints, fakes should be easy to
spot.
Michael wrote:
Which makes me wonder - what happens to returns in the US? Are they
discounted, sent elsewhere, or just put back in stock so that what's
sold as a "new" item could potentially either be used, or (worst case)
damaged?
UK stores don't normally have as liberal a return policy as US ones seem
to, so it's not a major issue over here - but I get the impression that
it's not uncommon for US stores to allow people to return stuff after using
it for a week or two, which would suggest that there's likely to be a
reasonable quantity of returned stuff around that I wouldn't consider "new"
- so what happens to it?
--
From: [email protected] (Bob Beaver)
Depends on the store. Some sells them at a discount. Some put a sticker
on them to warn the customer that it has been returned but that it has
been inspected and okayed, then sells them at the same price as one that
has never been opened. Some stores return the merchandise to the
manufacturer or distributor for credit. I guess some may just put the
merchandise back on the shelf, although it would be against the law to
sell them as new in some states.
From: [email protected] (Fred B.)
Defectives:
1) Put back in stock and sold as new.
Not defective, just a return:
1) Sold as new at full price.
-----------------------------------
Don't CALL Visa, put it in writing, and be sure to do it within the first
60 days of the purchase. Explain the situation in detail, and provide
copies of the invoice, and ask that the charge be removed from your
statement. Explain that you'll return the merchandise to the seller as
soon as the charge is removed from your account, and the seller arranges
for shipping at their expense. In the meantime, DO NOT PAY that amount on
your credit card bill. You're entitled to withhold payment on disputed
amounts, and Visa can't charge you interest on the disputed amount.
DO NOT send a copy to the retailer, that just gives them warning and more
time to contest your claim. I've never had a credit card company deny my
claim, in any situation. Once you've received confirmation from your credit
card company, THEN send a polite letter to the retailer asking them to
arrange pick up of the equipment.
NOTE: Your legal protections under US law apply ONLY if you contest the
charge in writing within 60 days. You have no legal protections if you only
call. (All this assumes you live in the US--I don't know what protections
exist in other countries).
HTH,
Bob
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998
At the northwest photo swap meets there are two vendors who always
have beautiful equipment.
I asked the lady where they get their equipment and she said
"from shows or from people who bring stuff to us; we're very picky
about what we buy". My guess is that the equipment they get from
shows has to be bought before the doors open ...
I think you are right, but let me add to your equation.
Paying a "table fee" will give you several advantages. You can pal around
and shop with other dealers before the show opens. When the show opens,
you can put a sign out that you are buying; people will stop by your table.
You can also start selling, too. After a while, you will start to get
recognized at the show, and dealers will bring you stuff, call you as will
other people that come to the show.
Another way to get into the show early ( I shouldn't be telling one of my
best tricks ) is to arrive outside the show early. Then arrange with any
dealer at the load-in to help carry stuff into the show. They are normally
allowed a helper and need help. Once you help in with a load or two,
you get a free admission and dealer's badge. Dress decent, smile, show off
your business card, or even arrange in advance with a dealer you know.
If you get highly into buying and selling, it is a good idea to collect
sales tax. The same goes for selling photos of weddings. One fellow here
in Virginia felt the tax code didn't apply to him, and owed $11K.
Just btw, he is now divorced. I got angry when that auditor came knocking,
but after getting my papers together, we agreed I had properly collected
the tax due.
Peter
Henry wrote:
I have seen at least on example of a "shill" on ebay (not on a photo
item).
I wondered at the way bidding was going on a item (it was high) so I
looked at email addresses of seller and bidders. The seller and three
bidders all had 0 (zero) feed back and all were AOL. All started on eBay
the same day. All of this made me a little suspicious so I looked the
four names up on AOL - two had no profile, but the other two were the
same person (one was the seller and one was a bidder). I looked at a
second auction that the same seller was running and one of the bidders
from first auction was also a bidder (not the one with same AOL
profile).
I emailed eBay with my findings.
So -- it is possible for a shill to operate on eBay. This AOL guy made
it a little too open. I suspect a sneakier soul would use different
ISP's, including one at school or work.
Ebay rules allow the seller to make one bid on his own sale (but not if
it is a reserve sale). I have never done this, but it is allowed.
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998
Do not give up on something like this. I filed with the postal inspector
many years back about not getting my goods. Nothing happened for several
years until the dude died. The postal service attached his estate and
all of a sudden in the mail, I had a check for several hundred dollars I
had forgotten about.
Dick Werner
From: "skgrimes" [email protected]
Watch out for: `1. Competing bidders using free E-mail addresses. (Not
necessarily bad, but enough to alert)
2. Being contacted by the seller after an auction in
which the reserve price wasn't/t met but offering to negotiate a sale
anyway.
3.. Being contacted by a seller saying: "The high
bidder reneged, do you want the item at your high bid?" (Especially if the
winning bid was from a free E-mail address)
I would not buy from case #3 under ANY CIRCUMSTANCE and no matter how badly
I wanted the item.
In all these cases there is no obligation from the bidder to buy anything
and he can simply click away from any of these situations as simply as
hanging up on unsolicited phone calls. SKG
--- S.K. Grimes -- Feinmechanik ----
--Machine work for photographers
From: "skgrimes" [email protected]
I suppose it may be OK and that may be a bit of an overcaution: Placing an
artificially high reserve on an item is also a trick to avoid paying the
e-bay commission since you can say it didn't sell. *If *(and that's a big
if) that's the case then you are already dealing with someone whose ethics
may not be on the up and up. After all, if he was willing to sell for a
lower price he should have put a lower reserve. It also puts the seller in
a negotiating position with the bidder (an eBay is a lot about avoiding
negotiation and haggling) with the proposition of "My reserve was 100.00
(which you have to just believe) and you bid 50 how about we split the
difference" or some such.
--- S.K. Grimes -- Feinmechanik ----
--Machine work for photographers
From: [email protected] (Carl Christensen)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: PayPal Chargeback to Seller after 2 1/2 months?
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002
Here's an odd case (to me): I sold an Olympus C700 digital camera, like new
condition on Ebay on 12/6/01, total $460, buyer received on 12/10/01 (I have
the tracking # thank god, see later). I didn't hear back from the buyer for a
week so I assumed everything was OK. But 7 days later the buyer complained
that the 8MB Smartmedia card included wasn't formatting all the way or
enabling her to use all the memory. It sounded kind of fishy that she could
use 6MB out of 8MB or whatever, and I assumed that perhaps it was condensation
from shipping. Of course it had been a week since she accepted shipping so
it's not like I could file a claim for the insurance with USPS. So giving her
the benefit of the doubt I refunded $50 via paypal which I figured would pay
for a 128MB smartmedia card or at least a cleaning of the contacts. My guess
was that the woman's husband was mad about her buying the camera so she made
up this lame excuse, but I took her word for it and sent her back $50.
So lo-and-behold, it's like 2.5 months later and I get a notice from paypal
that she (actually her husband) has initiated a chargeback for the entire
amount (not even less the $50 I had given her as a "trouble refund"). And of
course they give only 72 hours or they consider the case closed in favor of
the buyer (gee, luckily I am back from my week vacation in LA).
Now I have been hearing bad horror stories about paypal about how the seller
has nada protection so I am assuming that even though I provided the tracking
# and my side of the story I am soon to be out both the camera, the $50
refund, plus the full $460 price from my account!
So assuming that paypal, as they seem to do so often, will side with the buyer
(e.g. protecting the VISA card owner) even in the face of other evidence (e.g.
I shipped to the seller 2.5 months ago to their confirmed address); what other
options are there?
From: Paul Rubin [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: PayPal Chargeback to Seller after 2 1/2 months?
Date: 19 Feb 2002
[email protected] (Carl Christensen) writes:
> So assuming that paypal, as they seem to do so often, will side with
> the buyer (e.g. protecting the VISA card owner) even in the face of
> other evidence (e.g. I shipped to the seller 2.5 months ago to
> their confirmed address); what other options are there?
Did the buyer at least send back the camera?
You might look at the website www.paypalsucks.com for more horror
stories, btw.
From: [email protected] (NHDoc)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Date: 20 Feb 2002
Subject: Re: PayPal Chargeback to Seller after 2 1/2 months?
...
>Someone on the ebay board said I should file it as mail fraud since he took
>the camera 10 weeks ago and now is trying to reverse charges (and from the
>paypal horror story boards it looks like the "seller is always screwed").
I've had a few problems with paypal. One of them was trying to contact them
directly by phone. I finally found their number and will publish it
here...1-800-836-1859. At the time I was looking I could not find it on their
site and they used to have it printed on the credit card statements next to the
transaction so I found some old statements and copied it down. I suggest anyone
with an account with them copy it down now as it will come in handy sooner or
later. As for the particulars of this problem, I would request the buyer's
telepone number from ebay (user information request) call them directly and
confront them calmly about the chargeback. Perhaps cool heads can resolve it
one way or another. If that fails, then I would call the buyer's local small
claims court and file a case to collect the payment or get the camera back.
Usually just the act of being served with papers from court gets people moving.
Just my two cents.
From: John G. Mankos [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: PayPal Chargeback to Seller after 2 1/2 months?
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002
...
If you made sure to ship to an address the buyer had confirmed through
paypal, you should be protected under their Seller Protection Plan. I
make sure when I ship, it's only to the Address paypal specifies that is
confirmed. When I sell somthing and I get a non confirmed address...i
don't accept the payment.
What's the guys reason for the chargeback? If you have tracking info,
you have proof that the goods were delivered. Did you specify in the
auction your return policy, or that returns would not be accepted? I'd
explain to Paypal, or the credit card company doing the chargeback that
you sold them merchandise, they knew the camera condition in advance of
sending payment, and that it was not a sale on a trial basis to see if
they liked it or not.
If what you state above is true...seems like an open and shut case in
your favor. Whenever I tried to to a chargeback on my CC for
something...my bank was a pain in the ass...making sure I exhausted all
proper channels(like getting the company to refund the money) before
attempting the chargeback. They gotta have a legit reason to do so.
BTW...I would have offered to send her another smartmedia card. You can
get a 128 mb card for $50. 8 mb cards are a dime a dozen.
Some people got nerve...I know how that goes.
I know if someone did that to me....I'd be out another $199 for a plane
ticket....
--
John G. Mankos
From: Mac McDougald [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.digital,rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: PayPal Chargeback to Seller after 2 1/2 months?
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002
...
> If you made sure to ship to an address the buyer had confirmed through
> paypal, you should be protected under their Seller Protection Plan.
From rollei mailing list:
Date: Thu, 24 May 2001
From: Marc James Small [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Postal Insurance Claims
Austin Franklin wrote:
>> He went to the PO and said he was choosing to have the lens
>> repaired. They
>> said OK, bring us the receipt and we will reimburse you. He produced a
>> receipt a few days later and they paid him. All of this took
>> place without
>> my knowledge.
>
>That makes no sense. Help me understand how that worked. How did the PO
>know it was insured in the first place, and don't say the sticker on the
>box...he could have put that on him self... Also, how did they know how
>much it was insured for? I could have insured a $1,000 item for $200...and
>the only way to prove insurance coverage is the original receipt!
Austin is correct on this. I have twice had the PO muck up insured items I
have sent and, on both occasions, I have had to provide the recipient with
a copy of the insurance receipt and a Postal form of some type so that he
could claim.
Marc
[email protected]
From hasselblad mailing list:
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2002
From: Austin Franklin [email protected]
Subject: RE: [HUG] Where to buy Hasselblad?
> However it
> was a dealer with no feedback, that had recently
> changed his name, located in Europe, demanding a pure
> cash transaction (no PayPal, credit cards, etc.). I
> may have missed out on a bargain, but in a
> circumstance like that you have no recourse other than
> to complain to eBay if the equipment doesn't show up
> or isn't as described.
Actually, complaining to eBay will get you nowhere, if you paid cash for it.
I have a circumstance with a seller, "to-ni", who advertised a camera as in
perfect condition, and it was absolutely a piece of junk. I paid cash (as
the seller had great feedback, and it avoids the outrageous bank fees that
are changed for wire transfers), and the seller acknowledges receipt of
payment, but eBay won't allow one of their insurance claims, because they
EXCLUDE cash transactions from their insurance. I could see if the seller
disputed having received the money...but when the seller doesn't dispute
that, then I am a bit miffed that eBay won't honor the insurance.
Austin
Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2001 09:59:25 -0400
From: Evan J Dong
2. Camera Traders = You can bargain here and the gear here are in very
good condition.
3. Ken Hansen = Have to deal if you are ready, but good selection here.
(SL66 , 6000 series, & TLR)
4. B & H Photo Choice of New and Used.
5. Wall Street Camera
6. Adorama Camera
2. Cameta Camera
> Hey, B&H is a great store! No problems, mate. It's just that Wall
> Street,
> Adorama and Ken Hansen have much more Rollei stock. Simple as that.
> Arthur
rec.photo.marketplace
From: [email protected] (Fshadoan)
Date: Sat Sep 29 2001
[1] YAHOO AUCTION WARNING
Date: Sat, 6 Mar 1999
From: Robert Monaghan [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] camera collector widow scams
> At 11:42 AM 1999-03-03 -700, Roger Beamon wrote:
> >Good try, but nah! If true they wouldn't bother with any digits at
> >all. I think the dealers and others try to give enough significant
> >digits to catagorize the equipment to the satisfaction of potential
> >buyer's, but not give away the whole thing to the nasties.
>
> Roger
>
> The reason stated by those that do this is precisely as I stated earlier:
> it is just simpler to give only the sufficient digits to indicate the
> series.
>
> The whole idea of there being some grand sanctity in knowing the ENTIRE
> serial number is foolishness. Under US law, that doesn't give a potential
> thief any leverage with the authorities in trying to get a lens away from
> my ownership -- UNLESS the lens was, indeed, a stolen lens, and I am
> reasonably certain none of mine are such. And, in any event, I know from
> whom I have bought my gear, so it would be a simple matter to obtain a
> refund from them.
>
>
> Marc
>
> [email protected] FAX: +540/343-7315
From: [email protected] (ClassicVW)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm
Subject: Re: New Vs. Refurbished Camera: How to differentiate?
>I would to know how to differentiate whether a camera is new or company
>refurbished (bought in the USA with a warranty card)?
>
>Also, what difference it make in terms of performance of the camera?
George S.
From: "baldo" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm
Subject: Re: New Vs. Refurbished Camera: How to differentiate?
From: "Randy Miyazaki(Go Dodgers Blue !)" [email protected]
[1] Re: Mail Order Price Comparison - Questions
Date: Sat May 01 17:55:26 CDT 1999
> "Scott" [email protected] wrote:
> > I'm looking to buy a Canon A2E with a 28-135 USM IS lens and looked through
> > the back of the photo magazines and on line and found the following prices:
> >
> > Company Body Lens Total
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------
> > B&H 649 470 1119
> > World 499 440 939
> > Cambridge 475 430 905
> > Camera Club 555 450 1005
> > Tristate 610 440 1050
> > Family 540 420 960
> > PhotoGraphic 540 420 960
> > Discovery 540 420 960
> > Smile 540 440 980
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Range 174 50 214
> >
> > So . . .I'm wondering why such a wide range of prices for the "same"
> > equipment (interesting that the lenses, although about the same price, have
> > about a third of the price variation that the bodies do).
> >
> > Is the equipment the same from each place?
> >
> > Is there more to a mail order house than just pleasant order takers? (I'll
> > put up with a fair amount of verbal abuse for $214!).
> >
> > Any ideas?
> >
> > Scott
my photo website: | Randy Miyazaki +1 408 452 0788
[email protected]
http://www.FreezeIt.Com | San Jose CA USA Fax-1602
[email protected]
From: [email protected] (Latent Image Photography)
[1] Smile Photo - Watch Shipping charges!!!
Date: Sun May 02 1999
From: "NV5E" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace.35mm
Subject: Will only buy from B+H in the future!
From: "A. P." [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001
Subject: potential of fraud scaring buyers/sellers away?
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 00
From: [email protected] (Willem-Jan Markerink)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace,rec.photo.marketplace.35mm
Subject: Re: paying by which method
>how do you guys usually pay when you buy something from overseas from
>someone else (2nd)?
Perfect for small & medium amounts, but requires trust on both sides of
course (less with registered mail).
Doesn't work between some countries with marginal postal
infrastructure/compatibility (USA-Holland is one of them, in both
directions....transaction takes up to 3 months (no kidding!).
You buy this at your bank, send it by (registered) mail (or have your bank
send it), and seller cashes it at his bank. Significant bank fee (US$20).
Again done at your bank, no mail involved, but again significant bank fee
(US$20). Safest option, since you need virtually all possible details of
both seller and his bank (address etc) before your bank can start the
procedure. Check all options, sometimes there is a fast and a slow
service, differing in both speed and cost (overnight vs 1-week service).
Bye,
Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] OT: Money Transfer to Germany
Andrei D. Calciu (VA-4270)
From: Kheehua Hung [email protected]
Newsgroups:
rec.photo.marketplace,rec.photo.marketplace.35mm,rec.photo.marketplace.darkroom
Subject: Re: paying by which method
From: [email protected] (Chuck Ross)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm
Subject: Pop Photo's new Mail Order rules
Images
Digital and Film-Based Photography
http://www.members.home.net/ckross
From: "Nicholas O. Lindan" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm
Subject: Re: Pop Photo's new Mail Order rules
Progress in small steps, maybe.
Nicholas O. Lindan, Cleveland, Ohio [email protected]
From: [email protected] (Twilight16)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: (person's name) CANCELED $800 M.O. *WARNING*
Date: 27 May 1999
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: Possiable Fraud
Date: 22 Apr 1999
From: Jeff Bezos
Subject: Amazon.com Auctions is now open
Founder & CEO
Amazon.com
From: [email protected] (Greg Werstiuk)
Subject: Re: i-escrow SUCKS!!
Date: Sat, 06 Mar 1999 05:10:20 GMT
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
From: "R. Peters" [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Placing cameras "on consignment".
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: How to buy (retail) cameras by mail order
Date: Wed, 01 Jul 1998
If you dont ask, you will get a "gray market" warranty.
This means only that store, and not the factory, will honor the warranty.
A USA STORE warranty isnt good enough.
No warranty card in the shipment? Return it NOW.
Camera World, Oregon
Dels Camera, California (a tad pricey?)
Keh Camera Brokers, Georgia
Adorama, New York City
Charlotte Camera, North Carolina
Camera Exchange International, Swansboro (used equipment)
Porters, Iowa (pricey)
M&M Photo (received several good reviews)
Unique Photo, New Jersey
Calumet
Access Discount Camera
Smile Photo, New York City
AAA Camera Exchange, NYC
Focus Camera, New York City
Beach Photo, Maine, New Jersey, Florida
Wall Street Camera, New York City (some good reviews also)
Sus, New Jersey
Abes of Maine
Honest Abe, New York City
CCI, New York City
CamAmerica
Cameta Camera, NY
Family Photo and Video
Camera City
rec.photo.marketplace
From: [email protected]
[1] Re: Buyer Alert
Date: Sat Jun 27 19:29:49 CDT 1998
snip...
>:|
>:|My card is listed as a Visa.... yes, I use it with ATM's, however
>:|before when I've used the card for a purchase in a store the hit
>:|didn't come for a day or 2. I just won't use it again for mail order
>:|purchases... learned my lesson.
From: "Mike" [email protected]
Subject: BBB & Cambridge
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998
Medium format service
PDX
Escrow Agents for Major Photo Buys
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Use credit cards to sell your classified items!
Date: 1 Aug 1998
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: EBAY-protecting against seller ripoffs
Date: Fri, 26 Dec 1997
From: "Klaus Thoma" [email protected]
[1] Re: regarding purchasing over the internet
Date: Thu May 28 19:13:02 CDT 1998
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: TO AVOID BEING RIPPED OFF!!!!
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1999
From: Austin Franklin [email protected]
Subject: RE: advice on mail order
From: phil taylor [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: 10 things to remember when ordering photographic equipment
by mail
Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998
> Phil-----For a more immediate subject: tell me how to buy something from
> someone over the net------going on here.
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: 10 things to remember when ordering photographic equipment by
mail
Date: Sun, 06 Dec 1998
From: USA1955 [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: COD /FED EX FRAUD-Please read!
From: David Foy [email protected]
Subject: eBay (was RE: low cost 6x6 projectors Re: [Rollei] Older cameras vs.
newer ones)
From: "BOB" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: WARNING COUNTERFEIT MO's
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998
More Bad Money Orders - SELLER ALERT!!
From: Robert Koller [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: BEWARE! Forged Money Orders!
Date: Tue, 01 Dec 1998
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: WARNING COUNTERFEIT MO's
> Postal MO's fall under the treasury and it is a fed offence
> to copy one. Not so with a bank check or a mo.
> Bob
The fact that the business transaction was done over the internet, it is
considered as a wire transaction, and will become a federal offense if
something illegal happens, money order or not. And if you shipped UPS or
FedEx to an other state that will also qualify as a federal offense. In
this case the Postmaster General would be involved, as he oversees
interstate transactions even by private carriers.
Luc Novovitch
mailto:[email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: WARNING COUNTERFEIT MO's
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 00:33:14 GMT
From: [email protected] (Philip Hiscock)
[2] Re: How do I do International? - POSTAL MONEY ORDER ONLY!
Date: Fri Sep 04 07:08:22 CDT 1998
From: Henry [email protected]
[1] Re: FAKE MONEY ORDERS
Date: Sat Feb 13 06:58:14 CST 1999
> Yes it is unless its a US Postal Money Order. Many retailers, particularly
> grocery stores, issue money orders to customers as a service. These are
> easy to fake so insist on US Postal money orders or don't ship until the
> payment clears, ten days usually and call your bank to be sure.
>
> Michael wrote
> >If I receive payment from someone in the form of a money order, do I
> >need to deposit it first, or is it safe to go ahead and send what
> >he/she's paying for? Is it possible to pay someone with a fake money
> >order? Thanks.
> >
> >Michael
From: [email protected]
[1] Re: FAKE MONEY ORDERS
Date: Sat Feb 13 02:08:53 CST 1999
> If I receive payment from someone in the form of a money order, do I
> need to deposit it first, or is it safe to go ahead and send what
> he/she's paying for? Is it possible to pay someone with a fake money
> order? Thanks.
>
> Michael
From: [email protected] (Jerry Cullingford)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm
Subject: What happens to returns?
Date: 16 Jul 1998
_|_ Jerry Cullingford [email protected] (Work)
/ | Fujifilm Electronic Imaging [email protected] (Home)
\_|_ Hemel Hempstead, UK PGP key at www.selune.demon.co.uk
\__/ (Speaking only for myself and not the company unless otherwise stated)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm
Subject: Re: What happens to returns?
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm
Subject: Re: What happens to returns?
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998
2)Marked as "AS IS" and sold.
3)Repaired and sold as new.
4)Repaired, labelled as repaired, and sold
labelled as such.
4)Repaired by shop or manufacturer and
marked "refurbished" and sold cheaper.
2) Sold as new at discounted price.
3)Labelled customer return, and discounted.
Fred B.
rec.photo.marketplace
From: [email protected]
[1] Re: Bad dealer experience. Your advice?
Date: Mon Jul 20 22:07:56 CDT 1998
From: Peter Klosky [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Independent Camera Buyer Wanted
> all these used camera dealers can afford those extensive
> inventories. I know the buy cheap - cheap - cheap! But from whom
> do they buy it?
From: Charles F Seyferlich [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: huge EBAY prices ...
Date: 19 Dec 1998
> Cary F. Yelin wrote:
> >
> > It is important for would-be bidders to recognize that shills are a part of the
> > game at e-bay. I have seen items bid up well beyond their worth, supposedly sold,
> > and then offered again--conclusive evidence, I would think, that not all the bids
> > are for real. Certainly, there cannot be that many bid winners who reneg on their
> > purchases. Therefore, be wary. Obviously, many people get caught up in the frenzy
> > of the auction, and that is too bad, but it also happens at house auctions,
> > Sothebys, etc.
> >
> > Eosman wrote:
> >ed romney [email protected]
> > > writes:
> > >
> > > >The best way photographers can protect themselves against price gouging
> > > >on EBAY...
> > >
> > > Prices on ebay are set by the bidder. If a person has been price gouged on
> > > ebay then they gouged themselves. The seller has little control over the price
> > > ( shill bidding conspiracies aside ).
> > >
> > > In a nutshell, the buyer has the ultimate responsibility for establishing the
> > > value of an item.
>
> If you beleive that "shills" on EBAY, how do explain the fact that you
> can view a list of bidders and the amount bid shown after the auction is
> over?
From: [email protected]
To: Robert Monaghan [email protected]
Subject: Re: COD /FED EX FRAUD-Please read!
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: huge EBAY prices ...
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1998
--Lenses fitted to shutters, iris scales engraved
http://www.skgrimes.com
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Re: huge EBAY prices ...
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1998
--Lenses fitted to shutters, iris scales engraved
http://www.skgrimes.com