Returns to B&H-Some Experience!

Hello Group,
Four weeks ago I hastily purchased an electronic flash to use for photos at
our youngest daughters wedding. I wanted a unit that was compatible with
both our Leica M6TTL and the Digilux-1 cameras. Unfortunately, only three
days remained to make my selection and receive the choice before traveling
to Washington, DC for the event!

It was late, so I just did the research of units on my own, placed the order
with FedEx Priority Overnight ($26 extra), and selected the Digi-Slave Pro -
WRONG CHOICE!

Well, last week I called B&H Returns department and explained my error -
thinking I would be hit with the $45 re-stock fee (15% of price) because
more than 15 days had elapsed, and resigned to accept my fate - THEN...

The very understanding person on the telephone - he who spoke with an
accent, but was understandable - said, "No problem, we understand, here is
your Return Authorization number. When we receive the unit back, we will
credit your charge card less only the shipping."

Stunned, I babbled something about the re-stock fee, and was told it would
be waived.

Now truly in shock over this most fortuitous turn of events, I asked if
there was indeed a flash unit that would meet the double-duty for my
cameras. The gentleman on the phone asked me to hold on, and after a wait of
about five minutes, returned with two suggested alternates, either of which
met my guide number and interchangeability requirements!

Obviously, I am a VERY HAPPY CUSTOMER! I wonder is this treatment (super
kind and professional) just an anomaly, or did they look up my purchase
history (yes, I am a regular customer) and just provide this high level of
service to ME, or, could it possibly be, the company and personnel at B&H
are really that genuine? (Tongue in cheek).

Once again I am impressed with the honesty, quality of service and company
ethic of customer service readily available from B&H! This Jewish-owned and
operated company is a true example of the best of their heritage, and their
well-deserved success continues by holding close to the principles of their
religion.

Regards,
Skip Cashwell

 

Good to hear things went well.

Just out of curiosity, what flash units did they recommend? And which did you
get?

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
Alliance Graphique Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com>

 

What has the religious background of the owner with the quality of service
in his shop? BTW, because you brought it up yourself, aren't you a jew
yourself?

Mojtaba

 

Not an anomaly, just their everyday service...

 

B&H recommended the METZ
44MZ-2 Auto/Manual Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 111'/34 m at 50mm)
or
45CL-1 Auto Handle Mount Flash (Guide No. 148'/45 m at 35mm)

I chose the 44MZ-2

Regards, Skip Cashwell

 

.....but: a "do-it-yourself" pro photographer not planning ahead for a
wedding?

(Yes, it is lower-cost option to do photography at 'a daughter's
wedding' but too risky to be getting a 'new' flash (untested....) and
expecting the 'new' flash to do double-duty for a film camera and a
digital camera. At a wedding, no less!)

Going to a wedding with out a back-up flash is not recommended as
well.
= = =

 

Obviously, I am a VERY HAPPY CUSTOMER! I wonder is this treatment (super

This sort of thing is why you hear constant praise of B&H here.
My experiences with returns there have been flawless, and similar to yours.

 

Thanks Skip. Sounds like some nice items. I will visit the Metz site for some
more information.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
Alliance Graphique Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com>

 

This sort of thing is why you hear constant praise of B&H here.

I have to second that. I realized after clicking 'submit' that I ordered the
wrong quick release plate for my tripod. Of course this was late on a Sunday
evening. I e-mailed them, hoping to be able to correct the order, but
expecting to need to cancel, then re-order the correct part later. The very
next day, I got an e-mail explaining that they would take care of it, and
within a week, the correct part was at my door.

I live close enough that CameraWorld was a nice afternoon trip into downtown
Portland. After this experience, I would have no hesitation ordering anything
from B&H.

 

B&H recommended the Metz 44MZ-2 Shoe mount, GN 111' at 50mm or Metz 45CL-1
auto handle, GN 148' at 35mm.

I chose the 44MZ-2

Regards,
Skip Cashwell

 

You are correct, JerryL, as they say in the Navy, "Piss Poor Prior Planning" is the cause of sinking ships.

On the other hand we hired a wedding photographer with 27 years experience to do this event, and having just received the proofs back, am thoroughly pleased!

The little photography I did was candid (me being father-of-the-bride) - not as a substitute for the pro we engaged for the occasion. I did have the Nikon F3HP at our table, and was using the old tried-and-true SB-16 Speedlight. Also, my wife took a few shots when "just the girls" got together with the Leica Digilux-1.

My original post was to add what I perceive as necessary positive experience with one of the vendors we all use. B&H is often discussed here, and when B&H, or any camera supply house does good, I believe we owe it to each other in the group to report accordingly. In like manner when something goes wrong, and our customer experience is not resolved properly (that is in a professional way), we also need to post the negative information here.

That said, your comments are right on and good advice for anyone: don't attempt a critical photo session with personally untested equipment or film. Be familiar with your equipment, have backup (whenever possible), and in the case of film, shoot at least a couple of test rolls BEFORE the critical event!

Regards and thanks for your posts!
Skip Cashwell

 

I'll add my experience. I ordered 'some stuff' on day one, the next
day I ordered 'more stuff'. Somebody realized that 'some stuff' had
not shipped so they combined the orders to save me shipping. The
order came and the front desk of where I lived failed to notify me.

I called and some how 'more stuff' was re-sent. When I got 'some
stuff' + 'more stuff' + another 'more stuff' I called. At first I was
told that's waht you ordered. When I asked if it made sense that I
ordered two 'more stuff' and that it might have been a screw-up they
agreed. Said send it back with a reciept for return shipping and we
will credit you card.

Now I don't even check other vendors. Excellent service and
competitive prices will get my business every time.

As has been said this is not unusual for B&H. They get business the
old fasion way, they earn it. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Jim


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