Unique Photo purchasers, a word of caution…(long)

Just thought I'd chip in on your point about when the CC gets charged. Most companies in my experience charge only when goods are shipped, as you say. This has been the case when I've ordered stuff from the US, UK Australia, HK or anywhere else. I live in Singapore.

The exception is B&H who, to my knowledge, always charge a customers CC as soon as the order is placed and not when the item is shipped.

This was what happened when I ordered my 200mm F2.0 and a few other small orders subsequently.

It may of course be a practice they use for international customers for security reasons and, given their reputation I can certainly live with it.

The down side is if B&H or the customer cancel an order for any reason. You get hit with forex charges for the intial currency conversion and then the reconversion, if the funds are returned. This can amount to a lot on a big order.

Just my ten cents.