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KEH: Be Aware.

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Many companies have a monopoly in their sector: ATT, Comcast, Paypal... it doesn't make them good, quite the contrary, and clients have every right to complain...

Jeesh, on which planet are you living?
 
Belgarchi said:
How much time am I saving for people that would have bought from KEH a defective item and will now double check before buying or not buy at all from them, and buy from more reliable sellers instead?

I am sorry you seem to not be among them.
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Mistakes happen. Apparently you must be a perfect person who never makes a mistakes and passes judgement BEFORE a mistake by KEHOUTLET can be rectified.

So on the basis of this one mistake you feel it is your duty to warn others and infer this is am unreliable seller ?

Your the one that needs to think things through before speaking out.
 
A mistake... When I sale a lens, I thoroughly examine it, and describe its condition. There is no need to be superman to do that.

Anyway, yes, they accepted a return, and the damage will hopefully be only a loss of time.

And yes, even after careful filtering of sellers (on ebay) based on rating and description of item, this kind of thing happened to me, say, 10 to 20% of the time... Sad world.
 
In over 20 years buying from KEH I have never had a problem returning or exchanging an item. Of the 15 or so lenses, etc. that I've bought from them, only 2 were below my expectations and KEH promptly accepted return without question, their ebay sales have the same guarantees.
 
Good to know...

2 on 15 though is not so good, but we have to live with that, it is about average among the 'good' sellers...
 
NikonHaoleboy said:
In over 20 years buying from KEH I have never had a problem returning or exchanging an item. Of the 15 or so lenses, etc. that I've bought from them, only 2 were below my expectations and KEH promptly accepted return without question, their ebay sales have the same guarantees.
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But not the Amazon ones, apparently...
 
Amazon.com is a mixed bag: they are intermediates to many companies, and they don't filter them.

My main problem with them has been a defective large wine cooler: dead on arrival.

I had to re-package it myself to return it through their shipping 'service'!!! I am not so strong, my wife is handicapped... it was really difficult to do.

Another thing I don't like is that it is not easy to know from where an item is coming from (ebay is better for that), and if it is from Asia (like often with photo equipment), the delay between order and delivery can be very, very long.
 
Belgarchi said:
Amazon.com is a mixed bag: they are intermediates to many companies, and they don't filter them.

My main problem with them has been a defective large wine cooler: dead on arrival.

I had to re-package it myself to return it through their shipping 'service'!!! I am not so strong, my wife is handicapped... it was really difficult to do.

Another thing I don't like is that it is not easy to know from where an item is coming from (ebay is better for that), and if it is from Asia (like often with photo equipment), the delay between order and delivery can be very, very long.
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I was still talking about my bad experience with KEH. That lens came from their offices in Atlanta, like all their others. Strange that they allegedly stand behind their direct and eBay purchases, but did nothing for the damaged/defective lens they sold me through Amazon.
 
Good to know...

Didn't Amazon.com help you?
 
Nothing defective with the two lenses I returned to KEH, they were "bargain" grade and it was more a matter of my expectations. Some cosmetic issues with 2 out of 15 otherwise serviceable used lenses is understandable to me. The important thing is that I was able to return the items to KEH without argument. I recently bought a used lens from an Amazon seller who described it as being in "like new" condition. I would describe the lens as serviceable, with significant cosmetic issues, certainly not "like new". The seller did not return my message and Amazon has decided that I contacted them beyond the "grace" period.
 
Looks like you have more luck than me.....
 
Belgarchi said:
Good to know...

Didn't Amazon.com help you?
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Amazon had me contact the seller, KEH, through them. KEH didn't deign to even reply. I probably should have tried to get Amazon to put more pressure on them, though. After a few tries and no replies I gave up and started researching how to get the lens repaired.
 
I was surprised to see this post. Mainly because I often suggest KEH as a source for used camera gear. Based on my experience of recent days. Bought a 400 dollar camera and a 230 dollar lens. Actually arrived perfect and well packed. I consider a used lens of 109 dollars as not a costly item, but I feel sure that KEH will stand by its product. The ones I got matched the EXC + label. I recall one return of an older classic stereo camera which did not meet my expectations. No issue in returning it. And they also offer a no charge warranty on their used items. All in all the odds are better with them than w some individual sellers. No, I would say Do not Beware. Trust but remember, stuff happens...be well.
 
Could be why KEH doesn't operate (that I know of) on Ebay. One issue with a product it's a one button-push to lock-up the seller's money.
 
I usually like to talk to someone by phone, and KEH does advertise a customer service number worth using when there is a problem. With used gear the reliability of their rating and evaluation is critical part of their business model. This is a first cabin outfit. I recently called for a price on a lens I may sell, and the answer was forthcoming immediately. So give them a call next time. And hang on the line.. aloha gs
 
Belgarchi said:
I bought a Nikon 50mm 1.8 AIs from them through Ebay. It was expensive, but described as in perfect condition.

Actually, the focusing ring is extremely stiff. I asked for a return, no answer yet.

Will keep you posted.
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I've bought 3 used lenses from KEH - all 3 were excellent. Sold one used lens to them and they just acknowledged receipt of it. They are a bit backlogged at the moment due to sales and apparently a lot of used purchases. But give them a chance - the photography community needs a service like them.

This post was definitely premature.

Best thing i like about them - well actually 2 things:

a. They pay more for used lenses than BH

b. They do a good job of assessing lenses before they post them online.

NO company is perfect and the report of 1 problem is meaningless with as much business as they perform.
 
Purchased 10-12 lenses from KEH. All were at, or usually above, the grade listed. Their prices are pretty reasonable too.

If you want to see every single thing about a lens before you buy it, try Roberts Camera - but you will pay much more for the same lens.
 
Gerry Siegel said:
I was surprised to see this post. Mainly because I often suggest KEH as a source for used camera gear. Based on my experience of recent days. Bought a 400 dollar camera and a 230 dollar lens. Actually arrived perfect and well packed. I consider a used lens of 109 dollars as not a costly item, but I feel sure that KEH will stand by its product. The ones I got matched the EXC + label. I recall one return of an older classic stereo camera which did not meet my expectations. No issue in returning it. And they also offer a no charge warranty on their used items. All in all the odds are better with them than w some individual sellers. No, I would say Do not Beware. Trust but remember, stuff happens...be well.
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It is a season for frustration. I live on an island. When a product I buy is wrong size or has a glitch or was lightly packed it causes me a loss of often weeks of product use and the balance on my credit card hung up and sometimes I have to stand in a postal line or drive to a UPS office. Sometimes I get kinda exorcised over the way customer service reps respond and I then decide that I will not deal with them again. I can complain on a forum but it is small comfort and does not get the company to move faster or better. Another way is to write an actual letter to the CEO. This of course take more precious time, but seems to be the inevitable cost of buying used things by mail. I guess I trust KEH and a few other camera dealers. And they get my repeat business. Must be a reason for that. Or I am easygoing. Could be both.
 
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The true test of any company is not when everything goes right, that is easy. The test is what happens after things go wrong.

You aren't satisfied with the product you purchased, the company is taking it back and refunding your money.

Sounds to me like a company that is standing behind their products.

Shawn
 
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