MPB saga, is this company legit?

I've never done business with these guys before, but saw a good price so I ordered an OMD E-M1 in 'excellent' condition on the first of November. It shipped out quickly and I received it on the 8th, however, the rear dial does not register all the time. Appears to be a common issue, and is not that 'excellent'.

So I call, ask about the return process and send it back promptly. They receive it on the 13th.

It's almost the end of the month and they haven't even processed the return. Called and didn't get any real status, sounds like returns are a 'different department'. Am I being impatient, is this typical from this company?

martok80 said:

I've never done business with these guys before, but saw a good price so I ordered an OMD E-M1 in 'excellent' condition on the first of November. It shipped out quickly and I received it on the 8th, however, the rear dial does not register all the time. Appears to be a common issue, and is not that 'excellent'.

So I call, ask about the return process and send it back promptly. They receive it on the 13th.

It's almost the end of the month and they haven't even processed the return. Called and didn't get any real status, sounds like returns are a 'different department'. Am I being impatient, is this typical from this company?

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I've found them pretty good in general, I did get a less than satisfactory conditions lens from them in the past - but they refunded me some cash and sent out a much better copy. Other than that I've traded with and bought from a number of times and everything is usually wrapped up in about a week. I would email them and include all info and transaction codes. This way you have a record. They really should have sorted it for you by now.

They offered slightly more than KEH on a couple of lenses I decided to sell. Slow though to send the shipping label. Once it arrived they paid quickly. I have not bought from them.

I have bought and sold with them and never had any problems... but never had to return anything.

Hi Martok.. yes the rear dial is a problem on the EM1.. MPB should have checked for this as its well known.. mine is the same and my EP5 too..tho’ i never bought either from them.

If you phone them again.. tell them your problem is now up on the DP Review forum... as you are becoming frustrated at the delay in attending to you...they are 99% an internet dealer you should get some immediate action. I buy stuff regularily from them and will be happy to talk to them on your behalf if you wish as a fellow photographer... MM.

I bought a "like new" OM-D E-M1 from them last month for $414.

Was supposed to come with a battery, charger, and body cap and all "grips and covers" but it arrived missing the pc sync cover and had a couple tiny scratches through the bottom paint on the nipples.

On the other hand, it also arrived with the unexpected extra of an additional Olympus battery (total of two), the original literature and CD, the original Olympus strap still in its plastic sleeve, the USB cable, and the original box (a bit greasy and battered, but there).

Shutter count was 5K. Camera has worked well so far.

I bought the PC sync cover separately for less than the cost of the extra battery. And I'd have put those same scratches in the bottom paint within a day or two of using it outdoors, so I'm reasonably happy--without the extras thrown in, I probably wouldn't be quite as happy.

I bought my Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 from them. Their price was cheaper than an eBay used copy. I exchanged various emails with them to discuss the condition of the lens ---to confirm that it was "Like New" as advertised--- and see if it is Type I or Type II --- the website wouldn't say, but the photo appeared to be a Type II. Once all of queries were answered, I bought the item. The shipped the item on the same day with next-day delivery.

The lens, to my disappointment, had some very minor cosmetic marks on its barrel and lens hood. Definitely not in the "Like New" condition advertised. In my harsh grading system, it will be very good to excellent and based on theirs, it should had been "Excellent". They responded on the same day to my complain offering apologies and option to return, which I did not take.

Obviously, I am nitpicking and I am giving them the benefit of a doubt that it was incompetence and not dishonesty on their end. However, I was --at time-- annoyed, as I even asked them for a confirmation directly via email prior to the purchase.

Will I buy again from them? Probably yes, they are definitely responsive as a company. However, I wouldn't rely on the grade/description they give make up my mind.

Just purchased the panasonic lens 200mm f2.8 from them excellent fits the description like new condition when recieved.but dissaponited my pl 100-400mm which i descibed as good could only give £280 as they said heavy use due to stiff zoom my 100-400mm has benn like this since new so decided to keep the 100-400mm as back up i paid over a thousand for it no way is it worth £280

I’ve bought a couple of lenesss from them in the Uk and sold quite a bit of kit in the UK.

Always found the items as described and the company very good to deal with. A few months ago, I sold a few things and they upgraded the price on one as they felt it was in better condition than I said.

Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I'll call them again after lunch. Did the 'contact us' email web form Monday morning but who knows when I'll get a reply.

It sure would have been nice having my E-M1 during the holiday when out of town family was over. Alas.

martok80 said:

I've never done business with these guys before, but saw a good price so I ordered an OMD E-M1 in 'excellent' condition on the first of November. It shipped out quickly and I received it on the 8th, however, the rear dial does not register all the time. Appears to be a common issue, and is not that 'excellent'.

So I call, ask about the return process and send it back promptly. They receive it on the 13th.

It's almost the end of the month and they haven't even processed the return. Called and didn't get any real status, sounds like returns are a 'different department'. Am I being impatient, is this typical from this company?

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I have once bought a GX800 from them and after a while I didn't like it and returned it without much hassle. Money was refund after 2 weeks, I think.

My only "complain" is that their used staff is at higher prices than ebay and their buying prices are lower than what I may be able to sell.

--
Yannis
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127079204@N06/
https://www.viewbug.com/member/Yannis76

2 calls, no answer. Left a message, but not holding my breath. I'm going to give these guys until the end of the week and then I'm going to contact the Better Business Bureau.

You would think with as much competition there is in the used camera store business that customer services would be better than this.

Hustle76 said:

I’ve bought a couple of lenesss from them in the Uk and sold quite a bit of kit in the UK.

Always found the items as described and the company very good to deal with. A few months ago, I sold a few things and they upgraded the price on one as they felt it was in better condition than I said.

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that is ok ,and if you do not agree a price they send your item back so no problems issues with the way it is conducted ,although at the time they had over 12 pl 100-400mm which made me think they probably did not want another ,had there been 1 or 2 showing in s/h stock I am sure I would of got my expected price

Finally got in touch with support there and now I have a tracking #. Great!

They claim they were not able to replicate the rear dial issue though, which is concerning since it definitely was not working correctly. Not sure if the replacement will be any better. We will see.

paul cool said:

Hustle76 said:

I’ve bought a couple of lenesss from them in the Uk and sold quite a bit of kit in the UK.

Always found the items as described and the company very good to deal with. A few months ago, I sold a few things and they upgraded the price on one as they felt it was in better condition than I said.

Click to expand...

that is ok ,and if you do not agree a price they send your item back so no problems issues with the way it is conducted ,although at the time they had over 12 pl 100-400mm which made me think they probably did not want another ,had there been 1 or 2 showing in s/h stock I am sure I would of got my expected price

Click to expand...

I am glad to hear that others had more positive experiences. It could had been an one-off case or the lens got scratch during transit ---through their packing was remarkable!

Just received my replacement. This one seems to work better. Not the cleanest example ever, but nice enough.

I have bought a couple of lenses from them at good prices. A 12-35mm listed in good condition and it only had a scuff on the "35". Another was a Sony 24-70mm listed in like new condition and it was in Like new condition. I returned one lens and USPS had a delivery problem, but the MBP staff was responsive in helping to resolve the issue and the return was processed in a few days.

So overall my experiences of them as a retailer are as expected.

martok80 said:

2 calls, no answer. Left a message, but not holding my breath. I'm going to give these guys until the end of the week and then I'm going to contact the Better Business Bureau.
You would think with as much competition there is in the used camera store business that customer services would be better than this.

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Do you realize the BBB is funded by businesses? It has no authority. You'd waste less time just yelling your complaint out the window.

I've never pateonized this business. It "sponsors" an m43 forum that I found to be repugnant.

I have bought and sold alot of kit from them, generally they have been very good to deal with equipment has always been as described. However I have sold a couple of items where they have highlighted issues that I would have disagreed with them on. For example I recently sold a few items to them, one item a D3S they were not willing to take due to a mark on the sensor, however it had just been professionally cleaned by Nikon and no issues were reported in this regard. There Was quite a delay in coming back to me on the sale of the items, it took them twice their normal time, they stated they had been very busy and overloaded. I think they have been a victim of their own success and are not suitably resourced currently to meet the throughput of business.

Yeah, you probably right. They seem to be just a bit overwhelmed. Luckily it all worked out more or less okay. I do find it interesting how much the quality ratings vary among retailers in the used photo market.

From my experience:

MPB excellent = KEH bargain = Used Photo Pro Excellent = National Camera Average

and

Adorama Very Good = KEH ugly