B&H-Reputation & Protection Plans

[travel_bug]

Is B&H a reliable company to buy a camera from?

What about their protection plans...has anyone bought these?

I am getting an underwater camera, so I want to buy a protection plan. I normally go through Best Buy but they don't have the Pan TS2 or Sony TX5...

 

[Larry251]

They don't get too much more reliable. B&H is one of the best known camera shops out there.

Can't tell you about their protection plans.

 

[John Deerfield]

I will 2nd everything said. B&H rules. Never bought an extended warranty.

 

[Doug J]

An excellent company to do business with. There is a respected representative from the company that is active here on the forums.

I don't have experience with their protection plans.

Best regards,
Doug

 

[Sethboy]

Reliable 100% and the best prices - my order came in like $30 dollars less than Amazon.

I read somewhere about the protection plans that:

1) Many manufacturers offer a long enough warranty that the protection plan basically overlaps, so it's sort of pointless. You have a 3 year manufacturer warranty, then buying a 3-year protection plan is like paying for car insurance from Geico AND Allstate.

2) Someone said make sure you read the fine print about what the protection plan REALLY covers (drops, spills, etc) - make sure it's worth it.

I just bought a whole bunch of new gear and opted out of buying the protection plan for reason #1

 

[Mark B.]

B&H is the first camera dealer I recommend. I generally don't buy extended warranty or protection plans. If there's an actual defect, you're likely to notice it within the manufacturer's warranty period. All my gear is listed on a rider on my home insurance policy.

Mark

Is B&H a reliable company to buy a camera from?

What about their protection plans...has anyone bought these?

I am getting an underwater camera, so I want to buy a protection plan. I normally go through Best Buy but they don't have the Pan TS2 or Sony TX5...

 

[travel_bug]

Thanks everyone! Glad to hear it

I also know what people are saying about extended plans. I did actually have to use one 3 yrs after I bought my camera to replace the lens. I was glad I had the best buy 4 yr plan because at that time I was not ready to buy a new camera.

I have read various reviews that people say their underwater camera leaked...so I suppose I would have more piece of mind with an extended warranty. But yes I always read the fine print - so important. Seems the TS2 and TX5 both have a one year warranty with them. Not sure what I will do on that.

Has anyone bought a camera through B&H and returned it? Was it easy to do?

 

[Korkey]

My Camera is insured on the house insurance. Cost nothing.

I would avoid protection plans as they are just a way of printing money for the sellers. Extended warranty schemes have been under investigation for some time in the UK. Often cost 100 times thier actual value (based on likelyhood of a successful claim). Very likely you will be blamed if it leaks so they won't pay out.

As for the company. Only heard good reports.

 

[Mark B.]

Thanks everyone! Glad to hear it

I also know what people are saying about extended plans. I did actually have to use one 3 yrs after I bought my camera to replace the lens. I was glad I had the best buy 4 yr plan because at that time I was not ready to buy a new camera.

Look into adding your gear on to your home insurance. It's very cheap, and it's good for as long as you pay the premiums. In other words, it doesn't expire after 3 or 4 years.

Mark

 

[bifrost]

B&H is great. If you've already checked their web site, you'll already know Best Buy isn't saving you any money. Honest, unbiased, shoot with the gear they sell, outstanding after point of purchase support. In other words, everything the big box stores aren't.

 

[Paul D Noble]

Before you buy from any online retailer, check them out at http://www.resellerratings.com .

Check out B & H, or Adorama. They are the gold standard for online retailers. Then, just for laughs, check out Broadyway camera.

There are a bunch of online retailers out there, mostly based in Brooklyn, NY, and are often just different names for the same outfit, that advertise insanely low prices. Then, when you order, you are told to call to "confirm your order". This is merely an opportunity to sell you junk accessories that you don't need at inflated prices. They have been know to charge extra for the battery that the manufacturer includes in the box. In the end, you pay as much or more for the item than you would have at B & H or Adorama. If you refuse the extras, your camera is suddenly "out of stock", but they've charged your credit card anyway.

In general, if someone advertises a camera that is more than about five percent less than B & H, the deal is probably too good to be true. Occasionally, someone will beat B & H by a few dollars, but usually not by more than $10-15 on an $800-900 camera. Plus B & H has a reputation for good customer service and easy returns.

Paul Noble

 

[henryp]

An excellent company to do business with. There is a respected representative from the company that is active here on the forums.

Thank you and everyone else here for your kind words.

I don't have experience with their protection plans.

For the record, they're not "our" protection plans any more than the D90 is "our"camera. They're from Sagemax by N.E.W.

--
Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video

 

[Korkey]

With respect Henry very few retail outlets actually make the products they sell so your comment about not being "our" protection plans is a bit pointless. Doesn't matter who they are from, if you sell them you are responsible for them.

The fact remain that most protection plans are a complete rip off and cost the seller a fraction of what they retail for. Most people can get thier camera added to the household insurance (mine cost nothing). Several of the big retailers in UK are being investigated for high pressure selling of protection plans at over inflated prices. Not until companies are forced to reveal what they actually cost, and what commission they recieve, will the protection plan scam finally fade away.

On a positive note I have heard nothing but praise for B & H and would not hesitiate in spending my hard earned cash in your outlets.

For the record, they're not "our" protection plans any more than the D90 is "our"camera. They're from Sagemax by N.E.W.

Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video

 

[henryp]

With respect Henry very few retail outlets actually make the products they sell so your comment about not being "our" protection plans is a bit pointless. Doesn't matter who they are from, if you sell them you are responsible for them.

Legally or ethically? I believe cameras et al come with manufacturer's warranties because legally, in the USA at least, it's Nikon USA or Canon USA (etc) who is legally responsible.

And, it is not pointless when discussing aftermarket extended warranties because there are retailers who offer their own store-brand protection plans so I think distinguishing one from the other is very useful info for the average shopper.

The fact remain that most protection plans are a complete rip off and cost the seller a fraction of what they retail for.

Kind of a broad-brush generalization isn't it? In fact, once you toss the useless ones offered by retailers you should probably be avoiding in the first place, there are two general types. The first (and IMO less valuable) simply lengthens the time the manufacturer's warranty covers the product by an additional year or two without adding any additional protection. The second expands the coverage the owner enjoys and in some cases includes carelessness and other product-damaging events not covered by either the manufacturer's original protection or the typical home owner's insurance policies.

And, the retail price is set in part by the value of the product or service, not by the wholesale price.

On a positive note I have heard nothing but praise for B & H and would not hesitiate in spending my hard earned cash in your outlets.

Thank you.

--
Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video

 

[Photog23]

I've read the vast number of reviews on resellerratings.com and yelp.com of B&H. They range everywhere from long-term loyalty to descriptions of customer service that remind me of the Soup **** from Seinfeld. I've heard Adorama also has rude staff. And it sounds like shopping directly at the B&H store is a bit of a nightmare of standing in line after line to get your merchandise, so definitely order online if you buy from them. My personal experience using chat to contact B&H was poor. I actually hung up on the chat, the guy was so rude. They lost a customer.

I know that up until the sex discrimination lawsuit they did not hire women as sales staff. They claim non-discrimination (that women just don't apply!), but a bird that quacks like a duck is probably a duck. Women likely don't apply because the reputation of not hiring women as sales staff is far and wide so why should a woman waste time applying there? That fact alone would keep me from buying from them, even if their staff was perfectly nice. Respect and love for daughters, nieces, mothers and wives alone keeps me outa there. This is the post-90's era! We don't live in the dark ages anymore. Women have a right to work -- and progress in the workplace. Yes, people also have a right to practice their religion, but if all businesses discriminated against women for "religious reasons," then women wouldn't work. That is why we have the Civil Rights Act -- to protect women AND Jews (and other minorities) from discrimination.

Amazon and Costco are both reputable dealers. Costco has an especially good reputation for treating both their employees and their customers well. They have my loyalty for life. And their camera return policy can't be beat (3 months, no questions asked). That policy alone keeps me coming back. Amazon has better prices, but not as good of a return policy.

Regarding Amazon, I'm only recommending Amazon direct (or Amazon fulfilled 3rd party sellers). You'll know them because the product web page will list that the product is eligible for super saver shipping. However, be especially wary of their third 3rd party sellers that market through Amazon, but where you buy directly from the seller. Some are good, others pretty poor.

 

[Korkey]

With respect Henry very few retail outlets actually make the products they sell so your comment about not being "our" protection plans is a bit pointless. Doesn't matter who they are from, if you sell them you are responsible for them.

Legally or ethically? I believe cameras et al come with manufacturer's warranties because legally, in the USA at least, it's Nikon USA or Canon USA (etc) who is legally responsible.

Couldn't say for the US but in the UK the seller is legally responsible (but often deny this so you will go away). If my camera breaks under warranty I will take it to the shop. They may send it to Canon.

And, it is not pointless when discussing aftermarket extended warranties because there are retailers who offer their own store-brand protection plans so I think distinguishing one from the other is very useful info for the average shopper.

The fact remain that most protection plans are a complete rip off and cost the seller a fraction of what they retail for.

Kind of a broad-brush generalization isn't it? In fact, once you toss the useless ones offered by retailers you should probably be avoiding in the first place, there are two general types. The first (and IMO less valuable) simply lengthens the time the manufacturer's warranty covers the product by an additional year or two without adding any additional protection. The second expands the coverage the owner enjoys and in some cases includes carelessness and other product-damaging events not covered by either the manufacturer's original protection or the typical home owner's insurance policies.

I am a reasonable chap (I'd like to think) so will pull back from broad-brush approach. I agree that some form of equipment insurance may be a good idea. A mate of mine left his ruck sack open and 7ks worth of lens bounced down the concrete steps. He was glad he was insured. I am mainly referring to extended warranties.

And, the retail price is set in part by the value of the product or service, not by the wholesale price.

Not always. Most shops here set policies by the retail price when new.

On a positive note I have heard nothing but praise for B & H and would not hesitiate in spending my hard earned cash in your outlets.

Thank you.

Hope to be shopping with you soon

--
Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video

 

[Rakumi]

They have a great return policy and one of the best warrenty plans you can buy. The plan I bought will service your product anytime you want (as long as you don't mind the wait of it being sent it). I have only had to use once. But its worth having. If you have your lens or product to ship in (on the protection plan, as long as you have the item), they will fix or give you a new one. Meaning as long as you do not say it is stolen and can present the broken product.
--

Darkness is the monster and your shutter is your sword, aperture your shield and iso your armor. Strike fast with your sword and defend well with your shield and hope your armor holds up.

 

[Rakumi]

That is interesting and I did not know that. I have bought a protection plan on half my items with the extended warrenty from B&H. Usually anything that cost me $700 and more. It is some company that offers protection to all camera products at B&H. I don't know what the regular warrenty intails but this warrent (usually about $100-$150 extra if price is $700-$1,200) gives you full repair/replace on any broken item, as long as you have the item to send in. If item is stolen... my plan says $250 towards new product. But inbetween that, you can send item in for recalibrating and all other stuff with no extra cost. I only had to use it once when my camera with lens attached in its holster bag dropped from my car when openning the door. The UV filter cracked and would not come off. Sent it in and my lens was not damage at all, they check, tested and all that good stuff and sent it back in about a 1 1/2 week to 2 weeks. Took the damage filter off. I was happy I could just send in with no worries.
--

Darkness is the monster and your shutter is your sword, aperture your shield and iso your armor. Strike fast with your sword and defend well with your shield and hope your armor holds up.

 

[The Fro Knows Photo]

B and H does over a billion dollars a year in sales. They are very reputable when it comes to online stores, probably the best out there. In terms of of protection plans i am not a fan of them at all, not just theirs any, other than apple. Most lenses come with 5 years of coverage and bodies are out of date 2 years after you bought them.

I wouln't waste money on the protection plans at all. You can have your own insurance which will cover everything you have.

Jared Polin AKA The FRO
FroKnowsPhoto.com

 

[Rakumi]

Yeah, I have returned a lens and some filters and other small things. Returning is a piece of cake. You just return in same condition you got it in. No problem. Only issue you will run into is... do not buy a camera and shoot 100 pictures and then decide it is not good. They will question the picture count. (I am guessing because I had this issue with Adorama as I tried to test on my own why a camera I bought was not to my liking and if it was just me or the camera). But they are great. I advise decide what is a spending amount per item in which you would not feel comfortable replacing on your own and get the sagemax protection plan. It is great and is worth having. They will fix your item regardless of why or how you damaged it. As long as you have the broken item to send in for them.
--

Darkness is the monster and your shutter is your sword, aperture your shield and iso your armor. Strike fast with your sword and defend well with your shield and hope your armor holds up.