[Leica] back orders.....

["BIRKEY, DUANE" <dbirkey@hcjb.org.ec>]

I buy a lot of things via mail order.  (Just try and find anything decent 
in Ecuador)  I've dealt with many companies over the years and I've had a 
number of bad experiences.  Including one where I was double billed and 
shipped by B&H .... Which they made right quickly and without hassle.   
I've found their overall service to be heads above everyone else (based 
on price and the vast selection of products available) They are the only 
one I'm using for normal film and supplies. 

When I'm in the states... I buy some stuff locally if available and 
anywhere near the price....  I've found at times that I can buy things 
locally  for less than through mail order and I know everything is right 
when I walk out the door.   I would rather buy and have bought Leica 
through the mail from Sam, Don, Stan and Jim..... all of whom have great 
service and are a bit more enjoyable (as well as knowledgeable) on a 
personal level to deal with.  I bought my softies from Pat Mckee and they 
were in the mail to before my check was written and in the mail to 
him.......

Anyhow.... for equipment orders and in past cases for film....I check 
that everything is in stock and I request that it be sent 2nd day UPS or 
Fed Ex.    It doesn't cost much and it guarantees that the the order 
doesn't get stalled for a couple of weeks.

Pop Photog policy is 6) no substitutions without notification to the 
buyer.....  If out of stock... buyer must be given opportunity to cancel 
the order and they must refund or credit the buyer within 30 days of the 
cancellation.    Important point.... they suggest that you identify 
yourself as a Pop Photog reader to assure yourself that they follow those 
service guidelines.

On the other hand under shopping tips they mention that if the goods are 
not shipped within 30 days- you generally have the right to cancel the 
order for a complete refund.....   Obviously if you special order a Canon 
1200mm 5.6 and the the order is non-cancelable once Canon receives the 
order you are out $60,000 or something like that..... 

Backorders can be a pain for everyone no matter who you are dealing 
with.....  When you deal with some smaller stores they have often want to 
meet minimum orders to get the best pricing from the distributor..... I 
worked in a Photo store where any non-stock special order ran around a 
month to two months.....  And we didn't stock a lot.  

B&H has just about everything accessory in stock and they aren't out of 
stock for long unless the manufacturer or distributor has none either.  

My 100 Sucres worth....

Duane Birkey

HCJB World Radio
Quito Ecuador