[Leica] Re: Smile Photo

[SP <spaniel@pacbell.net>]

I have encountered recurring posts in the rec.photo.equipment.35mm newsgroup,
week after week, from individuals who have had problems with Smile, including
bait and switch tactics re camera body and lens orders. I've also seen identical
posts re Abe's of Maine. Thus, your experience does not surprise me. I' ve
ordered uncountable times from Wall Street Camera and B&H (camera bodys and
lenses, meters, and film) and have never experienced a problem. I'm leery of
Tamarkin in New York, though. I recently placed three separate orders and they
messed up all of them.

ROBERT FARR wrote:

> Bob_Maxey@mtn.3com.com wrote:
> >
>  10 out of the total of 30 rolls was back
> > ordered.  They charged my card for the total and not the 20 rolls that were
> > sent.  I don't think this is right -
>
> I experienced this very problem today. A week ago I placed an order with
> Smile Photo in NY.. a Sekonic 308 and several rolls of Delta 100 to try.
> I confirmed first (or so I thought!) that everything was in stock, and
> the salesman assured me all was. Seven days later and no delivery.. I
> call their 800 ordering number, and get told to call their regular
> non-tollfree number to check the order status. I do, and get stonewalled
> with no answer and a promise of a callback. This call never comes. I
> call again at my expense.. they tell me (after more stonewalling) that
> they *might* be able to ship tomarrow, meaning that the salesman *lied*
> to me in the first place, and then charged the order anyway!!
>
> I cancelled the order and demanded that they credit my charge card -
> we'll see how well *that* goes - and Smile Photo never gets another
> order from me!
>
> In contrast, Roberts Photo in Indianapolis, IN (800-726-5544) delivered
> an order this morning that I placed Monday. They get Smile's order
> tomarrow.
>
> I used to be a passive consumer, but not any more.. order from Smile AT
> YOUR OWN RISK!
>
> Robert Farr