Adorama
reviews and complaints

One year ago, I purchased an Epson printer (R1900) from Adorama (42 West 18th St., NYC). I telephoned customer service twice and wrote one return-receipt letter, each time requesting a techie to synchronize my monitor and printer (three professional photographers had been unable to repair the difficulty). Each time of attempted contact, I stated that I expect to pay for the techie. Adorama never responded to my requests (and, never explained why they could not help).
Dr. MW, New York City

Based on the info provided on their website, and I quote: "Q: How long will it take to get my book? A: Photo book orders may take up to 7 lab production days to process. Remember to also allow for shipping time, which depends on the shipping method and distance from our NYC headquarters." I ordered 2x photo books on 11/23/2010. It was explained to me that at the latest my books would be sent out to me 12/3/2010. It's now 12/10/2010 and after speaking with an unusually unsympathetic and indifferent customer service representative (Kate) this morning I've lost all hope that I will receive my books in time as promised.
Four days ago (Monday, 6/12/2010) I called and was told that one of my two photo books (ordered at the same time, same order) was finished but the second was still being processed, I was told it wouldn't take more than a day or two at most for the second to be finalized and then shipped out to me. So, two days later (Wednesday, 12/8/2010) I called again when I noticed my order status was still indicated as "pending" and spoke to Veronica. Veronica sympathized and told me that it should definitely have been completed at that time, that she could not understand what the hold up was, and that she would personally go to the printers and have them move my order to the top of the queue, she also told me that she would have it sent to me via UPS overnight service at no charge to me. Furthermore, I explained to Veronica that I was trying to have these photo books done as a Christmas present to my folks in South Africa and that shipping usually takes around 2-3 weeks due to slow postal services in SA. She assured me that my books will be sent out immediately...
So, here we are today another two days later and same scenario - status still reads "pending" and todays call put me through to Kate, who informs me: "It's the holidays, just bear with us" and " that representative you spoke to is new and doesn't know how things work here" (is that my problem or yours Kate? At least she tried to put in an effort, which is more than I can say for you). Well Kate, maybe you should update your website and have it read: "Q: How long will it take to get my book? A: Photo book orders may take UP TO 7 lab production days to process [except that most of the time we're unable to fulfill our orders on time - we're not really equipped to handle large quantities of orders at any given time. So if you think your order might be placed during a time where we might be busier than normal bear with us and triple the turnaround time]."

I've been a customer at Adorama for quite a few years now but this has been my final purchase, recently I had another issue with a Nikon module on my Metz flash (purchased from Adorama's used department) where they sent me a defective unit and I had to shoot a wedding without the appropriate module on my flash.

When I order photo books or other photo products for clients as well as for personal use from Nation's Photo Lab or WHCC or even B&H (Kellards) they always process and arrive on time and the quality is consistently impressive. As a provider of these products in a competitive market, Adorama will need to pull up their socks to become truly competitive and learn to employ friendly, courteous staff who are interested in assisting clients and resolving issues. It also doesn't hurt to remember never to over promise if there's a chance you might not be able to deliver. Rather under promise and over deliver, you'd be surprised how much return business you'll generate. Be professional and remember who keeps the boat afloat... That would be your customers Kate, in case you forgot.
Lastly Kate, I'm not interested in how flawed or incapable the system is where you work. I just want my purchase - I want it how you promised and when you promised it, keep me out of your politics because I'm just not interested.

And the supervisor you transferred me to and I left a message for still hasn't contacted me back, even after I left a message on her voicemail and sent her an email ([protected]@adorama.com). AWESOME service!

Hello Applicant,

I got your resume and it has been reviewed, I did appreciate it, So I will give this a GO ! I am happy to inform you that after close consideration with your resume, you have been accepted and given provisional appointment. Below are our company details and personal data for you review, please be reminded that you cannot share this information with a third party.

Business Name:ADORAMA INC.
Dun and Bradstreet # [protected]
Type of Entity: CORPORATION
Federal Tax ID#:[protected]
Registration ID: 453033

I'm looking for someone that can be trusted and reliable to work very well with good understanding.
This position is home-based and flexible, working with me is basically about instructions and following them, my only fear is that I may come at you impromptu sometimes, so I need someone who can be able to meet up with my irregular timings.As my Personal Assistant, your activities amongst other things will include;
*Running personal errands, supervisions and monitoring. Scheduling programmes, flights and keeping me up to date with them. Acting as an alternative telephone correspondence while I'm away. Making regular contacts and drop-offs on my behalf. Handling and monitoring some of my financial activities..
Basic wage is $400 Weekly excluding Gas expenses and compensations.

I'm sure you'll understand I tend to have a very busy schedule at this point, as I am presently in the Greece, I will be back in three Weeks. We will set up a formal interview as soon as i am back in the states.This position will be in Georgia as we are opening a new branch in Georgia,
Please note that this position is not office based for now because of my frequent travels and tight schedules, it's a part-time work from home for now and the flexibility means that there will be busier weeks than others. I have been checking my files and i'll need you to run some errands for me this week. I will have some funds sent to you to complete the assignment, i will get you more information on that, I will like you to get back to me with your Contact Details such as:
Personal Information
First Name:
Last Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Age:
Zip Code:
Sex:
Residential Phone Number:
Mobile:

The employee, acknowledged the Detailed Job Description
and signed___________ _____________________
(First Name and Last Name of Employee)

Kindly respond with requested details . Once I have received your contact information, I will get back to you with the task for this week.

Thanks in anticipation of your prompt response.

Best regards,

Auditing Manager,
Michael Pardon
ADORAMA INC.

Hi,

I purchased a brand new Konica Minolta printer magicolor 1600W from adorama.com. It arrived to me as broken, and would not print the colors as expected. My understanding, as a retailer, adorama.com is responsible for customer service, but they refused straightly. They left me to deal with manufacturer. I wonder why they call themselves retailer if do not take responsibility for replacing the DOA stuff. However, I ended up wasting more than 2 hours with manufacturer, but still not solved. I guess now I have to get a refurbished printer in spite of paying the price of new printer. Adorama is lier and thief, some of their attitude:

1. They dont honor their 30 day return policy. Out right lier.
2. Their free shipping is not really free, if you even want to return a DOA item, they charge 40 USD for it.
3. They are not retailer, they just recycle the second hand items (my printer box was already open and re-sealed)
4. Its worth spending few extra bucks at amazon, buy.com or new egg, who just send the RMA with once sentence email.

Buyers, I just burnt my 120 bucks, hope this review will save yours. Best of luck.

thanks
Deepak

Adorama Camera sold me a binocular with both internal prisms cracked, problem that the shop refuses to admit, affirming by email and by phone that they do not sell damaged products, or that the fault is not theirs.

I refused the product, and returned it to UPS, in order to have my duties' money back, what UPS actually refunded. Adorama refused to repatriate the product, in reason of the costs implied, and pleading that I should have returned it under "Warranty repair and exchange or Vendor repair", what I did not do, because Brazilian laws do not allow such kind of shipment from here, as I was informed by UPS, besides the fact that it will imply for me more duties. The point is: I refused the product not because I did not want it, but because there was a problem whose fault is not mine, but Adorama's, and I initiated a damage claim because it was the only legal way I had to ship the product back to Adorama.

The shop insists in the blind reading of their website's text, which says "In the event a shipment is refused and returned, any taxes, duties, custom fees, brokerage fees or shipping charges incurred from this return, will be the responsibility of the customer", but if it would aply to a cracked product also, it means that any Adorama's fault will cost to the consumer at least the loss of his duties' money. Since I cannot legally ship to them the product in the way they requested, in fact they force me to choice between two options, both implying losses: or only my duties refund, or remain with a cracked binocular.

In other words, instead of investigate and put the blame on the responsible for the crack, to whom these costs must be ascribed, Adorama insists in this grievance against consumer's rights, understanding that what I did was a frivolous refuse, without taking its own charge. After a lot of emails, and two long and ineffective phone calls, it makes three months that I do not have neither the product, nor my money back (US$ 770.80), the only thing I want.

I have been an Adorama customer for many years - live and work nearby so have used the store. Since they expanded, I find the store experience frustrating - long waits. BUT I have discovered the gold mine of Adorama - Ray Garcia! I phoned to ask about the Canon EOS 5d, within an hour he had messengered it to me. Needless to say, the camera is great and I look forward to more great service.

They offered for sale on their website - a blister pack of 2 'n' batteries for $1.50/ea
I ordered 10. They shipped 10 single battery packs - and then told me that they are not responsible for pictures on their website.
I expected 10 2-packs (20 batteries) and they sent 10 single packs (10 batteries) and refused to send the other 10 batteries.
So they think it is ok to show a 2-pack on their website - that a customer clicks this item and they send 1 - pack and that is ok.
They are not to be trusted

I purchased a product (2g SD card) from Adorama Camera, Inc. 42 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 and it would not work according to specifications. I wrote to them on their web site at (http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=Contactus) and received a response that they would contact their purchasing department to handle. Now after several months and several emails - that first response was the only response. I expect I will never hear from them but wanted to post this email somewhere for others to beware this company. Thanks...