"1 Way Photo is NOT a business you want to do business with. They bait you with a low price, in my case a canon lens, with the search engine showing it is in stock and when you order it, you need to speak to someone via phone call and then the pain begins.

I was told that the lens is out of stock, but they do have a Sigma lens that is "just as good" that is in stock. I said I didn't want the Sigma lens and he told me he couldn't take my order since they don't do back orders.

I pursued this the next day with a web order and no phone followup to see what would happen and the order was taken and I called Customer service a few days later and was told it would arrive in a week-10 days. I called two weeks later and the same sounding guy says the order was canceled due to their not taking backorders. I then asked when was the last time he had these in stock and he said April and that they would be arriving now in about a month. I then asked to cancel my order and take me off their "call-back" list.

A few tips,
1) If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
2) Don't order from a site that has you needing to confirm the order by phone, this is where they do their bait and switch, immediately cancel the order and terminate the call.
3) Get a one time use credit card number from your credit card provider so you won't be at risk from other sinister things that these people will subject you to. The one-time use numbers should be free, are easy to use and will protect you from very bad things.

Stay away from 1 Way Photo and any other retailers that fit the above profile."

"I was interested in purchasing the Canon S5 IS and so was looking for the better deal. After some bumbling amongst the comparison shopping wizards, I discoverd that 1wayphoto had the best price. I made the order, received the email confirmatory "phone reply", and was given an invoice number. The operator told me that the product would arrive between seven and ten days. After six days of my order stil being "in processing" I decided to do a little more research on the subject, by which I stumbled upon this most glorious (if not nerve wracking) website. Promptly after the observance of catfish comparing reviews of 1wayphoto, I called the ol'credit card company and cancelled the infamous plastic. Apparently one is unable to block a forwarned ominous charge, but as long as the balance on your card is zero...you can cancel the card and have the company issue you another with differant numbers. So, whether or not something malevolent would have happened is anyone's guess, but thank you all for scaring the crap out of me. :)

Sincerely
Ryan
"

"I'm sorry that you all had such horrible experiences with this dealer. I cant even say that I am completely happy with the fact that the site said it was selling nikon d200 body kits for $1079.00 + s/h and I ended up paying a grand total of $1364.00. As many of you have said, they tried to sell me the $199.00 5-hour battery and charger that should already be included in the kit at the price of $1079. Also, the cheapest shipping method was $65.00!! Apart from that, they were very kind, polite, and helpful when I called them back because my tracking number wasnt working. I had actually wrote down the original tracking number they gave me wrong so it wasnt their fault at all and it actually arrived at my house less than 1 hour later. So I can say that I would give them about a 6/10 due to the whole battery, charger, s/h cost thing. But when I spoke to them, they were very nice and pleasant."

"I nearly fell prey to an attended scam by a salesperson at 1Way Photo. After searching for
low prices on a Nikon 80-400mm zoom lens, I found
1way photo via the "shopcartUSA" search engine, which showed their price for this item to be
25% cheaper than most other camera stores. ShopcartUSA also offered many glowing reviews of
1WayPhoto (and other apparently shady outfits panned by these reviews - so beware).

In any event, a salesperson from 1WayPhoto contacted me after I placed my online order
to ask for confirmation of the order. Before
signing off he asked what camera I was planning
to use the lens with and then expressed surprise
I wasn't aware that I could actually get a "better
deal" by instead purchasing a smaller (70-300mm)
but newer zoom-lens "designed for use with this
digital camera". He quoted some comparative specs
between the two lenses which sounded fishy to me
so I asked him to place a hold on the order until
I did some research (although reminding me they
"only have 2 left in stock so better hurry").

I did some quick calculations (I build telescopes for a living) and also consulted the Nikon web-site and compared the two lenses. Sure enough, my original selection WAS the better deal (i.e, if I'd taken the sales person's advice I would have shelled out $300 more for a less capable but just-released lens).

I then came across the reviews on this website and
decided I didn't want to give 1wayphoto my business (nor was I sanguine I'd have any support
if things went wrong if I confirmed the order). I tried to call back the sales rep at his extension and when I entered my name, the system hung up on
me! I then called back and instead selected "sales" (as if making a new purchase) and was
quickly connected with someone. I then requested
that they cancel the order which they agreed to do.

Guess it goes to show there's no such thing as a free lunch. I'm sticking with the reputable merchants.

This is a great site. Thanks for the useful feedback.
"

"Everything bad said about this store is true! They are not straight shooters. they are selling grey market products at USA prices. That means no warrantee service on them as they are being sold by a non authorized dealer. PLEASE: don't buy a tooth brush from these people!"

"This will only add to the already tarnished image of this gray market seller. The most important point being that their prices reflect direct import outside of Nikon USA (or any other manufacturer of electronic goods) and avoid complete fraud by advertising their products as being covered by "USA Warranty." They do have a US repair service through REPAIRTECH.COM. They do have a physical address and have some history posted on the web. I kept my D40x because it would have cost me about $100 extra due to the loss of shipping and insurance costs and the 15% restocking fee. I knew these things going in and determined to keep the camera since a warranty with Nikon lasts a year, same as the REPAIRTECH one, and I found a repair facility in Illinois (go to nikonrepair.com) for future use (they are the previous mid-west repair facility for Nikon).
Conclusion: gray market cameras are built by Nikon/the manufacture but not warranted through your manufacturer, but are substantially less expensive. I have owned Nikon cameras in the Coolpix line: 775, 995 (still own), the 5400 & 5700 (also still owned) and have just not had a problem.
1 Way Photo is shady at best. They will lie (ship you something that comes with the camera and say it's an upgrade) and are UNPROFESSIONAL to the max. I think they could avoid such criticism if they were simply up-front like B&H, who sells gray market merchandise under abundantly clear auspices and warrant their products themselves. It is likely that 1 Way will disappear in a few months and another web-based business open with the exact same backers and staff.
Thank you to Reseller for providing this forum. I read this info and went in with my eyes open and a limited budget for the D40x. The purchasers of the D200's and other much more expensive cameras can not find those camera's cheaper anywhere else (to my knowledge), just as I could not find even a used D40x close to 1 Way's price.

Oh, some positives: 1 Way delivered my camera on time via UPS as ordered with NO delay. Additionally, they confirmed my credit card purchase and got the security code through me personally, which VISA said was a practice they encouraged merchants to use to protect themselves from fraudulent consumers. Also, my camera is a fine piece of merchandise. So, 1 Way, if encountered with forethought and knowledge, does sell what they say they are selling. Nikon, by the way, also clearly states they do not warrant gray market items, but also clearly state that the seller provides the warranty in like manner to their warranty. "

"Worst online shopping experience ever.

After placing an order online for a new video camera, I received a sales call offering a number of "Must have" items and a discounted price that could be retuned "no problem" if I did not like them. Big mistake.

Some of the extra items were not needed. For example the camera came with a battery charger so another one was not needed.

One of the items (lens) was obviously used equipment - ripped and taped box.

At least one of the items was a low cost generic brand as opposed to the Sony brand listed on my invoice.

It took over 30 days for the entire order to be received. In all that time, I was told the shipment was already in the mail and could not be stopped. I was also directed to a login site that did not exist.

The so called "discounted" prices were never honored. I received an invoice which had no prices listed making it impossible to determine what each item cost. Making my list from their own web site indicated I was overcharged.

The price of the camera dropped on their web site by $250 the day after I placed the order - they would not offer the new price even though the camera had not been shipped yet.

They refused to provide a return authorization number after I asked for one.

It was impossible to communicate with the customer service reps. There was no answer during their listed open hours whether it was their toll free number of a regular number. Their email replies were generic and non responsive

The shipping address for this organization is a different company - unrelated to 1 Way Photo as far as I can tell. Partial shipments arrive with no paperwork or record making it impossible to know whether the items were related to my order.

The extended warranty number does not register. It is worthless.

I have probably spent over 16 hours on this simple transaction and feel intentionally misled.

It might be possible to have a worse experience - but am unsure how.
"

"This was the ABSOLUTE WORST mistake i have ever made! Rude and aggressive customer service, almost non-existant return policy for me and the lenses i wanted were "out of stock" yet still after weeks are still advertised on the website without being labeled "out of stock". I dont know why this company is still on the internet selling expensive camera products and getting away with all the scams and bait and switch they are pulling but we as internet consumers need to stop this kind of thing happening by complaining to anyone and everyone including the BBB. "

"WARNING! GREY MARKET SCAMMERS! I just confirmed this by calling Nikon to verify that the D200 they sold me is a Japan issue camera. I specifically asked the "sales" person at 1 Way Photo if the cameras they sold were USA issue merchandise... he guaranteed they were. The rep from Nikon said they will not touch it for any warranty issues. Outright lies from 1 Way Photo. Everything they try to sell you is overpriced once they have you on the hook. They also go by the name of J and V Marketing. Probably go by other names too. When you call for an order inquiry, if you can get someone to answer, they never give their name. The voices sound like the same one or two people. Very slimy characters... avoid this "store" at all cost!

I should also add that when I received the items, everything was apparently in order. When I verified that that I had been lied to about needing to purchase a "5 hour battery" and "quick battery charger", as well as the grey market status of the camera, I wanted to return the items immediately. When I called to request an RMA#, the "salesperson" informed me that I would have to include a certified check for $644 payable to J and V Marketing, along with all the camera items. This was supposedly to cover the 15% restocking fee, as well as an inflated $200+ shipping charge. Only then would they credit my account. They do everything possible to make returns extremely risky and difficult for their customers.

So I essentially have to keep the items, or send an additional $644 in certified funds along with all the merchandise I've already paid for, to some known liars and con artists, with the slim hope they'll cheerfully refund my original payment!?! No thanks. I don't necessarily have a great fear of grey market items when the seller is up front about the status, but I prefer not to buy them, and these people lied about this issue, as well making up lies about what was or was not included with the camera. This kind of degenerate slime deserves prison time, not just a slap on the wrist from the BBB!"

"SCAM ALERT! DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH 1 WAY PHOTO.

The confirmation email they sent me concerning a Nikon D-40X was significantly lower in terms of price than what they ended up charging my credit card. Apparently the camera only came with a 1-time use battery that lasted for 20 min so I was given an upgrade for $200. Then I was told the memory card was not included although the website stated it was. I was given the choice of two different cards, which were 4X as expensive as market value. Also the lenses were supposedly on back order.

When I called back to cancel the order I was told the camera was already shipped out. This was less than an hour later. Then the sales guy refused to provide me with the UPS tracking number saying the shipping department was closed. When I checked with my credit card company I was told that the item was still pending and no request for payment was made. I was told to call them during normal business hours (9:30 am - 5:00 pm est). I called the company from 9:30 am until 11:00 am, each time the phone would either ring without picking up, I would get a constant busy signal, or I would get an automated voice directing me to call back during normal business hours (this is after I was told to provide my name at a prompt.) It was not until I switched phones and changed my "identification" name that I got through to a live person. This person just gave me the run around and refused to help offering instead to transfer me to a department that I knew would never answer.

I was also told that I needed a cancellation number in order to cancer an order. This number was to be provided by their "customer service" department. For two days I have been unable to reach their customer service department. My credit card company informed me that I couldn't stop the payment on the order all I could do was dispute the charges once it clears. My credit card company assured me that after an investigation if 1 Way Photo was found to engage in fraudulent business practices that I would be insured however it’s very hard to prove. Even if I'm not charged for the order my credit card company say's that legally they still have to pay 1 Way Photo. The fact that their shady business practices are protected but I seem to have little recourse in protecting myself is infuriating.

UNDER NO CIRMSTANCES should you do business with this company, and I use the term company very loosely. I have no doubt that they will eventually be shut down only to spring up again using a different company. Apparently they operate under the name camera express as well. I had the unfortunate experience of dealing with "Scott" as well. He was rude and condescending. I just wish there was a way we could track the name change so that others and myself are not fooled again.
"

"I found a great deal through ShopcartUSA on Canon's new 10Mp camera the XTi AKA the 400d via 1 of their featured Merchants. I would have thought they would have screened their featured merchants. I guess they do not and I sent them a letter stating how they have great prices only to be informed later in the day after recieving an email reciept stating my order was being processed. About an hour later I recieved another email stating the camera I ordered is out of stock and on back order I can expect it in 2-4 weeks. I clled them the next day to see if I could get a better idea when I can expect it because I am going on a 5 day vacation in the beginning of June. Now I was not promised it would be here in time but was told there would be a very good chance I would have it before I left. It is now June 2nd and I called two days ago just to see if by chance it could be here before I leave. I was informen I may have to wait another 4-6 weeks before I get my new camera. At this time I am readying my old Digital Rebel to go on vacation with. Now I talked to them twice and asked them a very direct question, "Would it not be a good idea to state on the product page it is on Back order?" Their response to the question was "They are to busy to keep the website updated". Funny I watched the prices on their web pages change 3 different times for said product. So I guess they have the time to make changes to prices but no time to mark the page out of stock. Now they have my credit card # and my address and phone # and I can not recall if they have the 3 digit hard in hand # or not, but I have contacted my bank letting them know about this questionable purchase when I removed the funds covering this purchase into an account I do not use on-line. Now if anybody else out there followed ShopCartUSA link to this featured Merchant or any other feature merchant who pulls this sort of stunt to contact ShopCartUSA like I did and inform them to dump the featured merchant I would also suggest contacting your local BBB and inform them of any and all merchants with business practices like this. Remember great prices are not great prices if the product is unavailable, or you do not have time to wait.

FYI as of today 06/28 I have yet to recieved this camera and in a conversation I had with the RUDE customer service person @ 1wayphoto. I was informed in so many words that if you purchase 1 of their cameras at the fantastic sale and not buy the over priced battery you are not going to get your camera because they will be out $200.00. I questioned him on his ethics and wished to speak with the owner he got mad at me and said he could cancle the order. I ended up hanging up on him and 20 minutes later I ended up getting an email telling me my order was cancled. I called and talked to I think it was Steve and told him about my experence with their customer service department earlier today and after having to hang up on the guy and then about the cancelation email I recieved. I also explained to him I DID NOT CANCLE the order and that I expect them to honor their sales prices. He reasurred me my order was not cancled... I also contacted New Yorks BBB to see if they can resolve this issue. Now for any one who ends up here with a complaint about 1wayphoto.com or a false advertised price. PLEASE CONTACT The BBB on-line and issue a complaint...

Also list complaints to any services that direct you to these people - me shopcartusa and make sure you write a review on these websites... I think someone at 1wayphoto has been writing exelent reviews on shopcartusa's web site because if you look at the reviews and list them in the order of + to - reviews you will notice they are all + with out 1 complaint.

I will post newer information as it comes in. "

"Order did not ship until 5/31/07 and after three (3) calls to their customer service department. I was told each time that the order had been shipped, but they could not produce a valid tracking number. On my last call I informed them that the order was to be cancelled and that I would be informing my charge card company to credit the expense, did they actualy ship the product. Needless to say the order was refused and my card was not charged. Avoid these clowns at all cost or you'll get stuck!"

""Bait and Switch" is too glib a term for the illegal crap this company is pulling. They've chosen the wrong customer to mess with!

DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS COMPANY. YOU WILL NOT SAVE YOURSELF MONEY. YOU WILL BE HANDING YOUR HARD-EARNED DOLLARS DIRECTLY TO A SCAM.

Even with careful review, their site appears legit and their prices very good (too good). You will select a very comprehensive package, only to be required to verbally confirm your order before they will ship to you. They'll lie to you about what is/isn't included in the package (they state that the Canon EOS Rebel XTi doesn't include a battery or battery charger, but according to Canon, even the "body only" includes these items). They'll want to charge you hundreds of dollars for a $25 memory card and then they'll "do you a favor" by switching the lenses to aftermarket products. As a final insult, they'll double your shipping (and they won't even package the delicate equipment properly). You'll end up paying more than twice what you intended for dubious goods.

To everyone who has posted here, or who has the misfortune to encounter this company, please visit this link: http://www.oag.state.ny.us/complaints/complaints.html. It's the complaint form at the New York State Attorney General's Office. Shipments from 1WayPhoto originate out of Brooklyn, NY.

If you've made a purchase, make sure you contact your credit card company. Most have strict policies against these types of business practices. Enough complaints, and the credit card companies will close their accounts. American Express has already initiated an investigation based upon my complaint.

The Federal Trade Commission has a complaint system that investigates firms like this and logs the complaints into a world-wide law enforcement database. Visit their site at https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup. I suspect from some posts I've seen that this company does (or has done) business under other names, as do their salespeople.

Contact the Better Business Bureau. They don't have much leverage for a company with nothing to lose, but it's worth the few minutes to fill out the BBB Online complaint form at http://complaints.bbb.org/.

It's important to take a stand against this type of anti-business activity. Don't be a victim. Make yourselves heard."

"I ordered a Nikon D200 and Nikon 18-200 VR lens from 1WayPhoto. I was informed of a "new lens" which turned out to be a cheaper sigma with no change in the package price. Their ad indicates USA warranty but it is not the Nikon USA warranty. It is a grey market camera. I later ordered the Nikon lens and they played the "plastic mount or metal mount" game which added more than $100 to their advertized price. This also turned out to be a grey market lens. Also note that places like Tiger Direct has 4G 120X memory cards for $50. Typical bait and switch. Although advertizing free shipping, I was charged $176 for shipping handling and insurance. Avoid these people"

"Here's part of the complaint letter, I think it speaks for itself.

1. I ordered the Nikon D200 W/Advanced Package (containing the Nikon 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 & the Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Auto Focus Lenses) with 3-day shipping on April 27, 2007. I received a package on May 9, 2007 with several items missing (for which I sent an email followed by a telephone call to Mr.-----).

A. The body of the Nikon D200 was in an open box and did not have the company seal.
B. The Nikon 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus Lens was not present and was missing from the package.
C. The 1 GB High Speed Compact Flash Card was missing from the package.
D. The Deluxe Lens and Camera Maintenance Kit was also missing.
E. On the Deluxe Camera Case, both plastic clips broke in less than one week of use.

2. The package we received the evening of Tuesday, May 15, 2007 contained a Nikon 18-55mm DX Lens: a cheaper lens than what the package promised.
3. There was a miss presentation and additional pressure to make the sale by Salesperson Mr.-----. His comments were that “the Nikon D200 box comes with a plastic body and operational instructions in the Chinese language.” Hence the package deal was increased by nearly $700 dollars.
4. I was charged $97.56 for the UPS 3-day select shipping and insurance. However, even as of May 17, 2007 I do not have the proper items in my possession as I have ordered.

Everything is being returned for a full refund.

I wish we knew it was a scam before we ordered everything!"