"I ordered a Sony DCR-TRV704 Digital Camcorder as a Christmas gift (order value of $750). These guys are complete frauds. They did not process my order until I called to confirm it, at which time they tried to sell me additional accessories and a warranty. Then, they lied about it being in stock. They told me repeatedly it was in stock and had been shipped, but could never provide a tracking number. They finally shipped me the wrong camcorder on 12/23 (model 240). I was forced to go out and buy at a local store. I received a return authorization from them, but then they rejected the package. The reason was the return authorization number was not on the exterior of the package. Their website does not list this as a return instruction, nor did they tell me this verbally when I got the return authorization number. I shipped it again (with return # on exterior of package), which they accepted. However, they did not ever credit my credit card. They told me when I called (twice) that their link with the credit card company was 'down', and didn't know when it would be up. I threatend them with legal action, to no avail. I finally had to request a refund through my credit card company. Luckily, I had kept good records. My card company provided a full refund, which Big Apple did not appeal. I didn't end up with it being completely resolved until April/May 2003. What a disaster. NEVER EVER BUY FROM THIS COMPANY!!!!!"

"The WORST of the WORST. DO not buy from this seller. I was promised a Canon lens 100mm-400mm IS will be shipped out in 2 days. After 2 days, no tracking #, no shipping date but my credit card has been charged for 1,420.25. Call back and requested cancellation and asked them to credit my credit card. Yeah right!!, they still bill my credit card and never see the lens.
Filed dispute with my CC compay. Filed fraudulent mail fraud with US Postal Services.

Stay away from this company."

"I am a long time camera user and buyer, however I have always been a bit of a skeptic when it comes to buying photo equipment online.I usually go to my local retailers and buy,even though all of my associates and friends all tell me I am paying too much and can do much better by pricing online.I have heard way too many horror stories about online purchasing that I just refused to try.Well I was in the middle of a new project that required me to upgrade my 3.2 pixel Canon to a new and improved camera with at least 5 megapixels.After going to my local retailers none of them had in what I was looking for.They all showed me the same 1 or 2 models they carried and the camera just didnt feel right.After telling this to my wife she mentioned an online dealer she herd very good things about named Big Apple Photo based in New York.I told her that I really didntlike the idea of buying a camera online but after checking into them they seemed to have a good reputation and had a large selection of cameras for me to chose from.After calling them and discussing a few options, I realized they realy knew what they were talking about.Two days later closing in on the deadline of my project I realized I needed to act, so i placed the order with them for a Nikon 5700 which they sold at about 200 below list price.After spending about 15 minutes on the phone and discussing several options for the camera,I closed the deal and got my new camera and accessories in 3 days.It came on time as promised and very well package.I must say they realy changed my view on online ordering and their service was wonderful.I will reccomend them to others and I thank them for all their help.My camera is great!"

"I must say, I was very thrilled when I went to this site for the first time. It is a well thought out website, high performance, easy to navigate, and if your a firs time digital camera buyer like I am, they have a feature which really enables you to find what you want. You can search by price, zoom, manufacturer, etc. it is a very well thought out site which got them my business. They have friendly sales staff and responsive support. They replied to my emails for tracking info within 1 business day. It is good to know that there are still some reliable trustworthy camera companies out there that are interested in gaining long term customers and not just trying to make a quick dollar.
I have reccomended them to a few friends and family members and they have all pretty much had the same shopping experience I have had.
So I thank you for helping me chose the right camera and keep up the good work.
Look forward to doing more business with you in the future.
"

"What a company! The staff at BigApple really know how to treat a customer like a customer. From start to finish these guys did a great job. In fact I even told all my friends about them and a few of them had bought, had the same experience that I did. I had suggested them to my mother who was about to buy a camcorder from Best Buy for 999 and I recommended Big ApplePhoto to her because they had it for 749. She was a bit nervous giving her information over the phone, but she was at ease to find that the salesman was extremely knowledgeable and very polite and helpful. Not only did she get her product as promised in 4 days, she also saved over 200 dollars. There are a lot of companies on the net of which are very shady and ilegitamite, but not this company.

This company is rock solid from sales to shipping. I haven’t had an experience with their customer service yet, but I am sure they are good as well.

Look forward to doing more business with this company in the very near future.
"

"I have been purchasing photography equipment for the better part of a half a century now. I have purchased from all of those mail order companies located in the back of those photography catalogs. I have been scammed, cursed at, even told to go die, but I still have kept faith in human nature that there are some people with integrity.



My purchase was a simple one this time, I wished to purchase a Nikon 17-35 f2.8 Now I have only purchased USA goods, since I have first started shooting with my first manual focus camera that I got as a birthday present from my parents. This experience that I want to share with you is not a surprising one. I flipped to the back of my catalog of my December 2002 issue. I did what I always do, and started calling places. The first place I called said we only sell grey market products, so I said, “have a nice day”. The next place I called tried to up sell me on the filters for this lens. I told him I already have all the filters that I need, as soon as I said this, he automatically said “the lens is not in stock”. At this point I was getting a little discouraged with my shopping, but I stuck it out. Now you also have to understand that in the twenty-first century it is also very difficult to have a camera place that sells products that are not digital.



My next ad I looked at was BigApplePhoto.com they had listed in their advertisement that everything they sell is USA and Brand New. That was a good start for me already. I get on the phone and I call them on their 800 number. I pushed the button for sales, and I was put through to a salesman. I proceeded to ask the salesman if he carried this lens, and he told me he does. So, I asked him his price, and he told me what the cost would be to me. I then asked him do I have to purchase anything else, or is it really in stock if I want just the lens. The salesman told me that it was still in-stock even though I did not want anything else. I asked him how much it would cost me with delivery to my door. The price with the shipping was reasonable less expensive compared to how much it would cost me in my local shop. I was satisfied I found my store where to buy my lens from.



The lens was shipped out to me through their shipping services that they provide, with adequate packaging to protect my new lens while in-transit. Now I was a happy man so about two months later I gave them another call at the end of January, because this old-timer wanted to test his toes in digital. Well I called them up satisfied that they will be able to service me, and give me what I need at a good price with value, and service. I got the service I expected from the salesman who helped me, and I got my package safe and sound. When I went to go use my new digital camera, which was a Nikon Coolpix 5700, it would not start. I thought since I was new to this it was something I was doing wrong, so I called Nikon. They were able to walk me through the process, but it still would not work. They recommended I call up the company I bought it from, and exchange it out for a working camera. I called BigApplePhoto’s customer service line, and I was put on hold, and told to wait for somebody to be with me shortly. I waited about 5-10 minutes a fairly short time next to some other places. I explained to the customer service representative what was the problem with my camera, and that I was told to call up Big Apple to get a working camera. Now I was afraid what would happen, because I have read the other ratings on resellerratings.com so I was a little surprised when their customer service department representative told me their would be a slight glitch only because BigApplePhoto.com was bought over and was now under new management. I explained to this gentleman that this was not my problem, and I understand that you are trying to redo your customer service, so therefore show to me that you have a better customer service, and exchange the camera out for me at your cost. He told me to please hold on for one minute while he conferred with his manager. I said no problem. I waited about two minutes before the gentleman came back on to the phone, and told me he will exchange the camera out for me. I got the new working camera just the other day, and have been using it with no problems. I want to say thank you from a man who has been skeptical about New York camera stores, and to keep up the good work satisfying customers.



"

"I have been reading a lot of reviews recently about this company. I must admit I was a little hesitant at first to even place the order.When I finally called the sales staff everything seemed to be very legitamite and straight forward. I knew to ask all the proper questions from what other people say to ask (about warranty and the like) They claimed they had the product I was searching for in stock and the price seemed to be reasonable.

After giving my information to the salesmen I decided to test how knowledgable he was. He answered all my questions but did not make me feel llike was bothering him with all the questions. Being that to a salesman his time is very valuable. He was patient with me and also very friendly. The ordering experience was smooth and made me feel really good about choosing this company over a lot of the other ones with lower pricing.

I was informed that my order will take 2-3 days to process and then I will receive it in 7-9 business days after. Two days later I called to check on the status of the order and it was still in processing expected to be shipped out in 1 more day.

I then called again because I was getting anxious to receive my tracking number and the customer service department took my email address and would email it out to me when they receive it. That evening I was dropped an email and sure enough there it was! My tracking number.

After tracking the package I realized that it was shipped on the day as promised and would be received earlier than expected! I received the order and it was in good shape. Everything I ordered was there and it was packed very well. ( I have ordered from other companies before and they get cheap on packing products)

I had a few questions about how to use my new camcorder and did not hesitate to contact my saleman. He guided me through using it and I must say from start to finish this company really impressed me. They made my nervousness about ordering online less and they really taught me that the harsh new york attitude isn’t always there. I would like to thank the staff at Big Apple for all there help in this matter you guys were great!
"

"Don't waste your time with these clowns. I missed pics of my child's first steps waiting for my order. It's the classic scam -- they need to "confirm" your online order -- while confirming, you're pressured into purchasing $100's of extras. If you don't fall for it, your order doesn't quite make it out the door. Give me a break..."

"Big Apple Photo is BAD NEWS so deal
with them only if you like head-aches. I ordered a Sony system on 12/8 (from stock)and have yet to this item or ever a shipping date or tracking #. They lied on 12/23 by saying it was shipped that day by FedEx but Fed Ex says that's not true. Big Apple's website says they don't execute VISA charges until after shipment made but they charged my the day after my order was placed. As of 1/2/03 nothing has been received so I cancelled my order. They're almost impossible to get by phone but, if you get through, they put you on hold and never come back. Their freight charges are also very high. I also think any favorable ratings seen on them are bogus, too! I almost forgot: their website promises they'll answer e-mails in 24 hours but that's just
another lie because they never answered any of mine.

"

"They SUCK! Dave is a liar!!! Because of him, I won't be getting my digital camera in time for Christmas this year. I ordered it on Dec. 4th, on the 11th, Dave calls & sells me a memory chip I didn't need & promised to send both the camera & memory the next day. Five days go by & I find out the order was not even processed yet, I cancelled the order. DO NOT BUY from them!!!"

"I placed a order to buy Nikon 28-70mm AF-S f/2.8 ED-IF zoom on 12/9. I received an email requesting me to call back. I called back to confirm the order and to make sure that they have the lens. I called on 12/12 to find out what's happening because the order status still show "processing" on their web site. I was told it will be shipped out that week and I will received it before 12/18. I called on 12/17 because the status still show "processing". I was transferred to a "supervisor" and I told him it's a Christmas gift and I will need to cancel it if I can't get it on 12/18 (before I leave town for vacation). The "supervisor" promptly told me it's canclled. Their inventory status and their promise can not be trusted."

"STAY AWAY!! This is the most fradulent, lie-infested, manipulative business I have ever encountered. They have managed to put me off for over 3 weeks with every imaginable stall, including giving me the wrong UPS tracking number. I think their people are specially trained to be rude and abusive (I have been hung up on and put on HOLD forever). I think they don't have the camera I ordered, and this may constitute fraud because they keep telling me that the camera has shipped, but I haven't seen it nd ty took my money. I am considering legal action through the NYS Attorney General's office. Beware. Stay away. Whatever they're selling you can get from a reputable company. "

"I order a camcorder sony trv 950 on Oct 23 spoke to Dave ex 104,
he tried to sell other Accessories I then order an
extra battery.They charge my credit card the same day,
I waited a week and call to check on order, woman order
checker said to call customer service tomorrow then called
the next day Oct 31 and found my camera had not shipped,
I was then informed that I would be e-mail when it shipped.
I then call my credit card company and informed them of the
situation. Don't buy "

"Excellent service. I ordered on line and received a phone call on the next business day. I was expecting a hard sell for accessories I didn't need since I had already bought batteries and storage media while waiting for this newly released camera to become available. I was pleasantly surprised when the only question Dave had was if my rural delivery box number could get deliveries from UPS. (It always surprises me that city people have no clue about rural routes and box numbers and what they actually are). Once I assured him that UPS knew where we are, he quickly said the camera would be shipped the next day, and no mention of accessories. I received it two days later after tracking it on the UPS site. I also noticed that their website indicated the camera was out of stock the next day, so they seem to make an effort to keep the stock status updated on the web."