"There guys are masters at selling stuff. Problem is they play with the price and refuse to itemize the order. I bought the camcorder because it was a lower price compared, but they talked to me into buying battery pack, which I did. When I received the merchandise, the invoice was not itemized. It turned out the battery was not original and the charger was defective. After a long back and forth argument, they sent me a second battery pack. The battery was not compatible with the camcorder. Each time I turn it on, I get a message telling me the battery is not compatible and I have to press yes to continue and even then, a "?" would appear in the battery logo, meaning I could not read time remaining on battery. In the end I ended up paying as much as the competition, since they charged me full price for the battery as if it was original. I tried to return the merchandise, but they asked me to sign a form and fax it before emailing me RMA. Plus I would lose 15% re-stocking fees and I would pay for shipping!!! They also would not take the battery by itself, since they sold me a "package"!!! Never Again I will use this bogus seller."

"I researched the camera I wanted to buy and linked to Camera Kings. I ordered my camera on July 4 (a Sunday) and received it on July 9. The online salesman was helpful and did not try to hard-sell me any additional items. I would recommend this site to my friends and family.
"

"Just purchased a camera from Camera Kings yesterday for girlfriends birthday. Called today to check on order, was told it is being shipped today! Waiting for e-mail now. Things are looking good...Will post more!
July 7. Received tracking number and Item is en route should arrive tomorrow! So far I have not had a single problem or seen anything wrong with this company. They have been professional and courteous! Will post more upon receiving my purchase. "

"On-line from CAMERA KINGS I purchased a FUJIFILM FINEPIX HS10 30X digital camera on June 28th, 2010. A day or so later I got a phone call from "JIM" who read thru a muster of extra items that he recommended I purchase with this camera. I agreed to the items he suggested, batteries, charger, different flash than the one I ordered, table top tripod (part of cleaning kit), 2x Telephoto lens, .5x wide-angle lens a larger memory card topped off with an additional 3-year warranty and non-factory 1-year warranty that came in the opened camera box, all of which when received I discovered were of poor quality with names I never heard of, all "Made in China". I was upset paying $1,511.00 for a $419.00 camera. I also discovered that they charged my checking account twice for the same ammount plus $120.00 shipping and handling for a 9"-by-12" box that weighed 8-lbs!! I sent Camera King an email and told them I wanted an itemized invoice with cost for each item listed. They emailed back and told me to give them a call. I called "TOM" and told him I didn't approve of the transaction and wanted a refund on some items I didn't want. He offered to take back the 2 extra lens and tripod for a $300.00 refund. After I agreed to that and hung up I got to thinking "this isn't fair". Sent another email and told them to answer via email so I could have their remarks on paper. So here, a day later, I haven't heard from them. THESE ARE SCAM ARTIST TO THE HIGHEST DEGREE.
Buddy F.
7/6/10 UPDATE: I called CK worked with Brian in customer svc. He made corrections and helped me satisfy my order. At this point I am pretty much satisfied and would do business with Camera Kings in the future. Thanks Brian.

Buddy F."

"I ordered a Kodak z891 with a few accessories. I received a call to tell me that I had double ordered and had two cameras on order. SAfter we corrected that mistake, the customer service representative advised me that I was paying a premium and could receive tn enhanced set of camera and accessories for less than the price I had signed up for. I waited three days and called to find out the status of my order. I was informed that it should be arriving. I met the UPS truck and there it was .

I am delighted with the camera and more than satisfied with the excellent srvice and treatment by the Camera Kings personnel. I heartily recommend them to anyone in the arket for one of their offerings and as a source of advice on which product best suits their needs.

Cam Stewart, Monteagle TN"

"I am a generally trusting person. I want to trust Camera Kings because their low prices seem to be an excellent way to photographers to get the same new high quality merchandise for much less. But having waited five days now for my Canon 7D body to ship, I am beginning to get slightly anxious. It has stalled out in the "warehouse" waiting to be shipped. I still have not seen what is actually going to be charged on my card and I can only hope my camera will make it before next Monday because I would like to have it for the state championship soccer games.
Update on 6/8/2010:
Brian called after seeing my review and he upgraded my shipping to three day at no charge. No one was home but he left a very nice message and even remembered the reason why time was of importance. He also told me to call customer service and ask to speak with the manager if I didn't receive tracking by tomorrow. I have not received the tracking number yet but my order is reading as shipped now. I will update promptly upon receiving a tracking number.
Update 6/9/2010
Got shipping information. Will update again later.
Update 6/10/2010
Camera Arrived. The battery wasn't charged so I have not been able to use it yet. It did not come with a warranty card even though I was assured it was a USA model and would come with the card."

"[UPDATE 6/8/10: As expected I have heard no response or reply from this company. They have my money so I'm off their list]

I am totally dissatisfied with Camera Kings. On every level their service was completely unprofessional, argumentative, and unfair. Here are the problems I encountered:

1. The list price of the products vary within the website. The checkout price may not be the same as what is listed elsewhere.

2. The post-order email confirmation does not show you the final price paid, only what you ordered.

3. I received a call two days later to verify the order and was mislead by the salesman regarding an item that he assured me would be less expensive than if I were to order the item separately (a battery). This was incorrect: the item was actually more. The verbal details of the “high pressure sale” were also wrong and misleading.

4. No follow-up invoice was emailed following the verification phone confirmation. I requested confirmation and was sent a poorly detailed invoice, listing the total price, instead of an itemized price.

5. The wrong item ordered through the phone was listed on the invoice.

6. When I called to clarify the incorrect item, I was only able to remove the item with some difficulty and only after I declined to accept the as yet unshipped item with the suggestion that I return the item, presumably at my expense. Incredulously, the rep was proposing that I be responsible for the hassle of returning a wrong item that had not yet shipped.

7. The website states that there is a Price Protection Policy (http://www.camerakings.com/about.aspx#Price_Protection), but the company did not honor it, stating that the items had already shipped. I was surprised when I arrived home and saw no ship confirmation email had yet been sent, and the order status on their website showed the items were not yet shipped. The next day I received the shipping email and called again to request that the policy be honored since I'd called the day before it was shipped. I referenced the UPS tracking data clearly showing the items had not been shipped, but the company still refused to honor their policy, asserting that the item had shipped "within their system." No consumer could possibly know this! Their resolution: return the item at my expense.

8. Even as the rep raised the discussion to an argument, I had tried to be reasonable and offered to accept their version that the item had already been shipped if they could provide a fax or pdf file supporting their claim, but they refused and continued to deny honoring their own policy.

9. By far the most disturbing aspect of this as yet unresolved transaction has been the customer support. Two different reps were rude, did not listen, talked over me, made excuses, and argued incessantly, without ever acknowledging what was originally only a minor concern. It is difficult to express the frustration with attempting to provide information to either of them when they refused to fully listen.

In summary, like many of you, I’ve become experienced in online purchases and have become comfortable with the occasional clarification of an online purchase. I cannot state emphatically enough that my order with Camera Kings was the worst online experience I’ve ever endured."

"Fron Ronald I ordered a Nikon D300S Body. After speaking with 7 or 8 firms advertising the camera for much less I was frustrated because all the salespersons were doing a "bait and switch" on me. The special price item was always out of stock. I have never talked with so many liars. Finally, I called Camera Kings and spoke with Ronald. The experience was a breath of fresh air as he was honest and up front about the product. I paid a little extra for 3 day delivery to California and as stated the product was shipped as he said it would be. It arrived within 3 days and was exactly as represented. In the long run, the Camera was purchased much cheaper than if purchased with all the "extras" by the "bait and switch" stores.

Being honest and nice to customers is the only way to go. I will do business with Camera Kings again. And, I am not getting paid to do this review. Chuck "

"I was skeptical after reading reviews. All I can say is my experience was totally fine. I placed the order for a new Sony Alpha 550 dslr camera on the internet. I soon got a confirmation email asking me to call and confirm order. I expected the hard sell for accessories, but when I explained this was just an upgrade for an existing camera that was the end of that. They asked if they could answer any questions about the camera and then said it would be shipped within 24 hours. They sent me a confirmation email with a link where I could check on the progress of my order. I received the camera in about 5 days with the free shipping. I also got a free camera case and some accessories for the camera. It was brand new with the OEM battery and everything works great. I would not hesitate to make another purchase from Camera Kings. I am very happy with their service and the price was very good as well."

"Digital camera around $350, best price around by $35 or so.
Placed the order and received confirmation email; but used generic phone number.
After a couple of days - second email to call and verify my phone number. Called and they mentioned an extra battery or something. "As long as it is US packaging with US warranty I am not interested in anything else and I don't like having to call back" - however, gave them my phone number. They did not push it and got the shipping email the next day, tracking number and all.
Got the camera - great, plus extra gifts like tripod, bag, LCD cover for free.
Overall - worth it if you are not in a rush."

"I received a message to call. I was told the battery with the camcorder only lasts 30 minutes and was given a "Deal" to buy a better battery, cost $119.00, for $69.99. Also a filter was recommended for $14.00. When the package arrived, the "upgraded" battery was the same battery supplied with the camera, NP-FV50, listed on their site for $49.99. So I paid $84.98 more for a bogus battery and filter. Then they added $28.38 handling and insurance, which I was not told about on the phone. I would never shop here again unless something is done to fix this."

"Please see my update as of June 4th at the end.

Here is my update of May 26th.

After being told that I was getting Pentax K7 with the kit lens of 18-55mm WR (weather resistant kind) , I made the decision to purchase this kit on the 17th. But what I received was an open box Pentax K7 kit box with the original lens removed from the box. A much cheaper 18-55mm lens was included in the packaging. My order was placed initially on the internet on the 16th for just the body of the camera and I called the following morning and changed my order to K7 with the kit lens. We discussed the Weather Resistant nature of this kit lens at that time. At the time of the phone conversation, there was the frequently reported coercion style promotion for an extra 2 or 4 hour duration battery (since according the seller, pentax battery only lasts for 30 minutes in normal use due to the fact this is a powerful camera much different from the point and shoot I have used in the past), or the additional insurance which made the cost to jump to 950 or so from the original 844. Initially I agreed to all this addition and hang up the phone. But, I sensed something so I called back and changed my plan to Just the camera and the kit lens without the battery or the insurance, which they let me do at east. I asked if the camera and the battery that come with it are authentically Pentax. They assured me that they were. (I actually felt uneasy about the whole thing by that time, that is why I asked. But I did not have the heart to cancel the whole thing. When I received the open box with a lens switched, I called right away but it was already after their business hours. So I sent an e mail right away. But this was Friday so I did not hear back until the following monday. After not getting anywhere via E mail back and forth for a few days, I called to suggest that maybe a mistake was made in packing the order instead of accusing them of a purposeful switch. The gentleman said they never advertised on the web that the customer would get a 18-55mm WR quality lens.I told the gentleman that I WAS TOLD BY Eric at the time of ordering that the lens that comes with K7 is a weather resistant lens and that there was no misunderstanding on what I understood about my order or did not understand about my order. I kept being diplomatic allowing them to correct the 'simple mistake" instead of accusing them of bait and switch but it was not going anywhere. I finally uttered the question, "So, was I simply scammed here? " That is when the gentleman put me on hold abruptly without saying yes, or no. After waiting for quite sometime, he returned and informed me that the manager agreed to authorize an equal swap with the original weather resistant lens if I sent back my lens that I received. I also made sure that I receive what they agreed to do in writing via e mail before I hang up the phone. The E mail said that he would send the correct lens via the fastest shipping method as soon as they receive my lens I shipped. He did not delineate the method of shipment as 2day air in the e mail, which I did not catch, so perhaps they will not hold up that deal. I just hope that they will, though to see to it that they correct the purposeful bait and switch to consider the lost time and inconvenience of Fedex cost of $23 to send the lens back to them. .I just want to be treated with respect. I hope that as soon as Fedex delivers the lens I sent back and Camera Kings receives it this Friday, they will ship my new lens immediately.

They offer items at discounts, the callers probably receive some extra commission from additional sales on the phone by using various tactic and also searching for seemingly ignorant customers whose previous camera is a point and shoot (They seem to ask and try to find out about you, friendly or searching for easy to prey on? )
But, my transaction with Eric(who handled the initial order on the 17th) was pleasant, he did what I asked without questioning when I wanted to cancel part of the order but I believe that he purposely led me to believe that K7 kit came with an WR lens when he knew that the kit lens would be replaced with a cheaper lens. I would like to ask if Pentax approve this mode of advertising or selling.

I received a call from Brian today, May 28th stating that they are shipping my lens and that I should improve my rating. After this experience, I would give them a good rating if they would clearly mark on their web advertising that their K7 Kit is not what a Pentax authorized dealer would call" K7 Kit". I would also like to know on what basis they advertise Pentax battery as such poor product stating that it only lasts 30 minutes. just to sell an additional battery? It seems my battery is lasting a few hours easily.
And why does the manger call the customer asking that she/he change the rating? I posted this several days ago, hoping that the manager can voluntarily offer to correct the bait and switch. Maybe, I did not sound harsh or hateful enough to express my disappointment?

When I receive my shipment, I will make my decision about the rating.
May 28, evening, update
Just received an e mail notification that my lens was shipped UPS ground so it would not arrive here on time for the reason I ordered the camera to begin with. I can tell you they will not receive a high rating from me. Lawrence promised verbally (which means nothing to this company) that they will ship it the fastest way possible. There is such a thing as 2 day air. very disappointing transaction. I guess they punished me for not agreeing to upgrade my rating immediately after receiving a long message from the manager. At any rate, I would like to put this behind and enjoy my GOOD camera.

June 4th,
the replacement lens arrived on the evening of the 3rd. I do appreciate that they corrected the problem. I am glad that at the end, I received the correct product. False advertising on their part must be stopped.I did improve the rating but over all value I place on this business remains questionable..
"

"I really appreciate the prices Camera Kings offer. And I spoke with Eric Ext. 278, he was very nice and accommodating! Thank you!"

"*** BUYER BEWARE READ THIS***

I called Camera Kings on 5/12/2010 to buy a Canon 5D Mark II, I like many got sucked into their site because of the low price.

After I got off the phone, I was real uneasy about the transaction. I found many complaints from others who had problems of all types with this company. The most troubling was where I read reports of people getting their cameras with no USA Canon warranties.

I decided to cancel order 1 hour after I placed it. I received an email cancellation confirmation on it as well. It states that I should see a refund in 24-72 hours. I called the bank to have them remove the transaction, they informed me to have Camera Kings remove it. I left a message for them to remove it – but got no call back.

On 5/13 the transaction still shows "pending". I sent Camera Kings an email with the number to my bank. I requested that they call and have the bank release my money from a 7 day hold they placed.

On 5/14/2010 I received an email saying that they shipped the package! Remember, this order was canceled 2 days prior.

On 5/16/2010 I get an email saying they apologize for the inconvenience and they have recalled the UPS shipment and said I will get a full refund when they receive it back.

I have been following the tracking of this order, though the package was attempted to be delivered on 5/20/2010 Camera Kings has decided to put a hold on receiving the delivery for another 7 days!!

They are actually putting off accepting this delivery, I guess so they don’t have to refund my money. Either that, or they just feel like messing with me because I canceled the order...?

Here it is May 24, almost two weeks later. Camera Kings has received the camera back at their office 3 days ago - they have STILL not credited my account. I am working with my bank(s) on getting my money back.

This scenario should have never happened. I canceled this order within one hour of ordering it, my card should have never been charged and the package should have never been shipped. My money has been tied up with this company for 8 days now and they are doing everything in their power to not release my funds. I am losing work because of this and need to make a camera purchase.

What a nightmare....

I also found out this company has already had the hammer come down on them from the NY Attorney General as well as the Texas Attorney General for their business practices. Here is their BBB report - check for yourself. Here is their report from the NY BBB.

Camera Kings AKA Broadway Photo

BBB processed a total of 813 complaint(s) about this business in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total 813 complaint(s) closed in the last 36 months, 101 were closed in the last 12 months.

Based on BBB files, this business has a BBB Rating of F on a scale from A+ to F. Reasons for this F rating include:

* 813 complaints filed against business
* Failure to respond to 260 complaints filed against business
* 2 complaints filed against business that were not resolved
* Overall complaint history with BBB
* Government action(s) against business

Complaints to the Bureau indicate that this firm uses high pressures sales tactics after consumers place their orders. After ordering merchandise consumers report receiving a phone call from the firm’s customer representatives attempting to sell additional items. Representatives allegedly try to persuade consumers to buy the U.S. warranty, as well as accessories like cables, peripherals, and software, or lead consumers to believe the product will not work if additional merchandise is not purchased. In some cases, if the consumers declined, an email was sent advising them to cancel their orders because the item was on back-order despite being listed as available on the firm’s website. Consumers also reported unauthorized charges on their invoices. When trying to dispute such charges, consumers report difficulty talking to management, claiming they are verbally abused by the company’s staff.

These complaints concerned:
103 regarding Advertising Issues
45 regarding Billing or Collection Issues
6 regarding Contract Disputes
33 regarding Customer Services Issues
38 regarding Delivery Issues
22 regarding Guarantee Or Warranty Issues
57 regarding Product Issues
113 regarding Refund Or Exchange Issues
10 regarding Repair Issues
371 regarding Selling Practices
15 regarding Service Issues

Government Action(s)
New York State Office of the Attorney General

On June 25th, 2009, the New York State Office of the Attorney General (AG) announced a settlement with seven online electronics stores, one of which Broadway Photo. In its investigation, the AG found that these companies advertised electronics online at low prices. After placing an order, consumers were contacted by the companies which would try to sell them additional merchandise. If consumers refused to make additional purchases, the company would cancel the order or make other claims as to why the order could not be fulfilled. Consumers also reported having difficulty communicating with representatives and returning merchandise. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Broadway Photo will change its business practices in addition to being monitored by the AG. All of the companies agreed to pay money to a fund that will be used to provide restitution to consumers. According to the settlement, the company neither admits nor denies the AG's allegations.

Texas Attorney General's Office
In December 2008, the Texas Attorney General's Office filed a lawsuit against Broadway Photo, LLC concerning violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The Attorney General is currently seeking restitution for those who have lost money due to the unlawful tactics of this company

"

"
I had great experience..I was scared by the earlier feedbacks...But I checked on my own & the ordered...got Sony hdr cx300 new with closed box & new sony battery for $618...nearest price was $709...mfrs price $799...dont go by any negative review...check on your own...They have real company...real receipts...registered & works from NY...so open your mind."