"I ordered a camera and it took them over 4 days to contact me to "build" the order. Le me first say that I spoke with 3 different people and they were all extremely rude and lacking basic human manners, let alone the courtesy of talking politely to someone who is trying to spend money on their products. The camera was and is still listed on their website for $549, but the person on the phone said that it comes without a battery or lens and he said the US version is for $699. None of this was listed on the website under the item. While I was asking for more clarifications, he said he was tired of repeating himself and decided to cancel the order.
I then sent an email thinking that I may had (by chance) spoken to people who were simply tired of their job. I described my experience in the email I sent and basically warned them that they will lose business with this type of customer service, and this was the reps (or the owner or his son) reply:
"WE are in business for 11 years. Ship 1000 cameras per week. All partners bought houses and nice cars.
We are all good thank you!""
"Valid credit card used to purchase one (1) ILCE7RM2/B, Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera advertised for $2,619.00. Next day received an email saying order could not be shipped and to call 1-***-***-****, Ext. 715 to verify the order. Upon verifying the order, gentleman I spoke to during no less than 3 calls, attempted to sell accessory items in addition to camera such as batteries (1 for $80 said to last only a couple of hours and 1 for $149 said to last for 8 hours). After three separate calls to clarify attempted purchase with credit card holders (all said by sales person to be declined), I personally obtained authorization with a cardholder to proceed with purchase of the {camera only). I was then told that the model I was about to purchase was an "international model" that did NOT have a full-frame sensor (not true). He offered to sell me a 5 year additional warranty past the manufacturer's warranty for $199. I declined. He then attempted to have me purchase what he said was a U.S. version of the same model that had a full-frame sensor as a kit for $3,099 that would include two batteries, a battery charger, one year manufacturer's warranty and a desk-top tripod. My confidence was lost to proceed with doing any business Factoryofficial and I declined to make any purchase.
Their whole marketing and sales process wreaks with a slippery slope of unsavory business ethics and practices. Below is information exactly excerpted from the original online sales invoice.
"Factoryofficial - Big Brands, Huge Savings.
Thank you for shopping with Factoryofficial - Big Brands, Huge Savings.!
Order details
Order: placed on 07/04/2016 18:08:22
Payment: Offline Credit Card
Reference Product Unit price Quantity Total price
ILCE7RM2/B Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera $2,619.00 1 $2,619.00
Products $2,619.00
Discounts $0.00
Gift-wrapping $0.00
Shipping $0.00
Total paid $2,619.00
Shipping
Carrier: Ground Shipping""
"Strong-arm sales tactics. Their motto is, "The customer is an idiot, get that money". These guys are hungry for profit and not interested in your thoughtful questions or concerns. I was subjugated and then they got my credit card #. This is my 3rd day trying to cancel the order they prob won't even ship. All of this is done with a certain old world NYC charming "dog eat dog" attitude.
July 1st, with the backdrop of July 4th weekend my package was already shipped and cannot be recalled unless I pay the "restock" fee of 15%.
I am paying my "100% Hassle" fee now.
Factory Official, you think you are being nice but have no regard for other people doing amazing things with the tools you sell! You are not helping humanity rise above pettiness.
"
"I ordered a camera and was told for a week that it had shipped but they were unable to provide a tracking number. I canceled at that point (which confirmed my suspicion it never shipped) and was told I would receive a refund within 10-15 days. After 15 days expired I was then told it could take up to 30 days for the refund to be issued. After 30 days I was again told to wait another week. I had to file a claim with my bank to get my money back. These guys will lie to you."
"ARGH!!!!! I just dealt with one of the MOST infuriating companies ever! I was trying to buy a new camera from Factory Direct and they were rude. mean and extremely unhelpful. I DO NOT suggested anyone ever order from them. I canceled my order and am HAPPY to pay more for better service"
"Waiting one week for item to be shipped. Called several times. Waited more than 30 minutes each time. On the last call, I was told they didn't have the item. Stay away! "