"Regarding what others have said, these folks are ALL about the bait and switch. I ordered 2 Canon LP-E8 batteries and, surprise, despite the "In Stock" status on their site, the product was not available. I needed the batteries quickly, so I agreed to the "better" product they would graciously substitute for me at the original price. Turns out the "better" product is an $8.99 battery...that I paid $23.99 apiece for. I will never do business with these people again, they are ACTIVELY running what is essentially a scam. The original product I ordered still shows as "In Stock" on their site despite the fact they do not have it available. "
"I ordered a Canon NB-6L camera battery just yesterday for a very good price. The website said it was in stock. Just like some other reviewers, I got a call later in the day claiming the item was backordered and would take 8 weeks to get, so I told them to cancel my order. Of course, they had a off-brand battery they tried to sell me instead, but I refused. Guess what, even though they told me the battery was backordered, guess what their website says today? Thats right, it still shows that the name-brand battery is in stock at the same amazingly low price. It appears they falsly advertise high quality items at great prices to get you to order, but then when they "find out" that it's out of stock, they call you to try to sell you a cheap knock-off. It's called bait and switch. Avoid this company like the plague."
"It seems with few exceptions the sales procedure @ MelloDigital is to up sell. They called me and said the item I wanted was currently out of stock but for $15 more they could send me a better product that was superior to what I ordered. When I said I didn't wish to spend the additional $ she said hold on and let me see if I can get it at a better price. I've been in sales all my life I know the drill. I felt like I was buying aluminum siding. I won't go back to this scam company."
"It's like a scam. I purchased the Nikon SB-400 and next day a salesperson called to say that it was backordered and I should get the "better" Vivitar one for the same price. I declined and said I would wait for the backordered item to come in. It's been almost two weeks and they still have this item as "In Stock". I emailed them to inquire about this but they have not responded. Looks like a "bait and trap" to me."
"This site advertised a Panasonic DMW-LMC52 protector glass filter for $13 and a Panasonic DMW-LPL52 polarizing 52mm for $34 which I ordered on Jan 9 2013. On Jan 10th I got a phone call saying these Panasonic filters were on backorder and offered a substitute. I was called again on Jan 11th and told that the substitue shipped was a high definition filter kit which contained 3 different filters and they would provide this at no additional charge. This was a communication issue on the first contact that was cleared up on the second contact so I changed my review opinion on this site."
"I ordered a Nikon sb700 flash that they were saying is 50% off on their website, when I did the next day they call me and said oh we are sold out now but you can have the sigma EF610 dg super, but if you dont like it u can return it in 14 days, i said ok. when I got the sigma I didnt like it and wanted to return it, when i called them they told me we dont take flashes back and they didnt want to do anything to solve the problem. this website is a bad news and they fool people."
"The staff at MelloDigital are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Lisa in customer service was very generous with her time and patient as I explained my camera accessory conundrum. I highly recommend MelloDigital, not only for their inventory, but for their attentive service, and speedy shipping. You can easily reach a person in the correct department by phone, they have been responsive, and you can understand what they say. It appears there is no outsourcing. "
"I was a little hesitated about purchasing the Sigma 70-300mm lens for my Nikon D40X, probably called Michael like six or seven times before making the purchase. Truthfully I was worried about how inexpensive it is. Now, I'm probably a pretty average amateur photographer in that the majority of my pictures are family stuff: kids' sporting events, vacations, birthdays, and the like. But that doesn't mean I'm willing to compromise on quality just to save some money, and I know that the Nikon 55-200 is a quality lens.
But, I purchased the Sigma lens based on Michael's expertise. I figured, at this price (especially when compared to the Nikon 55-200), why not give it a shot, and I'm glad I did.
The lens is excellent. The auto focus motor is fast and doesn't chew up the battery (I was concerned about that, but I shot almost 170 pictures at my son's games two Saturdays ago and didn't use any more battery than the Nikon 35-70 lens that came with the camera). Like "cinderoo" I haven't had any stabilization issues to speak of either, even snapping away while following 12 year old boys run the length of a field. That may be more of an issue with macro photography, but I'd imagine most of the (admittedly limited) macro photography I'd do would probably be with a tripod anyway.
Now, no one would mistake me for a professional photographer, but I can tell you that when I pull up photos shot with my D40X and this Sigma lens on my 24" iMac and view them full screen they are *everything* I was looking for when I decided to move to an SLR camera. Thank you Michael from the lens department!!"
"I originally wanted to purchase Canon 430ex II Flash, then customer service person contacted me and recommended other brand even after I have submitted my order. At that time, they told me I could return it if I am not satisfied, so I have purchased Vivitor brand. What a HUGE mistake that was…
I just talked to customer agent named John Quagen at MelloDigital. He kept saying product is non-returnable. As far as I know, I did not see any section prior to my purchase agreement about non-returnable item.
They are very unprofessional to say the least and I would ask anyone to avoid buying from this company. I certainly would not buy from them ever.
I got their comment saying I am trying to return open box over 90 days. Please check from my order number and it is appearently less than 45 days from my order. My order was placed on Dec. 6. Their customer service is just not professional. I am really really really disappointed.
"
"The advice and service I got from The mello digital staff was great.
It helped me choose the right camera and lenses I wanted and I got them within a week that I ordered them. Not an easy task when placing an order 4 days before christmas and not having to pay a ridiculous amount for expedited shipping. I appreciate the knowledge they have in helping those who don't know as much about the new cameras out there, and keeping us from overspending on the ones we do not need. Thanks, it's good to know there are still companies out there that still put a premium on customer satisfaction over making a profit. "
"Do Not Buy From This Company. I ordered a Nikon SB 600 Flash from Mellodigital on December 11, 2012. The next day I recievied a phone call from them saying it was on back order but for $30.00 plus more I could get a Vivitar that was much better and if I was not fully satisfied I had 14 days from Christmas to return it for an exchange or full refund. I gave the flash as a present and the person was not satisfied, they were greatful for the thought but had worked with the Nikon SB 600 Flash and liked it much better. I called to exchange it and was told they no longer made the flash. But for another $40.00 I could upgrade to the Nikon 710 flash. I took a day to decide if I wanted to spend that much more, So I called back to order the Nikon SB 710 and was informed that the Nikon 710 flash is now a $140.00 more. So I e-mailed the company and requested a full refund. I was told the flash is exchange only. In the mean time I researched the company and found out all most everyone has this problem with Mellodigital. So I disputed the claim with my credit card company to get a full refund which I did and I also sent the flash back. I recieved a phone call today January 4, 2013 stating now that I disputed the charges with my cc company that they will now dispute my claim and will not accept the flash that is currently in route to the company for return. Please people, If you are looking for good authentic products DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS COMPANY. Go to your local camera shop or go to a reputable website like Amazon where you know you will not have these troubles like I and many others are experiencing. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE ORDERING FROM THIS COMPANY. IT WILL SAVE YOU TIME, MONEY AND MOST OF ALL A HEADACHE."
"I ordered a flash for my daughters camera. The flash was out of stock so I got a call and was given another flash as a suggestion to sub for the other one. It works perfectly.
Who gives courtesy calls like that? MelloDigital that's who.
Will do business with them again."
"MelloDigital tried to switch a Sigma lens for the Canon lens in their add. I refused and they failed to deliver the Canon lens with several postponements. The Canon lens was widely available elsewhere. In an earlier transaction they switched a Sigma flash for the Canon flash in their add. A web search revealed that they often practice bait and switch and fail to even deliver the bait.
Order #27592, 09/03/2012."
"They are true to their word. There terms of agareement substantially says that they are not responsible for the accuracy of what is written on their site (i.e. "in stock" can really mean "out of stock") and they can cancel an order for any reson). They use these terms to the fullest.
They could follow written instructions in the event that they are "out of stock". I had to call them to remind them to read and comply with my written instructions."
"I had planed a family trip to Colorado to visit some family and some site seeing. Sure enough 4 days before we left as i was packing my video and camera stuff i noticed that i couldn't locate my charger for my digital SLR. I looked online and found these guys. The price was right but i was nervous knowing I had no time for error. Sure enough i called them up, spoke to a very nice fellow and explained to him my situation.He said sir...not to worry, you are in good hands. He gave me his word and he did just that. These guys are great. Got the charger in record timing and we took tons of pictures thanks to them. I definitely recommend this site. They are knowledgeable, friendly, price is right and Quick!!! A+++++++""