"I placed an order for a Canon HF-S100 at PhotoLoon.com on May 6th. I saw their ResellerRating and figured they were ok to purchase from. On May 7th I get a call from someone to "Confirm" my shipping address. The guy proceeds to provide my address, THEN my full credit card number over the phone. I told him it was correct and then he tries to sell me filters, batteries or camera bags. I keep telling him no, all I want is the camera. He then tells me there is Insurance on the shipping and my final total was over $990, well over the original price of $938 with the free shipping I placed. I told him no, I don't want insurance, he tells me it's part of the order and that it's listed on their homepage. He says if I don't take it, they will cancel my order. I told him cancel it.

I looked on the website and my order says "Call or email left with customer". So I call PhotoLook and ask them what was going on and to make sure my order was cancelled (at this point I wanted no part of the company). After being transferred 3 times, a CS person said they don't have sales people that call, that they have no clue what I'm talking about. I ask to speak to a manager and he says the he is sorry they called, that the insurance is now "optional”. I told him the guy told me it was required and he was rude, trying to up sell me also. His only response was that it wasn't required and wanted me to keep the order going. It appears that all they were doing with my order was a big bait and switch. Trying to up sell me, and when I didn't, they tried to force insurance on my order and make me pay more.

Further googling lead me to find out that the company is apparently owned by or affiliated with US 1 Photo. They both share the same address - 426 N Wood Ave, Linden, NJ 07036.

http://newjersey.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=89&bbb=0221&firm=27003943

The company has an F rating and is not a BBB Accredited Business.

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/US1Camera

BUYER BEWARE

UPDATE: I indeed did received a phone call today from a manager at PhotoLoon. They wanted to offer me a free battery for my camera in exchange for me removing my negative review. I declined because it's more important that potential consumers know about the problems I had with the company.

Further information about Photoloon and US1
http://donwiss.com/pictures/OtherStores/h0021.htm

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller2898-p2-s1-d1.html"

"I ordered a camera that I wanted to take on a trip abroad. The camera finally arrived after many follow up phone calls and a honest review of my experiance. One of the managers called several times after the review posted to follow up on my order. It sounds like he took the review seriously and made a honest effort to correct the situation. I appreciate small companies over the big box stores and that is why I purchased through this company. You would never get anyone at a box store to care about the service one of their teenagers provided or didn't provide. Support the small business like this one and they will take care of you."

"Just want to inform everyone that we worked out our differences with the owner/manager (Keith) of Photo Loon. He was very apologetic due to the misunderstanding of not getting our order shipped and was willing to what ever to make it right with us.
Gary,"

"I recently purchased a Nikon D300 from Photoloon.com. I did a lot of research before narrowing the field down to two online camera stores that did not have any negative feedback I could find on the web. After calling both, I quickly realized that Photoloon was the one for me. Bruce patiently answered all of my questions and addressed all of my concerns. He didn't try to sell me anything I didn't already want and offered me even more competitively prices on the items I did want. I ended up spending a little bit more than I had anticipated, but got product that exceeded my initial expectations. Finally, Photoloon upgraded my shipping and I received my camera almost a week before I was quoted it would arrive. I will definitely come back when I need additional photographic supplies."

"On 4/1/09 I ordered a Canon 5D Mark II Camera from photoloon.com - Due to my Shipping Address being different then my home address, Photoloon called me to verify everything - It is very nice working with a Company that takes fraud so serious."

"i decided to purchase a canon 28-135mm IS USM lens after bizrate.com listed it with an unbeatable price with free shipping. since i trust bizrate's judgement in approving vendors, i went ahead with the purchase and couldn't be any happier. it arrived a week after i entered the order. the lens wasn't in canon's manufactured box, which leads me to believe photoloon purchases in bulk. either way, the lens was intact."

"the camera is great canon xs the best price around by far. shiped and came as promised. will buy from them when I need any photo equipment."

"Great price posted on the web for a Tokina fish eye lens. Small company that is working hard to bring in new customers. Kevin was a friendly salesman."

"Great Buy from Photoloon.com. I recently purchased a deluxe package for Nikon D90 from this site, and Bruce (Sales Rep) was extremely helpful. Went thru all the details and the items included in the package. Received my product in 3 days."

"This is my first purchase from photoloon.com. After searching for a few months and talking to numerous professionals I picked my next camera to order. Then start the search for the best deal. After finding this sight I was please with the lowest prices around I saved approx. $130 with free shipping!!! After the order was placed I was called to confirm my order for my credit card security. This is unheard of for an internet company. I recommend this company for their prices and care of customers."

"I searched internet prices for two months before buying this camera and PhotoLoon had the best price of anywhere I found. I must admit I was hesitant about ordering a camera this expensive from a new dealer without an established service record to review. Nevertheless I did order and I am glad I did. I received my camera, (Cannon Vixia HV30), as well as the bonus offer today and everything was exactly as advertised. I would strongly recommend this company to anyone. "

"Great all around service! I was skeptical at first when I saw the price for the Nikon D-90. They were lower than anyone else. I felt like this was going to be a "bait and switch" The salesman was friendly and helpful putting absolutely NO pressure at all on me to upsale. Just as promised the camera came in and i can say nothing but praise for the service I got from PhotoLoon. I can highly recommend them with absolutely NO reservations whatsoever!"

"I had a good experience when I placed an order with PhotoLoon. Best thing was the price. It offered the best price on the market. The customer service agent contacted me the next business day to confirm my order and to offer accessories I might need with my new lens. Overall, I'm very happy and give two thumbs up!"

"I ordered a Sony camera body and it was delivered within 5 days during the busy holiday season. I'm very happy with my purchase. Photo Loon had the best price, and it was delivered quickly!"

"Photo Loon was extremely easy to deal with as Bruce, the salesman, went out of his way to give me a great deal. The camera arrived 3 days prior to when I had expected. He made my buying experience easy and relaxed, hassle free. Without a doubt I will work with Photo Loon for any future camera needs I may have. Thanks so very much. "