"I ordered a Canon EF-S lens from them - they had the cheapest price by almost $100. The lens was US spec, and packed well - but not in a canon box.

I'm in line with the other reviews in that this place does not communicate at all. There was no email sent when I made my order, no email sent when my order shipped and no communication made at any other time. It's completely a black box.

I called the fourth day after my card was charged (it was charged immediately) and like everyone else was put on hold for 20+ minutes. Donna, whom I spoke with was nice and finally sent me an email confirming my order.

Overall, I almost would have paid the difference to get the customer service... almost.
"

"The service I received from us1 camera was excellent. I was very nervous ordering such a high price item from the internet. I checked their reviews and I also checked the better business rating, everything checked out. I ordered the sony projector, asked for 2 day air shipment and they produced. I am a happy shopper. I got the projector I wanted at a great price. The projector was brand new and a US model."

"I bought a Canon XSi with the standard lens. It was a very good price. I had to go through the "verification" phone call, but I did not get very much push on selling additional stuff when I pushed back on their "packages." I did get mildly sucked in on getting an SD card for the camera. When I said I could get a high speed 4 Gig card for $30 at Best Buy, he said they could do one for $27. I specifically inquired as to whether this was a high speed card and was assured it was. It turned out to be a standard HC card. My overall experience was good."

"I thoroughly researched a good digital camera and a reliable merchant before leaving on June 4th for a month-long trip to China. On May 20, 2008 I ordered a Canon PowerShot SD870 IS and US1photo's premium package.

Relying on US1photo.com\US1Camera.com company policy statement, "Free Shipping Orders usually take 2-4 business days to be processed and 7-9 business days for the products to be delivered," I requested free shipping. Notified that processing my order took 6 business days, not 2-4; I immediately contacted customer services to request express shipping -- an extra $27.90.

I received the digital camera and premium package two days before leaving. However, I was sent a camcorder bag and charged $27.90 twice!! I talked to Donna in Customer Service who promised to refund the doubled express charges ($55.80) and send me a camera case. I shipped the camcorder bag back to US1photo.com in expectation of receiving the correct camera case in exchange. Back home at the end of June, I found NO refund of $55.80 and another camcorder bag!

I spoke to Donna again in the first week of July. She again promised a full refund of the 2 express charges ($55.80) and a shipping label from UPS to return the second camcorder bag.

Seven weeks later, TJ contacted me (after posting my consumer review) and fixed everything! He quickly corrected all my problems--I received my refund ($55.80) and camera case. Thank you! "

"I ordered a US warranty Nikon D80 with the 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 lens after searching around quite a bit and finding that US1Camera had the best price of any of the legitimate online stores. The whole process was very simple and the camera and accessories I ordered were very quickly delivered. Couldn't have asked for better service."

"Order shipped on time (they advertised 7-9 days of processing, it shipped 7 days after I placed the order) and I received it promptly after that. Items were delivered as advertised, in good condition, for an excellent price."

"**AUG 22, 2008 Update: Shop at your own risk. My experience with this company was not positive, however, I did finally receive my money back 9 days after cancelling the order.
__________
Regarding Order Number FMP-987511126 for the following items:

Canon EOS 40D Camara Body with USA Warranty
5 Year extended warranty
Canon Battery Pack
Tamron wide angle - telephoto zoom lens AF28-75mm f/2.8
Hoya 67mm UV HMC lens filter
67mm lens hood
__________

I placed this order with US1Camera | aka US1Photo, etc through www.us1camera.com / www.us1photo.com on JUL 26, and my card was debited for $1573.89 on JUL 30. When I called AUG 8, I was told that my order had not yet shipped, and that there was a malfunction with my package on a conveyor belt, and that it was crushed. I was told that an e-mail had been sent to me regarding this matter, but I never received an e-mail about it. When I asked if another package had been shipped out right away, I was told that no, they were waiting to hear from me before shipping another. I proceeded to communicate that there should be no reason for waiting to hear from me, but rather, that a new package containing new equipment should be shipped out immediately as I had already been waiting over 10 days for this new camera and lens. I was then told there was not another Canon 40D in stock, and that this is why another was not shipped right away. I was told that it should be in stock by Monday, and that it would be rushed. I realized my need for this equipment was more immediate than originally anticipated, so I found it necessary to purchase items locally. I requested via e-mail on AUG 10, and via phone as soon as phone lines were open on AUG 11 to completely cancel my order. I requested an immediate refund to my card, and to be informed when I should expect refund. I never received response to my numerous e-mails. I called several times between AUG 11 and AUG 18. I was first told I would receive my refund by TUE of last week, then WED, then on WED, I was told that the order had been cancelled successfully and that I would receive the refund by FRI night or SAT. Today is MON, AUG 18, and I was told today that my refund had not yet been processed. I insisted it be processed right away, and I was given a confirmation number and told the money should be in my account right away. The money has not yet been returned to me.

As others have complained, I also experienced the initial stalling after placing my order, requesting me to confirm order first with the sales dept, then a few days later with the billing dept. Also, twelve days after my card was charged for full amount, my order had still not shipped! When I finally cancelled, I experienced the company stalling significantly in finally processing my refund. I recieved the refund 9 days after cancelling (and only because I kept calling, e-mailing, demanding, and because I filed a report with the BBB and posted several negative reviews online.) I feel that if I had not been so agressive with demanding my money back, I probably would still be waiting.

The people I have spoken with from US1Camera have been polite over the phone for the most part, but the strange story I received about my package being crushed seemed very fishy. I also have recieved numerous calls from the owner requesting that I adjust my reviews to sugar coat them a bit. I don't really feel like sugar coating them. I am just providing the facts of my experience.

I initially felt comfortable purchasing from this company because of the many positive reviews it has received on this and other websites. I now feel that many of these positive reviews may very well be fraudulent fakes made up by company managers.

I would not purchase from this company again."

"Great Company and a great camera. I am very pleased with the service that I recieved. They were very fast and helpful."

"I ordered a Nikon US Model D300 on Monday, 7/28/2008 from their online store. I used the "free shipping" option and received it on Friday, 8/8/2008 in perfect condition and as described. The processing took longer than expected (5 business days) but once the camera was shipped the delivery was speedy.

Unlike others on here, I was NOT called to "verify my order", and was not a victim of upselling. I DID have their customer service/billing department call to check my ZIP code, but that took all of 2 minutes. I got a great price and would do business with them again.

I also checked to make sure the camera was unused, and sure enough, the EXIF data showed 1 shot after taking my first exposure. The US Nikon product registration website took my serial number, confirming it is a US-market item and not a gray market item."

"I ordered a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens during a 1-day sale for $125 with free shipping on Monday. The lens shipped the next day and I received on Thursday. It came with a USA warranty, though it was a generic white box and not retail packaging.

During this I received both a confirmation email detailing what I ordered with total cost and a shipping notice with tracking number. I was also able to go on their website and view my order for status updates. I did not have to speak to a customer service rep at all as everything I needed was provided online and thru email.

This was a textbook perfect online purchase- low price, free shipping, status email with tracking information, online review of my order at any time and the product was as described with a USA warranty.

This was definitely a good experience!
"

"My experience with us1photo.com had not been an happy one. I had placed an order for a

canon lens with them on 7/23. I had chosen them because they seem to have a lower price than

most other retailers. I had done some research before choosing them and found that they

have resonably good seller ratings.

On 7/25 I found that they had debited my credit card but had not shipped. I tried calling

them but after 1/2 hr on hold waits I sent them 2 mails asking them why they had debited the

card without shipping. I received no reply. On 7/29 they finally shipped the item and the

previous 3 days were not a happy time for me.

I received the item on 8/4 on time. But I found that the items was not packaged in the

manufacturer's box and also did not contain the user manual. Also the packing was very

shoddy for a delicate item like a lens. I suspect that I had been sent a used one. I

immediately did my trials on the lens and fortunately the lens seemed to work well. It did

not seem to have scratches.

Overall the experience was not unsatisfactory.

1. The seller should not debit the card before they ship. This is a universal process

followed by all sellers of repute. The order does not mention that I will be charged before

shipping. It is also unethical.

2. The lens looked like a used one although I had placed an order for a new one. If it was

new it would have been in a manufacturer's box with proper documentation.

Overall I think they are unethical, provide misleading information on their site and sell

used stuff under the guise of being new. I would not reccommend anyone to buy from them.

Update on 9/17/2008
The customer service called me and were very nice about the mistakes they made. They explained why the box was not marked and confirmed that they lens was a part of a kit and that it was new and not used. Also the credit card being debited earlier than the shipment was due to a weekend coming in between. I am very happy that they are monitoring the comments from customers and acting on them."

"Do not buy from this company. I have placed an order on 24-Aug and till now it is with 'Ready to be shipped' status. they charged my credit card also. Do not buy from this company any more. It is bogus. After waiting for 40 minutes in call, they are saying that the item is not there and recommending to cancel the order"

"The worst web/mail order experience of my life. I am left feeling that this company is totally dishonest in it's dealings. A few of the main points:

7-18-08, Ordered a Nikon R1C1 flash outfit. Had been watching their site for it to come in stock. On the first day of being in stock I ordered it.

7-18-08, Received an order confirmation and receipt in email.

7-22-08, Received an email saying "please call Bruce at 1-***-***-**** x236 to confirm your order before we ship it" because of it's "high value".

7-22-08, I called Bruce and got his voice mail. Left a msg confirming the order. Also replied to his email to confirm the order.

7-22-08, My credit card was charged for $595, the total value of the order.

7-23-08, I received an email from Bruce saying my order is "ready to be shipped".

7-25-08 to 7-31-08, Made several phone calls trying to get a tracking number. Was always put on hold for over half an hour, then disconnected. Never got Customer Service.

8-4-08, Order should have been received. I Sent two emails explaining my attempts to get Customer Service, and asking if the item had shipped, and asking for a tracking number.

8-5-08, Received a call from Photo Mania (an alternate name for US1Photo) saying they did not actually have the item is stock and wouldn't be able to get it. Was told I could buy something else or get a refund to my credit card. I chose the refund.

There are some problems with this whole thing that just don't add up.

1)US1Photo says not in stock? The web site had shown the item to be out of stock for weeks, then on the first day it showed it to be in stock I ordered immediately. I had to be one of the first orders for this item, if not the very first.

2)Receipt received. According to the receipt the item was in stock. In reality their web site won't let you place an order if an item isn't in stock.

3)Credit card charged. This is more evidence that it was actually in stock, since their web site says "We only charge your card when we actually ship". My card was charged 14 days before I was finally told I wouldn't be getting the order.

4)Their shipping promise, according to my receipt, is "Free Shipping Orders usually take 2-4 business days to be processed and 7-9 business days for the products to be delivered." After 11 business days, and still no item or tracking information, I sent my last email, and on the 12th business day I was told I wouldn't be getting the item.

I was also told the item had been taken down from the web site. I later checked and it's still there. However the price has been raised by $105 to $700.

What's the real reason I did not get the order? Maybe they had it listed at a price that did not give them enough profit ($595). Or maybe since I chose free shipping I couldn't compete with other customers that chose expedited delivery, which is available at a very high cost, most of which will be extra profit for the company.

Whatever the real reasons for me not getting the merchandise, I have learned that US1Photo is less than honest in it's business statements, and there is absolutely no Customer Service. They will charge your credit card for many days (2 weeks in my case) before either shipping or finally notifying you they really don't have the item in stock after all.

I've noticed their ratings on this site are very high, around 8. I've also noticed that lately they have been taking a beating, with many 'dissatisfied' posts. Makes me wonder how their rating is so high. Could some of the positive posts be fraudulent, perhaps being left by company people? It's hard to say, but my experience with US1Photo has been a learning experience. I will never place another order with them again.

For what it's worth I've placed hundreds of web/phone/mail orders over the past 30 years, and US1Photo is the absolute worst of the dealers I've been involved with.

UPDATE 8-16-08:

US1Photo added a Reply (see below) saying this situation has been "resolved" and that I am "okay" with my purchase. Sadly, this is totally false. Here's what really happened:

8-14-08: I got a call from Kevin, a company owner, who was very nice and apologetic, as if trying to do Public Relations damage control. He talked about how the company was having internal problems, which I agreed with, and asked how he could resolve the problem. Since I had already placed an order for my item with Abe's of Maine, and received tracking and shipping info (and the order has since been delivered) it's too late for US1 to come through with my order. He offered to send me free batteries for the flash units I ordered, which was a very nice gesture that I accepted.

However when I asked...

-why my order wasn't filled originally, and
-why I couldn't reach Customer Service, and
-why my credit card was charged for an item that wasn't even in stock, and
-why that item was advertised on their website as being in stock, and
-why my card was charged 14 days before I was notified the item wouldn't be coming when their promise is to not charge the card until the item ships, and
-why I actually never received a call or email from them regarding any issue (it was me who emailed and called many times), and
-why Bruce had told me my order was "ready to be shipped" in answer to an earlier inquiry...

he said "I can't answer that" to all of the above. In other words absolutely nothing was resolved.

US1Photo's Reply also says that I agreed to "modify" my reply. Well, not really. At least not in a positive way. However I am happy to simply relay the facts of my experience and add any follow up information.

The item is still showing on their website, but at $700, instead of the $595 I ordered at. The price of $595 is competitive (Abe's of Maine delivered at $599), but $700 is way out of line. I still believe the units they had in stock went to buyers who selected upgraded shipping, at a much higher cost and greater profit for the company, while buyers who chose free shipping got cut off.



"

"I bought a Sony DSLR A350, the free shipping was great and the person on the phone was very helpful when I called for the tracking number. I will certainly buy from them again.
"

"I sent this order online during the night last Saturday (7/26). It got billed on the following Wednesday (after I called their Billing department), and today is 8/4 (Monday) 15:50PM and it's STILL "READY TO BE SHIPPED" I have no idea why it stays on that status for six days, and I just know I will never buy items from them anymore. If you try to call their customer services line, be prepared to wait for more than 40 min to 1 hour, and get disconnected for no reason.

UPDATE: 8/5: item received. I spend almost 3 hours trying to call their customer service on 8/4 and finally was able to really talk to a person. They told me they need time to find the item (then why it has been ready to be shipped for six days?), and promised me I will get the item by the end of this week. Next morning (8/5) I checked the status and found that the item is out from some NJ warehouse (I live in NJ), and I got the item at the same day.

I have no idea how their distribution system and online commerce work, it's just misleading. But I did received the item after 8 working days, which is within their estimate (7-9 working days)."