Camera Wholesalers Inc.

I buy a lot of photography equipment and I am currently shopping for Christmas gifts. I hate the idea of big box stores coming in and putting the little guy out of business. That said, I always try to purchase from the small privately-owned brick and mortar stores. I believe in good old-fashioned expert product knowledge and customer service. This place is local for me and I would surely be a repeat customer. However, after reading the reviews, I couldn't take a chance. I am a stickler for manners, courtesy and a friendly persona. Anything less is unacceptable to me. Stores are not doing us the favor! WE are doing them the favor by buying from their store! In 2017, the competition is fierce. Let the creme rise to the top and let the arrogant ones sink!
3 7 years ago (23-12-2017)

This place was highly recommended by my photography teacher whom I respect. I went here to develop two rolls of film. I was not sure what was on the rolls and was curious to find out. First off it took almost two months to get them back and they charged me over $35 to process. I understand that they do not process their own film anymore and have to outsource it. So six weeks later, I come in to pick it up and the films turned out to be blank. They opened the cartridge and whoever developed it saw that it came out blank. Now, they did not make prints or anything of blank pics so the “labor” could not have been that intensive. Camera Wholesalers said they paid the same $35 plus fee to their processor and don’t make a dime on it so why have to charge me. By the way, they make you pay upfront before you can drop off your films. I find it hard to believe that a store is going to charge me the same that their outsource developer is number one, and number two if you won’t refund me the money, at least split the difference with me. And what about the outsourcer? Apparently they have been working with this developer for 67 years as one of the “elders” at the store told me. Well after 67 years don’t you think someone should call it a wash? Meanwhile, they keep my $37 and Say sorry, “ that’s the way it is.” I have a message left for the owner Arron. I wonder if he will have the decency to call me back and come to some kind of agreeable decision. I really wanted to like it here and was planning on getting more equipment, but now I would rather make the trip into NYC (I just moved to Stamford 6 months ago from NYC) and deal with B&ah. At least there, you know where you stand and they are fair. I feel as if I should have just ripped up my money and through them in the air. Very upset. I will not recommend anyone coming here. It’s the principal. This store is not filled with mensches.
1 7 years ago (17-01-2018)

Oooh you all stop whining! These guys are good, I can ask the dumbest questions, have the simplest needs, the most complex issues, and we talk, discuss, and exchange thoughts and ideas. They are not the "shining rods" for the ultimate highest level of photography, but neither am I .. But they are reliable and I can just be sure to get what I need. So yea, I stay local for most of my needs in photography.
5 7 years ago (29-12-2017)

I purchased a Sony videocamera here last week to film sporting action for various club teams. Bob, the store manager was knowledgeable but short and lacked typical interpersonal skills. After back and forth with Bob, I purchased the camera knowing that I had a 7 day return option which is relatively standard. Sadly the camera didn't have the functionality so I returned the camera, as new, to the store. Bob then told me about the 20% "restocking fee" which was never mentioned during the process - nor was mentioned to two other customers purchasing items whilst I was waiting for the return. He would not budge on this and was as lacking in any type of empathy throughout the whole process. Why pay more in store when you get better service online? Will never go here again and would advice others not to.
1 7 years ago (24-11-2017)

I went in for a lesson and got exactly what I wanted in the shortest period of time possible. I was struggling for years not knowing how to operate a camera that they didn't even sell me and within 1/2 an hour I learned everything I needed to now And Not once were they trying to sell me anything. Extremely knowledgeable salesman you won't find that on the Internet. I'm even thinking about buying an expensive lens from them that normally I would probably go on the Internet and actually i determined that their prices is just as good so I'd be crazy not to buy from them given the support I'll get.
5 7 years ago (17-10-2017)