Has anyone shopped at B&H Photo Video? I've just moved from overseas and a friend gave me a gift card as a welcome present. I don't know much about them and would like to hear what you think about them before I decide to shop there instead of Best Buy.
P.S. Most pages at FM have a "Search B&H Photo" dialog box (or dialogue box, depending on from where you came). You can use that to get into B&H. If you actually buy something on that visit, Fred probably gets a finders-fee, to help to pay for this site.
P.P.S. If you plan to visit in person (which I highly recommend), then figure out how much time that you want to spend there, and double it. If you plan to look for Used gear, then do your research online before you go, as most of the used stock is in storage.
In a little over twenty years of buying from them, I have never had an issue with B&H. Any little issue that has come up over the years has been quickly addressed and resolved by their helpful staff...
That's good to hear. I'd like to find a retailer I can count on. How do their prices compare to some of the bigger companies like Best Buy? And is there anything else I should be aware of? I'm an anxious shopper who likes to feel like I know the store personally before I start shopping there.
Zizou13 wrote:
Has anyone shopped at B&H Photo Video?
Long-time B&H customer ... I've been 99.99% happy so far.
Their prices are very competitive and their selection is amazing, especially for photography related gear.
I've actually been to their New York City store only once and it's a beautifully run store.
I don't think you have anything to worry about while shopping at B&H.
B&H has an immensely-larger inventory than BB (or anybody, probably). When I'm looking for something in particular, I do my initial online research at B&H, to establish model, price, etc. Since I'm in Canada, I then do a search within Canada to see if anybody can match or beat B&H. It's quite possible that you will find a deal at BB or elsewhere, but B&H is the place to start (even when you live in Canada).
Word of warning: if a price is a lot less than B&H, you should check that business on Reseller Ratings, to verify that it's legit (many of the same business names keep popping up, with allegations of bait-and-switch, hard-driving-upselling, and etc.).
Zizou13 wrote:
That's good to hear. I'd like to find a retailer I can count on. How do their prices compare to some of the bigger companies like Best Buy? And is there anything else I should be aware of? I'm an anxious shopper who likes to feel like I know the store personally before I start shopping there.
I can count on B&H for 99% of my photographic needs. Henry is pro active with members problems and I do not buy from "retailers" just on price. It is what happens after I buy it? Sure I would love to save a few bucks!! But I am more interested in what happens if something is wrong.
B&H and Henry give me that! If I screw up, Henry tells me and the problem gets fixed...
Dan
I thought @Zizou13 might be having some fun with us, but I guess not.
If you're in CT and new to the US I would expect that some day trips [at least] into NYC are on your to-do list. Definitely make one about B&H. Sunday is good day for it. Take the train into the city and hit up Chinese/Cuban fusion place Calle Dao for brunch then shop the afternoon away at nearby B&H. Cuban Eggs Benedict are yummy.
Does anyone know what credit bureau B&H credit card issuer (Comenity) uses? I want to begin shopping at B&H and getting the card makes sense, but (as prudent), I keep my credit frozen usually. Thanks
adrenaline wrote:
Does anyone know what credit bureau B&H credit card issuer (Comenity) uses? I want to begin shopping at B&H and getting the card makes sense, but (as prudent), I keep my credit frozen usually. Thanks
I've been a happy customer of B&H and visited their store in 1992. I always check their site when I need something specific. And I'm now looking do to a lot of buying of used gear here on fredmiranda.com -If you pick up used gear in great condition, it sure is an awesome option. And the buyers and sellers here, seem to be an honest bunch and I've been a free member for years. I think maybe it's time to buy a memership.
..gary in austin, tx
I believe that B&H is the largest single location camera store in the US. Their total sales are reported as north of 3 BILLION bucks(by The NY Post). They don't always have the best price, but they always have the best service and the most integrity.
EB-1 wrote:
Well, different people have different experiences. Something has changed recently and it's becoming impractical to continue using them. EBH
I am sorry you feel this way and would be happy to discuss the particulars at any convenient opportunity.
B&h has been great but man does it suck when something is backordered, otherwise they've always been very prompt and quick with their delivery as well as price matching
