B&H Alternative

Tony Torn

Tony Torn

Active member
I've always gotten quite a kick out of B&H here in NYC, but I'm a little over their high volume, impatient, why are you asking questions attitude.

My HVX comes tomorrow, and I'd love to shop for accesories in a more chilled out, attentive environment. suggestions?

(I'll have to wait until the summer to get the really good tripod, lighting kit, and mic system I should have. I just need basic beginner crap that will all end up around 1K. I'm already set for the cam w/ 2 8G P2's and a 17" powerbook with FCP)
 
Tony Torn said:
I've always gotten quite a kick out of B&H here in NYC, but I'm a little over their high volume, impatient, why are you asking questions attitude.
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That is too funny. I've heard the same "attitude" over the phone from B&H. I've always thought it was a NYC thing. My web host is there also and are the same way. They talk to me like I'm stupid. I don't think it is intentionally rude though, just a different part of the country I guess.
 
I've been there too many times where I was treated rudely by their staff...but then, you put up with it because they have everything...and it's just a short cab ride away.
 
I'll do anything to avoid B&H.. they are terrible ! but their web site is a good place to window shop.
Aloha
-A
 
snodart said:
That is too funny. I've heard the same "attitude" over the phone from B&H. I've always thought it was a NYC thing. My web host is there also and are the same way. They talk to me like I'm stupid. I don't think it is intentionally rude though, just a different part of the country I guess.
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The company I work for has some clients in New York and they just talk that way, so it seems. It gets on my nerves as well, I'm from the South and most people are nice down here. Oh well, what can you do?
 
I've ordered around $12,000 from B&H over the last 2 years. I have had nothing but <5 days shipping, great prices, and good product. They are just of a different state of mind I think. I can see how being in their store with a question is sort of like being a cat in a rocking chair factory.
 
oneinfiniteloop said:
The company I work for has some clients in New York and they just talk that way, so it seems. It gets on my nerves as well, I'm from the South and most people are nice down here. Oh well, what can you do?
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Everyone has different experiences. I have had pleasant transactions with B&Hphoto. They were friendly and helpful. The people at Evs are very friendly but I find that this is always more expensive to shop with them. There are numerous just as nice stores that you can find that have better deals than EVS. but yes the staff at EVS are friendly just overpriced.

I have good interactions with almost everyone in New York. Unlike in the South. Yes, people are more social in the South but I think that it is nosey and not really friendly. It is slow in the South so people have nothing else to do but to stay in your business. That isn't everyone just a lot of southern people. Any camera store is good maybe even Ritz camera if they are near you. Otherwise I suggest buy what you can online maybe even from Amazon and Ebay. Make sure to be careful of scams on Ebay. Too many to feel comfortable Amazon is better. Safer transaction. Just make sure you go through Paypal on Ebay. You can get up to $1,000 refunded if bad transaction. Good Luck.:)

p.s. Adorama is a good store online. Cheap prices of course it all depends on what type of equipment you want.
 
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I was just in B+H today. I totally agree with the rude rush-rush-rush sentiment. And's its not just a New York thing. The attitude is definately worse in that store in my estimation. I continue to go there though because of their selection and ability to find anything they dont have in store.

However, everytime I walk in there to do business I feel like B+H employees (especially in the cashier section) act like it's some kind of hassle to be receiving my thousands of dollars in exchange for their services and goods.

Plus every now and then if I'm just browsing I'll get some stares from some of their employees like I'm going to try and walk out of there with something stuffed into my pocket. Usually they're all too busy to stand watch but sometimes there's an older man watching me like a hawk from behind a counter and it's just a bit creepy.

Also their sales reps on the floor seemed to be clueless as to the HVX situation.

"Don't have em. Don't know when. And no i can't tell you much about it that isn't in the catalog."

I think I'll take Jarred's recomendation and try Abel next time.

If i end up making a move out west though I'll def be trying EVS. Tons of great things about them on this board.
 
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marlenedegrood said:
Never ever call B&H to place an order. Their website is much friendlier.

Marlene
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Opposite is true for EVS

website is so so but the customer service, willingness to talk to you, general knowledge, and knowledge about topics recently discussed on DVXuser are unparalleled.

I usually shop online at B&H, put everyything in my basket - so that basket becomes my list, then I call EVS and place my order :laugh:
 
thanks, guys!

I kinda love b&h and their attitude. The feeling there is like no other...that mix of old world hasidic vibe and super high tech. It reminds me of that movie PI and the hipster orthodox posse protecting the secret kabbalistic codes...but you better go there and know what you want, esp in the camera dept.

I think they also are a little defensive about HVX questions because they have such a huge and unhappily unfufilled wait list!

anyway, i'm going back tonight to B&H, cam in hand to pick up some basic stuff i know i need, and am looking fwd to a friendlier (and yes, more expensive!) trip to abel cine tech to ask more questions about filters and the like.
 
Yup-I hate B&H. I try to spread the word vigorously myself. I will never ever buy from them. Screw them, that's hoew they feel about you-so right back at 'em.

I personally like Birns and Sawyer in LA. Probably cheaper than 99.9% and very laid back.

Good luck.
 
JustSomebody said:
Check out ZGC also. Click on the link for "Cameras" and then on the HVX200 link. They've got a ton of accessories on there.

www.zgc.com
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I agree. The folks at ZGC are fantastic! I've been a happy customer ever since they sold me a brand new DVX100 for $2750 back in January 2004! It was WELL below the going rate and I still don't know why they were pricing so low.
 
Never had a bad experience of any kind at B&H though in the store itself in the camerra dept I didn't find them as knowledgable as I did on the phone, where they were great.
 
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