EVS or B&H?

C

ccook

New member
B&H has been a good vendor for me in the past and it looks like I can save a few bucks over EVS... but is there a compelling reason why I should switch vendors? A lot of people like EVS.

I'm about to buy the DVX100B (and Barry's book!) so I'm looking for recommendations. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Christopher
Strange Stuff Productions
www.strangestuff.com
 
JoeNash said:
rush = evs = good... call him up
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I absolutely agree with that.

That being said, both EVS and B&H are great operations, and I never have any concerns when I order from either one.

David Kuznicki
Production Manager, WGTE-TV30
 
I have bought from B&H in the past and never had a problem.

Recently, thought I switched to Rush and EVS, as you simply can't beat the personal service. With my last order I must of been on the phone with him for almost an hour as he guided me through several purchase options and recommendations.

Chris
 
I spoke with Ramzi at EVS. He was able to give me the dvxuser discount. I ended up saving more money at EVS. I too was going to buy at B&H but after calling and finding out I could save money at EVS and get amazing service, I was sold.

Those guys really know about cutomer service.
 
I honestly can't stand B&H, although I know many people here seem to like them. To me they are the Walmart of Video Stores, although definitely NOT the cheapest. The only reason I would ever buy anything from them is if I needed something immediately and wasn't concerned with price, because they obviously have everything in stock 99% of the time (Again:Walmart)

I buy all my gear from Peter at http://www.birnsandsawyer.com/cgibin/BIRstore.cgi

Beats both of them on price and he's cool.
Good luck.
 
stabsteer said:
I honestly can't stand B&H, although I know many people here seem to like them. To me they are the Walmart of Video Stores, although definitely NOT the cheapest. The only reason I would ever buy anything from them is if I needed something immediately and wasn't concerned with price, because they obviously have everything in stock 99% of the time (Again:Walmart)

I buy all my gear from Peter at http://www.birnsandsawyer.com/cgibin/BIRstore.cgi

Beats both of them on price and he's cool.
Good luck.
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Wow I can see what you mean. Check out the price he has for the AJ-SDX900 compared to what Pansonic is offering it for on their site. Okay obviously he hasn't updated his prices..i'm just kidding around. You may want to remind him though..$26750.00 vs. $16500.00 is quite a price difference.
:)
 
Speaking strictly on price only (as there are many more factors to consider of course), if you are in California, EVS will charge you sales tax. This brings EVS and B&H a little closer together on price for those of us in Cali.
 
Tainted said:
Speaking strictly on price only (as there are many more factors to consider of course), if you are in California, EVS will charge you sales tax. This brings EVS and B&H a little closer together on price for those of us in Cali.
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I guess that I'm not a price-only shopper. If EVS & B&H have something, then yes, I'll go with whomever is least expensive.

But then, if B&H has something that EVS does not, then I'll usually NOT look elsewhere. I've found that being ONLY concerned about price can sometimes burn you when you go to a 'questionable' retailer. I'll take the extra month and save some extra cash, as opposed to worrying about whether or not the firm I've ordered from is legit.

David Kuznicki
Production Manager, WGTE-TV30
 
You really can't go wrong with either one. Both the best at what they do.

I like B & H just because I live in NY and it takes a day to get things to me.

So, it depends on what coast you're on or closest to.
 
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Filmjunkie677 said:
You really can't go wrong with either one. Both the best at what they do.

I like B & H just because I live in NY and it takes a day to get things to me.

So, it depends on what coast you're on or closet to.
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Good point. I like the fact that I can actually stop by EVS when I need something.
thumbsup.gif
 
I just called up EVS today to order a DVX and they said they had a few still in stock so you should be good if you hurry.
 
And might I add that the service was amazing, Ramsy was quite possibly the friendliest person I've ever bought over the phone from. Thanks again!
 
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B&H is okay for a one off type purchase - but if you're looking to buy from the same retailer over the years I can't say enough good things about EVS.

Recently I had to put in a few decent sized orders (getting full production packages for two TV stations)
I bought what I could from EVS, and the rest I bought from B&H (because EVS didn't carry those items).

I can honestly say that in this case B&H was the biggest pain in the ass that I have ever dealt with. I could never talk to the same person twice - and I even had salespeople giving me fake extension numbers so I couldn't call them back. It was almost as if they didn't want me to spend money with them. Granted, when ordering single items off their website I've never had a problem - but the second you need any sort of individualized service, forget it.

Meanwhile - Rush, and the rest of the people, over at EVS were in constant touch with me - I never had a question about where my order stood or what stage we were at. Even though they send you email confirmations for shipping, etc, Rush still took the time to call me to let me know when my items went out. Honestly, I've never had that sort of individual service - and I can tell you that after shopping at both at the same time with similar sized orders, I will never buy from anyone other than EVS unless I have to.

If EVS doesn't have what you want, then go with B&H.
B&H is like the Walmart of video gear - you can get what you want, and it might be at the lowest price - but you better hope you don't need any help along the way.

As cheesy as it sounds - the difference to me is that while B&H will sell you stuff, EVS will care. It's the difference between having a store to go to, and having a relationship.

I just can't say enough good things about the experience I had with EVS.
They seriously helped balance out the crap that B&H put me through.

EDITED TO ADD:

A great site to check is Reseller Ratings
You can see the ratings and comments for B&H and EVS

Both have really good scores - though I would point out that EVS has a perfect 10.
It's the only store I've ever seen on that site with a perfect score.
 
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I've never had the pleasure to deal with Rush but I have dealt with Tommy Mack and Ramzi who were both a great help.
 
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Without jumping on the band wagon of blowing smoke up Rush's arse, I really do believe that EVS is the premier resource for three reasons:

1. Quality Service
2. Honest Service
3. Timely Service

I have bought from B&H and only use them when I am ordering through their site. I don't like dealing with them on the phone and B&H has been dishonest with me about matching prices with other locations.

EVS has always taken care of me. I bought my DVX from Randy out there, and since then have bought boompoles, filters, and boompoles through Rush. When I have asked for his advice on purchases he has been honest with me in his suggestions rather than going for a larger single purchase, just serving my needs. At EVS I think that they really believe that rather than hitting a customer up for a single large order they can build a relationship for life and continue to service the customer. I think that they are the best retailer I have ever dealt with, and Rush by far is one of the nicest and most knowledgeable guys.

The one last thing I want to point out is that in my criteria I didn't mention price. I think that service is something that you cannot purchase, and just like when I go out to eat I tip for good service, when I am buying gear saving $20 isn't going to determine who I buy from, the quality of service and the knowledgeable staff is going to determine it. Hence why I only buy from EVS.

-Jeremy
 
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