What do those full-page magazine ads and those large, attractive
websites have in common? The fine print. In our quest to help the dealers communicate
better with buyers, we've selected a few examples that you may not notice on
casual
inspection of the websites and printed ads.
We are confident that merchants would make these terms more prominent if only
they had more space.
1. "Shipping charges 6% of the total, minimum $19.99." --
CCI/ Camera City ad (similar for some others)
So a $2500 camera will cost a minimum of
$150 to ship.
2. "Some items carry an international warranty. USA warranty
may be additional." -- Broadway Photo ad (similar for some others)
Printed in 3-point type, as an extra service
to help photographers exercise their eyes.
3. "Should it be necessary to return an item, you may return
it for refund or exchange, excluding any shipping charges and with a minimum
10% Restocking Fee, within a period of 14 days for Photo equipment, and 7
days for Video, Audio, Digital Photography and Computer equipment." -- bestpricecameras.com
website (similar for some others)
Unhappy with your $1000 video camera? Act
fast and you can return or exchange it for only $100 plus all shipping
charges.
4. "The charges at checkout may not be final. You will
receive your final statement (receipt) with the arrival of your package.
Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice." -- usaphotonation.com
website (similar for some others)
Self-explanatory, and our personal favorite.
5. "Non US products may be considerably less expensive. The product packaging may or may
not include all software, accessories, and features intended for US customers. Please allow three to four
weeks for delivery on some international products. ... All prices are after the manufacturers' rebates.
All rebates are handled with the manufacturer and [we] shall not be held responsible if the manufacturer
will not honor the rebate." -- amphotoworld.com website (similar on some others)
By the way, no US-advertised rebate is ever honored for non-US products.
6. "Not all "in stock" products are available
for rush delivery." -- digitalliquidators.com website (similar on some others)
It depends what the meaning of "is" is.
7. "Order confirmation doesn’t constitute a final offer or contract.
All orders are subject to management review and approval and if found to be invalid
due to any reason, are subject to cancellation by management." -- Royal Camera
website (similar on some others)
Perhaps they use an alternate dictionary to define "confirmation."
We neither encourage nor discourage purchases from any company mentioned
here.
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