Adorama or Amazon, replacement policies

[KCook]

I recently bought some studio gear from Adorama, via an order placed on their Amazon listings. Ran into a bit of a wrinkle with a replacement. Had I ordered the gear being replaced directly with Adorama, they would simply replace it after getting the defective gear back. But as I put the order through Amazon instead, the drill is that Adorama support places a new order for the same product immediately (goes on my credit card), then when they get the defective gear back from me they will shoot an order to Amazon to refund my account there for the price applied.

I'm not sure this makes much difference to anybody, just thought it was an interesting wrinkle. As it turns out I will get the replacement gear sooner, than waiting for processing a direct replacement. But my credit card will be hit for the amount of a 2nd purchase, until Adorama gets the defective unit back and authorizes the refund.

Clear as mud?
Kelly

[Andy Stanton]

So it makes more sense to buy directly from Adorama. I'll remember that, thanks.

[KCook]

Well, it's simpler to buy direct from Adorama. But I will get the replacement gear quicker this way, with Adorama's support staff placing a new order for me, directly with Adorama (assuming the gear is currently in stock).

As a general rule I try to keep my orders with Amazon, as there will often be items from more than one seller. Saves me logging onto different sites and going through the shopping cart info drill more than once. The need for multiple sellers is because lately I've been trying to build up my home studio kit with various little bits and pieces. For the purchase of one expensive item, then I agree with you, it would make more sense to just go to the seller's site instead of Amazon.

Kelly

[Helen Oster]

This issue is that Amazon does not permit retailers to simply swap out defective items; they have to be returned to the retailer and then a new order must be placed

[KCook]

Thanks for clearing that up.

Kelly

[Laura Hicks]

Kelly, Tell me more about your home studio! What type of equipment did you end up purchasing? What is still on your list? I would love to hear all about it.

[KCook]

First a recap on my Adorama replacement experience: All wrapped up now. I have the replacement monolight which works a whole lot better than the first one! This was a relief to me, as this was my first experience with a monolight, and I was afraid I was simply doing something wrong. But now I know for sure that the light was the problem, not me! Being a cheap sod, I had ordered the light with standard shipping (ground). So the 1st light took a week to get to me, I took a few weeks fussing with it, then returned it per Adorama instructions, which took another week, then Amazon finally refunded the $$ for the 1st light. So using ground shipping really made this a looonnnggg story. Something to think about when ordering anything that might need returning. Lesson learned, I ordered my "new" camera from Adorama with 3-day shipping instead of standard!

As for the home studio, I don't have one! I just set up the gear in whatever room in the house is best for that shot. I did not get the usual "kit". As I wanted to try all of the different types of lighting, and kits are not set up that way. I am building up an article on this stuff on my new blog. The article is not done, but if you want to look over my shoulder, here is the URL -

Home Studio Lighting Choices | PhotographyIntro Blog

Kelly

[hasselblad]

I always buy directly from them. They are awesome that way.