Willoughby’s Camera Reviews 103

Ordered before looking at reddit reviews. After doing so I decided to call as it had been a couple days since I ordered. I purchased overnight shipping when I ordered. Sure enough when I called I was told the lens I ordered was an international Sony lens and wouldn't have a metal connection ring (impossible) and it would cost $300 more for the "American version" I requested an immediate cancellation.

A bait and switch sales game with loud high pressure sales pitch.
Nothing said is true but stressful sales pitch of BS
Go someplace else to purchase your camera/video needs.

This company followed their standard script of bait and switch. I bought from the link on their website and through a flurry of endless texts and emails they let me know that I had accidentally (untrue) ordered the mandarin version of the Sony rx100. Because I wanted it as a gift and it was out of stock everywhere else I fell for their BS. I did receive the camera (the box was rough, maybe used) but with an insanely (10x) over priced no name memory card and battery. I paid $700 extra for the privilege of being ripped off by them. I guess the business model is to get everyone once and to tread the line of immoral without being illegal. My advice, avoid this place.

Got scammed by them. Ordered a new Sony A7IV camera. Then they called me several days later and told me some BS that I ordered the "international version" which won't work properly in the US and asked me if I really wanted that. I told them I'd prefer the US version, and they told me it's only $300 more. They said they would throw in a free case which is something they are doing for the holidays.

I fell for it and said okay. After I received it, I realized the free case was a super cheap padded bag (I envisioned a nice hard case). It was just an excuse for them to sell it without the original box, which they probably didn't have. The camera smelled strongly of cigarette smoke and I suspect that it was used.

I also realized that because the product was shipped without the original box, Sony likely won't honor the additional 1 year warranty that they are currently providing.

Now I'm trying to get my money back and return it.

Offered a great deal on a camera only to contact me after I ordered it to explain that the camera I had ordered was a European model that would not have some compatibility here in the US. They offered me the US version for almost $160 more than the camera I purchased. Nowhere in the camera title, product description or specifications did it state that it was a European model. Deceitful company uses bait and switch tactics - stay clear!

I saw an ad on FB for a discounted price on a camera I have been wanting for a while so I went to purchase it through the financing option they have available on their website. They then proceeded to call me afterwards and say that the camera I ordered was not the US version and I would not be able to use it because the firmware and language would be foreign but they had the US version for an additional $500. I never saw anything showing that the camera I attempted to order was a grey market camera. In addition do NOT use the Synchrony financing as it is no longer accepted by Willoughby’s so you will have a credit card with little to no use as it’s only good at Willoughby’s. I went back later and attempted to purchase the grey market camera after doing a lot of research and it declined my card. I called Synchrony and they said Willoughby’s doesn’t accept their credit cards any longer. So disappointed and frustrating as a potential buyer.

Unfortunately the same as most people on here. I didn't research them, just thought they are a long time camera store with the best price and free shipping. Was called to let me know I purchased the European model with plastic parts and if I wanted the US version it would be $150 more. I was driving and in a rush so I said to just do it. After researching I wish I had asked them to cancel.

I'm still perplexed as to how they work with that rating. I ordered myself a Sony camera, the price is an order of magnitude lower than what I found. Even has international shipping, I am in Croatia. I ordered on Saturday, Sunday - silence, Monday - silence, I wrote them a letter, when will you send it? I get a reply that the camera is sold out, will be available in 4-6 weeks.and to let me know whether I will wait or not. I think that everything is as described by other buyers. Only in my case, did not manage to pile me for the European version of the camera, as I am in Europe)))))

Do not buy from this retailer. They advertise an item for much less than other retailers and then call you before it’s shipped to inform you it’s an import item. They then try and sell you the correct item for the same price as everyone else. I’m going to email canon with hopes they will refuse to sell products with them

Ordered a Canon lens on July 12. I called to get shipping information and their agent said it would ship on Monday, July 15. I called on the 15th to get tracking information and was transferred to a second agent who said I was ordering an import instead of a US model. It was hidden on a tab of the lens that irt was imported. I told them that was still acceptable, the agent sighed as if disappointed and stated the lens would ship that day (Monday July 15). On Tuesday, July 16 i received an email that the lens was backordered with no ETA. I cancelled the order.

This is another typical New York bait and switch camera dealer. Avoid them, they are dishonest.

Just like they say: If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is and you should just forget about it. I found the same bait & switch routine at "Abe's of Maine".

First, I email them and ask how the price can be so much lower than everyone else? Is it a new item and unused in a sealed box? They say, "…oh yes, we can sell the Nikon Z9 at that price because it's the version from Europe and that means the warranty doesn't include some of the coverage that the US version does".

OK, so I think; "I'm careful with my photography equipment and I’ll have it insured. Therefore, I'll go ahead with this "Gray Market" version, which is easily more than $1000 less than the "US Version".

Of course, I pay for the camera and if this was a legit store, that would be that. No other legitimate on-line store will send you an email asking that you contact them by phone so that they can verify that you did order it...

I mean, I've placed $4K to $6K orders in purchases from some of the biggest retailers, (i.e Amazon), to some of the many much smaller retailers and NONE of them asked me to call them for ID verification.

If you think about it, such a "precautionary request" wouldn't help the representative know who you are any more than your email address. Aside from service-oriented transactions, such a request would be pointless.

Your Credit Card payment is really about all the proof they’d ever have to establish who you are. If they're asking you to call them, they wouldn't be able to receive any better confirmation than the email address and payment method offered.

So, I was already suspicious when I got the email on the next day that said they weren't going to ship the order until they got a 'confirmation call' from me.

Well, if any of you have read the tons of 1-star reviews for Willoughby's and/or Abe's of Maine, you pretty much can see the obvious bait & switch pattern these sub-parasitic retail stores use.

There's no law against using this ridiculous, unimaginative, tactic but I think there's enough proof to file a civil suit charging these retailers with stealing our time and effort, as well as the emotional stress and disappointment they put us through!

Yes, I'm speaking about a class-action lawsuit! From all the complaints I've seen about these two retailers, we can sue them into the stone age! Hit them both for enough money to put them out of business for good.

By the time the courts get through with them, they'd be lucky if they could get a license to sell lemonade by the cup-full of a street corner in Dust Bowl, Oklahoma.

Any attorneys out there that want to go for what must be one of the easiest class action suits they'll ever file?! I, for one, am all for it so, feel free to contact me!
FWIW.

they offer equipment and sell it to you online. Then they call and try to UPSELL you on a warranty etc. If you do not fall for that trick they cancel the order telling you they are sold out, when 2 mins ago they had it in the box ready to ship.

i have to purchase the New Nikon Z9 online through them only for them to call me back the following day that the camera is for export only without been included on the listing and also purchase a 24-70mm Nikon lens, they have to cancel both because, the item is an inferior, phone drop on me why trying to discus with them, check the quality of your order after purchase.

I ordered a Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 II camera, which was advertised on the company's website for 459.00. 3 days later, I received a call saying they didn't have the camera, but there was only a display model available. The sales person did not tell me that what I had ordered was an international model and that the US model cost much more. $599.00. Most company's would clearly state this in the add and not somewhere else. He said he would sell me the desired domestic version, which was a display model for 549.00, which was basically a new camera. The camera arrived a week later. It was not in a box with no instructions, or anything. It came in a cheap camera case. There was no receipt of the additional amount charged. After looking on line at other complaints, I realized this is a scam called Bait and Switch as it has happened to too many customers. I called the sales person who sold this to me and he said I could return for a 20% restocking fee. I told him this was unacceptable as it was a display model and I was mislead about the entire process. I have lost trust in this company, which used to be very reputable, but those days are long gone. Reported to BBB and they never responded. STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. They are a rip-off. I should have read the reviews from previous folks scammed. I normally buy from B&H which is an authorized camera dealer.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

Called over the phone to check a product was available in store, clerk confirmed the product was avail and could be picked up. I went to the store to pick it up and the price has suddenly bumped up 50% to 1,500 dollars. The clerk then diverts me towards another camera, promises to give me a good deal on it since it’s a demo model. At some point in this interaction between me paying and leaving, the camera I paid for was switched to a much older model that looks similar. I noticed the same day to return and complain. Although the website promises returns, clerk refused. Still got scammed out of 500 dollars.

AVOID!

After I purchased my camera, I got a call from the store saying I purchased an import model and then if I want the one with the warranty and one that will charge on American current I’ll have to pay $400 more. They also said my SD card and battery were the wrong ones that I purchased and I ended up talking me into spending $2600 ! I called them when I receive the camera and asked for a refund because Nikon said the serial number does not match any of their products and if I didn’t get a warranty card, there will be no warranty and I can’t up date the firmware and programs, and there will be no service on it if I need it in the future. I asked for a refund for my purchase and I was told I’ll have to give them $524 upfront as a restocking fee before they will give me a refund. This is a scam it’s a bait and switch do you not buy from them. Check the Better Business Bureau and look at the ratings. They gave them an F. Read the comments it’s just like mine. They do this to everyone. What a scam they need to get arrested and closed down.

Willoughby's runs a shady operation. I ordered a Canon lens on-line and later tried to confirm my order by calling the company's phone number, which was listed on their add. ((855)-851-5151). Unfortunately, no one answered the phone. I ended up calling Chase and canceled my credit card. They advertised a Canon lens at a very attractive price and then called me and told me I ordered the European model. I was told that this information was hidden under one of the tabs. If you want a real Canon lens, their representative said, the price will double...Stay away from Willoughby's. This operation is designed to rip you off.

BAIT & SWITCH!!! I order a Canon import lens. I received a telephone call from “Anthony” wanting to make sure I wanted the import model. He said the import model has a plastic mount and USA model has a metal mount. He convinced me to pay $500 more for the USA lens, which is the regular price for this lens. When the lens arrived, it was the import lens. It came with no warranty card, and no manual written in English. I called the company back and they insisted it was the USA model, which is a total lie. They were extremely rude on the telephone and hung up on me and wouldn’t take any of my further calls. These people are scam artists. STAY FAR AWAY FROM WILLOUGHBY CAMERA AND 42ND CAMERA. They will rip you off!!!

First purchased a coolpix Camara, then received an email stating they needed to talk to me before shipping. I was bait and switched to the US version resulting in another $150. Then they advised me the only had a floor model, when I called to cancel the order they miraculously found a new unopened one. I called 5 minutes later to cancel the order because I just didn’t like how the whole thing was going. They said they had already shipped it out and refused to credit me. This company is a bait and switch shop! I will be contacting the BBB.

Dont buy from Willboughys or Abe's of Maine. They are owned by the same company. Like many others on the site, I had a stupid bait and switch scam attempted. I ordered a Fujifilm X100V, paid and got an email asking me to call Jimmy to provide more information. When I called him, he said I had ordered an EU spec online, though it wasn't indicated anywhere of course, he assured me it was stated. I questioned how something could be made for the EU market for a mass market brand when they just have language settings built in. I know this is not true and promptly cancelled my order. Also, shipping from EU isnt cheaper than US shipping, so how could the US version be hundreds more expensive? Completely stupid and costs them so much in business.