Out of pocket when B&H Photo Video cancelled order

barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 08:54

I bought the Lumix lens mentioned in https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/221064 on 26 Nov, 2015.
B&Hphotovideo cancelled the order on 10 Feb, 2016, saying that they were unable to obtain stock. Because of the change in the exchange rate, I was left out of pocket about $7 - not much, but there is a principle here. B&Hphotovideo have refused to refund the difference, stating that it is not their fault that the exchange rate fluctuated so much. However, it is their and their supplier's fault that I am out of pocket, as they took ten weeks to cancel my order. So beware when you buy from B&Hphotovideo - cancel your order unless it is shipped immediately, pay in USD, and cancel if they state that there will be any delay. I for one won't be buying from them again, because of their poor attitude towards service. I had previously spent hundreds of dollars with them. I have had much better service from Australian suppliers mentioned on OzBargain.

General Discussion

Related Stores

B&H Photo Video
B&H Photo Video

closed Comments

  • UncommonName on 04/03/2016 - 09:10

    Pay via credit card and charge back?

    • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 10:12
      +1

      I used PayPal. Unless I raise a dispute, I don't think there is any way I can get my money refunded. I expected them to refund me as a good will gesture. They don't believe in this, and would rather lose custom.

      • chill on 04/03/2016 - 10:30
        +1

        Raise a dispute then.

        So what happens if it was $7 in your favour?

        You would post them some US$ bills?

        • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 10:49

          No, as they would not have lost any money in the transaction.

        • reno on 04/03/2016 - 12:15
          +2

          @barryquinn:

          doesn't the same apply now? they refunded it (whether it was 10 weeks or 1 hour) there could be fluctuations in fx and it is out of their control

          if you gained the $$ u wouldn't give back, then if you lose out - its nets off.
          it's just like certain stores by the time you place the order the fx is at a certain amount, but the time they "process" it, it could be a different amount. it's the risk you take purchasing in another currency (even if it says aud, it's the converted rate)

          i've bought from bh in person, and it's a great store. current aud to usd i wouldn't bother as you're better off buying local and supporting local businesses

        • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 12:58

          @reno: You forget that they mucked around for ten weeks before cancelling the order. This caused the problem. I shouldn't have to gamble to get a bargain.

        • minty on 04/03/2016 - 16:53
          +3

          @barryquinn:

          I shouldn't have to gamble to get a bargain.

          Buying grey imports, from another country, part of bulk buy without outer packaging, display model, etc, etc. I think in the search for a bargain we all take some gamble to some degree.

  • DavoX on 04/03/2016 - 09:15
    +8

    A US store charged you in US Dollars, and refunded you in US Dollars?

    • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 10:10
      -1

      Ship to: Australia Currency AUD
      So the prices are advertised in AUD, but the transaction turns up as USD on PayPal.
      I know what you're getting at, but their cancellation after ten weeks allowed the AUD price to fluctuate.

      • DavoX on 04/03/2016 - 10:39
        +1

        Then if they advertised / charged you in AUD, you have a valid complaint on two grounds (AUD & 10 weeks).
        I would pursue the issue politely with B&H, escalate if possible.

        • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 10:48

          I have politely sent them several emails. They have politely declined, saying that it is not their fault.

        • UncommonName on 04/03/2016 - 11:40

          @barryquinn: PayPal dispute. Submit screenshot of AUD advertised price, it's not your problem whatever currency they charge you after advertising in AUD.

  • Randxyz123 on 04/03/2016 - 11:33
    +1

    Part of the issue is that you paid with paypal… Their exchange rates are always utter shite. Have you got a 28 deg card or even a normal AMEX??

    I can see where you are coming from I really can and I think 10 weeks is unacceptable but they would have been closed for Hunukah (Dec 6-14 ) Then Christmas and New year.

    At those times the supplier would have kept saying "It'll be here next week or tomorrow etc etc" and they would have had delays due to the holiday period and being a business they wouldn't want to cancel a order unless necessary.

    I'd send them another email with you saying something like "I understand it isn't entirely your fault but I feel 10 weeks is a long wait and would appreciate anything you do for a customer who has previously spend a lot of money in your stores".

    Who knows maybe you'll get a $10 voucher for your next order.

    • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 11:36

      Already done. No luck. Their loss.

  • mooboy on 04/03/2016 - 12:22
    +2

    Just curious, if the exchange rate had gone in your favour, would you have been contacting them on how to pay them the difference?

    I know it kind of sucks as you couldn't get the lens you wanted, but I'm pretty sure your invoice would have all been in USD. So, for $7, I wouldn't bother to make too much of an issue about it. Go local where you can, but if they have another great offer, I wouldn't cut your nose to spite your face.

    Much more of concern to me are the allegations of racial discrimination in their warehouse.

    • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 13:00
      -1

      If the rate had gone the other way, there wouldn't be a difference, as the amount they refunded would be the amount they received. I answered the same question twice above hours ago.

      • ESEMCE on 04/03/2016 - 14:08

        So wait a month until the AUD drops again…
        You elected to pay in USD (whether you chose USD or it was the only option you didn't HAVE to buy from them). They've refunded you the same amount that you paid..

        • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 15:36
          -1

          Not helpful after the event. I'm telling people what happened and warning them. They have refunded me less than I paid, whichever way they looked at it.

        • ESEMCE on 04/03/2016 - 16:01
          +2

          @barryquinn:
          You paid in USD and they've refunded you the identical amount in USD..
          Therefore they have paid you exactly the same as you paid.
          There is no other way to look at it!

          It's irrelevant that they only accept USD.
          It's also irrelevant (albeit unfortunate for you) that the AUD is currently noticeably higher against the USD than it was 10 weeks ago. Or, for that matter, 1 week ago…

        • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 17:49
          -2

          @scubacoles: There is another way to look at it - from my bank balance's point of view. Your point is irrelevant.

  • godofpizza on 04/03/2016 - 15:21
    +1

    their website shows you AUD next to the USD price. This price will change due to the exchange rate, but not their selling price.
    it's an American store they're going to refund you their selling price, not your local money. Heck even if your had place your order chances are the exchange rate would have changed by the time they charged you. are they going to refund the difference?

    I don't think any store in the world will make up the difference if the exchange rate didn't go in your favour.

    I would not have waited 10 weeks for a refund, you should have acted sooner. or brought from someone eles.

    • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 15:34
      -2

      Heck, you can't read. They delayed cancelling the order. They estimated delivery at some time in the future, and kept sending me emails to the effect. I don't care what you would have done. I would not have "brought"(sic) it from anyone else, as the price was much better. I am alerting OzBargainers to what might happen if they buy from B&HPhotovideo. They might be sending their money into a sinkhole.

      • godofpizza on 04/03/2016 - 15:44
        +2

        sinkhole? they refunded you.
        You right maybe I can't read but I don't see anywhere in you original post about delaying your order. Just they had cancelled your order 10 week later.

        I've been shopping @ bhphoto for camera gear for more than 10 year, but with the recent exchange rates and shipping costs. it's better to buy local or second hand in some cases.

      • gomertose on 04/03/2016 - 16:35
        +1

        So the actual issue you have is with the 10 week delay in the order and then getting it cancelled - which is fair enough.

        The -$7 is a separate issue and that is the risk you take when you deal with foreign companies which you do not pay in AUD.

  • StewBalls on 04/03/2016 - 15:45

    Normally I'd say it's caveat emptor when it comes to dealing with OS companies with regard to reciprocal exchange rates, shit happens with markets & all that; but 10 weeks is a bit bloody rich…I'd be pissed too!

    Thanks for the heads-up OP.

    • barryquinn on 04/03/2016 - 15:49

      Thanks for your thanks. 10 weeks is too long. I only waited because I was overseas all of February without email and had assumed from the OzBargain thread on the deal (now closed) that I would eventually receive the lens. I believe B&HPhotovideo knew well in advance that they wouldn't receive the lenses.

  • GreatWhiteHunter on 04/03/2016 - 18:02
    +3

    Pay in USD, refund in USD.

    Do you honestly expect every retailer to refund you the difference if the exchange rate moves against you?

    Jesus wept…

  • ttc72 on 05/03/2016 - 08:23
    +4

    I wonder how much money you get an hour, and how much time you've wasted over $7.

    • barryquinn on 05/03/2016 - 11:13

      You really should read the thread. This was a warning to people. It only seems to have brought out the trolls. The $7 wasn't important. What was important was that the actions or inactions of an OS company can mean that some of your money disappears.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join