Precision Camera and Video — Attraction in Austin

Review of Precision Camera & Video – Shenandoah, TX and Austin, TX Locations

I'm writing this review because it's clear that something needs to be done about the online presence and operations of this company.

Unfortunately, I had a disappointing experience not once, but multiple times in the same day. First, I saw a Sony A7 II listed on their website for $499.99 in EX+ condition. When I called to confirm availability, I was told the listing was incorrect and that they would not honor the listed price or condition. That was strike one. (Camera was 499.99 but in EX- Condition)

Next, I saw a Nikon Z7 listed at $774.99 online, so I went directly to the store. Upon arrival, I was told the camera had already been sold, even though the listing was still live on their site. When I asked about the outdated listing, the manager refused to acknowledge the issue, and an employee mentioned the website is maintained by only one person. If that's the case, it's time to hire more staff to manage the site properly. Two major issues in one day from the same customer should be a serious red flag. Strike two.

Strike three was the refusal to honor the listed price / condition of the cameras, and the staff doubling down rather than owning the mistake. While I understand that pricing errors happen, failing to update listings and not taking accountability is bad customer service.

Continually displaying outdated or incorrect pricing may be considered false advertising, particularly if it occurs repeatedly, and could expose the business to complaints filed with consumer protection agencies or potential legal action under state laws.

To be fair, the employees at the Shenandoah, TX store were helpful and professional—unlike the store manager, who refused to engage constructively. The overall vibe of the store was unwelcoming, largely due to management. I also called the Austin (West Anderson) location, which seemed to have similar issues regarding inventory accuracy and customer experience.

Lastly, please stop offering small freebies (like a 64GB SD card) in exchange for 5-star reviews, especially when customers are already upset. That feels disingenuous and undermines trust further.

I did end up purchasing a Sony A6400, but only because of the helpful employees—not because of management or company policies. Fix your website, own your mistakes, and improve your communication and customer service. A business in this industry, where people are spending serious money, can't afford to operate this carelessly.

Address these issues before they cost you...

Let me begin with, I live in Wimberley and the South store is an hour and a half round trip. I decided to take the plunge and get the Z6 11. My first trip to the store I was on my way back to Wimberley from Austin and thought I stop in and take a look. They did have them in stock and I asked how much I could get in trade in for my Nikon 750. I was told $528 dollars. So, I drove to Wimberley and came back to the store. There was a different guy behind the counter and he said I could only get $400. By now I'm all in an go for it. None of my existing lens would work on the camera. An adapter is needed, $250 dollars. The Z camera takes to cards. One is an odd ball but my reader at home will read 4 different cards so I was pretty sure I was covered there but the store only carries one odd ball card, $250 dollars. Now we're up to about 3 grand an the salesman tells me the camera won't work until I download the upgrade from the computer. That really ticked me off. That's like buying a new car an the guy saying it's out there on the lot you just need to go get gas for it. One would think the salesperson would say the camera won't work without a download, give me a minute and I'll do that for you. Instead I was told go to You Tube for the instructions. Whatever, I drive back to Wimberley only to find that the off ball card doesn't fit my card reader. Drive back to the store to buy a card reader, $80 dollars. Drive back to Wimberley and try to follow the instructions from You Tube and nothing is working. Did I mention I had a photo shot that night. I guess that's on me, I shouldn't have gotten a new camera the night of. Just figured it's a camera, you turn it on an take pictures. I drove back to the store the next morning to get my camera back and now the salesman had enough time to do the download an get the camera working. It took him maybe all of 5 minutes. The place is clean, the people are friendly but I feel like some policies need to...

Let me start by saying the staff is absolutely lovely, and I don't think my experience was their fault.

I ordered a camera online and selected the option to have it delivered to the Southpark Meadows location for pickup. Placed the order, got an email letting me know I could pick it up the next business day after 1PM. Awesome.

Yesterday evening I head over there...no camera. The staff checked a few places, then called up to the North location to make sure the camera had been sent down here. I'm not sure of exactly what was said in that conversation, but they ended up giving me a different camera (same model and everything, just not the same exact camera that had been sent from up North), which was fine, although quite a long process. Again, staff was SUPER helpful.

So fine, I go home. There's a note on the door that someone from Precision attempted to deliver the camera to my house. So that solved the mystery of where the original camera went.

Later on I open the box and it's definitely been handled. I'm...reasonably sure all of the components that are supposed be in the box are there, but there were several empty baggies and (possibly) and extra cable, which makes me nervous.

Now about 15 minutes ago there's a knock on my door and guess who it is? Someone from Precision trying to deliver the camera! I cannot stop laughing, it feels like I'm stuck in a play. It's funny, but there are obviously some pretty serious issues with their order fulfillment process. I was planning on signing up for a class with them later this month, but after this I really hesitate to do business with them again, despite all the positive reviews.

TL;DR -- Super friendly and helpful staff, but don't order...