B&H Photo Video — Attraction in New York

Customer Service Department Will Ruin This Once Great Store

This might be my 10th review ever on anything If BandH didnt have such a vast collection of goods, and an actual reputable storefront, they would get 1 star. You might as well just fire the whole customer service department and go fully automated. Maybe we expect too much as consumers. When a customer asks for shipping update from manufacturer after 20 days of ordering a product (mind you i was aware my drone was a "special order" from DJI), i think you should try your best to provide some information other than that "we sent it to our team for investigation" type bs.

March 6th Ordered +,-1k$ drone from BandH paid in full March 9th BandH emailed my "ordered" reciept and "shipped" status on site Radio silence March 14th (closed) Inquire about my order March 16th (upon reopen) "Special Order item with the estimated delivery of 7-14 buisness days from purchase. Once it ships you should receive tracking to the email address on file" Radio silence March 20th Inquire via telephone March 24th "I have checked on your order for xxxxxxxx and based on the Manufacturer's/Distributor's shipping schedule your order is shipping tomorrow" March 26th inquire again "Our drop ship department has contacted the manufacturer and to get a delivery update" Status on order history still on ordered

Now its the 27th, and to be clear Im not arguing the timeframe as it was "special order", we'll get to that. And this is why I wrote this review. After frustration set in on the 24th, I contacted DJI. I sent them all order numbers and any email with any type of order number from BandH to them. I also requested all paperwork be provided for smooth customs entry being I cant trust that BandH handles anything (item purchaced, out of our hands). Few hours later, DJI apologized for the delay and sent me tracking. So how was I able to get tracking from the manufacturer and the business that buys from them cant? Again today the 27th. item is already cleared and left Indianapolis. AND STILL nothing from BandH. Even when information WAS available. It might not even be my order, but something is coming to my address. So to complete my frustration and I hope everyone made it this far into my review, yesterday the 26th, i ordered the same package from their competitors down the road as they tend to do what many dont and actually "stock" items of this nature. Just to see how fast i get it. Scheduled to be here by tomorrow the 28th. So from the time I ordered with BandH 3 weeks ago, I could have waited a week from my initial purchase until Adorama got them in stock, with added items for a package deal if I chose, and had it weeks ago and projects that are on hold would have been done. Now I will be returning the item to BandH for a refund as I wont be in need of 2. I would advise that if you are trying to order something that they dont have in stock, just look elsewhere. Or maybe just check Adorama. Im not promoting them but 2 "giants" arent that close to each other for no reason. Once the sale is made your at the mercy of the zombies. Its sad that I had to do my own due diligence on my own order. I feel as if I would have contacted DJI myself after the first set of radio silence, I might have gotten my item sooner. Thank you BandH for continuing to provide for the photo and film industry, but your customer service lost you guys a sale that ill be returning and possibly a returning costumer. And Im sure Im not the first or last.

If the higher ups care about this stores online sales, they would see most of the negative reviews are due to customer service. Thats saying...

As a long time customer of this business I am disappointed in how far downhill it's gone regarding customer service. After reading some of the other reviews about how terrible the customer service is, I thought I'd share my experience as well.

I ordered a used field recorder from B&H back in October 2024. It was in great condition and for the price, it was a steal. The package arrived quickly and undamaged, but was missing several crucial accessories such as the windscreen, remote cable and SD card.

I reached out to B&H about this and kept receiving what felt like an automated response that stated I should send the item back, since the order was technically not completed. A windscreen costs maybe a few cents to manufacture, and less than a dollar for a business to purchase and then sell to customers for 10x it's cost, which is still very cheap ($10-$20). The cable that was missing is a different story, as it is used to control a small remote made specifically for this field recorder and is harder to come by due to the age of the device.

I stated that I would like to keep the device and that sending it back over a windscreen, cable and SD card is a bit much. I have the device, it works, so why would I send it back? Rather than correcting the issue and sending me a windscreen (that was supposed to come with it based on the listing and the only part I truly needed) I continued to receive the same email repeatedly, almost as if they were copy/pasting their response.

I understand that when a business gets popular, demand goes up, and tailoring customer service to every individual is near impossible. I don't expect to be catered to by any means, but a windscreen sent in a plastic package would have dented their budget by about $4. Instead, they insist I send back my order by sending the same response repeatedly, refused to send the additional accessories and then force closed my request and spammed my email asking for feedback.

I didn't send it back because the field recorder is no longer manufactured, was in near perfect condition and again, got it for an amazing price that you won't find elsewhere. I ended up having to buy a custom windscreen that cost almost as much as the device itself (which is insane) thus defeating the purpose of trying to accomplish a project on a budget.

I went back and forth with customer service for a week regarding this before I gave up and bought the windscreen.

The prices are good, and shipping is fast (most of the time) if you live on the East Coast, but B&H customer service is competing with call centers across America in who can be the most frustrating and least helpful, and it's a close race. I have since started shopping elsewhere, because at least if something goes wrong with one of the other local camera stores, a solution will be found and their associates will take the time to actually help me rather than repeat the same response over and over and ultimately refuse service over...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting B&H Photo Video in Manhattan, New York City, and I must say, my experience was nothing short of outstanding! This store truly deserves its reputation as a premier destination for electronics and camera enthusiasts.

First and foremost, the central location of B&H Photo Video is incredibly convenient, making it easily accessible via public and private transportation. The proximity to major subway lines and bus routes ensures a hassle-free journey, while ample parking options are available nearby for personal vehicles. Whether you're a local or a visitor to the city, you'll find it a breeze to reach this store.

As soon as I entered the store, I was greeted by a team of knowledgeable and friendly staff members. They were genuinely passionate about their work, and their expertise shone through as they answered my questions and provided valuable guidance. It's refreshing to encounter professionals who genuinely care about helping customers find the perfect product to suit their needs.

B&H Photo Video boasts an extensive selection of electronics and cameras, catering to amateurs, professionals, and everyone in between. I appreciated the meticulous attention to detail in arranging the products, making it effortless to locate specific items or browse the various options available. The aisles are well-organized and spacious, allowing for easy navigation and exploration.

What sets B&H Photo Video apart from other stores is its commitment to providing an exceptional shopping experience. The staff members never pressured me into making a purchase and were more than happy to let me take my time in making a decision. Their dedication to customer satisfaction was awe-inspiring.

Furthermore, the store's top-notch inventory offers a vast array of high-quality electronics and cameras from renowned brands. The comprehensive product range ensured that even the most discerning tech enthusiast would find something to suit their taste. Whether I was searching for the latest DSLR, a cutting-edge smartphone, or any other gadget, B&H Photo Video had it all.

Lastly, I was blown away by the efficient checkout process. The registers were well-staffed, and the wait time was minimal, even during busy periods. The staff members handled the transactions swiftly and accurately, leaving me with a positive final impression of the store.

In conclusion, B&H Photo Video in Manhattan, New York City, is an absolute gem that exceeded all my expectations. This store has set the bar high from its prime location to its knowledgeable staff, extensive product selection, and exceptional customer service. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a technology enthusiast, I recommend visiting B&H Photo Video. Prepare to be amazed by their dedication to excellence and find yourself leaving with a smile.

Thank you, B&H Photo Video, for providing such an outstanding shopping experience. You've won a...