I’m in the market for a new camera. I plan on going the high-road and getting a digital-SLR, notable a Canon Digital Rebel XT (not the XTi, I don’t need that much camera.)

In searching and comparing prices I found this site that has killer deals on the camera, lenses and packaged kits that contain all sorts of goodies. Always of the “too good to be true” suspicion I checked out their policy page. It is mired in legalese and snake-oil salesman double-speak that instantly raises red flags to the smart shopper.

Then again, they’re prices are hundreds lower than Amazon.com and Beachcamera.com (another well-known camera site.) So I plod on hoping I can get my camera for cheaper.

One stop at the BBB website and it turned up this:

Nature of Business

Complaints to the Bureau indicate that this company has a pattern of misleading and deceptive business practices. A majority of consumers report that this firm advertises low cost and new merchandise on its website but receive damaged or refurbished merchandise. In addition consumers are charged shipping insurance fees which change and raise the price of the item. Complaints also indicate that this firm uses high pressures sales tactics when consumers call customer service. Consumers report being pressured to make additional purchases along with their original orders, and if they decline and cancel their orders they are charged an arbitrary cancellation fee. Furthermore, consumers allege customer service representatives gave false shipping dates and tracking numbers.
Customer Experience

Based on BBB files, this business has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau, because there is a pattern of complaints, and the business has not corrected the underlying reason for the complaints.

The company's size, volume of business, and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The number of complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgment on the validity of complaints filed.

I love the internets!

Sorry fotoconnection, you’re not getting my loot! Back to the great search, though I think I will stick with reliable old Amazon.com.