OnlineMercadoMall

[RKelly]

I was looking to buy a new camcorder and this website has the cheapest price. They state the minimum order has to be $699.99 but I was able to place an order underneath that. They did not ask for any Credit Card or checking information, but rather stated that the item would be paid for via cash on delivery (UPS). The reasoning for this is they claim only returning customers can use CC's becuase they've had too many problems with fraudelent buyers using bogus cards and bogus paypal accounts. Doing a google search this company gets slammed left and right, but I can't find anybody actually saying one way or the other if they've been scammed or if they've had a successful purchase. They talk about having to pay via wire transfer (which, of course, I would never do) but since its Cash on Delivery, I was thinking this is a safer mode, as I could always open the package right there in front of the delivery guy--> if it's legit then great, if its a fraud then I simply refuse the delivery. The website does look pretty legit, but perhaps there is something I am missing. Any thoughts on this? I am assuming I should just stay away, but I am curious to see what other people think.

[thecoalman]

I was looking to buy a new camcorder and this website has the cheapest price.

There's hundreds of these cheapest sites, most are not offering what they are advertising. If you look in the fine print you'll generally find the product is not the full consumer package you would expect, such as you're just getting the camera body as opposed to all the other stuff like lenses, bateeries, straps etc.

The reasoning for this is they claim only returning customers can use CC's becuase they've had too many problems with fraudelent buyers using bogus cards and bogus paypal accounts.

Baloney, no legitimate company would operate like that. Once you pay you have no way of getting your money back if it is fraudulent.

The website does look pretty legit, but perhaps there is something I am missing.

Looks to be a standard oScommerce install, you can set one up from scatch in a few hours if you have all the images and text ready to go. Literally minutes if you have already set it up locally.

Stay away.... for online purchases use a reputable site. Try www.bhphotovideo.com

[Ron B]

Make sure it's not a grey market or refurbished unit. I agree with thecoalman, save the grief, spend a few extra bucks and go with a trusted vendor. B&H is the best for camera gear.

[SquirrelDip]

I agree with the above sentiments. For camera gear, personally, I'd stick to trusted vendors and store fronts. You'll probably find many of the shops willing to match the prices offered by the larger reputable shops like B&H.

[RKelly]

Yea thanks, I was pretty hesitant as it was. It smelled bad, I just wanted to hear if anybody actually had anything good to say.

[RKelly]

Can someone please clarify what Grey Market means? I've heard this term tossed around.

[Ron B]

A grey market camera is one that is sold in one country, but the warranty is only valid in another country. For example; you buy a grey market camera in the United States that is from Germany. If the camera needs warranty work, it would have to be sent to Germany.
I'm not 100% sure if this is true with grey market stuff, but a friend of mine was so happy with the Sony camcorder he bought in Japan at a discount price(because of the currency exchange), but became very sad when all the viewfinder readouts were in Japanese.

[thecoalman]

but became very sad when all the viewfinder readouts were in Japanese.

I'd imagine there's a hack for that like they have on the DVD players. You'd probably have to push a certain sequence of buttons and you'd get an english menu. might be worth his effort to do some research.