CommentI called World Photo and asked the sales rep the price of a Tamron lens. He said it was $279. I then asked him if it was USA or GREY MARKET (not imported/distributed by Tamron USA, but imported directly by the camera store). He said it was USA with a one-year warranty. I asked how much for shipping to Boston ($15). I asked again “and this is USA not GREY market lens” – “that’s correct.” “Let’s do it.” I gave my credit card and then he asks if I wanted a filter (which I was going to ask for anyway). I said yes, I wanted a Hoya UV and I asked how much it is ($24.95) and I confirmed “and that is for the Hoya.” “Yes.” “ok.” He told me I should have my lens and filter in two days.
The lens arrived the NEXT day! I was thrilled. I unpacked it and checked it out. I then looked through the paperwork – no warranty card - a sure sign that it is a Grey Market lens. Add to that, the filter I received was a Tiffen filter, not a Hoya. Though a decent product, the Tiffen is in no way comparable to the Hoya I ordered. I tried calling – they were closed.
I called World’s customer service all morning and kept getting a recorded message. I called the 800 order number. I told the gentleman I could not reach customer service. He helped me. He was evasive about the USA question on the lens.
He kept saying “it has a one-year USA warranty. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Yes. You haven’t answered my question. Did Tamron import this lens and you are distributing it, or did you import this lens?”
“It has a one-year USA warranty.”
“Who is providing that warranty? Tamron?”
“Yes. We are and it comes with a one-year USA warranty.”
“I see. I also asked for a Hoya filter and received a Tiffen.”
“We don’t carry Hoya.”
“I was told you do.”
“We don’t carry Hoya.”
“Very well.” I hang up.
I call Tamron and (1) told them I received a lens without a warranty card and (2) ask if World Photo is an authorized distributor. They are not. Tamron recommended returning the lens. They said there was no way it was anything but a Grey Market lens. They said they would not honor any warranty for a Grey Market product.
I called World back. I believe I got the same gentleman. I ask the same questions and tell him I have spoken with Tamron. I told him that they have deceived me and I don’t like how they conduct business. I told them that I will be returning the lens and calling my credit card company to stop payment.
“Yessir. You will need and RA or it won’t be accepted.”
“OK. Who can I speak to? No one is in customer service.”
“They are there now. Let me get them for you.”
I speak to Tom – the manager. He asked me if there was a 6 year warranty card in the lens’ paperwork.
“No. There was no warranty. I was told it had a one year warranty. There was no paperwork.”
“This particular lens has a 6 year warranty and the card should’ve been in the box. I have all the warranty cards separate and it apparently didn’t get placed in the box. (that is VERY weird] Let me send you the warranty card.”
I decide to allow him time to mail me the card since he said “you have 15 days to return the lens for a full refund if, after you inspect the warranty, you still do not want it.” I asked for a day by which I'd need to return it. He gave me a specific date. k.”
I then told him about the filter. He said I could return it for a Hoya filter [hmmmm, they HAVE Hoya?], or a refund.
I called my Visa company. Wanted it recorded that I am having problems with this vendor – but that I wanted to give the vendor an opportunity to produce the warranty card – though I doubted he could. In the event that I still want to return it in the 15 days, I wanted it on record that I addressed the matter today.
I received a document from World that appeared to be a valid warranty card. I called Tamron. They said it was not.
I called World for a Return Authorization.
I shipped the lens and filter back with a letter outlining their disception and demanding full payment including shipping. I told them that they might as well comply because my credit card company won't honor the charges. They complied.
The frosting on the cake, for me, was that I took their UPS account number off their original package and used it to pay for the return shipping costs!!! So, they not only didn't make the sale - but they paid for round trip shipping and insurance!!!
STAY AWAY from any company associated with them - including: Broadway Photo, A&M Photo World, Regal Camera, Prestige Camera, Preferred Photo, Royal Camera.
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