Experiences with returning a camera to the store?

[masp]

So, I'm about to jump in and buy the darned camera already. I'm not entirely sure if the camera is right for me. I didn't really like the viewfinder, but then I didn't really like any of the viewfinders of any particular DSLR that day. Maybe it was the lightning. I'll probably try it out in another store first just be sure, but I probably won't know exactly how it truely handles until I take it home.

So I'm wondering how it will go if I try the camera out and have to return it (not that I intend to make a habit out of this). I'm planning on dealing with one of the well known retailers (B&H, Calumet, Adorama, Fry's, J&R or Amazon) who all seem to have good return policies posted on their websites. Have you ever had to return a new camera to a store and if so, how did the experience go?

[Sypher101]

I have never returned a camera, but I did buy then return the Canon 18-200 to Futureshop. I actually intended to do that from the beginning, buying the lens as a 'free rental'. Decided not to buy it after using it, instead planning on buying a few lenses to cover that range.

I realize its not quite the same as buying online, but I had no problem returning the lens. I gave them an excuse that my financial situation had changed, but that when it was better I would buy again from them (ya right.....well, maybe for another rental).

I can't see you having any trouble with returns, though being online retailers mailing it would be my only issue. Be sure the read their return policy and the time limit they place on it. Some places only offer partial refunds, or store credit after a certain time period.

[Bambi]

that would be a great question to ask the salesperson when you buy the camera. I would shy away from big box stores like Futureshop, Best Buy.

[F8&Bthere]

that would be a great question to ask the salesperson when you buy the camera. I would shy away from big box stores like Futureshop, Best Buy.

Just out of curiosity, Bambi, why is that?

I'm not sure if you'd call London Drugs a big box store, but it is a national multi-department chain, and I've bought a fair amount of my gear from them. I can cite many examples of return policies and price matching (even post purchase) that they did without too much arm twisting that someone like Vistek, for example, doubtfully would have. Saneal, as another example, has 10 day exchange only. No returns. I've bought other kinds of stuff from Futureshop, TVs, computers, etc., over the years and I've been pretty impressed overall, at least on their pricing, availability, and return policy. I never bought camera equipment from them though.

[Bambi]

Just out of curiosity, Bambi, why is that?

I'm not sure if you'd call London Drugs a big box store, but it is a national multi-department chain, and I've bought a fair amount of my gear from them. I can cite many examples of return policies and price matching (even post purchase) that they did without too much arm twisting that someone like Vistek, for example, doubtfully would have. Saneal, as another example, has 10 day exchange only. No returns. I've bought other kinds of stuff from Futureshop, TVs, computers, etc., over the years and I've been pretty impressed overall, at least on their pricing, availability, and return policy. I never bought camera equipment from them though.

Best Buy has a restocking fee and sometimes refuses to take returns. There have been some complaints against them. I have no experience with London Drugs as we don't have one here. My experience with these stores is that once you buy they have no interest in customer service. So with important buys I find a store with a good rep and deal with them.

[F8&Bthere]

My experience with these stores is that once you buy they have no interest in customer service. So with important buys I find a store with a good rep and deal with them.

Yes, that makes sense. I recently made the biggest single purchase of my photographic life to date, and I bought from Saneal (a smaller photo chain) despite their rather paltry return policy (10 days, exchange only) and it was because of the knowledgeable, friendly and helpful attitude of the manager there who I was dealing with, and had dealt with before. (Well, that and competitive pricing, the product I wanted in stock, store hours open evenings and weekends, etc)

[Marko]

About 3 years ago I went to a big pro camera store in Montreal and bought a camera that i returned a week later. I had no problem whatsoever.

Thx!

Marko