Vendor question

SEWIS · 03-18-2012, 03:31 PM

Good afternoon,

In preparation for some upcoming trips, I have been looking for some lenses on the web since none of my local camera vendors carry Pentax. I came across a vendor by the name of "Lens Clearance." I am a bit leery to purchase expensive lenses from a vendor that I have no information on or even hear of for that matter. The prices were good so it is tempting but I have always been cautious about this type of thing. Have any of you had any experience with this vendor? I would appreciate any information or comments from you.

Best regards,

Doug

wasser · 03-18-2012, 04:52 PM

"If it's too good to be true..."

Lens Clearance Reviews - lensclearance.com Ratings at ResellerRatings

I'd pass if I was you.

panoguy · 03-18-2012, 05:06 PM

Originally posted by wasser

"If it's too good to be true..."

+1 on that. Steer clear...

Check the prices on B&H or Adorama - they are the biggest and most reputable online photography gear vendors, and they do not play games at all. If you find it cheaper somewhere you've never shopped or heard of, ask yourself if the risk (of not getting what you ordered, endless shipping delays, dubious calls to add overpriced accessories - to name a few common scams) is worth the price difference...

derekkite · 03-18-2012, 05:09 PM

At both B&H and Adorama, add the item to the cart to see the price you will pay. It is sometimes less than the listed price.

Docrwm · 03-18-2012, 05:49 PM

Our Marketplace here is a great source too. I also buy from Amazon when their price is significantly lower than Adorama or B&H. There are a few other solid sellers but when in doubt check reputation online or ask here.

Found this with a simple Google Search:

http://www.scambook.com/browse/index/company/33163/lensclearance.com

And this on DPReview:
Simple pointers to trouble :

No land address.anywhere on the site

Contact Us is a mailto link, rather than detailed information including phone and address details. Real companies don't do that.

No business registration details, tax details.

If you want more warning signs check the domain registration details using a whois service. They're using a registration proxy to hide the "company" details. No legitimate business would do that.

wasser · 03-18-2012, 05:53 PM

Some other sources:

Ebay - some places/individuals are reputable, as always, buyer beware
PF forum Market - ultimately, same as above
KEH - reputable source for used stuff

SEWIS · 03-18-2012, 06:19 PM

Thank you all for your comments. You have confirmed my instincts. I have always been leery of the so called "too good to be true"deals and your helpful links are proof that this is a scam artist. I can get in enough trouble by accident without going out of my way to find it! I will stick to my usual vendors that we all know and trust. Thanks again for the good information.

Best regards,

Doug

03-18-2012, 03:31 PM	#1
SEWIS New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Southeastern WI Posts: 24	Vendor question Good afternoon, In preparation for some upcoming trips, I have been looking for some lenses on the web since none of my local camera vendors carry Pentax. I came across a vendor by the name of "Lens Clearance." I am a bit leery to purchase expensive lenses from a vendor that I have no information on or even hear of for that matter. The prices were good so it is tempting but I have always been cautious about this type of thing. Have any of you had any experience with this vendor? I would appreciate any information or comments from you. Best regards, Doug

03-18-2012, 05:49 PM	#5
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Our Marketplace here is a great source too. I also buy from Amazon when their price is significantly lower than Adorama or B&H. There are a few other solid sellers but when in doubt check reputation online or ask here. Found this with a simple Google Search: http://www.scambook.com/browse/index/company/33163/lensclearance.com And this on DPReview: Simple pointers to trouble : No land address.anywhere on the site Contact Us is a mailto link, rather than detailed information including phone and address details. Real companies don't do that. No business registration details, tax details. If you want more warning signs check the domain registration details using a whois service. They're using a registration proxy to hide the "company" details. No legitimate business would do that. Last edited by Docrwm; 03-18-2012 at 05:59 PM.

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03-18-2012, 04:52 PM	#2
wasser Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: northern ca Photos: Gallery Posts: 427	"If it's too good to be true..." Lens Clearance Reviews - lensclearance.com Ratings at ResellerRatings I'd pass if I was you.

03-18-2012, 05:06 PM	#3
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	Originally posted by wasser "If it's too good to be true..." +1 on that. Steer clear... Check the prices on B&H or Adorama - they are the biggest and most reputable online photography gear vendors, and they do not play games at all. If you find it cheaper somewhere you've never shopped or heard of, ask yourself if the risk (of not getting what you ordered, endless shipping delays, dubious calls to add overpriced accessories - to name a few common scams) is worth the price difference...

03-18-2012, 05:09 PM	#4
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	At both B&H and Adorama, add the item to the cart to see the price you will pay. It is sometimes less than the listed price.

03-18-2012, 05:53 PM	#6
wasser Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: northern ca Photos: Gallery Posts: 427	Some other sources: Ebay - some places/individuals are reputable, as always, buyer beware PF forum Market - ultimately, same as above KEH - reputable source for used stuff

03-18-2012, 06:19 PM	#7
SEWIS New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Southeastern WI Posts: 24 Original Poster	Thank you all for your comments. You have confirmed my instincts. I have always been leery of the so called "too good to be true"deals and your helpful links are proof that this is a scam artist. I can get in enough trouble by accident without going out of my way to find it! I will stick to my usual vendors that we all know and trust. Thanks again for the good information. Best regards, Doug