Pentax web store sales

Pentax web store sales · **3 Likes**

The Pentax web store has some great sales today. Official Pentax Online Store | Pentax Digital Cameras | Pentax Webstore

The FA 31mm Limited is on sale for 773! smcP FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited (Black) | Pentax Webstore

The D-FA 50mm Macro is 303. smcP D-FA 50mm f2.8 Macro | Pentax Webstore

There are a lot of other lenses on sale as well although the price cuts are not quite as high generally.

I just ordered the 31mm :-)

**monochrome** · 12-05-2014, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by krebsy75

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe: Our Company | BrandShop | Branded Digital Commerce

BrandShop (SureSource) is apparently owned by a Private Equity firm, otherwise known as a Hedge Fund.

Board of Directors

Jeff Stevenson

Mr. Stevenson is the Managing Partner of VSS and has overall responsibility for the management of the Firm and each of its funds. Mr. Stevenson has been the senior member of the investment committees of all of the VSS buyout funds and structured capital funds. He joined the Firm in 1982, shortly after its formation, and has been the head of its private equity business since its first investment; he has over twenty years’ experience in private investing.

Previously, Mr. Stevenson was Executive Vice President in charge of corporate finance at VSS, a department he founded. Mr. Stevenson currently serves as a member of the board of Advanstar Communications, Access Intelligence, Infobase Publishing, User Friendly Media, Market Strategies, ITN Networks, TMP Worldwide, Remedy Health, Cambium Learning, Southern Theatres, Cast & Crew, BrandShop, Metschools and Tax Credit Co.

Previously, he served as a member of the board of Ebiquity, Vault.com, The Official Information Company, Centaur Communications, Birch Telecom, ITE Group, Pepcom, Yellow Book USA, Rifkin Acquisition Partners, Triax Midwest Associates, Broadcasting Partners Holdings, Spectrum Resources Towers, PJS Publications, Kansas Broadcasting Systems, B&B Merger Corporation, Cable Management Ireland, International Media Partners, Hughes Broadcasting Partners, Triax Southeast Associates, Canon Communications, Hanley Wood, De Telefoongids, Mediatel, and Broadcasting Partners.

Mr. Stevenson holds a BA from Rutgers College.

In addition, Mr. Stevenson serves on the boards or is involved with the following organization: YPO/WPO, SBIA Board of Governors and Lincoln Center Leadership Committee.

Mr. Stevenson can be reached at stevensonj@vss.com.

IOW, their corporate overlords probably don't much care about Ricoh's customers.

Last edited by monochrome; 12-07-2014 at 07:29 AM.

PenTex · 12-05-2014, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by krebsy75

I'm happy to report that my transaction is finally complete. Today I was dinged $1,299.95 which was followed by a $526.53 credit.

Not sure how this would have transpired without this thread and my follow-up. In any event, Godspeed my "Pentax web store sales" friends and don't take shit from anybody.

Good news. Now tell us about the lens

red_potatoes · 12-05-2014, 01:49 PM

FWIW - a better experience to report. I ordered a 31mm limited from the pentax webstore on Nov 28, around midnight. On December 2, I received an email that the lens had shipped. That same day my Paypal account was charged.

The tracking number in the email was useless; it kept telling me that UPS had not received the package.

So, I called the webstore today. They assured me the lens had shipped, and when they logged into the UPS site, were able to tell me the lens would be delivered to my home (in upstate NY) today.

A few hours later, the lens arrived.

Why, oh why, do I think I'll be taking lots of pictures with it this weekend?

Wolfeye · 12-05-2014, 02:35 PM - **2 Likes**

I cancelled my 31mm order and went with a 35mm from B&H. I'll get a lesser lens but I will save $600 and not have to deal with the lousy Pentax web store. I am at peace.

**woodywesty** · 12-05-2014, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by Wolfeye

I cancelled my 31mm order and went with a 35mm from B&H. I'll get a lesser lens but I will save $600 and not have to deal with the lousy Pentax web store. I am at peace.

Don't blame you. I'm glad I didn't order the Q7 after seeing what many have had to endure with this outfit. I'd love to hear the discussions between B&H and Ricoh/Pentax sales reps about how Ricoh/Pentax could sell product at a lower price than what the dealers have to pay for the product.... Doesn't sound like a good way to work with your distributors.

EJMzagsfan · 12-05-2014, 03:22 PM

Update on my order: I sent an email and recieved a reply stating that they were unable to verify my billing adress so that's why the lens wasn't sent. Upon calling customer service today they are going to call my cc company for verification. This is really annoying, there is nothing wrong with my billing information. They also claim to have sent me an email telling about the problem, but I've checked my spam and there was no email.

Elliot · 12-05-2014, 03:36 PM

I cancelled my order as well. I had cancelled one of the two lenses, and then called them this afternoon and when they could give me no information about when the remaining lens might come in, I politely cancelled. They have never changed the web page listing my order from the initial order. They also promised to send me an e-mail confirming the cancellation, which I have not yet received. Therefore, I think that I cancelled the lens(es).

I would rather relax and enjoy the purchasing of a new lens and also support a dealer that is more responsible towards the consumer, even if any dealer can make a mistake at times. In the meantime, I bought a used lens from a fellow Pentaxian on the board here.

mikeodial · 12-05-2014, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by kpevav

I cancelled my order as well. I had cancelled one of the two lenses, and then called them this afternoon and when they could give me no information about when the remaining lens might come in, I politely cancelled. They have never changed the web page listing my order from the initial order. They also promised to send me an e-mail confirming the cancellation, which I have not yet received. Therefore, I think that I cancelled the lens(es).

I would rather relax and enjoy the purchasing of a new lens and also support a dealer that is more responsible towards the consumer, even if any dealer can make a mistake at times. In the meantime, I bought a used lens from a fellow Pentaxian on the board here.

Just received an reply email from Tracy Rothenberger COO of Ricoh USA who is now aware of the problem. (He responded to me personally within hours of informing him of the situation). He is looking into it. Sometimes senior management does not become aware of these issues until it's too late.

I cannot believe the damage these guys are doing to the brand we support and love.

Docrwm · 12-05-2014, 04:42 PM

Originally posted by mikeodial

Just received an reply email from Tracy Rothenberger COO of Ricoh USA who is now aware of the problem. (He responded to me personally within hours of informing him of the situation). He is looking into it. Sometimes senior management does not become aware of these issues until it's too late.

I cannot believe the damage these guys are doing to the brand we support and love.

I have received no response from Jim Malcolm. I had hoped that an underling would be delegated that task. I just don't get Pentax USA at all. Ricoh seems to be doing some things right and Pentax USA has had this problem with their "Official" webstore for years.

John279 · 12-05-2014, 04:53 PM

I'm too in the herd of Black Friday bargain hunters burned by BrandShop. I tried to control my LBA but the offer on the FA-31mm was just too good and I finally pulled the trigger on Nov 30, even though it was already listed as out-of-stock (how that for internet buying confidence...!). Imagine my surprise and delight when I got a notice that it had shipped on Wednesday, Dec 3 at 9:44PM! Ah but the price had jumped from the web site 773.42 to list 1299.95. Also, the higher price appeared as pending on my CC.

Yesterday, I called BrandShop (Sarah was super professional and very sweet!!) and was given an email link to upload my original receipt that I'd downloaded as a pdf file. I was able to do even better, as when I logged on to My Account at the webstore, my original order was still accessible and for the 773.42, so I was able to send a copy of that!

Lens was delivered by UPS this afternoon at ~2 PM and Sarah's email confirming refund of the difference arrived at 2:11 PM. Now just waiting on the CC company to register the refund before I start using the lens...

mikeodial · 12-05-2014, 05:00 PM

Originally posted by John279

I'm too in the herd of Black Friday bargain hunters burned by BrandShop. I tried to control my LBA but the offer on the FA-31mm was just too good and I finally pulled the trigger on Nov 30, even though it was already listed as out-of-stock (how that for internet buying confidence...!). Imagine my surprise and delight when I got a notice that it had shipped on Wednesday, Dec 3 at 9:44PM! Ah but the price had jumped from the web site 773.42 to list 1299.95. Also, the higher price appeared as pending on my CC.

Yesterday, I called BrandShop (Sarah was super professional and very sweet!!) and was given an email link to upload my original receipt that I'd downloaded as a pdf file. I was able to do even better, as when I logged on to My Account at the webstore, my original order was still accessible and for the 773.42, so I was able to send a copy of that!

Lens was delivered by UPS this afternoon at ~2 PM and Sarah's email confirming refund of the difference arrived at 2:11 PM. Now just waiting on the CC company to register the refund before I start using the lens...

Had a similar conversation with Sarah today. Also awaiting the change to CC.

krebsy75 · 12-05-2014, 05:05 PM - **2 Likes**

In close to 20 years of e-commerce I have never experienced a similar transaction. Got to give Pentax credit for keeping with their "be different" philosophy!

The Kid · 12-05-2014, 05:28 PM

Well, to give credit where it is due, my 55-300 just showed up. Thankfully little drama on this end....

mrbrightside · 12-05-2014, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by krebsy75

Pentax has no option but to find another provider.

You assume Pentax care enough to get another provider. Pentax stayed with this provider after last year's fiasco -- this is not a first occurrence; and from what I can tell, this time around some of you actually got a lens, which is a lot better than last year.

krebsy75 · 12-05-2014, 06:15 PM

Originally posted by mrbrightside

You assume Pentax care enough to get another provider. Pentax stayed with this provider after last year's fiasco -- this is not a first occurrence; and from what I can tell, this time around some of you actually got a lens, which is a lot better than last year.

Yep. I made out pretty good. It was a stragr transaction, however.

Pentax comes across as an arrogant company. And I have no idea why. Their reputation in the industry is either unknown or flat out negative.

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12-05-2014, 09:46 AM	#302
PenTex Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Georgia Posts: 49	Pentax web store sales Originally posted by krebsy75 I'm happy to report that my transaction is finally complete. Today I was dinged $1,299.95 which was followed by a $526.53 credit. Not sure how this would have transpired without this thread and my follow-up. In any event, Godspeed my "Pentax web store sales" friends and don't take shit from anybody. Good news. Now tell us about the lens

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12-05-2014, 08:53 AM	#301
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by krebsy75 Eeny, meeny, miny, moe: Our Company \| BrandShop \| Branded Digital Commerce BrandShop (SureSource) is apparently owned by a Private Equity firm, otherwise known as a Hedge Fund. Board of Directors Jeff Stevenson Mr. Stevenson is the Managing Partner of VSS and has overall responsibility for the management of the Firm and each of its funds. Mr. Stevenson has been the senior member of the investment committees of all of the VSS buyout funds and structured capital funds. He joined the Firm in 1982, shortly after its formation, and has been the head of its private equity business since its first investment; he has over twenty years’ experience in private investing. Previously, Mr. Stevenson was Executive Vice President in charge of corporate finance at VSS, a department he founded. Mr. Stevenson currently serves as a member of the board of Advanstar Communications, Access Intelligence, Infobase Publishing, User Friendly Media, Market Strategies, ITN Networks, TMP Worldwide, Remedy Health, Cambium Learning, Southern Theatres, Cast & Crew, BrandShop, Metschools and Tax Credit Co. Previously, he served as a member of the board of Ebiquity, Vault.com, The Official Information Company, Centaur Communications, Birch Telecom, ITE Group, Pepcom, Yellow Book USA, Rifkin Acquisition Partners, Triax Midwest Associates, Broadcasting Partners Holdings, Spectrum Resources Towers, PJS Publications, Kansas Broadcasting Systems, B&B Merger Corporation, Cable Management Ireland, International Media Partners, Hughes Broadcasting Partners, Triax Southeast Associates, Canon Communications, Hanley Wood, De Telefoongids, Mediatel, and Broadcasting Partners. Mr. Stevenson holds a BA from Rutgers College. In addition, Mr. Stevenson serves on the boards or is involved with the following organization: YPO/WPO, SBIA Board of Governors and Lincoln Center Leadership Committee. Mr. Stevenson can be reached at stevensonj@vss.com. IOW, their corporate overlords probably don't much care about Ricoh's customers. Last edited by monochrome; 12-07-2014 at 07:29 AM.

12-05-2014, 01:49 PM	#303
red_potatoes New Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 7	FWIW - a better experience to report. I ordered a 31mm limited from the pentax webstore on Nov 28, around midnight. On December 2, I received an email that the lens had shipped. That same day my Paypal account was charged. The tracking number in the email was useless; it kept telling me that UPS had not received the package. So, I called the webstore today. They assured me the lens had shipped, and when they logged into the UPS site, were able to tell me the lens would be delivered to my home (in upstate NY) today. A few hours later, the lens arrived. Why, oh why, do I think I'll be taking lots of pictures with it this weekend?

12-05-2014, 02:35 PM - 2 Likes	#304
Wolfeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 782	I cancelled my 31mm order and went with a 35mm from B&H. I'll get a lesser lens but I will save $600 and not have to deal with the lousy Pentax web store. I am at peace.

12-05-2014, 02:59 PM	#305
woodywesty Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 725	Originally posted by Wolfeye I cancelled my 31mm order and went with a 35mm from B&H. I'll get a lesser lens but I will save $600 and not have to deal with the lousy Pentax web store. I am at peace. Don't blame you. I'm glad I didn't order the Q7 after seeing what many have had to endure with this outfit. I'd love to hear the discussions between B&H and Ricoh/Pentax sales reps about how Ricoh/Pentax could sell product at a lower price than what the dealers have to pay for the product.... Doesn't sound like a good way to work with your distributors.

12-05-2014, 03:22 PM	#306
EJMzagsfan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Idaho Photos: Albums Posts: 241	Update on my order: I sent an email and recieved a reply stating that they were unable to verify my billing adress so that's why the lens wasn't sent. Upon calling customer service today they are going to call my cc company for verification. This is really annoying, there is nothing wrong with my billing information. They also claim to have sent me an email telling about the problem, but I've checked my spam and there was no email.

12-05-2014, 03:36 PM	#307
Elliot Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: South Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 281	I cancelled my order as well. I had cancelled one of the two lenses, and then called them this afternoon and when they could give me no information about when the remaining lens might come in, I politely cancelled. They have never changed the web page listing my order from the initial order. They also promised to send me an e-mail confirming the cancellation, which I have not yet received. Therefore, I think that I cancelled the lens(es). I would rather relax and enjoy the purchasing of a new lens and also support a dealer that is more responsible towards the consumer, even if any dealer can make a mistake at times. In the meantime, I bought a used lens from a fellow Pentaxian on the board here.

12-05-2014, 04:36 PM	#308
mikeodial Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 370	Originally posted by kpevav I cancelled my order as well. I had cancelled one of the two lenses, and then called them this afternoon and when they could give me no information about when the remaining lens might come in, I politely cancelled. They have never changed the web page listing my order from the initial order. They also promised to send me an e-mail confirming the cancellation, which I have not yet received. Therefore, I think that I cancelled the lens(es). I would rather relax and enjoy the purchasing of a new lens and also support a dealer that is more responsible towards the consumer, even if any dealer can make a mistake at times. In the meantime, I bought a used lens from a fellow Pentaxian on the board here. Just received an reply email from Tracy Rothenberger COO of Ricoh USA who is now aware of the problem. (He responded to me personally within hours of informing him of the situation). He is looking into it. Sometimes senior management does not become aware of these issues until it's too late. I cannot believe the damage these guys are doing to the brand we support and love.

12-05-2014, 04:42 PM	#309
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by mikeodial Just received an reply email from Tracy Rothenberger COO of Ricoh USA who is now aware of the problem. (He responded to me personally within hours of informing him of the situation). He is looking into it. Sometimes senior management does not become aware of these issues until it's too late. I cannot believe the damage these guys are doing to the brand we support and love. I have received no response from Jim Malcolm. I had hoped that an underling would be delegated that task. I just don't get Pentax USA at all. Ricoh seems to be doing some things right and Pentax USA has had this problem with their "Official" webstore for years.

12-05-2014, 04:53 PM	#310
John279 New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 23	I'm too in the herd of Black Friday bargain hunters burned by BrandShop. I tried to control my LBA but the offer on the FA-31mm was just too good and I finally pulled the trigger on Nov 30, even though it was already listed as out-of-stock (how that for internet buying confidence...!). Imagine my surprise and delight when I got a notice that it had shipped on Wednesday, Dec 3 at 9:44PM! Ah but the price had jumped from the web site 773.42 to list 1299.95. Also, the higher price appeared as pending on my CC. Yesterday, I called BrandShop (Sarah was super professional and very sweet!!) and was given an email link to upload my original receipt that I'd downloaded as a pdf file. I was able to do even better, as when I logged on to My Account at the webstore, my original order was still accessible and for the 773.42, so I was able to send a copy of that! Lens was delivered by UPS this afternoon at ~2 PM and Sarah's email confirming refund of the difference arrived at 2:11 PM. Now just waiting on the CC company to register the refund before I start using the lens...

12-05-2014, 05:00 PM	#311
mikeodial Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 370	Originally posted by John279 I'm too in the herd of Black Friday bargain hunters burned by BrandShop. I tried to control my LBA but the offer on the FA-31mm was just too good and I finally pulled the trigger on Nov 30, even though it was already listed as out-of-stock (how that for internet buying confidence...!). Imagine my surprise and delight when I got a notice that it had shipped on Wednesday, Dec 3 at 9:44PM! Ah but the price had jumped from the web site 773.42 to list 1299.95. Also, the higher price appeared as pending on my CC. Yesterday, I called BrandShop (Sarah was super professional and very sweet!!) and was given an email link to upload my original receipt that I'd downloaded as a pdf file. I was able to do even better, as when I logged on to My Account at the webstore, my original order was still accessible and for the 773.42, so I was able to send a copy of that! Lens was delivered by UPS this afternoon at ~2 PM and Sarah's email confirming refund of the difference arrived at 2:11 PM. Now just waiting on the CC company to register the refund before I start using the lens... Had a similar conversation with Sarah today. Also awaiting the change to CC.

12-05-2014, 05:05 PM - 2 Likes	#312
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804	In close to 20 years of e-commerce I have never experienced a similar transaction. Got to give Pentax credit for keeping with their "be different" philosophy!

12-05-2014, 05:28 PM	#313
The Kid Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 28	Well, to give credit where it is due, my 55-300 just showed up. Thankfully little drama on this end....

12-05-2014, 06:06 PM	#314
mrbrightside Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 46	Originally posted by krebsy75 Pentax has no option but to find another provider. You assume Pentax care enough to get another provider. Pentax stayed with this provider after last year's fiasco -- this is not a first occurrence; and from what I can tell, this time around some of you actually got a lens, which is a lot better than last year.

12-05-2014, 06:15 PM	#315
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804	Originally posted by mrbrightside You assume Pentax care enough to get another provider. Pentax stayed with this provider after last year's fiasco -- this is not a first occurrence; and from what I can tell, this time around some of you actually got a lens, which is a lot better than last year. Yep. I made out pretty good. It was a stragr transaction, however. Pentax comes across as an arrogant company. And I have no idea why. Their reputation in the industry is either unknown or flat out negative.