Wow, I didn't realize people were still reading this blog.
It still ranks relatively high on google search results for "New World Video Direct." I see in the comments that people are reading this blog and then cancelling their NWVD orders or simply ordering elsewhere in the first place (go to 'older posts' to read those comments). That means at least a few less people are being scammed.
Let's try and keep it this way. Link to this blog from your site and/or do whatever else it is people do to keep this site high in search results.
NWVD is a dishonest company and consumers deserve to know the truth about them.
Thanks!
P.S. If you are new here, read my story below to learn more about the ways of New World Video Direct.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
16 comments:
Thank you Josh for posting your experience with New World Video Direct... I was just about to order a Nikon camera charger from them and then I decided to do a little research on them. As no surprise, the item's stock status is: Usually Ships In 1-2 Business Days. I'm not taking any chances with ordering from them... not just because I'm worried about getting ripped off for $30 but because I have better things to do than play little games on the phone with their CSR. Plus, that Scott's attitude was terrible. Anyways, thank you again! I love that you posted your story on the Consumerist & then it got Dugg. Lol!
I had just placed an order with them. They called me to tell me it was out of stock, and back ordered 8 weeks (ironically, everyone else has it in stock). They told me the version everyone else had was inferior, since it didn't have the "special chip." (odd, Nikon doesn't even mention ANY of their BATTERIES having a special chip -- and the product #s match). They agreed to give me an aftermarket product for 130% of the cost. When I questioned it, they agreed to "match the OEM price." How kind of you, since Amazon has the aftermarket one for about 25% of the cost. Canceled the order. Someone needs to go after these guys.
I'm so glad I decided to do some research about NWVD. I was about to order a Canon Speedlite but after reading this blog and some other reviews - I decided against it. I really don't want to take my chances. Companies like theirs do not need any business and I feel bad for anyone who was scammed. Thank you so much for posting your experience and having many people become aware.
I just got the exact same thing! I tried to order a nikon MH-23 charger, and they fed me some bullshit about needing to get a new one that had a special anti-overheating trip. Fucking ridiculous.
It's 2010 and the company is still in business with the exact same bait and switch. How is this possible?
These days, when you order a product, you get a phone call from "Bella Cao" who tells you your product is back ordered for 4 weeks, but fortunately her supervisor is allowing her to offer you a better, non-branded, substitute for only a few dollars more.
When you cancel your order you do not get a refund.
How did the original case go down? Did you ever get a refund? I paid through paypal and their dispute process takes forever.
Thanks for posting this Josh - saved yet another one here from hassle. I get angry just reading the correspondence from Scott to you. I had an experience like this a few years back with another NY-based online camera retailer. It was not pleasant. So I am glad that your blog popped up when I googled NWVD. I was a bit suspicious of the price of the battery pack I would have ordered and it's helpful to have sites out there like yours to set the record straight. Sure seems like a lot of effort on their part - wouldn't it just be easier to earn an honest buck?
oh man... this whole thing just happneded to me!! i ordered some canon batteries for my 7D and i go the phone call saying they were backordered because of the whole Japan crisis, and that everyone was ordering this other battery anyway because it had a longer battery life!! i understood i was getting a better canon battery and ended up with nonames!! argh!! i am so glad i came across your blog because i was just about to order my cannon speedlite 580ex II from them... i think i'll pay the extra $30 to order through amazon!!!
I found this blog a little too late... they did the same thing to me. Lucky I didn't break the seal from the box and I'm trying to return it for a full refund. Thank you for informing me.
Thank you for posting your experience. I was interested in a camera lens that they "supposedly" had in stock and new... a lens that was discontinued at least 3 years ago, probably more though(can't find the exact date). Looking at the page it said "usually ships in 1-2 business days" and after reading your story I figured I would give them a call to confirm it is in stock before I order it. I call and ask if the lens is in stock, and I am told "there's a bit of a delay but we'll be getting some in." WTF! From where?! The lens hasn't been manufactured in years! You're lucky if you find a used one, but having brand new ones in stock... Yeah, right. I will never buy anything from this store!
Thanks for spreading the word. I saw that New World Video had the lowest price for a EN-EL20 rechargeable Li-ion battery in a Google product search. After reading this blog and seeing the other similar stories, I think I'll go with B&H, which is considered reputable by photographers.
I came across your blog while researching NWVD's history. You obviously had a legitimate gripe and the circus of email/responses that followed, were entertaining largely at your expense. Pitiful. I live on the west coast but have done a great deal of business, teaching and traveling on the east coast. Long and short of it is, east coasters are used to lousy customer service and therefore tolerate more abuse than a west coaster. I know I am generalizing here, but that is what I have found. Both need to be educated. However, that said, lousy customer service on any coast, or any where in the world, is inexcusable especially in this day and age where money is tight and competition for my hard earned money is even greater. I don't hold grudges and always give people a second chance, even a third or forth ... it all depends on their responsiveness and attitude. The fact that NWVD responded to you at all, and on a quasi-public forum is a positive thing. The fact they were inept in handling your issue is decisively negative. I ordered from them anyway as they had the best prices on what I was looking for and it was in stock. I worked out just fine for me. As with all things of this nature, your mileage will always vary. Cheers.
Interesting. The price for name brand Nikon battery & charger seemed too good to be true but I was going to order anyway. I've ordered from all kinds of crazy places on the web and never had a problem. But given all the same links from 2009 still work and show the same info and prices, clearly this is not an ordinary store. Usually such a high website is safe.
I just called because I was curious. The Nikon battery & charger I wanted & that are listed "usually ship in 1-2 days" are not in stock. The rep said if I tried to check out a pop up would tell me that it was 8 weeks out and that that means it's basically never coming in. A very pleasant conversation but WTF? I suggested he take those pages down off the site.
Clearly they are aware of this post and are treading carefully.
OMG! I'm glad I saw this blog. I was 1 page away from ordering. Thanks for sharing.
I was about to order a Canon lens from them and googled "promo codes" and found Josh's blog. SOOO glad I did. I'd rather pay $30 more from a more reputable company. Thank you so much for posting your troubles and saving the rest of us ours!!
Post a Comment