Roberts Camera

Reviews 4

A

A Private User

I wanted to like Roberts as I like to shop at smaller stores when theyre available - Its generally nicer than shopping at a big box store. My two trips to Roberts havent impressed me though. I tried to discuss entry level DSLRs so I could buy one (surely a common thing?). The first time I went in I was told "I have no opinion" by their sales guy James. Luckily I had done some research so had it narrowed down to 2 possible cameras, both of which were in stock. Unluckily, even asking about the relative merits of a Nikon D7 VS a Canon T1i got me the "I have no opinion" answer again. I flipped a coin basically (which is not my preferred method to spend $700.00) and bought the Canon. Its a nice camera, but some intelligent discussion about things would have been nice. I also picked up a tripod which lead to my 2nd visit. I made the 2nd trip because upon opening the tripods box I discovered various bits were broken off. So, I obviously brought it back to return it. They took it back no problem, but I didnt even get a "sorry we sold you a broken tripod" out of them. Is a "my bad" so much to ask? I tried to find out about other tripods as I was concerned about the quality level of the type I purchased, but was told "thats all we have in THAT price range". I realize it doesnt come through reading it, but the tone it was said in clearly said "Im not interesting in helping you. What youre buying is too cheap". Its a pity, because I COULD certainly have bought a more expensive tripod - mine was $50. I suppose you dont count till you spend $500. But, seeing as no one will help you there, how am I supposed to know I bought a bad one? I got a replacement of the same type since it just didnt seem worth it to argue. Sorry for the lengthy read Ill try to sum up: Good: Price Selection used section is well stocked Bad You wont matter if youre spending under a grand. (maybe more?) No ability to learn about their products since they have no opinion on everything they sell No interest in helping you The guys selling new wont mention the used section. The day I bought the Canon I believe there was an identical one in the used section with a lens for less than I paid for just the body. My advice - if you have to/want to buy local Roberts has the best selection and good prices. Youll need to do LOTS of research before going in though since they wont help you. You could probably save yourself a few bucks by ordering from Amazon or something if you dont want to deal with the hassle.

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Nick Souza

So the story goes: walked into roberts looking to upgrade to a new camera understanding and expecting I may have to pay a little bit of difference for what I want. I waited for about 10 minutes for a sales rep to finish up with current customer. Once helped mark helped me was kind and courteous. After doing an estimate on what I was trading in he initially quoted 2200 dollars for my gear. After confirming 3 times if that was the actual amount being quoted for my gear Mark assured me it was the fair price and what I deserve for my gear. So having that expectation I continue with the sale. After mark grabbed everything getting ready to process the transaction he then says "uh oh" looks like I miss quoted you. Actually well only give you 1100... I can understand maybe couple hundred but 1000 DOLLAR DIFFERENCE!? So disgruntled I left with my gear called and spoke with store manager Phil explained the situation and how I was upset that an employee of theirs set the wrong expectation and that I did my part as a consumer to confirm what i was getting (even though its not my responsibility). Then to be later bait and switched into something else. Phil did some "number crunching" and said he would call me back. Phil did call me back however they werent going to adjust the price of the trade in. but were only able to discount the new camera only 100 dollars... really... so with that being said. After 3 failed attempts at this establishment they have officially used all 3 strikes. So at this point I would rather order online or go somewhere else and wait or make a drive out of state to a more reputable company and a company who stands behind a word with the expectation that was set to a customer. So to all my clients, photography friends, friends... do not give roberts your business. At this point they just need to be out of business. So I may offer a promotion where if you experience horrible service with them like i have I will offer some sort of discount on my services... When someone gives me an expectation I expect them to uphold it...so unlike roberts I will hold up mine.

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MA

Matthew Grimm

My friends and I visit Roberts Camera about once a month and we love it! I have purchased both a 50mm lens and 18-135mm lens from Roberts and the experiences were mostly great. This afternoon didnt start great. I went in to purchase my 18-135mm lens from Ken and everything seemed great. I went out to my car and mounted the lens to my camera and something didnt seem right. Before I say more, let it be known I am no camera or lens expert. Once I got the lens on the camera I could tell the focusing wasnt as sharp as an STM lens should be. My 50mm lens is butter smooth and the 18-135mm has the same design motor. While downtown, I shot for a few minutes and just couldnt get passed the focusing. I walked back to Roberts and spoke with Ken again. I told him that I wasnt sure if I was sold the correct lens. There are a few different versions of the 18-135mm (IS,USM,STM) and I was sure what I was given wasnt an STM lens. Ken assured me that it was in fact an STM lens. It was my mistake for not taking the lens out to show him. I then, under the assumption it was an STM lens, went back to my shoot. I still knew something wasnt right. I then got on Youtube and looked up a few reviews on the lens and determined without a doubt...what I was given wasnt an STM lens. I then went back to Roberts for a third time and spoke with Ken. I told him I most definitely did not get an STM lens, even though I paid for one (open box). What I received was an IS model. Ken and the mans name I didnt get, found me an open box STM 18-135mm lens and gave it to me for an exact even trade on what I paid initially. I understand people make mistakes and my ignorance probably didnt help matters. I will continue to shop at Roberts because of the great customer service and their willingness to help. This mix up wasnt fun, but the service I received to rectify it made this review a 5 star...

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AA

Aaron Dixon

First off I do not recommend this store if you can avoid it. I prefer B&H any day over Roberts. Roberts was okay at first, but the more I go and interact with the workers, the more I loath going in that store. For starters, nearly all of the workers are incredibly unhelpful and seem more interesting in holding conversations with people (Not talking about buying/camera advice, etc) than helping someone who wants to buy something. I get no help unless I butt in and ask for help. Granted not everyone here is a stuck up person. There are some very helpful people although I can not think of his name, he worked in the back with film. I am also treated like an idiot most of the time, and before my questions are answered I am giving a scoff and this look like I am not welcome. When calling to ask questions about orders or inventory, I am mostly greeted again, like an inconvenience. They people who run the phones give me short and quick answers, and then say "Good-bye". I am left with no room to ask another question. On top of the staff being incredibly rude, they do not stock or are in constant back order of what I need. Although all of the things I need might not be common, but every other place seems to carry them. This includes archival storage binders and Warmtoned FB paper, etc. Once again, there are SOME really nice people here(Nick and the guy in the film department),but the quantity of rudeness overbears the nice ones.Roberts tends to have a higher price than most places too, not by a huge amount (Like $10) but there is still a difference. Roberts is good for buying bricks of film, but thats it for me. I bet Roberts will meet the fate that Cord did in the next 10 years or so. If you want better customer service and a wide range of products use B&H. Sure you dont have the pleasure of taking home what you need right then and there, but their shipping is normally really fast.

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