Adorama: A Cost-Effective Shopping Experience
Written: Mar 20 '08 (Updated Mar 24 '08)
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My most recent electronics acquisition is my Canon Powershot Elph SD1100 IS Digital Camera. The purchase wasn’t planned at all. A recent event had revealed that my older camera might need upgrading. This not only necessitated a new camera purchase, but also the purchase of the compatible accessories. I made one of these purchases at Adorama.com and was very happy.
Products
Adorama.com offers cameras, equipment rentals, and accessories. Both digital and film photography products are offered. The variety is very large, especially the accessories. The site offers film, memory cards, camera bags, tripods, underwater cases, and much more.
Price-wise, I found this site to be reasonable. The memory prices seem to be a little high, but all of the accessories were priced low. The camera prices were average, comparable with most electronics stores.
The Website
Adorama.com is very easy to navigate. Shoppers can browse the site using various categories and subcategories to narrow down their results. I found this to be effective, though I did not need it for what I was specifically looking for. A search feature is also provided, allowing you to find specific items. It was very accurate when I typed in accessory model numbers. Finding what I needed was easy both the first time (google did the work) and upon a return visit to the website.
The product pages are sufficient, though not every product is covered thoroughly. Pictures are provided for each item, as well as a description. The descriptions were skimpy. Had I not done previous research, I may have skipped over the item I purchase. The item is compatible with three Canon Elph models, yet the one-sentence description said it is only compatible with one model (the SD1000). The description also stated that the item was available in another color (grey), when it was actually available in three other colors. In addition to a more complete description, I would have liked to have been able to zoom into the product picture for a closer look.
The site had fast enough loading times. I noticed no problems with the site slowing, nor did I encounter broken links or errors while surfing.
The Transaction
My experience with Adorama.com involved the purchase of a Canon PSC-1000 Deluxe Leather Camera Bag. I arrived at this site while trying to save a few dollars on the bag, rather than buying it for $18.99 (before the overpriced shipping) on Canon’s site. When you’re saving for a wedding, every dollar counts! I had a tough time deciding whether to go with Canon (the site I was more familiar with) or Adorama (which would save me more than $7 on a $20-item). I eventually decided to take a chance and go with the less expensive option. I was able to buy the camera bag for $14.99.
The check-out process was very easy. I simply followed the step-by-step checkout process. I had the option to do so as a guest or create an account. I chose to check-out as a guest. Entering my information was a quick process and I was checked-out within a few minutes. I did not encounter any errors during this process. I used my credit card as protection, in case I had any problems with the site. Upon placing the order, I received an immediate email confirming. Another was sent the next day, confirming the item had shipped.
The item arrived in great condition, a day before it was scheduled to be delivered. It was exactly as described and packed well.
Recommendation
My experience with Adorama.com was a good one. The transaction went smoothly and it saved me a few dollars. My only complaint would be the lacking product descriptions, which in many situations would force me to research the items elsewhere. I recommend this site as a reliable place to make a purchase if you do your research beforehand.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Canon PSC-1000 Deluxe Leather Camera Bag
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noangels
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Member: Jamilynn
Location: Staten Island, NY USA
Reviews written: 219
Trusted by: 41 members
About Me:
So glad to almost be done with Christmas shopping!
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