mysterious store

[Natan Spektor]

I wanted to know if you recognize the store in LA [ removed ]. they sell the XH-A1 PAL in good price with accessories .I ask this question because they do not return an answers to the announcements of email, and on the phone they request to leave an message and they not return with answer.
I check this store in resellerratings.com and i not to get answers.
thanks!
sorry about my English.

[Jack Walker]

Here is one item turned up by Google, and there are others:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/...Off0303907.htm

After doing much buying of digital video and photo equipment the last 7 years, for myself, others, schools and companies, I have found:

1. B&H is the gold standard for price comparison. It is almost universally used for comparison by other legit. stores when offering discounts. B&H is not necessarily the lowest legit price, but it is consistently within a few percent of the lowest real price. In fact, if you are a school or government agency you can often get an additional discount on individual items from B&H that is almost always the lowest available price anywhere legit. They seem to use a consistent pricing scheme that makes them a good place to at least check to see what the price should be. Some of their package deals are excellent, some are just so-so and not really cheaper than buying pieces separately.

2. All of the sponsors on DVinfo.net have fair and discounted prices. Some offer more personal service that is much worth it for the few extra dollars they may charge for the people who want that level of service.

3. There is no such thing as ultra-low prices below the standard discount, not even for gray market items. Gray market items also are not unbelievably discounted.

4. In a couple of specialized markets in the U.S., for example multi-system VCRs, there are some online sellers that appear to be like the phony ones, but in fact they are totally legit, but they just sell items that are not normally retailed in the U.S. In fact a couple of these places are within a few miles of each other, but are different companies and legit. They also do not have ridiculously low prices, but fair prices. As I said, their field is products not normally available in the U.S. (though B&H also sells some of these gray market items, but they are not specialists in them like the specialized stores). I have not found such gray market retailers for cameras, though.

5. The best price is going to be used (but never actually used) equipment bought by someone who didn't know what they were buying (or had a serious change of fate and have to sell) and they want to get rid of it. Every once in a while you might find that super deal, but in general, you can expect to get about 30% off retail (maybe 40% sometimes), but you can do better in the deal if you get expensive accessories thrown in that you would otherwise have to buy. However, the caveat with used equipment is making sure you don't get taken. It is possible to consistenly buy used gear and not get burned, but a lot of experience helps and an understanding of the criminal mind doesn't hurt.

6. If getting something for nothing is ever a motive, the scammers are waiting and ready.

[John B. Nelson]

The one thing I learned in life is..

You get what you pay for.

[Bill Pryor]

If any store is more than 5% lower than B&H, be very wary.

[Chris Hurd]

There is some excellent input here (as usual) and enough has been said. Thanks all,