Conns Cameras - bad experience

smelltheglove

Hecklar wrote: »

I remember that shop your talking about, They were really nice in there too, I was only a kid way back when they were doing business but id often be in there . The old film developer there on the side of that building is gone too. that place used to be very busy in the aul film days.

Yeah that was my uncles place, the digital era killed him, he works in a hospital now!

condra

I checked out Halls on Talbot Street today for the first time, and they completely won me over.

I went in with around 100 to spend on a flash for my new wireless triggers. I brought in the wireless triggers (RF-602) for testing and was able to mess around with a couple of flashes.

I ended up leaving with a compatible flash (Ricoh 303p) and light stand for just 65 euro.

The gentleman I dealt with had a trim white beard. Smashing nice fellow. He clearly knew his stuff but was modest and engaging.

Aoife201

Called Conns camera this morning to see if they had a battery I was after. After a lengthy phone conversation confirming measurements of battery, voltage, what it was for to make sure they had they right one, they said it was there. traypsed 2 hours into town, guees what...they did not have the correct battery at all. They even admitted that some of their staff didn't know what they were talking about. Muppets, what a waste of time!

condra

That sucks

EyeBlinks

Well , for a change a good experience.

Lost that stupid unmolded widget that comes with the X100 battery (didn't know it was there 'till it was gone) .

While Fuji dithered, Conn's replaced it without fuss from their own model. Very satisfied.

And a poor one....

Brought camera in with obvious fault. Staff member (young) takes it , puts it in manual (125 @f5.6 ... impressive or what ), rolls off a few shots in the dark in the shop i.e underexposed by 4/5 stops and guess what .... nothing wrong with it.

Will come back to the more experienced staff.

TelePaul

Just noticed this thread. Had a really good experience there during the weekend, trading in my old 350d, kit lens and 70-300mm IS lens. Got 400 bills off a 70-200mm 4.0 L and a Sigma 50mm 1.4. The guy - I think his name was Bob - was really decent, asked me why I didn't like my 70-300, told me the filter I was using on it was cheap, and insisted I go outside and shoot with it sans cheapo filter. Bought the L glass anyways though

I have to say that I've never had a bad experience in there. They operate in a certain way, and it's certainly a more sales-focused enterprise than others. Much as I love Gunns, Conns have much more variety when it comes to kit and are extremely knowledgeable with regard to accessories and peripherals.

bullpost

I'd second this.

I've bought some used kit from them recently and its always in great condition (flashgun I bought for less than half new price was practically unused) and they give a decent six month warranty on the body and a year on the lens.
Bought a used camera last week which didnt come with the software but they gave me all the latest versions of the software I was missing when I went back and asked.

They're not perfect (Gunns is far friendlier) and one of the sales guys there is a grumpy sort but if you know what you want thats not a problem.

TelePaul wrote: »

Just noticed this thread. Had a really good experience there during the weekend, trading in my old 350d, kit lens and 70-300mm IS lens. Got 400 bills off a 70-200mm 4.0 L and a Sigma 50mm 1.4. The guy - I think his name was Bob - was really decent, asked me why I didn't like my 70-300, told me the filter I was using on it was cheap, and insisted I go outside and shoot with it sans cheapo filter. Bought the L glass anyways though

I have to say that I've never had a bad experience in there. They operate in a certain way, and it's certainly a more sales-focused enterprise than others. Much as I love Gunns, Conns have much more variety when it comes to kit and are extremely knowledgeable with regard to accessories and peripherals.

JMJR

Well I think that they live up to their name. My experience today- I saw a 2nd hand lens on their website on Sunday last and phoned and left a message on their answering machine with my details name & mobile, said I'd try to get in on Monday. Couldn't swing in on Monday so I phoned and spoke to someone at 1pm. Re iterated my interest, was told it was still there and I specifically said I'd buy it subject to checking the fit to the camera body at time of purchase, specifically asked if they would commit to take it off sale till lunchtime today (Tue)-I was assured that they would. I also left (again) my name and telephone number . Took time off work today lunchtime to call in with my cash and camera body. No lens- it was sold , no record of any of my dealings with the store, no interest in finding out how this might have happened.
All I got was a desultory promise to let me know when 'something came in'.
Now obviously I'm mighty pi**ed off about missing the lens but really I am more put out by the poor customer service and general couldn't give a f**k attitude.
If the lens was sold someone could have phoned me. When I initially left a voice message someone could have phoned me. When I came in today ,by appointment someone could have expected me.
So I'm leaving this note of my story here and I'm voting with my feet & wallet and I'll not ever trouble them with business again.
John

thefizz

Conns do seem to have a bad reputation on many of the online forums but here's some good feedback I recently noticed. See last post.

http://www.photographyireland.net/post287741.html?hilit=conns#p287741

I've never dealt with them myself so have no personal experience.
.

zt-OctaviaN

JMJR wrote: »

So I'm leaving this note of my story here and I'm voting with my feet & wallet and I'll not ever trouble them with business again.
John

Sorry to hear John its a pain!
I had a similar experience also in ordering a Manfrotto Tripod called them looking to buy the CXPro3 he said they had the CXPro4 in stock, I went for it!
And he agreed to send it out 2 days later as I was off work the following week to sign for it with courier.

Let me get something straight here when I buy stuff its nearly always online depending on price difference. in this case there was a 75 euro difference in the price but I thought Id support our economy.

He called me Thursday and told me the supplier had sent it to another retailer? No he said he had the pod in stock??
so approaching christmas manfrottoa distributor hadnt sufficient stock?
And this was the excuse anyway?

i hope they are reading this cos these sort of stupid stupid mistakes drive people to not bother shopping in this country when the price difference from other EU stores is just massive e.g. currently 500 euro on a 5DMkii (and im not talking about any hong kong based stores or importers) there is absolutley no reason the irish public should be expected to pay a premium when they are treated like this by stores.
Rule is shop local pay a little extra but great customer service... and retailers please not 25 - 30% extra.

Also whilst waiting for them on 2 follow up calls there was alot of general messing going I could hear by the people answering the phone, it really led me to believe the tripod was not put buy after I purchased the one they had in stock and subsequently it was sold!

I will never return to that store and will keep an open mind definately for the other stores mentioned on boards.

im hoping they read the feedback and are dealing with their shortcomings!

my 2c

Rainbowsend

Just thought I would add my story! I have used them maybe three of four times and have traded in gear and bought more. The shop is always buzzing with people and there is an abundance of staff, some good others not so good, what I did notice that if the owner (Mike?) is there the staff are well on their toes and you barely get in the door and there is someone asking if you need help, and when he is not there they are a bit less so. I think I have always got a fair deal there, there are not many shops in Dublin that will take a trade in and offer a half decent price. So a tentative thumbs up for Conns, but could be better!