Why I won't set foot in Aden Camera again.

[Pete Jones]

I just thought I'd share this with you. It's along rant and I apologize for that. Take it for what it's worth.

I've been keeping my eyes open for prices on the Sony Alpha body. Admittedly, I always found that as the pricess fell, (as they always will with this kind of technology) Aden was the first to lower their prices to where everyone else would be in the next week.

So the price of the body finally came down to roughly what I was hoping to pay (Aden had it at $869) and the timing was right for me so yesterday, I thought I'd go grab one.

Walked into Aden and asked about the body.

"How much did you see it for?" I was asked.
"umm.... Why don't you tell me what _your_ best price is?" I replied.
"$920" was his answer.
(now this is where it gets really good)
"But you're website says $869." I say
I get this look of utter surprise from the salesguy. "Really????"
I ask him if he doesn't know his own prices on the website.
"Well, it's a different company, he replies to me" (yeah, right!)
(Funny how their website was the first thing that came up on their web browser, though)
So I suggested that he should be able to beat the web price, then.
"Well, you can't expect us to beat our own price."

Without going into any more detail, I give him a "yeah, right!" attitude. He just told me it's a different company. I mean it's bad enough he's starts off trying to fleece me, but now he's outright lying to me and trying to backpeddle.

So he tells me. Ok. $869 -- take it or leave it. You won't find a better deal anywhere. (with an attitude like he's doing me a huge favour) I tell him after being lied to, I just don't feel right buying here.

Now, I may be crazy but I'm not stupid...

I know that downtown camera will match that price, but I thought I'd try a couple of places out first.

Walked into the Sony Store at the Eaton centre based on a post elsewhere here from a Sony Store employee saying that they would pricematch. I'm sure they might have if one of the salespeople would have been interested in taking time out from chatting with each other to actually pay attention to me. After 5 minutes, I walked out of there.

Then, on a complete whim, I walked into the Blacks in the Eaton Centre where a very nice person asked if she could help me. So, I asked if they sell the Sony Alpha body. She said yes and looked up the price on her computer. Their price was actually what everybody else was charging ($940) and when I told her what I saw on Aden's website, she took a look at their website and told me right then and there that they could match it. She warned me, though, that couldn't beat it because it was so close to cost.

Fair enough. At least I appreciate someone laying their cards out on the table right off. The clincher was that along with a whack of free prints they were throwing in, I was told about their 60 day price protection policy. I didn't know about this. After reading the details in the store and finding them quite fair, I suddently had a _good_ feeling about buying from them.

Although I've purchased smaller items from them, I never thought I'd buy an SLR from Blacks. But I did.

And for the record. I have no association with Blacks. I only wound up buying a camera there.

--Pete

[Menace]

I once walked into the one at Pacific Mall, oh man what a mistake. I would never bother with them. "Take it or leave it" ain't get my business!

[that_staples_guy]

Yeah I like Black's, they've got some good service, I've dealt with them many times before when I used to work at the STC.

[416azn]

Yeah no point of buying it from a place with bad service and where they would even lie about the price..

[hp]

Yeah no point of buying it from a place with bad service and where they would even lie about the price..

This is presale service, imagine is something actually went wrong?

[AudiDude]

I have bought several cameras (G3,300A,20D) from the Blacks in Ajax. They always bend over and match Aden for me. I get my 60 day price protection as opposed to FS 30 days. The extended warranty for my 20D was only $100, which was cheaper than anybody else. Henry's saw the numbers and said they couldn't touch the Aden price. Biggest problem is Blacks doesn't have the accessories available and in stock like Henry's does. Blacks also only has 1 expert available, while at Henry's, most anybody can help.

[MizTEcK]

samething with bestbuy... they claimed that how their pricematch policy is "interpreted" depends on the stores LOL what a load of BS

[evanx]

which one did you go to? http://www.adencamera.com/stores.asp

[HeldDown]

I'll tell you something - Black's is an EXCELLENT place to buy an SLR. We offer a lot of benefits, price matching, etc. For example, I sold a guy a black XT kit + 70-300 IS + 2gb CF + Manfrotto monopod + Slingshot 100 + Extended warranty + 100 print card for $2100 after tax. Those of you who are familiar with cameras will know it's a good deal.
Come see us at the flagship store (Atrium On Bay) and we'll always be good to you. We get a LOT of people - DAILY - coming abused from Aden to buy from us.

And yes, I have a LOT of association with Black's - proud to work there.

[Hybrid88]

+1 for Blacks. Prints are excellent quality & value!!

[neptunestar]

Blacks get top marks from me for service. They make shopping enjoyable unlike the other guys that are always trying to scam you.

[chlorine]

I guess only use Aden for Pricematching...

anyway, I go to a Chinese store knowing what to expect, I expect to pay low prices... but of course lying is stupid obviously. I just wouldn't expect to get good or even okay service... I expect that they don't care, but I expect good prices. I have this same attitude towards most Chinese restaurants as well.

use their advertising to PM at other stores... but if no one matches and Aden still has the best price and u need it local... I'd buy from them.

[Pete Jones]

which one did you go to? http://www.adencamera.com/stores.asp

348 Yonge.

But really, after that, does it matter?

--Pete

[Pete Jones]

I'll tell you something - Black's is an EXCELLENT place to buy an SLR. We offer a lot of benefits, price matching, etc. For example, I sold a guy a black XT kit + 70-300 IS + 2gb CF + Manfrotto monopod + Slingshot 100 + Extended warranty + 100 print card for $2100 after tax. Those of you who are familiar with cameras will know it's a good deal.
Come see us at the flagship store (Atrium On Bay) and we'll always be good to you. We get a LOT of people - DAILY - coming abused from Aden to buy from us.

And yes, I have a LOT of association with Black's - proud to work there.

Actually, I popped into the Atrium store but it was full of people happily being tended to by the staff. :) Probably the only reason I went to the Eaton Ctr store is I was already having a late lunch and I just thought I'd pop in not really expecting anything. I've dealt with various Blacks stores on a number of occasions for "small" stuff, but honestly never thought I'd buy an SLR there.

Mind you, after all this, Blacks goes to the op of the list in terms of shopping for photo stuff. Yes, they may not carry some of the more escoteric items but the fact is, I've learned that I need to at least give them a chance and not assume they don't have/can't sell something.

--Pete

[gretzky99]

"How much did you see it for?" I was asked.
"umm.... Why don't you tell me what _your_ best price is?" I replied.
"$920" was his answer.
(now this is where it gets really good)
"But you're website says $869." I say
I get this look of utter surprise from the salesguy. "Really????"
I ask him if he doesn't know his own prices on the website."Well, it's a different company, he replies to me" (yeah, right!)
(Funny how their website was the first thing that came up on their web browser, though)

Actually it IS possible that the price on a company's website is different from the price in the store, probably because someone didn't update the prices on both ends. So it IS possible that this salesguy didn't know the website price was $869.
I'll give you a very recent example. When Best Buy had their Preferred Customer Sale last Sunday (I think?) I went to their Eaton Centre store and looked at their list of items for sale. I wanted to buy a PDA but noticed they weren't included in the sale items. I asked a salesperson if PDA "XXX" was on sale, she checked in her computer and said no, it was still selling at regular price. I left the store, went home surfed the 'net and decided to go on Best Buy's website to see what else was on sale. I looked at the site and EVERY one of their PDA's including the one I wanted was on sale at 10% off even though the Best Buy's store computer did not have it on sale.
Now, in your case maybe he was bullsh*tting you but all I want to say is it is possible that an employer doesn't know that their website has the item at a different price.

[Steeve Urkel]

Blacks always has great service.

I went to ask about cameras as I was looking for one and was going to buy one there eventually when I had the $.
The saleperson was so helpful in explaining me stuff.

I do buy photo accessories and print stuff there, they have never screwed up my film and have always been on time :)

[bpopd]

I've had the same experience with ADEN, they didnt care to get any business from me at all. and I went to their pmall branch. They dont seem to like chinese people there.


I asked about certain products, and they didnt have alot to say. Just didnt really show their knowledge of the product, which is unfortunate. At henry's the staffs are so knowledgable, and kind. I love going to henrys.

[bpopd]

Decided to give Adens at Pmall a second chance. HUGE negative feedback now.

I went to the store to get a Canon 50 F1.8 cause they sell it for $115 +tax there. I picked that up and also asked for a 52mm filter for the lens. I asked them how much it was for a clear filter, and I was pretending to not know anything. They said $30 for a CLEAR FILTER 52mm....wow, I was just surprised at how they tried to rip me off... Everywhere else sells 52mm clear filters for $15...and they were charging DOUBLE that.

Wow, be careful when shopping there. Also the Canon 50mm F1.8 had several specs of dust on the lens, and the innerside that adapts to my DSLR also had a spec of dust that was immediately noticeable.

Very unsatisfactory visit there, will not shop there again.

[Prometheus]

Decided to give Adens at Pmall a second chance. HUGE negative feedback now.

I went to the store to get a Canon 50 F1.8 cause they sell it for $115 +tax there. I picked that up and also asked for a 52mm filter for the lens. I asked them how much it was for a clear filter, and I was pretending to not know anything. They said $30 for a CLEAR FILTER 52mm....wow, I was just surprised at how they tried to rip me off... Everywhere else sells 52mm clear filters for $15...and they were charging DOUBLE that.


I guess they must pay quite a lot of money for rent each month for their pristine location inside Pacific Mall. Maybe they're more interested dealing with customers who are in a rush going upstairs for a wedding and forget to bring their camera equipment :)

[KorruptioN]

I work at Black's and am the resident camera guy at my store.

I honestly don't try to upsell things to people, I actually try to downsell. Reason being? People come in and ask for the "bestest camera we have", but really have no clue about what they're going to do with these cameras. My customer-to-sales rates when it comes to selling cameras kinda sucks, because I try not to force anybody into any sort of pressure. I'll sometimes spend up to an hour talking to somebody, educating them about the various choices out there, and have them walk out the door, knowing they've learned a lot and may very likely come back and purchase something from my store in the future. All this is just something I like to do, not so much that it puts money in my wallet.

We only recently managed to get dSLRs in our store (we're a smaller location), and haven't had too much difficulty selling them. We throw in a Digital Photography for Dummies book and some photo management software. The extended warranty adds another year ontop of the manufacturer's warranty for $50... with $35 of that going to a 100 digital print card. So really, the warranty is $15. Then there's the 60-day price protection policy and the 15-day love-it-or-leave it policy. You've got two weeks to try it out, otherwise bring everything back with the bill to get a refund. It really is reasonable compared to some of the other guys.

I also stand behind the quality of the prints. Unlike Photolab (who also uses a Fuji Frontier system), we manually view each photo and adjust colour depth and density, instead of using a fully-automatic system like the other guys do. I also doubt they maintain their chemistry as strictly as we do... C41 contamination really does suck.

[bpopd]

I work at Black's and am the resident camera guy at my store.

I honestly don't try to upsell things to people, I actually try to downsell. Reason being? People come in and ask for the "bestest camera we have", but really have no clue about what they're going to do with these cameras. My customer-to-sales rates when it comes to selling cameras kinda sucks, because I try not to force anybody into any sort of pressure. I'll sometimes spend up to an hour talking to somebody, educating them about the various choices out there, and have them walk out the door, knowing they've learned a lot and may very likely come back and purchase something from my store in the future. All this is just something I like to do, not so much that it puts money in my wallet.

We only recently managed to get dSLRs in our store (we're a smaller location), and haven't had too much difficulty selling them. We throw in a Digital Photography for Dummies book and some photo management software. The extended warranty adds another year ontop of the manufacturer's warranty for $50... with $35 of that going to a 100 digital print card. So really, the warranty is $15. Then there's the 60-day price protection policy and the 15-day love-it-or-leave it policy. You've got two weeks to try it out, otherwise bring everything back with the bill to get a refund. It really is reasonable compared to some of the other guys.

I also stand behind the quality of the prints. Unlike Photolab (who also uses a Fuji Frontier system), we manually view each photo and adjust colour depth and density, instead of using a fully-automatic system like the other guys do. I also doubt they maintain their chemistry as strictly as we do... C41 contamination really does suck.

You wouldnt happen to work at the markville store would you?
Cause I have a friend there that sounds like you. Your name wouldnt happen to be tyler would it?

[KonniXeoN]

Aden = Trash.
I bought my DSLR from futureshop. Canon XTI with 18-55 lens brand new for 899$ (family and friends sale) :D :D

[KorruptioN]

You wouldnt happen to work at the markville store would you?
Cause I have a friend there that sounds like you. Your name wouldnt happen to be tyler would it?

Nope, that's not me. I work in the city.

Aden = Trash.

At least you should explain why...

[billdozer]

I work at Black's and am the resident camera guy at my store.

I honestly don't try to upsell things to people, I actually try to downsell. Reason being? People come in and ask for the "bestest camera we have", but really have no clue about what they're going to do with these cameras. My customer-to-sales rates when it comes to selling cameras kinda sucks, because I try not to force anybody into any sort of pressure. I'll sometimes spend up to an hour talking to somebody, educating them about the various choices out there, and have them walk out the door, knowing they've learned a lot and may very likely come back and purchase something from my store in the future. All this is just something I like to do, not so much that it puts money in my wallet.

We only recently managed to get dSLRs in our store (we're a smaller location), and haven't had too much difficulty selling them. We throw in a Digital Photography for Dummies book and some photo management software. The extended warranty adds another year ontop of the manufacturer's warranty for $50... with $35 of that going to a 100 digital print card. So really, the warranty is $15. Then there's the 60-day price protection policy and the 15-day love-it-or-leave it policy. You've got two weeks to try it out, otherwise bring everything back with the bill to get a refund. It really is reasonable compared to some of the other guys.

I also stand behind the quality of the prints. Unlike Photolab (who also uses a Fuji Frontier system), we manually view each photo and adjust colour depth and density, instead of using a fully-automatic system like the other guys do. I also doubt they maintain their chemistry as strictly as we do... C41 contamination really does suck.

Hank Hill would be proud of you. You would make a great Propane and Propane Accessories Salesmen :lol:

[mcghej]

I've had the same experience with ADEN, they didnt care to get any business from me at all. and I went to their pmall branch. They dont seem to like chinese people there.



don't worry, they don't like anyone there - I always thought it was because I wasn't chinese! I've walked into Aden at Pacific Mall several times - just to see what they have. I am not a big fan of crowds, so I usually go 2 or 3 in the afternoon on a weekday and am the only person in the store. I have almost been leaned completely over the counter trying to see something on the shelf closer, but have only ever been ignored there.
Went in to the Aden on Yonge (both of them) two weeks ago, anytime I walk into the south one, they are always friendly (the little chinese woman there always makes me laugh), anyway, the south one didn't have what I wanted, (which was $50 plus tax cheaper than Henry's, so I really had no choice but to buy it there) so they sent me to the north one.
The sales guy Jamie (as taken from my receipt) who was standing in the Sony section when I walked in, completely across the store from where I was looking, he asked me if I needed any help, I said "Yes, I'm looking for Canon lenses." He stood there, rooted in the same spot for about 20 seconds, staring at me, me staring at him. Until I said, they're over here in this cabinet though, so maybe you could come over here and help me where they are!

[bosephus]

I looked into buying a DSLR last year and called 2 of their locations (downtown and Pacific Mall), both gave me 2 different prices! I didn't bother asking them about their website since they could make up an excuse. At least I didn't waste gas and time going to either location.

A store that doesn't honour it's own price can't be trusted though... :confused:

B.

[CoffeeAddict]

I used to like aden a lot a few years ago and their prices were the best but my friend who has been dipping his toes into the dSLR world has had a lot of luck dealing with Black's. They've always been friendly and always give him good advice.

I had always passed up Black's as overpriced and not even worth stepping into but from what i've read here and from what my friend has told me, the next time I make a serious camera purchase I'll go straight to Black's.

[Spyder01]

I've never shopped at Aden at pacific mall but pass by there all the time. This one time, I spotted this guy totally getting yelled at and swore at inside the store by the owner. Everybody walking by was looking... Im guessing that was the owner, older white haired guy. After seeing that, Im even afraid of going to ask prices...

But recently, Im interested in picking up a DSLR with my friend. We're trying to get a deal if we buy 2 at the same time. Our goal is to get no tax + bag + memory card + extra battery. I doubt we'd be able to get away with the no tax since its like $200... any recommended places thats willing to do a deal ;) :D

[Striderman]

I've been looking into buying a high end Canon L lens for the last few months. I heard that Aden had good prices, so I visited the store in Pacific Mall.

So, I approach the counter and look at a sales guy, who is staring at the computer. He looks up and sluggishly gets up with an annoyed look on this face.

I tell him I'm looking at buying the Canon 24-70mm F2.8L lens. He points at a box in the display on the wall. I ask him how much. He quotes me $1,499.99, which is the going rate at Henry's too. I ask him if its a negotiable price. He says no.

I ask him if I can look at it. Maybe put it on my camera and take a picture. He says NO. I then ask if I can open it and look at it, because its suppose to be heavy. He says NO. So I give him this look like, How the hell is someone suppose to buy something if you don't let them evaluate it.

Anyways, I turn around and leave. There is no point in doing business with a company like that.

[sterdeus]

My question is, who's buying from Aden to keep them in business?

[Pete Jones]

He quotes me $1,499.99, which is the going rate at Henry's too. I ask him if its a negotiable price. He says no.

If that's the case, might as well go to Henry's. They would not only have no problem with you bringing your own body in and trying it out, but would probably be willing to move a wee bit on the price. And even if they didn't, they are at least willing to stand by the product if there are problems.

Anyways, I turn around and leave. There is no point in doing business with a company like that.

A agree totally.

--Pete

[trixstar]

i was at aden cameras about 2 months ago. I was also looking at the sony alpha body.. That chinese lady should get laid.. She told me she'd give me $50 off the body + lens kit. I was like are you serious? So she kept urging me to buy it which i didn't like.. I left the store and she was like, if you don't buy it now, then you won't get the $50 off once you walk back in.. I wanted to break her neck when she said that.. They don't know how to deal with customers. This was the one on yonge st.. it's across the street from that stripper place i think..

[blueangel2323]

which aden camera were you at? i find that the one at the corner of yonge and edward (near the world's biggest bookstore) has pretty decent service, but the one a little further north on yonge is absolutely horrible.

[EP32k2]

Pacific Mall Aden = stay away (old guy is a complete ass)

Downtown Aden is "OK".

Henry's isn't that bad. Staff is pretty good usually.

I will only buy from Black's just because they price match/60 day price protection/great refund policy. With that said, I wouldn't go into any Black's to look for help on deciding which camera to buy as pretty much all of the staff lacks product knowledge, except for the occasional one. As far as lenses go, you guys should really be buying from the states.

[KorruptioN]

With that said, I wouldn't go into any Black's to look for help on deciding which camera to buy as pretty much all of the staff lacks product knowledge, except for the occasional one. As far as lenses go, you guys should really be buying from the states.

I work at Blacks, and you are correct... most of the staff aren't experts by any means. They're good at selling frames though!

Buying a lens from the USA usually means no warranty. The focus is off a bit? You're SOL.

[blueangel2323]

Pacific Mall Aden = stay away (old guy is a complete ass)

Downtown Aden is "OK".

Henry's isn't that bad. Staff is pretty good usually.

I will only buy from Black's just because they price match/60 day price protection/great refund policy. With that said, I wouldn't go into any Black's to look for help on deciding which camera to buy as pretty much all of the staff lacks product knowledge, except for the occasional one. As far as lenses go, you guys should really be buying from the states.

the staff at the yonge & dundas black's are pretty knowledgeable

[KorruptioN]

the staff at the yonge & dundas black's are pretty knowledgeable

That's because they have different departments. The guys in the camera hardware section will never set foot in other sections.

[urban1]

I find that most camera shop employees are photography grads from university who cant make a living taking pictures. Usually theyre pretty knowledgable; they can offer you a lot of knowledge from their 4 year photog degree.

[KorruptioN]

I find that most camera shop employees are photography grads from university who cant make a living taking pictures. Usually theyre pretty knowledgable; they can offer you a lot of knowledge from their 4 year photog degree.

Uh, what?

I work in the industry, many of the guys (the younger ones at least) are just enthusiasts. Poor blanket statement.

[ritsbits]

I just bought my D80 from the blacks at yonge and dundas, and I must say that their customer service was pretty good... the old guy with glasses in the SLR department (Steve) is really knowledgeable and honest and openly told me that he would price match aden/downtown/henrys without a problem. based on my experience at some henrys (more sales oriented advice sometimes) and aden (don't look like a middle aged camera-ignorant man? no service :x) I must say that this particular black's was the best place i've been to so far. I didn't expect to buy my D80 there, but after spending 2.5hrs talking with steve, i ended up just doing that :razz:

[KorruptioN]

The older guy, with glasses and the British accent? He's the one to go to.

[solidxxx]

ahh the Sony store, just had too comment, there customer service is the best!! NOOOOTTTTT!!!!!!!:mad:

[Astin]

I also stand behind the quality of the prints. Unlike Photolab (who also uses a Fuji Frontier system), we manually view each photo and adjust colour depth and density, instead of using a fully-automatic system like the other guys do. I also doubt they maintain their chemistry as strictly as we do... C41 contamination really does suck.

Amazing that someone from Black's actually admits this NOW. I've had Black's "manually adjust" photos and lie about it. Why? The straightened out the the Leaning Tower of Pisa and turned a Blue-Footed Booby's feet GREY. Brilliant.

That said, I've found their customer service friendly downtown. Glad I found this thread to reassure me about NOT going to Aden if though I'd save $30 over Camera Canada.

[congeetime]

Market Village Aden is horrible. Although, if you can bare thru the garbage customer service, you'll end up with a great deal. All i asked for was to include a 4gb SD memory card in a $1000 dslr deal. The man said its fine and was about to check out the memory card along with my dslr. Some lady comes out, asked the guy what he was doing and proceeded to take the memory card and literally chuck it to a table about 3 metres away from her while saying "chiseen" (means crazy in chinese) so i left and went to downtown cameras and they matched the offer and even included a 8gb card without hassle.

Aden downtown is not any better too...

[CorSter]

I deal with Vistek for most of my camera (and apple computer) needs. They've always been good to me.

[subagear]

I deal with Vistek for most of my camera (and apple computer) needs. They've always been good to me.

Same here, great website too! But for more expensive stuff like lens, flash unit, I order online from B&H.

[The_Duke_Of_Eli]

The older guy, with glasses and the British accent? He's the one to go to.

Is there any way to disclose which location you're at?

Because you've been so helpful here, I'm sure buyers like me and others wouldn't hesitate to drive some business your way.

[KorruptioN]

Is there any way to disclose which location you're at?

Because you've been so helpful here, I'm sure buyers like me and others wouldn't hesitate to drive some business your way.

I don't work for the company anymore. But if you're looking for that guy who has been mentioned a few times in this thread, check out the Yonge and Dundas Superstore location.

[enigma54]

I just bought my D80 from the blacks at yonge and dundas, and I must say that their customer service was pretty good... the old guy with glasses in the SLR department (Steve) is really knowledgeable and honest and openly told me that he would price match aden/downtown/henrys without a problem. based on my experience at some henrys (more sales oriented advice sometimes) and aden (don't look like a middle aged camera-ignorant man? no service :x) I must say that this particular black's was the best place i've been to so far. I didn't expect to buy my D80 there, but after spending 2.5hrs talking with steve, i ended up just doing that :razz:

+1

I used to go to Aden downtown all the time for my camera and lenses and had happily recommended many of my friends to buy their stuff there as well. I find they've gotten much too arrogant and I don't care for their attitude, especially towards a formerly loyal customer like me who has dropped a pretty penny or two at their store. I now go to Black's down the street and they PM everything and they do it with a 30-day price protection and a 2-week no-questions-asked return policy if you're not happy with your purchase for any reason. Black's is getting my business from now on.

[HeldDown]

Steve at the Yonge and Dundas Black's was fired by the new management for some bullcrap reason. The store has definetely gone downhill since the new manager took over - I'm glad I left when I did.

Anyways, come and see us at Vistek and we'll take care of you.

[mmpawannabe]

Steve at the Yonge and Dundas Black's was fired by the new management for some bullcrap reason. The store has definetely gone downhill since the new manager took over - I'm glad I left when I did.

Anyways, come and see us at Vistek and we'll take care of you.

....does Vistek pricematch Aden too? ...which vistek the one downtown?

[blueangel2323]

Steve at the Yonge and Dundas Black's was fired by the new management for some bullcrap reason. The store has definetely gone downhill since the new manager took over - I'm glad I left when I did.

Anyways, come and see us at Vistek and we'll take care of you.

Goddamn... he was my favourite guy there.

[grego9198]

The store has definetely gone downhill since the new manager took over - I'm glad I left when I did.


I used to work at Black's Square one in 2006, I believe the manager I worked with there now runs Yonge/Dundas (Edith?). Is she the one that got rid of Steve? I wonder if he's the same Steve I worked with for a few weeks?

It's funny how the retail photo stores work. A lot of the people who work photo retail end up going thru a few of the main companies Blacks/Henry's/Vistek/Japan Camera (back when they were big). Personally I went from Black's to Henry's and saw a lot of my coworkers do the same. So if Steve is gone from Black's he very well may end up at a competitor. Just my observations from working that industry.

As for aden, I remember doing a lot of pricematching with them when I was at Henry's, their margins were tiny.

[sluggy]

I used to work at Black's Square one in 2006, I believe the manager I worked with there now runs Yonge/Dundas (Edith?). Is she the one that got rid of Steve? I wonder if he's the same Steve I worked with for a few weeks?

It's funny how the retail photo stores work. A lot of the people who work photo retail end up going thru a few of the main companies Blacks/Henry's/Vistek/Japan Camera (back when they were big). Personally I went from Black's to Henry's and saw a lot of my coworkers do the same. So if Steve is gone from Black's he very well may end up at a competitor. Just my observations from working that industry.

As for aden, I remember doing a lot of pricematching with them when I was at Henry's, their margins were tiny.

Ha. Is this why the Black's at square one sucks now? Friendly people, but they keep on screwing up photo finishing orders..

[barney_rebel]

I've dealt with Aden a few times in the past, they seemed ok to me. bought a lens and canon G9 from there.

[CSAgent]

Ha. Is this why the Black's at square one sucks now? Friendly people, but they keep on screwing up photo finishing orders..

+1

Customer service there is painfully slow, their employees take 5 minutes to do a 30 second request.

I prefer the Heartland location - they actually care about doing things right there. I make all my prints small to super large and have no complaints. It would also seem they employ people who actually know color space and understand Photoshop at this location so they actually understand me when I talk to them how I want prints to be a certain way.

[hightech]

I just thought I'd share this with you. It's along rant and I apologize for that. Take it for what it's worth.

I've been keeping my eyes open for prices on the Sony Alpha body. Admittedly, I always found that as the pricess fell, (as they always will with this kind of technology) Aden was the first to lower their prices to where everyone else would be in the next week.

So the price of the body finally came down to roughly what I was hoping to pay (Aden had it at $869) and the timing was right for me so yesterday, I thought I'd go grab one.

Walked into Aden and asked about the body.

"How much did you see it for?" I was asked.
"umm.... Why don't you tell me what _your_ best price is?" I replied.
"$920" was his answer.
(now this is where it gets really good)
"But you're website says $869." I say
I get this look of utter surprise from the salesguy. "Really????"
I ask him if he doesn't know his own prices on the website.
"Well, it's a different company, he replies to me" (yeah, right!)
(Funny how their website was the first thing that came up on their web browser, though)
So I suggested that he should be able to beat the web price, then.
"Well, you can't expect us to beat our own price."

Without going into any more detail, I give him a "yeah, right!" attitude. He just told me it's a different company. I mean it's bad enough he's starts off trying to fleece me, but now he's outright lying to me and trying to backpeddle.

So he tells me. Ok. $869 -- take it or leave it. You won't find a better deal anywhere. (with an attitude like he's doing me a huge favour) I tell him after being lied to, I just don't feel right buying here.

Now, I may be crazy but I'm not stupid...

I know that downtown camera will match that price, but I thought I'd try a couple of places out first.

Walked into the Sony Store at the Eaton centre based on a post elsewhere here from a Sony Store employee saying that they would pricematch. I'm sure they might have if one of the salespeople would have been interested in taking time out from chatting with each other to actually pay attention to me. After 5 minutes, I walked out of there.

Then, on a complete whim, I walked into the Blacks in the Eaton Centre where a very nice person asked if she could help me. So, I asked if they sell the Sony Alpha body. She said yes and looked up the price on her computer. Their price was actually what everybody else was charging ($940) and when I told her what I saw on Aden's website, she took a look at their website and told me right then and there that they could match it. She warned me, though, that couldn't beat it because it was so close to cost.

Fair enough. At least I appreciate someone laying their cards out on the table right off. The clincher was that along with a whack of free prints they were throwing in, I was told about their 60 day price protection policy. I didn't know about this. After reading the details in the store and finding them quite fair, I suddently had a _good_ feeling about buying from them.

Although I've purchased smaller items from them, I never thought I'd buy an SLR from Blacks. But I did.

And for the record. I have no association with Blacks. I only wound up buying a camera there.

--Pete

I been a long time Blacks customer and have bought my last 4 cameras from them. They give me the best price, and even beat Aden at times. Their service and support is great and I don't have to deal with the pricks at Aden.

[jandumm]

+1

I prefer the Heartland location

+1 for the Heartland Blacks...a few years ago, a close relative passed away and we wanted a photo for his viewing.

The family had no "good" digital pics of him and only a few good printed photos. They took my pretty crappy picture and did some amazing photoshopping and editing such that it looked really nice in an 8x10 -> and a good price to boot. Given that it was such an emotional time, I really valued their customer service.

Tried a similar thing when my grandmother passed away at the Vaughan location -> nowhere near to Heartland's service and performance.

[stardustcross]

hmm, I never thought about price-matching at Black's. but I remember having good experiences while browsing in there, anyway, haha. :D