Adorama or B&H for a refurbished DSLR?
I'm looking to purchase a refurbished Nikon D3100 and found a refurbished one for $449.95 on both websites; does anyone have experience with both companies, and which would you recommend? Warranty and return policy appears to be identical (30 return 90 warranty).
Added (1). Edit- Amazon via KEH also had a refurbished D3100 for the exact same price, but has a $17 shipping charge
Either, or. Both are the top most reputable online retailers for camera equipment
I usually order from B&H, however. I find their site a tad easier to navigate
Amazon also does some refurbished equipment. You'll just have to check if you want a specific model.
I trust Amazon. I've never heard of those two other sites.
B&H is excellent
Also, faster service
Adorama, B&H, KEH, and Amazon -- that just about rounds out the big name reputable online dealers.
I usually go with Adorama. No real reason, they just tend to have more used gear for my particular camera system than B&H. Plus, I enjoy their return policy -- same 30 days as B&H, but you don't have to call to get an RMA number and don't have to explain over the phone why you're returning it. Just fill out the order return form listed in their return policy, ship it back, and they credit your account.
I buy from both of them. In 8 years I have never had a problem with either one. They are both extremely reputable.
I shop at both but prefer Adorama. They have a guarantee that if you order by 7pm it ships the same day. You should feel safe buying from them, and if you aren't satisfied you can always return it. Overall I have never had a bad experience with Adorama.
Adorama and B&H are well established companies with good reputations. I have purchased from both many times. However, I prefer B&H as I have had a few Adorama goods shipped to me in questionable packaging. Not always, but sometimes, for small - inexpensive items, the packaging they use could be better.
The refurbished cameras that both Adorama and B&H sell come directly from the factory - in that they are factory refurbished by factory technicians. So they are likely as good or even better than a new camera (as they have been individually checked, aligned, and calibrated).
Other stores selling refurbished cameras may or may not have been factory refurbished. A large camera store that has it's own technicians may "refurbish" a camera that was returned to them on their own, without sending it back to the factory. I would think twice before buying a camera refurbished that way.
You have to be careful with Amazon, as in addition to selling items they stock, they also sell on consignment from a 3rd party, which includes used items.
I have seen a few times when even private individuals have sold items on Amazon that did not fit the description, and only if you look at their listing would you know. So if you are buying direct from Amazon, you are OK, but if it is an affiliate selling through Amazon - be careful and be sure that the camera has been "factory" refurbished.
Also, the factory typically warrants refurbished items for 90 days, but sometimes Adorama and B&H kick in their own in-store year warranty, so you may get a better deal from them.