The KEH verdict

[Adam Muir]

Hi all, I bought a RF camera from KEH last week ( Contax T ). Advertised EX condition but focus was out and has a shutter/exposure fault . I paid top dollar.
They have offered replace,repair or refund as they choose but I would wear about $90 USD in freight total as I am in New Zealand. I am trying to get a refund of $180 USD ( the price of repair from the recommended service agents ). Still waiting to hear from them on this.
What do you all have to say about KEH ?
I don't think it is fair for me to pay $90 USD in shipping for a refund of my purchase when the puchase is not what was advertised ( a camera in EX condition )
???? They may come to the party ????

 

[Rafael]

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. My experiences with KEH have always been top notch. I hope things work out for you.

 

[sleepyhead]

If the camera was claimed to be excellent and it turned out to be far from it, then I think you should get a refund and NOT have to bear the cost of sending back.

 

[Bobbo]

If the camera was claimed to be excellent and it turned out to be far from it, then I think you should get a refund and NOT have to bear the cost of sending back.

Hey there, it's not the company's fault that he lives in New Zealand. I had to return a camera to Keh once, and yes, I paid for shipping, but for me it was $25 instead. That's another reason why one should shop locally. B&H on the other hand usually sends me a printable UPS tag and they send a guy to pick it up. Hmm... maybe you do have room to complain...

Have a good one,
Bob

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

If the camera was claimed to be excellent and it turned out to be far from it, then I think you should get a refund and NOT have to bear the cost of sending back.

I agree, send it back and pester them to refund shipping. A camera in EX condition should be in WORKING condition.

 

[Bike Tourist]

In my experience, KEH is just OK. I'm lukewarm about them. They were around during the Shutterbug glory days and have a long history.

Lately, my experience has been in selling (or trying to sell) to them. On two occasions I gave them very accurate descriptions of my equipment and received an offer. Upon receiving my equipment, they played up supposed faults where I knew there were none and made a final offer much less than the original. In both cases, I had them return the stuff to me. Lowballing is not limited to them, but I have found other dealers that better conform to my idea of fair dealing.

 

[anselwannab]

In my experience, KEH is just OK. I'm lukewarm about them. They were around during the Shutterbug glory days and have a long history.

Lately, my experience has been in selling (or trying to sell) to them. On two occasions I gave them very accurate descriptions of my equipment and received an offer. Upon receiving my equipment, they played up supposed faults where I knew there were none and made a final offer much less than the original. In both cases, I had them return the stuff to me. Lowballing is not limited to them, but I have found other dealers that better conform to my idea of fair dealing.

Did they pay the shipping back to you?

Mark

 

[Bike Tourist]

Yes, they did!

 

[Ken Ford]

I had good luck last year with an item that arrived with undisclosed damage - they quickly refunded the amount for repairs. I've been happy with all my KEH purchases.

 

[wrenhunter]

IMO, if the camera has faults that were not advertised, it's defective and they owe you a complete refund including shipping. If it's a trial period kind of things, then I'd expect the buyer to pay shipping back.

That said, they do state pretty clearly on their Help page:

International Orders - While KEH will always honor its 14 day return policy and 60 day warranty, due to the high cost of shipping, duties, tariffs, and other charges KEH will not be responsible for such charges on international returns.

 

[Rayt]

I buy from KEH regularly and despite such problems time to time still find it less of a risk than buying from ebay. The last time I got a defective item they refunded the total including shipping and offer to ship my next order free. I don't live in the US so that is important.

 

[Rey]

I've had some very good and some not so good experiences with KEH. I have found that they do not always check the mechanical functioning of their used equipment, especially light meter functions, flash equipment, etc.. On the plus side, they have good prices and their cosmetic descriptions are very conservative. They do not want to pay shipping return costs for their errors, whereas some other firms will do this. I would suggest that you go with the repair, but pester them to pay all return postage fees (your return of camera for repair, their return of repaired camera to you). This way you only pay the original postage, which, you were willing to accept in the first place.

 

[IGMeanwell]

I got a bargain Micro Nikkor lens real cheap off them...

it was shipped fast, packed real well, and the service was overall very prompt.

The lens was cosmetically satisfactory (not at all attractive) and yet the glass was untouched... not even a cleaning mark

So I am happy; except that the lens was shipped with no lens caps on either end 🙁

 

[RdEoSg]

We deal with KEH a lot at the store I work at so I just called our buyer to ask him his advice. He said he didn't know if they could do anything as far as shipping costs etc, since it isn't really his department or anything, but he said to call (404) 892-6905, hit which ever number it is for Sales, and ask to speak to Bill Hansen. He said if anything can be done he is the one to talk to.

Obviously thats an international call for you but maybe it will help.

Good luck. They have always been excellent with us. I even got a great deal on an Xpan from them.

 

[tomtodeath]

ive only had great expierences with them, and always recevied items in better than desctibed condition, mostly just lenses though.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Unfortunately clean working (mostly) Contax T cameras are rare now.
KEH is aware of that. They know you may be willing to keep it as is.

To be fair, most large dealers have a policy of no partial refunds.
Your best case to pursue is for a full refund including shipping.
Then be patient; you will find another one.

Good luck in resolving this matter to your satisfaction.

Chris

 

[MCTuomey]

great experiences over the years, helpful people, no issues on a couple of returns i've done

keh discloses fully their return policy, so it should be no surprise to the OP

that said, i'd work with them and see what can be done. they are cooperative and here we have a clear mistake on keh's part regarding the gear's condition. i'd call your salesperson, if you spoke with one at the time of sale.

pls let everyone know how it turns out for you.

 

[kevino]

Summicron Version 4

Summicron Version 4

I recently purchased a 35mm Summicron lens from them. I called and placed the order and asked the rep on the phone specifically if it was a version 4 and was told YES. It wasn't.

I also purchased a lens hood for a v4. Sent it all back. Got a full refund minus shipping.

I'm afraid that was my first and last transaction with KEH.

 

[James Brannan]

I don't think it's fair that you should have to eat those freight costs either. Personally I've bought two lenses from KEH. I think they have a tendency to overrate the condition of their gear so I don't do business with them any longer.

 

[smudwhisk]

I don't think it's fair that you should have to eat those freight costs either. Personally I've bought two lenses from KEH. I think they have a tendency to overrate the condition of their gear so I don't do business with them any longer.

I've purchased a few things from them, mainly bargain condition but they've been better than some "exc" from other dealers in the UK. On the subject of return postage - and believe me you have my sympathy since it's the one thing I've always dreaded when purchasing from overseas - it does state on the postage rates page and in the T&Cs that they will not cover the cost of return postage on faulty items from overseas buyers due to the cost. This obviously provides a warning before an order is placed. It may be worth seeing if they will arrange for their couriers to collect and see if they'll deduct the cost from a refund if they won't pay it themselves - it would probably be cheaper than you arranging it yourself. I had to return a camera to a UK dealer twice, the first time it cost me £20 insured, the second time I told them I'd no intention of covering it again since the second one was also faulty, so they paid for their courier to collect it from me.

Good luck.