The age old phrase “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is,” has taken on a whole new meaning since the dawn of internet shopping. Buying things from places like ebay and Craig’s List are, pardon my rampant quoting, kinda like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get!

Another evil that has migrated to the online market place is the fabled “Bait and Switch” website. They advertise products for insanely low prices to bait the buyer, then suddenly turn the tables and switch everything up like products and prices. Typically, after you place an order, you will receive an e-mail directing you to "Call and Confirm" before it can be shipped. These "businesses" attempt to make money by lying and using high pressure sales tactics or other lowly strategies like mailing products late so they are past the date by which you can return them or forcing you to pay outrageous shipping and handling and restocking fees if you want to send an item back. When you insist on sticking to your original order, they will sadly inform you that everything is on backorder and cancel the transaction. Sometimes, you will even get yelled at (or worse) by the employees over the phone.

Unfortunately, these lowballers do manage to trick unwary consumers into throwing their money away on “upgrades.” One of the most commonly reported scams involve the employees claiming that “the battery that comes with the camera only lasts for 20 minutes so you should buy the extended power battery.” They will tell other lies like “the camera body is made of plastic, but you can upgrade to the metal body” when no such plastic body even exists! There are hundreds (thousands?) of similar documented cases strewn all over merchant review sites.

When asked, I typically recommend websites like B&H Photo Video, newegg, and even Amazon. I've also heard good things about Adorama and Beach Camera. Very recently, a fellow deviant told me about a great deal he found at Broadway Photo, a well known bait and switch website.

If you think you’ve found a great deal on camera equipment (or any equipment, for that matter), it is always wise to Google the company first. Do some research and find reviews and complaints before laying down your hard earned cash. Several months ago, I found an amazing deal on a Canon 10-22mm EF-S lens at Sonic Camera but did a little research before I clicked "purchase." I'm sure glad that I did! Here's a list of some well known bait and switch camera equipment sites:

best price cameras
Broadway Photo
Foto Connection
Lenses 'N More
Prestige Camera
Shop Digital Direct
Sonic Cameras
...and many more.

Check out a video on bait and switch here.

I just wanted to put out a little warning to any of you who are getting serious about photography and considering buying your first camera. You can find some great deals online, but make sure to do your research first! Also, please leave a comment if you know of any other websites like this so we can help keep other deviants from falling into the trap.