• Adorama

Adorama

Overview

Adorama has a rating of 2.42 stars from 516 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Adorama most frequently mention customer service, business days, and credit card problems. Adorama ranks 187th among Photography Equipment sites.

  • Service
    86
  • Value
    73
  • Shipping
    80
  • Returns
    59
  • Quality
    70

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 7.1%
Positive
2
Neutral
0
Negative
26
77
See all photos

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

  • I was amazed by the work of their customer service.

Critical highlights

No critical highlights yet

How would you rate Adorama?
Top Positive Review

“Very bad customer service”

Thomas L.
5/17/23

So I called about pricing and I was transferred to a guy named Jeff and Jeff was quite a character. Kinda reminds me of a drug dealer that wants you to hurry up and buy before the cop see him. Absolutely the wrong guy to be answering the phones at Adorama. Jeff if you're reading this don't bring that bad energy into a great place like Adorama because we don't like it. And I'm speaking for the masses because my buddy stated the same thing. Come on dude we are both trying to make it in a cold world a little bit of joy warms it up a little.

Top Critical Review

“Bait and Switch Type Tactics”

Anthony S.
1/12/24

Searched for the Glow modifier (used) on Google and got results including the one pictured below that clearly shows the items as having free 2-day shipping and zero shipping charges. Clicked on the link, added to my cart and at checkout, a shipping charge of $15.20 was added. Contacted customer service via chat and was told - repeatedly - that only new items qualified for free shipping. Sent her link to the search results as well as this screenshot and still got the same reply. She said that if I had an issue, I needed to talk to marketing as she was sales -- duh, I was trying to buy this item as it was advertised. So instead of deducting the shipping charge, processing my order and then her contacting marketing to let them know that there was an issue she put the 'blame' and legwork on me, the customer. Posted this on their FB page and a different person responded asking me to send the link to her email address - which I did but it was already in the chat transcript so no sure why she did not have access to it - and got a reply that she would forward to marketing. So, at the end of the day, Adorama does not live up to what they advertise - clearly advertise - which makes everything else they state suspect, especially condition of items.

Reviews (516)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (101)
Thumbnail of user davids11597
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 20th, 2024

>I've purchased some new and used equipment from Adorama and they fooled me into thinking they are/were a reputable company.

My mistake was accepting their offer for two lenses I want to sell. Their offer was either a total cash trade-in of $984.19 or store credit of $1,003.87 which seemed fair, but as I was about to find out it's just a ruse.

They falsely claim that item inspection may take up to 3 business days, but
After sending them my gear, they did nothing, zero, zip, nada with my order for over a MONTH.

Three emails yielded ZERO response. Chatting with customer service is also a waste of time because the Adorama Trade-in Dept. for unknown reasons is outside the customer service realm.

But oddly an Adorama CS Ambassador did respond to Facebook Messenger and asked m to email her. Although she was somewhat helpful, and acknowledged "I understand your frustration completely, and I sincerely apologize for what happened. There's absolutely no excuse for the trade experience you've had with us."

After several emails with her she returns with the final insult of offering $807.00 -- $177.19 LOWER than their lowest offer.

Beware that Adorama is not reputable and is a bait-and-switch company.

Tip for consumers:
Beware -- don't ever trade with ADORAMA

Products used:
A different company

Service
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user neila236
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 8th, 2024

Called in to ask about an item on backorder. As soon as I stated I was going to wait on ordering until stock arrived, I asked a following question and was hung up on promptly. Seems these guys at Adorama only care about taking your order and don't care about any other part of customer service. Learned quickly that this is a company that needs to be avoided.

Products used:
A different retailer

Thumbnail of user moiza8
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 27th, 2024

Very worse and bad experience. Company is mafia and money stealing. I return the item but they still charge me.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user matthewfriedrichs1
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 11th, 2023

Bought a Evo 2 battery, and it didn't work so I sent it back. They said no problem they received it and would repair or replace it in 30 days.
30 days later I contacted them and they said 90 days, contacted them again at 80 days and they said they never received the battery and to take it up with UPS... UPS has a signature of delivery from them. Adorama will not answer emails or phone calls. Shady company with more than a few BBB complaints.

Products used:
Autel Evo 2 Battery

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user eleahb
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
March 21st, 2024

I was told a specific number over the phone that my camera was worth. I was selling my beloved camera to pay for my wedding. Then I get to the store and Eric is not there. Remember the name Eric here because he truly needs to be fired. I spoke with his coworker who then gave me a lower number. Then Eric returned and gave me an even lower number than his coworker. I explained to Eric that this was beyond ridiculous and why would I ask for a quote to begin with if he was going to lowball me this much and he knows its to pay for my wedding. Next time I am selling something I truly value, I will go to B and H. And hopefully they dont hire Eric after he is fired here. Someone please fire Eric. And if you are ever selling your things, do NOT speak with Eric as he does not care.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user ravila1
3 reviews
5 helpful votes
August 23rd, 2023
Verified purchase

I regret dealing with them recently. I was shopping for a good price on used (E+ quality) cinema camera for several months. Finally there was a deal, price was sweet and the camera was technically new. The next day the order was put on manual HOLD. Then they started to ask me questions about my landline phone! Not a cell. I realized that they do not have camera in stock. Just a false advertising to attract more internet traffic. They are clowns

Tip for consumers:
I wasted so much time with Adorama.

Products used:
BH Photo video, amazon, aliexpress, newegg

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user anthonys2863
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
January 12th, 2024

Searched for the Glow modifier (used) on Google and got results including the one pictured below that clearly shows the items as having free 2-day shipping and zero shipping charges. Clicked on the link, added to my cart and at checkout, a shipping charge of $15.20 was added. Contacted customer service via chat and was told - repeatedly - that only new items qualified for free shipping. Sent her link to the search results as well as this screenshot and still got the same reply. She said that if I had an issue, I needed to talk to marketing as she was sales -- duh, I was trying to buy this item as it was advertised. So instead of deducting the shipping charge, processing my order and then her contacting marketing to let them know that there was an issue she put the 'blame' and legwork on me, the customer. Posted this on their FB page and a different person responded asking me to send the link to her email address - which I did but it was already in the chat transcript so no sure why she did not have access to it - and got a reply that she would forward to marketing. So, at the end of the day, Adorama does not live up to what they advertise - clearly advertise - which makes everything else they state suspect, especially condition of items.

Service
Shipping
Thumbnail of user takuki
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 11th, 2023

I placed order for golf range finder and paid for on Oct 2. Later I knew that shipment would be made on Oct 9 due to shop's holiday. If I was informed its long holidays when I made order, I would never use this shop. Anyhow I was noticed arrival time Oct 11, Unfortunately I have not received item yet as of 20:00 pm PST. It is not fair that they took my money long time ago but item is not in my hand yet.

Thumbnail of user caseyh387
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 21st, 2023

They are very shady in the estimates for trade in values. Get different answers and price points. Also pre ordered a body camera, did not ship when came in even though was listed on their website as available and even was told it was in stock. Will not recommend, trade or buy from this company. Not a great experience at all. Customer service is terrible

Tip for consumers:
I would not recommend this company for anything.

Products used:
I did a trdae in and valule changed dependong on trade in for credit or pay out. If trade in for credit which I did, they changed the value because it was applied to a new item. Very shady dealings.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Thumbnail of user padafaevgeniy
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 12th, 2023

Highly not recommended, especially if you wanna buy something with their co-branded credit card. I wanted to buy an MPB 14 using their card, for which I was pre-approved and subsequently received. My order was placed with the assistance of their support team, but then unusual things began to happen
Two days later, I noticed my order hadn't shipped. Upon contacting support, I was informed that my order had been escalated to the Manual Verification Team (VFR) and that I needed to contact them to proceed. I reached out to VFR, who simply requested email verification (as I had signed up using an Apple ID and the email on my credit profile was different). They assured me that everything would be resolved in 2-3 hours. Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
Next happened complete BS, i never saw that before - Adorama's support don't know anything about VFR team except "you need to contact them", then i received an email from VFR team and they said to me that to be able to verify my identity i need to WIRE TRANSFER money from my debit(just remind that i specifically applied for their co branded CC) and pay 20$ more for WIRE TRANSFER. Of course i'm didn't do that, because i have credit card and for god damn reason why would i ever WIRE TRANSFER money to buy something in store...
Then i tried to place another order(after 4 days of waiting\talking, same item), and what do you think happened? It went to manual verification, adorama support can't do anything about it, then VFR team said to me that YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO BUY ANYTHING FROM US WITH OUR CREDIT CARD LOL.
I tried to do my best to "verify myself", provided all information, proposed to bring ANY possible documents to verify my identity, three way call with that bank with whom they partnered(Synchrony bank) - nope, we need WIRE TRANSFER. By the way i spoke with Synchrony bank support and it's not their problem at all, they don't need to verify my identity or anything else from my side.
In conclusion, I wasted a hard inquiry, impacted my 5/24 score, and spent an entire day trying to prove my identity, all without receiving my order. I feel misled by their credit card terms and conditions, and there seems to be a lack of concern from their end.
Awful service, awful support, i'd recommend Synchrony bank to double check with whom they're partnering. And especially don't recommend to deal with Adorama in general. Such a clown fiesta experience.

Do you want same experience while buying really expensive items? Just think twice and go somewhere else.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user aleksandarm13
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 3rd, 2020

Great and beautiful speakers. Little problem with delivery... protective styrofoam in original packaging is totally broken... 4 metal plates for standing bottom is missing.

Thumbnail of user lbogdan1234
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 26th, 2023

I paid for the digital piano feb 20, it came after 20 days defective. Emails over emails changed with Adorama no solution, they refused a label for return. After mor than two months still I have my room blocked with the piano and the garage with the packing.
Order A**************
Adorama can you play such mor thank 2k dollars piano?

Products used:
I wish piano

Service
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user maryl1355
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
June 9th, 2020

I ordered boxes to archive my father's 35mm slides. I was pleased with the boxes, very good quality and the delivery was prompt. My only criticism is that the outer package was crushed and slightly ripped in the corners where there was inflatable fill to keep the product from shifting, though the product was not damaged at all.

Thumbnail of user tomk465
2 reviews
4 helpful votes
February 11th, 2022
Verified purchase

Adorama.com sells items (in my case, a $500 camera) that are not in stock. They do not inform you before hand that it will be backordered and shipped when it becomes available. This is an unethical business practice. Other companies will inform buyers and put on their website: "Not in Stock" or "Pre-order Here."

Thumbnail of user thomasf1517
1 review
5 helpful votes
September 4th, 2022
Verified purchase

Matthew Jacob Worst Business Solution and reps around!
Worst Business Solution and reps around!
Matthew Jacob is beyond rude, doesn't listen, can't places orders correctly nor has the respect to respond politely to clients. I Understand this company is in New York City, but please that stereotype should stay on the street, not in a place where you serve clients consumer and businesses around the world! This type service is uncalled for.

Tip for consumers:
Don't use this corporate or business side.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user mikef1379
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 21st, 2023

NEVER EVER purchase from these jokers. I was told by customer service person Julio that I would receive my purchased product in "a few days." I needed it for film shoot. (insert laugh here)

I received an email saying it went arrive 7-10 days later. This is unacceptable and I wanted either a full refund or for them to expedite my purchased product in the promised time.

Was on the phone for an hour going in absolutely nonsensical circles with people that are either oblivious to common sense, or going off of a script. One person from the Philippines had no clue as to what she was saying. We will be sharing our experience with everyone.

Tip for consumers:
These guys were awful. No help, lying and broken promises. Will seek to purchase from BH Photo next time.

Products used:
4 tb Samsung SSD

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Thumbnail of user thomasl2126
1 review
1 helpful vote
May 17th, 2023

So I called about pricing and I was transferred to a guy named Jeff and Jeff was quite a character. Kinda reminds me of a drug dealer that wants you to hurry up and buy before the cop see him. Absolutely the wrong guy to be answering the phones at Adorama. Jeff if you're reading this don't bring that bad energy into a great place like Adorama because we don't like it. And I'm speaking for the masses because my buddy stated the same thing. Come on dude we are both trying to make it in a cold world a little bit of joy warms it up a little.

Service
Thumbnail of user vincentk274
1 review
1 helpful vote
August 8th, 2023

Adorama charged my credit card for an unauthorized charge and shipped me a lighting stand I did not order. It took months of emails and calls to customer service (which is all now done in the Philippines) just for them to have the package picked up and returned and then my bank went after them to get the money back. It was a nightmare! If they have your credit card on file, watch out, they are total scammers.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jonathanr374
2 reviews
8 helpful votes
July 30th, 2023
Verified purchase

Adorama refuses to ship my item. It's been over a month and they keep telling me it will ship the next day. Email support and phone support have been rude, sarcastic, and have threatened to "throw away" my item. I'm so surprised by this exchange and their incredibly unprofessional and childish behavior. I would just like my item.

Tip for consumers:
Purchased two DJI transmitters. Ended up not needing both so I initiated a return. I guess I accidentally returning the wrong one (different serial number) so I sent the second unit back to them as well. They now have BOTH of my units and refuse to return my original transmitter. They won't refund it or send it back. They're just keeping BOTH transmitters and only refunded one of the two. I paid out of pocket for my shipping there and a return label for them to us. It's been over a month.

Products used:
DJI Transmitter

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user phillipb308
1 review
4 helpful votes
May 11th, 2021
Verified purchase

WARNING, WARNING! Very sorry to say that I ordered over $10,000 worth of photography equipment from Adorama's eBay Store front and they refused to issue reward points. Polly P. (Adorama Customer Service) stated the their Adorama eBay Store was a third party, not eligible for any reward points from the Company. Not a good way to treat their costumers to say the least!

Products used:
Hasselblad Camera and lenses!

Thumbnail of user allisonm311
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 29th, 2020

I ordered masks and having not received them within the ten-day period I contacted Adorama and
They convinced me to wait. I was leaving for five days and really needed them. Did not get them
Before I left and they were still not there when I returned. I again contacted them and asked that they
Send the replacement "expedited" due to their poor handling of the situation. Of course, they did NOT
And I am still waiting for my masks five days after my request.

Thumbnail of user heleno5
Nancy M. – Adorama Rep

Hi Allison,

I was concerned after reading the description of your experience with your most recent order.

At this point I can only apologize most sincerely for our failure to serve you as well as you should have been able to expect. I would welcome an opportunity to look into what went wrong here, but I'm unable to ID your order without additional details. If you have a moment, can you please email me your order number at nancym@adorama.com

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Nancy Miller
Adorama CS Ambassador

Thumbnail of user gregoryv57
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 24th, 2020

The battery backup was sold by Adorama was the best deal I could find.
Being quite a heavy piece, the parcel experienced some damages during shippment.
Thankfully the unit is still working fine, at least for now.

Thumbnail of user a3vlog
1 review
0 helpful votes
September 3rd, 2023

I placed an order for a laptop. For some reason they needed additional verification. I immediately emailed them at the email they provided. They didn't respond. Few days later they just canceled my order and the laptop was not available anymore. They did nothing to rectify the issue. Terrible service and customer support. Stay away.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user andress125
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 2nd, 2023

The customer service on the phone is terrible, no one answers the phone. You leave a message and no one call you back.

Thumbnail of user trevorh165
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 20th, 2020

Great product! Great packaging and received earlier than expected. The results after the first use were great and exactly what I expected out of these products!

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From the business

Adorama is the world’s only full-service destination for photo and electronics. We’re more than a camera store – we offer the best selection and prices on consumer electronics such as home theaters, mobile computing, home office equipment and more.
Adorama is listed as one of the top five electronics retailers by Consumer Reports, “Best of the Web” by Forbes.com, Internet Retailers Top 100, and is the official Electronics Retailer of the NY Giants.
Adorama is more than a camera store - we pride ourselves on being the world’s only full-service destination for all of your photo and electronics needs. Whether you want to print a wedding album, sell an old piece of equipment or rent a camera for a weekend getaway, Adorama can help. We even have entire departments set up just to train, inspire and teach.

Business History

Serving customers for more than 30 years, Adorama has grown from its flagship NYC store to include the leading online destination for photography, imaging and consumer electronics. Adorama's vast product offerings encompass home entertainment, mobile computing, and professional video and audio, while its services include an in-house photo lab, AdoramaPix, pro equipment rental at Adorama Rental Company and the award-winning Adorama Learning Center, which offers free education for photographers in video channels such as the popular AdoramaTV.

Our goal is to help you capture and enjoy life's most precious moments
Whether you're a top photographer, a beginner, or someone who just wants to enjoy the latest in home theater, you will be treated like a pro. Since 1975, we've never thought of ourselves as just a store. Instead, we've been a silent partner to professionals at almost every news organization, modeling agency, magazine, newspaper, and studio. Our customers have shot some of finest and most viewed pictures ever taken.

At Adorama, we care about your image as much as you do. That's why we guide every decision we make by asking the question, "How do we create the very best experience for you in our store, online, and when you're in the field?" We listen to the things that concern you most and try to anticipate what you need before you need it.

You will get what you're looking for as quickly as possible and it will be in stock
When it comes to fast shipping, we're practically in a league of our own. If we get your order before 8PM ET on Monday-Thursday (Fridays before 1pm), our new, state-of-art warehouse will make a heroic attempt to ship your order the same day you place it.

Provide the lowest prices and best value
Providing the lowest prices possible is in our very DNA. In fact, we even create our own exclusive products to help you enjoy significant savings.

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user heleno5
Nancy M.
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
Typically does not respond to reviews
My post, online Customer Service Ambassador for Adorama Camera, was developed in 2007 as a direct response to the increasing desire by customers to use a variety of Social Media platforms to communicate with retailers - and each other.

I act as an Independent Advocate on behalf of Adorama customers, representing Adorama's presence on social network sites (eg Twitter, Facebook, Google + and Linked In), shopping sites and newsgroups; Photography Blogs and Forums - across the globe

With a diverse background in Law, Journalism and Mental Health, and experience as an Expert Witness in the fields of Workplace Stress and Bullying, I aim to provide a rapid response for customers seeking advice and / or support in relation to their purchases - investigating and resolving complaints and concerns that customers have been unable to address through regular customer service channels.

Any customer with an enquiry, query or complaint regarding an order - or any aspect of service from Adorama, is also most welcome to contact me directly: nancym@adorama.com

How do I know I can trust these reviews about Adorama?

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2.4
516 reviews
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