• Adorama

Adorama

Overview

Adorama has a rating of 2.43 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): 7.7%
Positive
2
Neutral
0
Negative
24
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 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 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 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 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 mattb488
1 review
14 helpful votes
May 7th, 2020

Adorama shipped my product quickly and it arrived in perfect condition, however the packaging was terrible. The product clearly did not fit in the box that was used, so extra cardboard was taped to the end to try to cover it. Only the tape did not hold so it nearly fell apart and arrived with packing material sticking out. Upon opening, there was hardly any padding material used at all. Again, thankfully the product arrived in perfect condition regardless, but I'm not excited about using this site again if I need to be this concerned about the condition of the packing and product when ordering.

Thumbnail of user jimb1408
1 review
0 helpful votes
June 14th, 2020

We ordered a new Nikon P900 for a birthday gift. The camera did not arrive until 2 days after the birthday celebration. UPS has an irregular delivery schedule to *******, Panama City, Florida. 2 to 3 day free delivery to VIP customers failed this time.

Thumbnail of user heleno5
Nancy M. – Adorama Rep

Hi Jim,

I apologize for the delay in getting you your order. I understand how important it was for this to arrive on time. If you have a minute, can you please send me your order number so I can review what happened here? My email is nancym@adorama.com

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

Thumbnail of user swadeepm
1 review
0 helpful votes
June 3rd, 2020

I placed the order on May 24 (6 Items) and the Items were delivered by May 27, that's fast but the packing was not that great and as it was ripped. After completing my set-up, 2 items (Center Speaker n Sub-woofer) were not functioning properly. When I called Adorama customer support "Dixie" said, we need to work with Jamo Customer Support and get the issue fixed OR If we are not happy with product resolution we can even return the entire set of products before 30 days. Due to Covid-19 not able to reach Jamo CS yet, however will call them, understand the issue and will take a decision on my return process. I wish the return process would be simple like UPS Pick-up or Return Labels sent to customer to have hassle free returns.

Thumbnail of user drewl50
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 4th, 2020

I ordered a C-Stand with a 40" boom arm and then an extra boom arm and a hard drive. Everything arrived on the delivery date, but when I unboxed the C-Stand the boom arm that was supposed to be packed in wasn't there. Very frustrating.

Thumbnail of user heleno5
Nancy M. – Adorama Rep

Hi Drew,

I apologize if your order arrived missing a piece.

If you have a moment, can you please email me your order details so I can look into this see how I can help.

Looking forward to your response,

Nancy Miller
Adorama CS Ambassador
nancym@adorama.com

Thumbnail of user garyk396
1 review
1 helpful vote
April 30th, 2020

I recently purchased three used Nikon Lens from Adorama. All three arrive as expected and on time. What I didn't expect was the unusual packaging. Two of the lens arrive packed in Nikon Cases, no problem. However, the most expense lens (approx $700) arrived in a plastic "zip lock" type bag - no case of any kind. The last time I checked a 16mm -80mm Nikon zoom lens is considered to be fairly fragile. When I finally got through to a real person in NYC and not in the Philippians I was told this. "When you buy used or reconditioned lens they don't come with cases." Strange that two out of three lens did come with cases, so much for that comment. I then looked at their website to see if they even did carry a case for it. Sure enough they had a used case for this exact lens in E+ condition for $21.95 plus shipping. (Yes, I had to purchase it and pay to ship it)
Ponder this? I have spent just over $5,000 on photographic equipment this past month and I have purchased it through various vendors just to see how professional they were. With Adorama they had a $950+ order and chose to send a fairly expensive lens in a plastic bag rather then put it in a $15 to $20 case. The bottom line is they got their $21.95 for the case but lost thousands of dollars in future orders. Not what I would call a smart or profitable business decision on their part. Is it a Good Product - Yes / Good Customer Relations - NO / Common Sense - Apparently Not

Dr. Gary H. Kadow
The Villages, FL

Thumbnail of user heleno5
Nancy M. – Adorama Rep

Hi Gary,

I was sorry to see that this was your experience with your most recent purchase. If you have a minute, can you please send me your order number so I can review what happened here? My email is nancym@adorama.com

Sincerely,
Nancy Miller
Adorama CS Ambassador

Thumbnail of user alit73
1 review
0 helpful votes
July 1st, 2020

4k quality isn't good enough. It is great for those who just started working with full-frame cameras. Great value for this quality, but not for pros.

Thumbnail of user heleno5
Nancy M. – Adorama Rep

Hi Ali,
I noticed that you left a 2-star rating. Please let me know if there is something that I can help with your recent order with us. I will be happy to assist you further. You can email me directly at nancym@adorama.com.

Sincerely,
Nancy Miller
Adorama CS Ambassador

Thumbnail of user marcelm40
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
November 9th, 2017

Late to process order and information on Availability of the product not always accurate. Am disappointed

Thumbnail of user jefferyb12
5 reviews
16 helpful votes
September 24th, 2014

I really desired to like Adorama, but I can't suggest them at all because I have had problems with both of my past purchases through Adorama and the owner’s attitude and the customer support team service has been very cold and annoying.

Service
Thumbnail of user heleno5
Nancy M. – Adorama Rep

I was so sorry to read that this has been your experience, Jeffery. At Adorama Camera our service to customers is just as important as the range, quality and price of the products we sell. We therefore take all customer feedback very seriously and try to use it to develop and improve everything we do. If you could please email me with more details of your less than satisfactory Adorama purchasing experience, I would be extremely grateful.

Please accept my apologies for the disappointment caused, and I
Look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

Helen@adorama.com

Thumbnail of user azalead
1 review
2 helpful votes
December 10th, 2014

Okay first of all I would like to say this was my first time ordering from Adorama cameras. I went online on cyber Monday to get a good deal... I ordered a camera and never received a confirmation that they sent my order. I started to get concerned cause it had been 8 days. So I had to contact them and after 2 days later finally got a email saying they where sorry they where out of stock. It would have been nice for them to have gotten back to me before 10 days. If I hadn't emailed them how long would it have been before they got back to me. Very unprofessional. I am going on a trip to NZ for Christmas and wanted to have a nice camera to take pictures. It was my first and last time using Adorama cameras!

Thumbnail of user heleno5
Nancy M. – Adorama Rep

I'm so very sorry to see this, Azalea. All back order emails should be triggered by our automated system, so I'd welcome the opportunity to understand why you didn't receive one. Can you please email me; Helen@adorama.com with your order number, and I will give it my immediate attention.

Please accept my sincere apologies for the disappointment and frustration caused, and I very much look forward to hearing from you.

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
Helen@adorama.com

Thumbnail of user donp2
2 reviews
8 helpful votes
November 23rd, 2010

Date Ordered: 11/21/2010 Order #: *******-1

I ordered an iPad via Adorama.com and two days later received an Email stating that they have cancelled the order because of: "The reason is this item is only sold in our store and not through the Internet."
In the mean time, I have already purchases an extended warranty and had to cancel it with penalties. When inquired their reply was: "We do not even hold them in our warehouse for
Shipping."

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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

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