I'm appalled at their level of customer service (or lack there of) not to mention your petty use of photography to deceive the customer. Point in Reference: On Sat 09/05.09, I made the purchase... More

I'm appalled at their level of customer service (or lack there of) not to mention your petty use of photography to deceive the customer. Point in Reference: On Sat 09/05.09, I made the purchase of a used Canon GL1for $600.00 from a listing on Craigslist by one of your employees. That employee wasn't there but the product worked well but was missing a couple parts. I returned the next day and pointed out that camera was missing the lens hood he "retorted" that the ad clarifies that the picture is only a "representation" of the product and that the sale actually only included: 1) the camera 2) the charger & 3) the battery. (Why not just take a picture of the actual product and avoid the confusion?---You ARE a "camera store after all!) I then pointed out that the "Lens hood" is a part of the camera. The employee acquiesced to my point of view and agreed to give me the lens hood for $5.00 (which is a joke---you should have given it to me for free on PRINCIPLE). This employee then instructed the counter clerk (explicitly) to give me the item for the reduced price of $5.00. The counter clerk agreed to do so. Then he still charged me the full price (of $6.95) for the item. I noticed it but did not mention it. Here is why. I intend to begin a campaign of exposure against your store in the media and over the internet that I'm certain will raise a more than a few brows as to the kind of shady business you are running in Westwood. If they treat a new customer this way, I can't imagine how they've stayed in business for so long. I spent $600 Dollars in a cash puchase and they thank me by cheating me out of a lousy Seven DOLLARS?? SHAME ON YOU BEL AIRE CAMERA----SHAME ON YOU!! Cons: Poor Customer service, Smug---Know it all Attitude!
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The below bad reviews are right. Belair camera are arrogant, lazy, and overall a terrible business. I recently purchased a new Canon PowerShot SX1IS Digital Camera online and confirmed over the... More

The below bad reviews are right. Belair camera are arrogant, lazy, and overall a terrible business. I recently purchased a new Canon PowerShot SX1IS Digital Camera online and confirmed over the phone. After not receiving anything for a week, I called to check. The arrogant employee told me they shipped it four days ago and it should be there the next day. So I waited, then after two days nothing came and I called back and asked for a tracking number. The same arrogant employee obviously fumbled around for a bit and after a long pause told me that they made a mistake and would ship it out the next day. Then, I asked for the manager, in which he told me he was the manager. He said he would send me an extra something to cover the mistake they made. The product finally came, almost two weeks late, and the camera inside looked used and scratched up. And the extras seemed damaged as well. I paid for a new camera and they won't accept my camera as return because it has scratches. DO NOT BUY FROM THEM! A HORRIBLE BUSINESS! Cons: Worst Camera Service
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I really don't know about the below posters who claim they have had bad experience at Belaire, I have shopped at Belaire for the majority of my video, camera gear, and have always been treated with... More

I really don't know about the below posters who claim they have had bad experience at Belaire, I have shopped at Belaire for the majority of my video, camera gear, and have always been treated with courtesey and professionalism. The sales person who sold me my Nikon has been at the store for years and was very hepful and check for all the latest discounts and packages. I just checked with a competitors website and they have a disclaimer on their web prices, with a short explanation of web price differences. Yes I would like to get the best deal but I also prefer to see the merchandise in my hand and have it all explained knowledgeable sales person. further, its is impossible to get a trade in online. I got a descent trade in for my nikon an video camera at Belaire. Yes I have purchased on line and yes I have gotten good prices, but for certain items I would like to see it in person , ask about trade in possibilities and get a decent demonstration of the merchandise. Pros: allways have recieved great service and have been very happy with my purchases. Cons: traffic can be a problem unless you go early.
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I went to Bel Air Camera today to buy an HD camera and waited 30 minutes to get service. Sales reps are slow and arrogant with litle regard for customer appreciation. The store is very nice though... More

I went to Bel Air Camera today to buy an HD camera and waited 30 minutes to get service. Sales reps are slow and arrogant with litle regard for customer appreciation. The store is very nice though with plenty of high-end camera to see. Customer service is critical in any business and bad customer is on of the reasons why Curcuit City went under. Bel Air sales reps act like the customers owe them something. I saw a guy today in Bel Air Camera spending big dollars and was buying cameras and equipment left and right and the sales rep treated him like he was a two dollar customer. They gave him no special treatment or showed any excitement about making well over $5000.00 in one sale. Next time I will buy online and get a cheaper price. Pros: Inventory and product display Cons: customer service, customer service, customer service
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Rather than being helpful, their arrogant camera sales staff expend their energy on passive-aggressive behavior. Do yourself a favor and stay away! Pros: Parking Cons: Staff

Rather than being helpful, their arrogant camera sales staff expend their energy on passive-aggressive behavior. Do yourself a favor and stay away! Pros: Parking Cons: Staff
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So snobbish. It's too bad that car lots don't have the same customer service - there would be a lot less cars on the road. I have no idea what type of people can put up with this staff and buy... More

So snobbish. It's too bad that car lots don't have the same customer service - there would be a lot less cars on the road. I have no idea what type of people can put up with this staff and buy something. Don't waste your time. If you have ANY dignity you will leave promptly without buying anything anyway. Pros: None Cons: Too many to list
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Bel AIr Camera is what every customer wants in a store, knowledgeable staff, friendly service, staff that will go the extra mile to help you, and stock of the newest best products. In less than 24... More

Bel AIr Camera is what every customer wants in a store, knowledgeable staff, friendly service, staff that will go the extra mile to help you, and stock of the newest best products. In less than 24 hours I had two above and beyond super positive experiences at Bel Air Camera. I guess that is why is is considered the "jewel" of Westwood.
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I am a Manager at Bel Air Camera. just a quick response...I don't know about this exact transaction but I can say this...The day this occurred, Canon had just started an instant rebate program on... More

I am a Manager at Bel Air Camera. just a quick response...I don't know about this exact transaction but I can say this...The day this occurred, Canon had just started an instant rebate program on their lenses. it's possible that the person you spoke with was unaware of the instant rebate and as such quoted a price that was too high. Not a great defense, I know but without knowing who the person you spoke with is or what lens we are talking about, it's the best I've got. I am usually able to honor our internet pricing in the store, as long as you tack on the $15.00 average shipping charge. You must understand that there are higher costs associated with a brick and mortar store as opposed to an online site...we have salespeople to pay, you get to try the equipment, see it there are any imperfections in the lens, open it and make sure it's exactly what you want and will do what you want it to do etc. I appreciate hearing about issues like these because it gives me the opportunity to address them with the staff so that in the future, the same mistakes are not made. I only wish that whoever had this experience would have asked to speak with the manager so I could have dealt with it right then and there, I can't fix a problem that I know nothing about. If anyone has an issue with any aspect of Bel Air Camera, please feel free to contact me barry@belaircamera dot com
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Snotty, condescending customer service. Web pricing much less than in-store. When I called, the difference was $120 on a $400 lens. What was I thinking?! I get lousy personal service and a hundred... More

Snotty, condescending customer service. Web pricing much less than in-store. When I called, the difference was $120 on a $400 lens. What was I thinking?! I get lousy personal service and a hundred free prints for the extra money! Wow, I guess I'm just a dumb customer. Shipping choice on web is only 2nd day air or faster, even if you're in the same county and ground is faster and cheaper. Don't bother asking about other shipping options, they'll make you feel like an cheapskate. If they get defensive when responding to inquires about pricing variances between the web and in-store, then they should raise the web price and lower the in-store price and make them the same. Give more shipping options and not try to make up a low web price by jacking up the shipping price. It would make them look better and they wouldn't have to get defensive.
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I am one of those retail cogs in the wheel without the power to change things. We are not all cut from the same cloth. Addressing the internet price difference, yes the prices are cheaper on the... More

I am one of those retail cogs in the wheel without the power to change things. We are not all cut from the same cloth. Addressing the internet price difference, yes the prices are cheaper on the net, and that is true in most stores with an online presence. The response to the clients that have given us a negative review should have been respectful and informative. I am very sorry if some of my fellow staff were curt, this type of behavior reflects on all of us badly, and for that I sincerely apologize for all of us. Believe it or not according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services we are paid below, at ,and slightly above poverty wages. Salesmen and women rely on commission to make ends meet not unlike a waiter who depends on tips and not the hourly pay. So the idea that a minimum wage employee would be better is not true because that is what we are paid, give or take a dollar. The result is a worker who must sell to survive and this can erode the service at times. I can say from personal experience that many of our clients are very happy with our expert service and that many of us absolutely do take the time to help a customer learn about the camera they are buying. We also welcome our clients to come back for further instruction if need be. Many of our customers arrive with both camera and laptop. Mac or PC we do our best to help, try getting that kind of service with a big box retail clerk or an internet salesperson. If any client has a problem at my store they should ask for a manager immediately. Barry, the floor manger, would not hesitate to help. In fact anyone who may be reading this and would like to complain/complement any of our staff should do so. Bel Air Camera_310-208-5150 ask for Barry --TCW Pros: 50 years in the business with good old fashioned service. Cons: Old fashioned service.
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