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[ScottinPollock]

This is summarized as best I could, but if you want all of the gory details (including proof of the offer and the used listing described below) they are at: Focus Camera

 

I took advantage of the Panasonic Trade Up offer on the DC-G9, but actually it is Focus Camera that took advantage of me.

 

I first filled out the trade in form on their web site. They responded by email within a day, but there was no quote for the mint condition DMC-G85 I planned on trading in. When I responded to the email asking for a valuation, I received a phone call later that day.

 

In that conversation they valued the camera at US$650.00, and that they would offer me 70% of that ($455.00). But a week later after receiving the camera, they offered $300.00, telling me that due to the popularity of the promotion, the value of the camera had dropped. I told her that was unacceptable to me and to return the camera and I would send them something else.

 

She then asked what would it take to complete the transaction as is, and taking them for their word that the G85 did in fact depreciate, I suggested splitting the difference ($375). 4 days later she contacted me with acceptance, and that they would credit that amount to my card (which they did).

 

However... a few weeks later I see a "like new in box" G85 in the used section of their web site (exactly like the one I sent them), for $699.99. So it seems the G85 didn't depreciate like I was told, and in fact, they were selling it for $50 more than the original value they had quoted me.

 

Long story short... they refused to even acknowledge the pricing discrepancy, and just repeated over and over that they credited me what we agreed upon. And now they no longer respond to my emails.

 

I feel they had intentionally low balled me after receiving my G85 so they could strike some kind of deal where they could acquire the camera for less than it was worth, and it clearly worked. Pass it on!

[ScottinPollock]

I wanted to post an update to this...

 

I was recently contacted by the manager of Focus Camera customer service regarding my posting of this experience on Yelp. She has apologized for my experience with their company and has issued me a refund of $150.00 ($70 more than their initial valuation).

 

She also remarked that there would be some "conversations" with upper-management of the Used Department so this kind of thing will not happen going forward.

 

I had planned to also send a certified letter to the CEO of Focus Camera recanting my first experience with their company. Would that have received the same result as the Yelp review? Possibly... I know I have achieved similar results in the past.

 

It's unfortunate that corporate America hasn't learned from Jeff Bezos about empowering the people in the trenches to look after the customer, and that this kind of escalation is all too often required.

 

In any event, I wanted you all to know that my escalation of this issue has resulted in Focus Camera doing more than what was right in the end.