Fumfie.com is a relatively new website that has good reviews on resellerratings. I personally don’t buy it. Here’s a photo of their “headquarters.” As the Don Wiss website points out, Fumfie claims that it “began its operation in October 2001 with the vision of expanding its New Jersey-based retail chain into the online arena. The internet operation has successfully broadened its customer base from the regional to national level, fueling the company's growth as a leader in home shopping e-tailing.” Yet the domain was registered in 2008 and the site didn’t appear until January 2009. Per the Better Business Bureau, the business started in April 2008.
The Fumfie website goes on to state:
“Fumfie.com's mission is to provide an online home shopping emporium that caters to the home connoisseur. As Fumfie.com has grown, so has its product selection. It features an eclectic variety of over 10,000 items sure to dazzle any home enthusiast. With its intrasite search feature, customers in a rush can easily find the item they need, while those with time to browse can feast their eyes on the vast selection within each category.”
That’s weird. They don’t actually provide the name of the “New Jersey-based retail chain.” Maybe that’s because they never had one, and they actually just stole the above language from http://www.homeandbeyond.com/:
HomeandBeyond.com began its operation in October 2001 with the vision of expanding its New York-based retail chain into the online arena. The internet operation has successfully broadened its customer base from the regional to national level, fueling the company’s growth as a leader in home shopping e-tailing.
HomeandBeyond.com's mission is to provide an online home shopping emporium that caters to the home connoisseur. Formerly operating as Polsteins.com after the name of its parent retail chain, the internet operation was renamed Homeandbeyond.com in November 2005 to more effectively brand the site as an expansive source for home goods and more. As HomeandBeyond.com has grown, so has its product selection. It features an eclectic variety of over 100,000 items sure to dazzle any home enthusiast. With its intrasite search feature, customers in a rush can easily find the item they need, while those with time to browse can feast their eyes on the vast selection within each category.
Here’s the link to Home and Beyond. I’ve saved a copy of the Fumfie About Us page, as they most likely will take it down once they read this.
Additional evidence that hints this questionable:
Here’s a negative experience on ripoffreport.com.
They are not registered as a corporation with the State of New York.
Read this discussion on Photo.net.
Please post your experiences with Fumfie below.
Update:
On November 16, 2010 someone posted a glowing review of Fumfie. I checked my website logs, and the visitor came from, you guessed it, Brooklyn:
59 comments:
Hello, Dave (and whomever else!)--Although I can't speak to some of the questions raised by your comments, I can share my recent experience with fumfie, which has been POSITIVE.
Having looked around the Internet (resellerratings.com) and reassured myself that I could reasonably expect to actually get what I ordered, I bought a Canon Digital Rebel XSi (WITH the 18-55 mm lens) on their website Friday (July 17) morning. I got spooked and almost ended up canceling my order when I was mysteriously unable to open the confirmation e-mail they sent to my AOL account. It just seemed like a red flag. And I wasn’t able to get anyone on the phone until after about 10 AM. I had one conversation with someone who did try to sell me a memory card, battery, etc. I said no, and he didn’t push it. I wasn’t thrilled when he told me I’d be charged $30 for insurance (I don’t RECALL seeing this charge when I ordered the camera, but I can’t say with absolute certainty that it wasn’t there), but that seemed reasonable, so I sucked it up. Even with the extra $30, I was still getting a better deal on the camera (priced at $579 when I ordered it) than anyone else was offering. Anyway, the guy I spoke with didn’t seem to understand the problem I was having reading the confirmation e-mail, and by this time, having read your comments (and others) questioning the legitimacy of the company, I was beginning to freak out. I actually called fumfie back to cancel my order, and fortunately, I was connected to Steve, who talked me down off the ledge. He reassured me that I was dealing with a honest business, and seemed to understand the problem I was having with the e-mail. He sent another one containing a link that allowed me to view my order confirmation, and explained that fumfie was in the process of upgrading its web site, and even gave me a web address so that I could view the in-development new site (site has not yet “gone live”).
Happy ending (so to speak)--the camera was waiting for me when I got home yesterday—two business days after I ordered it (and in spite of my having chosen the cheapest shipping option). Everything seems perfect—no banged-up packaging (although a few more foam peanuts in the outer shipping box might’ve been advisable—I don’t know). But everything, as far as I can tell, is perfectly fine with the camera, and I’m happy with both the product and the customer service I got with fumfie. I can’t wait to start shooting (the camera :-)) THANK YOU, STEVE AND FUMFIE!
yay! so glad i found this site before jumping in for their cheap cheap nikon d40. unfortunately, pricegrabber.com reviews (and plenty other) websites list raving reviews, but each reviewer only has a single review - which seems odd for hundreds of reviewers. dont get ripped off. shell out for the proper goods people! this is a scam.
I believe the site is a scam. Also, I let the additional $30 for shipping go because of the price of the item...but there is no mention of this additional charge ANYWHERE. I ordered a camcorder, waited for it to be shipped 10 business days, and contacted "steve" to find out what is going on when it didnt arrive. I found out they dont even have the item in stock that I was already charged for...so I asked to cancel my order. Luckily, my credit card has fraud protection which will save me from paying out to this company. BEWARE!!!!
I won an auction on eBay from:
Email:ebay@packagesbymary.com
User ID:packagesbymary
Name:Packages By Mary
Company:Packages By Mary
City:Brooklyn
State:NY
Country:United States
Phone:(866) 402-4776
The phone number is the same one that Google shows for Fumfie. I got a call from them about an upgraded battery and extended warranty, but they were not a hard sell and said they would ship the item immediately. I got it three days after the phone call. Everything was included and checked out.
They are no longer registered on eBay, but they had 99.x% positive feedback at the time I won the auction.
I am satisfied, but perplexed.
I placed an online order on 11-4-09.
When I didn't receive an email confirmation, I sent them an email. They responded that I had to call to confirm my order. Their reason: "reduce fraud". What they really wanted to do was pressure me into purchasing accessories and warranties that I didn't want.
When I asked about my total cost, it was $20 higher than what I saw on-line. I was informed this was for UPS shipping insurance.
After an argument w/ "Mike" the manager, I was told he could wave the insurance but claims that the insurance requirement is clearly stated on their website. (I don't remember seeing that. I've since gone looking for it and can't find this requirement!)
It is now 11-11-09, 7 days after the initial order. I called to get tracking information and was told my camera hadn't shipped yet and that they were within their "7-10 days" to get me the camera. I got to speak w/ Mike again who claims my camera will be here tomorrow.
About 15 minutes after being told that camera would ship on 11-11, I got a phone call stating that they charged my credit card for the full $523 amount and that there would be a check in w/ my camera and that "it would be inconvenient for them" to issue the refund for the insurance charge that they waved on 11-4.
I canceled the order!
I am sure that Fumfie is a legitimate business with characteristics that tarnish it's reputation.
I think that it is a business that is struggling to establish itself and thus it implements some odd measures that raise the "red flags" as some wrote before.
I ordered - through Ebay - a Nikon D700 with two lenses and a kit. I specifically asked for the package to be delivered to a friend's house instead of my home address. After some emails and a phone call I got to talk to Joe and service was fabulous.
Everything was super and then things got messy a bit - one lens (from the kit) was forgotten as well as an extra battery. However, it is all being taken care; and I have come to trust this online shop.
It is my personal recommendation that as shoppers you should show some UNDERSTANDING that it's a SMALL BUSINESS... this means, you should be ready for the variegated mishaps that belie a small-time shop, e.g., back-ordered items. this is the "COST" you pay to get the BEST "PRICE"... if you are a nervous shopper who is paranoid about the web - go shop at the physical shops; if you are looking for the best price and don't mind shopping over the web, Fumfie is one legitimate website that is cresting at the top virtual shops...
I did a lot of googling before finally decided ordering my 40D from B&H --- other on-line stores that offering attractive price just seems untruthful to me. I was just wondering: why most of these on-line camera stores located in N.Y. area?
This is a scam web site. I thought the price was too good to be true... and it was. They called to verify my credit card order and the explained that there would be an additional charge of $50 for shipping insurance. On top of that, they explained that it was an open box product-- I order a new product... Don't order anything from this web site.
Stay the hell away. I called long from across the border (Canada), and asked if that 1 year USA warranty would be usable here in Montreal. I asked because Nikon has a facility based here. He said if I upgrade the warranty that I can service it anywhere. Ehhhh thats a lie buddy. Nikon doesn't do extended warranties, and it ain't a car with 100,000km 5 years either. When i asked more questions, the guy became frustrated and simply wanted to know which camera i was interested in and if i wanted to place an order right away. Presure, and frustration equals big no no. Stay away.
I just had an extremely similar experience with fumfie. I ordered a camera, went through the whole "calling to prevent fraud" ordeal, and didn't accept any of the additional products they offered. I called to get the tracking number, and had a serious issue getting a straight answer. After calling 3 days in a row, and getting odd answers every day, I called to cancel. I was "put on hold" and then called back, and told my shipment was guarenteed by December 18th, but there was no tracking number "yet". Tell me one delivery service who gives the estimated date of delivery before the tracking number that lists it?! Needless to say, I cancelled the order and contacted my bank immediately. I was promised by someone at fumfie that I would get my money back by the end of the day today and that there was no need to get my bank involved. After being spoken to very disrespectfully after that, I was promised my money back in my account by the end of the day. My question is, did everyone who cancelled their order receive their money back?
Needless to say, my bank is involved and the Attorney General's office has been contacted. A formal complaint will be filed with the Attorney General.
Well, I think I have to side with 'Dave' on this one. I asked two simple email questions regarding warranty and customs clearance, neither of which Fumfie was prepared to answer in writing. They just wanted me to call their sales desk for what would, undoubtedly, be unconfirmable answers just to get an order.
No thanks - I'd rather pay more elsewhere and know what I'm getting into.
Thanks for the usefule blog. Their online price for a Canon Vixia HF S10 was about $130 below anyone else. Also, they (nor Jersey Photo) are NOT listed as an authorized Canon Dealer.
Thanks again! Won't be buying there!
John Tarvin ~ Old Buzzard #2
Thanks for the post.
I purchased from fumfie and would consider them partially scam. The camera was good and priced right. The trick sales of cheap accessories cost me $100 for worthless stuff. When I called them, they said they would need to deduct the shipping from any refund since it was originally free. Promised to send me some stuff to increase the value. I got one piece and am still waiting on the rest. I won't buy there again.
thank you all for your comments!!
i was looking for HD camcorder and found Canon Vixia HF S11 which has the best stabilization mode. after reading all the reviews under Nextag list website, i think i will go to best buy, sears, wallmart and fry's electronics.
Why are there soooo many shady camera businesses? Don't the big guys (Canon, Nikon, etc) have any control over their distribution?
Fumfie, is a bait and switch site for sure. Do not purchase anything from this site. It is run by very shady people, who will rip you off! Do not use this site!
My experience with Fumfie was positive. After shopping around in March, 2010, for a Pentax Kx DSLR, Fumfie's price was significantly lower than every one else. I ordered the camera, along with paid shipping (UPS - tracking # was provided). The did try to sell me batteries, warranty and filter, but when I said I already had them they didn't push. They did hit me up for a $25 insurance on the shipping which I did not recall seeing, but if you go deep into their site, it is mentioned on their store policy page.
Bottom line - I got the camera I wanted at a very good price. It was in my hands less than a week after I ordered it.
My experience is super negative with Fumfie.com. I was, like most of you, attracted to their low price. If you have been reading reviews on them, you probably already know that there is no receipt you can print out after you summit your credit card payment. So you would assume the total is their published price plus their published shipping charge? Later I found out they do this for one specific purpose – to make credit card dispute more difficult.
The day after I placed the order, a sales person called, actually he sounded pretty nice, neither pushy nor rude at all, but he lied by telling me the Nikon camera I ordered does not come with a battery, so I need to buy one and also a quick charger, he sounded like he was doing me a huge favor by throwing in whole bunch of free stuff, like cleaning kit, bag. The battery and the charger, according to him, were so special, they are worth about $170.
Then when I got the much-anticipated package, here is what I found out: 1. there is no warranty paper. 2. the camera was not brand new, the plastic bag was sealed in such a home-made fashion. 3. the Zeikos ZE-CHEL3E charger was the same one Amazon.com is selling for $3.34, the Zeikos ZE-ENEL3E battery is the same one for $8.99 on Amazon. They are nothing special. The “Deluxe” bag is cheaper than a lunch bag you can buy from Wal-Mart.
The camera’s user manual looks like they were trying to save money by reducing ink usage, just doesn’t seem like something Nikon would do on a thousand dollar camera.
Well, folks, every one of us likes to save some money every now and than, therefore we never learn, and we are repeatedly enticed into this kind of Brooklyn style joints, always hope next one will be try deal. If you see the same camera somewhere else for $200 more, there is a reason. This is not Vegas, you don’t get lucky with these guys!
I had a horrible experience with Fumfie & agree that it seems like a totally illegitimate company! Their policies are deceptive & unethical, and I highly recommend finding another place to make your purchases.
I was told that the battery that came with my 5D Mark ii was only 20 minutes & that I 'must' buy a better one, which they sell for $279. The pushy (and incredible rude) sales person Tom told me I could not possibly find this battery for any less anywhere on the internet. Also told me I needed the warranty, b/c the Canon warranty for camera/lens is only 90 days. I said I don't think that is true & he told me I didn't know what I was talking about. He raised his voice & was handling the call horribly, so I asked to speak to his manager & he said he WAS the manager.
Completely frustrated, I decided just to wait for my package & call back if anything seemed fishy. Just as thought, it was a total sales scam. My $3549.99 package showed up with a Zeikos battery ($17.99 on Amazon!) and a Canon warranty clearly stating 1 year warranty. Tom had outright lied and upsold me a piece of crap. Also, be aware that Canon warranty is not valid if the camera is used with non-Canon brand electronics, such as cheap Zeikos batteries.
I called back the next day, asked to speak Tom & he acted the like conversation had never happened. He told me we never talked. After speaking to someone else, I learned that Tom was not the manager (another lie). I asked to speak to whoever was really charge and they said the VP is untouchable, we can't email him & we can't leave him a message b/c he's only there 1-2 days a week & everything is done by Post-it's.
After an hour on the phone, the customer service agent (who was the only good thing about this entire ordeal) helped me figure out a solution. I could keep the camera & lens & get a refund for junk they sold me, minus shipping & insurance fee. Good enough.
Bottom line, the goods are cheap but they will absolutely ROB you with accessories & warranties & an insurance fee (4%-6%, depending on who you talk to, another fishy policy). You will never see a total, even after you put in your CC number & it is charged. They don't send you a receipt of any kind unless you ask for it.
Fumfie may save you some money, but you will pay for it in the end. Do NOT waste your time with them.
Wish I saw this site earlier, but I just had the same exact experience. When I hit the "Place Order" button, I did not see any mention of insurance on the Total price. They wanted an additional $35. Told me that the Canon battery will only last 20 minutes, which sounded ridiculous and I told him I'll try it out first. Then he told me it's buy one get one free, so I asked if they are original Canon batteries. This guy tries to talk over you and when you finish asking your question, he stops talking and doesn't even answer your question. Based on my past experience, these were all warning signs, so I cancelled my order. Then he get's pissed and tells me, "What, you don't want to save $200?", blah blah, blah. What he doesn't understand is if you've lied to your customer once, what's stopping you from lying to them twice or 3 times. By the way, he may have saved me a couple of hundred from retail, but compared to Amazon or B&H, I'd only have to pay an extra $60, but have the peace of mind that I am dealing with an honest retailer.
I am reeling with shock right now from the raw deal I got from fumfie. All I want to know is how to get my $1,500 back.I called them all day today (05-19-10)and a voice recorded message says they are closed until Friday! I paid $50 for 2days shipping and even now I don't have a tracking number.I have the bank transection with a number on it, totalling to the same amount that I got charged at fumfie. This means they got my money and now they are failing to deliver...in other words, I have been conned!!! STAY AWAY, cheap in this case means you are losing your money all together!
Please everyone, lets top fuming here and instead contact the Attorney General and put these crooked bastards outta business once and for all!!
Call the NJ Consumer Protection Hotline 800-242-5846
or you can file a complaint online at: http://www.nj.gov/oag/ca/ocp/ocpform2.htm
Dave,
I too fell for the trick in moment of weakness. Got an email immediately, saying I HAD to call to expedite processing, etc. Then, I did some reserch .. I've filed a complaint with the FTC. I advise everyone to do likewise. Just go to http://www.business.gov/business-law/contacts/federal/ftc/
and call. They were very nice.
imagephile
Terrible "store". Your order is not processed until you call them. During this call, they high-pressure sell on batteries, etc. with claims of "extended life" batteries at high prices. They keep mentioning their low prices almost like trying to make you feel guilty. I agreed to two more batteries with almost $300 added to the tab, then what I got was ONE generic battery & car charger that costs $25 on Amazon. The return process phone call was another 5-10 minutes of salespitch bull#$#@ before getting the RMA to return it all. I would have kept the camera at the advertised price, but they would not do it. NEVER AGAIN...B&H loyalty always.
I am SO grateful for these reviews! I have been looking for a good deal on the Canon 5D mark II for a couple of months. Fumfie has it listed $400 lower than the normal list price. I called with a couple questions before I decided on the purchase. I was on hold for ten minutes, then when I finally got to speak to someone, he was rude and indirect. I simply asked if the product came with a warranty and made sure it was a US product. He yelled at me through the phone that they did whole-sale, and that I would get a one year warranty. There was all this conversation and noise going on in the background, and he was so abrupt and rude like he just wanted to get me off the phone.
After that I decided to look at some reviews. 98% of the reviews have been bad. I am paying a few hundred dollars more for a trustworthy place with quality.
The worst of the worst. AMEX came to my rescue and researched my claims and found they are a scam when it comes to delivery and pricing on generic, made in China rip off parts. Stay away, do not go near this site
2001..2009...
Not surprised. This web site is a scam. They spam you with emails stating that they tried to call you to confirm your order but they never called. The phone goes to a voicemail, unable to contact them for more than 5 days. I canceled my order and they don't care. Still harassing me.
Fumfie sux! they are the worst online Co. I've dealt with! I ordered a camera from these idiots & still don't have it, even after what I've gone through with these morons! they screwed up my credit card info. 3 times! 3 times! I told them I need the camera by Sept. 23, at the latest! they should have shipped it to me 2-3 day service! that way I would have had it & they would have redeemed themselves in my eyes! of course they didn't do that! DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH FUMFIE! you'll regret it! I ordered 2 lenses online from another Company & got them within 3-4 days. Fumfie is a scam! I hope they get driven out of business!
these people seem to be nice and promiss you are getting a usa model camera...yeah sure...i could of got my d90 for $489 from thunder camera but couldn't wait the extra shipping time so i decided to go with fumfi... the website plainly states camera is a usa model and when asked repeatedly they told me it was a USA camera. when i got it ,it was a camera made to be sold in japan they still will not admit it was not usa and offer me an extended 3 year warranty... but is the warranty any good? the camera is a fine good camera but is not the usa model i paid for.i have asked for a refund of the difference...if i do not get satisfaction i will go to the states attorney general and file a charge of fraud,
THANKS to all of you who have posted here. I came to within an inch of purchasing an "inexpensive" camcorder from these bastards until I stumbled onto this blog by pure chance. You have saved me from the most unpleasant type of experience that everyone dreads. I feel sorry for you dudes who had to go through with all that SHIT. Your comments are very useful and appreciated. I am sure they prevented many others from being scammed.
I think I may have just gotten scammed. I ordered a Canon Vixia HF S200 on Friday for $599. Got the "call us" email. Called them today, and got the insurance and handling charged. The total ended up being $689. Read their terms and conditions, and it said it in there... very sneaky how it's hidden.
My credit card has been charged, and I did get a UPS tracking number despite the $90 surprise. The guy fucked up my shipping address. I wanted it going to work, not my home cuz no one will be here.
The silver lining is that this camcorder is cheaper, even with the surprise charge, than with any other site. No, I don't like doing business with scumbags. I'd rather they set the expectation the right way rather than showing one price then charging another.
I work at a bank, so I'm certain I can get these guys investigated and receive provisional credit in case I've been truly scammed. Otherwise, just keeping my fingers crossed hoping this camcorder shows up with a valid serial number, brand new, and fully functional!
i like doing my reasearch before i buy something online. I also look for the best prices, so when fumfie.com came up on various sites, i decided to check them out. I did see some negative comments, but i decided to see for myself. i purchased a Nikon D90 and was very happy with my purchase! Camera came brand new, not refurbished and i even got a free tripod. I would shop at fumfie.com again and recommend them to all.
-tamz10
Per the magic of sitemeter, I can see who visits this site. The preceding comment was posted by someone in Brooklyn at an IP address that constantly monitors this site. I consider the preceding comment, touting a favorable experience with Fumfie, to be false, and likely placed by someone associated with Fumfie. I will post a screenshot of the exact IP information of the person who posted the comment shortly.
Fumfie is not a honest company for the following reasons:
1- What they sell you is different with items you may receive
2- All item are no name with no brand but when talking to sales people they say all are from well known companies
3- On invoices there is no serial # or item details (like wide angle lens rather than mentioning manufacturer & model number or serial No. for $1000 camera)
4- Their customer service is awful.
I will not purchase from Fumfie again. Purchased a canon EOS 60d and a week after the purchase posted on my credit card it still hasn't shipped. Their service is misleading and the free shipping 7-10 day delivery countdown starts after you receive an e-mail to notify and confirm your purchase by phone and apparently when they feel like starting the clock. Then the upsell starts. customer service lacks integrity by being extremely vague ...you have to press them for details and in return get treated with rudeness. I'll pay more next time but with the price comes piece of mind.
When I was doing camera research on nextag fumfie.com came up at $100 less than everyone else ($699 vs. $799). I did the research like everyone else and saw the mixed reviews. I thought I should try because if it was a good deal I would save a chunk of change, and if not, at least I was using a credit card with zero liability. I ordered on Thanksgiving (after comparing black friday ads) and didn't get a confirmation or anything. On Sunday they called and I missed the call. When I called back I was put on hold for about 20 minutes before the rep came on to "confirm" my order. They did try to upsell (SD cards, batteries) but I just said no and they didn't push anything. After the phone call I still didn't get any confirmation (they had looked up my order by my name). On Wednesday, Dec. 1, I got a shipping email from UPS. It just came today and after looking through the box, everything is there. All in all it was a weird experience and not very professional, but if I can save $100 compared to anywhere else; I'll deal with a few idiots and assholes. The accessories are really where they get you. I purchased the batteries, flash, SD card for about a quarter of the price on Amazon this afternoon. So, if you do buy from them, just tell them "no" when they call to "confirm" your order.
I purchased a camera and a lens, checked out on the FUMFIE website for $928. Was billed $983. NO response from billing department to my EMail sent 2 weeks ago. Customer service rude. Fraudulent use of my credit card - beware - your free shipping will be covered by their extra "insurance/handling" charges not disclosed in your shopping cart at any time. P.S. Customer (lack of) service also refused to give me the free tripod I was promised (in writing) for completing feedback because I told them I gave them negative feedback.
I was looking on line for a Pentax K-X with an 18-55 mm lens for over a year, waiting for a price below $500. After looking at reviews, so that I knew what questions to ask, I bought from Fumfie, and I have been very happy with them. I found them very easy to do business with.
WARNING---DO NOT use this online electronics store.
A)You must call them to confirm your order (expect a 30 min wait)
B)They pressure you to buy more accessories for your electronics purchase
C) If you don't buy more accessories, they add what they call a "10% handling fee" which was not part of the online price.
Bottom line, DON'T BUY FROM THESE SHYSTERS!
very poor customer service with no results. I ordered camera body but got other stuff with body as well and they charged me extra $300. After weeks of negotiating with them to take there extra crap back they refuse to deal with you. will never buy from them. stay away.
Horrible experience. I didnt get my camera even after 45 days.
I placed order for camera (invoice number 24140) on 19th November and I am still waiting to get my camera after 45 days. I was told that the camera has been delivered on 22nd November but I never received it. Fumfie started investigation with UPS on 26th Nov. and UPS completed its investigation on 6th Dec. I called Fumfie on 13th Dec. and after much arguing I was told that they will ship the camera ( invoice number 27761). I waited for 10days and then I called them. I was told that they are still waiting for UPS to send the cheque whereas on 13th dec. I was clearly told that they are shipping the camera right away ( they even mailed me the invoice).I kept calling them and finally they said that they received the cheque but now they want me file a police report ( why couldn't they tell this earlier), get the processing done by the bank and then they will send the camera. So it has been 45 days and I still dont have the camera. The customer service is extremely rude and they tell me a new story everytime I call them.
I would not recommend my enemies to get anything from Fumfie leave alone my friends. I will not call them again and only AMEX will talk to them now.
Definitely a bait and switch scam with the "insurance" add on after you've already placed the order for the agreed amount. They wanted to increase my order total by 9%!!!!! For Insurance!!!!!!! Crazy.... I couldn't have cancelled my order fast enough.
I ordered a camcorder from these guys and yeah same thing,call us *I ordered online so I didn't have to talk to anyone* And yes,They pused all the batteries,warrenty and junk.I dodged that one by saying I only had enough cash for the Cam..No sweat.I put rush order on it.The day b4 it was to arrive I got a call saying they were having trouble getting the cam I wanted and I'd be getting a refund.I got my cash back in two days but I'm glad the deal didn't go through after reading all the horror stories on here.
My experience WASN'T positive. After researching camcorders, I placed order with Fumfie. I checked reputations, Fumfie rating seemed acceptable compared to others. however after placing order I observed the following:
a) Confirmation email does not show order number, total cost.
b) Got call to confirm order. had to make corrections: they said order was for 2 cameras. Actually it was for 1. They said I ordered 2 year extended warranty. I didn't. The person I spoke with appeared to be cooperative and go out of their way. Until I asked them to confirm exactly total. they said $863 something whereas camcorder I ordered was $798 incl. shipping and no tax. They said "oh that's for insurance which is required... so its like over 60 bucks for insurance? I cancelled order which they did promptly (received cancellation email from them).
Went to UPS site, UPS charges like 0.90 for every $100 so for a $800 order it should be like $7.20
Not $60.
Yet this is Fumfie's game - to show a "teaser price" as bait - so it shows up among the lowest totals on internet price comparison search engines but then tally up higher totals. Presumably they hope to upsell or add accessories to make up for the teaser price which apparently is very little profit for them. When they sense customer wouldn't go for the bait, they go out of their way in accommodating cancellation of order. Get the drift?
Stay AWAY from Fumfie, dishonest business. Wouldn't recommend them anymore no matter what little positive comments there are. On their website and order pages nowhere is it apparently of a steep insurance charge. The emphasis is on "Free Shipping". Get the picture? What a waste of my time. Have to start over again with another vendor...
Don't give this piece of crap Co. your business! they screwed mine up on 4 consecutive tries! they SUCK!
I experienced what I consider to be downright fraud with this company. They advertised a US model on their website, verified that they were sending me a US model when I phoned the order in, then sent me a Korean model instead.
I called to question and was told they did not have the US model that I ordered but I could send the Korean model back. They then charged me 9% insurance and a 15% restocking fee when I returned it!
After three months of going back and forth, we're still in dispute and the company refuses to talk to me about this. Meanwhile they have almost $500 of my money.
My advice is to stay clear of this company - big time
I ordered a new US model 7D with the 28-135 IS lens. I received both today. The camera was a new US model however the lens was shipped in a plain white box with a nick on the front lens and huge sticky spot on the side that was obviously where a label had been placed. I am so tired of the internet scams. I can go through the credit card fraud protection but it takes a lot of time and months. Don't deal with fumfie, buy with a reputable merchant.
I ordered a canon camera, which was as ordered, but they upsold me on a $25 book that I purchased, but never recieved. Sat on hold for 20 - 30 minutes the 3 times called and sent numberous emails that were not returned.
I would just pay the extra $50 and buy it from a reputable store. you will not regret it. this company is TERRIBLE.
Avoid Fumfie if at all possible! Bait and switch is clearly their game. I ordered a Canon Vixia HF S21 videocam and then began experiencing many of the same problems everyone else has been mentioning. I got a phone call asking me if I would like the "full retail version" of the videocam -- which was exactly what I thought I had already ordered! Naturally, this "full retail version" would be substantially more expensive than the price I had been given at the time of purchase. As near as I could tell, this "full retail version" would have accessories (battery charger, etc.) that, according to Fimfie's own Web site, were supposed to be included with the videocam I had requested in the first place. I could see what was happening, so I cut the conversation short and demanded that my order be canceled.
Same as other posters. My experience was back in march, see http://www.ripoffreport.com/cameras-video/fumfie-com/fumfie-com-misrepresentation-f7dcf.htm. These guys are bait and switch. At the time I made a big fuss, because their system is NOT a merchant system. This means that fumfie STORES your credit card number in their PC or whatever computer they have running their website. This caused me to immediately cancel my credit card as I do not want to be worried about the security of a PC in a basement.
Dave, thank you for sharing this post! I have a positive report which will hopefully keep people's stomachs from churning as much as mine did when I read your blog! I ordered a camera from Fumfie and received the email a few days later to call them. As I sat on hold, I Googled them and found your blog post. I then read a bunch of other negative things online and it all made me a bit panicky. When I finally got someone on the line, he took my order number and said he was going to transfer me to Mike. Fueled by the knowledge your blog provided, I went off! I told him not to transfer me to Mike or Steve or anyone else. I said that I had heard about their bait and switch tactics and that I had no interest in anyone trying to upsell me anything. I demanded two things from him right then and there. First, I demanded that he personally assure me that the specific camera I had ordered would be shipped to me and that I would not be charged a cent over what I had agreed to pay. Second, I demanded that he send me a detailed invoice stating the exact product I would receive and the exact amount of money my credit card would be billed. He was eager to comply on both accounts. I made him stay on the line until I received the invoice via email, which I did within seconds. He assured me that he wanted me to be satisfied and have a pleasant experience and that he was going to expedite my shipment as a token of good will. Lo and behold, four days after placing the order, I received my camera. I have examined it, and as far as I can tell, it is what it is supposed to be. Additionally, I checked my credit card records and have been billed exactly what I had agreed to pay. I really appreciate your post and especially all the reader comments. I can't say how my situation would have turned out otherwise, but I feel that being armed with the information I read here, I was able to be somewhat proactive in my transaction and, thankfully, be able to share a positive outcome.
I fell for the low price of a camera this week and became suspicious when I didn't receive an itemized receipt or a confirmation of charges before ordering. I then received an email asking me to call to finalize the order. When I did, the recording didn't even sound like a store -- never mentioning the name of the company. While on hold, I saw this blog and other complaints about the company. As soon as the Fumfie representative came on the line I canceled my order. He asked if it was because of the high tax (I had no indication of what the tax would be), but I just said I had changed my mind about the camera. He immediately canceled the order and I received a cancellation email shortly after. I then found the same camera on Amazon for less than Fumfie's price and for less than Amazon had listed it a few days ago. Let's hope this is the end of the drama. I definitely will only be dealing with well-known online retailers from now on.
Ordered a pair of Canon T2i cameras, and wasn't charged for a few days, and can't contact customer service due to preparation for an upcoming sale, I'm just going to stick with B&H or newegg.com from now on.
Glad I found this. All of these things seem to point to an illegitimate company that just hasn't been busted yet. On top of suspiciously low prices, they offer an SD card as part of the Canon 5D Mark II, which uses Compact Flash cards. Another flag.
Glad i didn't go with them ha, selling a 5000 dollar camera for 2800 saying its new! thanks of the headsup oh yeah and when i went to click on buy it now my mac told me it wasn't safe and made me leave.
Well I ordered my product on March 28th and heard nothing from them as far as if the item has shipped etc. So I called on April 2nd, and got a rep that told me they would be shipping out my items out that day, and said it really usually takes about 3 business days, and not 7-10 like indicated. So no response or update, on April 10th I emailed the company about the status of my order. I did get a swift response to their credit. But told me there were some delays getting it from their distributor and should ship out in 24-48 hours if there are no further delays.
The amount of time for the items to ship doesn't bother me so much, but being lied to does. Don't say you will ship something unless you are going to do it, much less a week later. Don't do business with these guys besides they try to make their money by having you call them after you made a purchase and give you add ons like "better" batteries, and insurance before your purchase is actually finalized. Pay the extra coin and go somewhere that actually performs like a professional company because this company is a joke.
Well like the rest on here I was attracted to them due to their VERY low price on a Denon AV Receiver that was literally $400 cheaper than what I can get it for in Australia. However also like the rest they insisted that I call them to 'discuss' the order...
I tried calling them for three days, then just got onto them today. THe guy tried to tell me that I had to pay via PayPal as there was a lot of international CC fraud... I pushed back as the PayPal exchange rate is much worse than the normal one. He put me on hold and then said ok.
He then tried to up sell me HDMI cables. I said no.
He then tried to sell me a international warranty. I said no.
He then said as a final thing that there was 20% 'duty' on the product. I said that anything under $1,000 USD value coming into the conntry has no tax or duty. He said they had to pay it. I said no they didn't, and then mentioned that I used to live in the USA and have shipped $,000s of dollars of gear over the past decade and that I know the USA and Australia law very well. He put me on hold and said ok no duty.
Hence why I have been sniffing around to see others experiences... I am hoping all is going to be ok, and not sure when it will ship. WIll post back when / if I get the receiver...
Well I said I would come back and report what happened.(My original post above about the Denon AV receiver)
After the long conversation and trying to be stung for more gear and the hit a 20% 'duty' fee the guy said that he needed billing to speak to me, as my credit card did not match the address. Which is complete B/S.
So I get an email telling me to contact the billing department this time!!! So after all these posts, and a very dodgy feeling about them I rang AGAIN to speak to the billing people. Guess what the first thing she said was? We can't use your credit card and you need to use PayPal, just like the guys said yesterday. Well I promptly cancelled the order.
I spend $,000's of dollars every year shipping gear from the USA, actually have never had one problem since starting shipping stuff in about 2001. Until Fumfi.
Granted I technically didn't have a problem, but they are very shady, they are trying to scam people who will fall for it, and they are not operating the thousands of great online business out there.
The play is to have the most ridiculously cheap prices out there, then the circus begins and once you have put in the credit card details, you are on the merry go round.
Fumfi are a scam as far a sI am concerned. Spend the extra money elsewhere and sleep better at night.
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