Cheated!!!

[Kaylee12]

We have just bought a camera from Pro Shop located in Causeway Bay. Went there with the intention to purchase Canon G15 which we were told the best price for it is HKD2800, which seems a rather good buy but we were convinced (or rather swayed) by the salesman that another model Canon SX500 IS has a better specs and is way more expensive. He is willing to lower the price to HKD3000 for us and convinced us that this camera has more superior specs compared to the camera we wanted i.e G15.

We being novice in camera and only wished to get a good camera to take pics of our lil girl took his word and purchased the SX500 IS only to discover that it retails way cheaper (ABOUT HKD1000 lower than G15 model as published in Canon HK Website). The retail price of G15 is HKD3,980 whereas the SX500 IS is HKD2,980 in the offical canon website. Feeling cheated, we immediately called the shop and asked if we could return the camera and exchanged it for G15 model (note that we called them 1 hour after the purchase!) but the salesman denied the price difference and even said that he had already explained the specs to us and we make the decision to purchase the latter model.

Do we have a case to report to the consumer tribunal? We admit we were foolish to take the word of a salesman. Wondering if there is anythign we can do.

[flameproof]

Street prices from http://www.price.com.hk :

G15 2800 (grey)
G15 3200 (official)

SX500 IS 1700 (grey)
SX500 IS 2200 (official)

It's always good to do a little research before you buy anything.

[Gruntfuttock]

Since the price you paid is basically the official list price I'm not sure you have much of a case - it's your word against theirs.

[croash]

The on line forums are littered with similar experiences, unfortunately.

http://orientalsweetlips.wordpress.c...tronics-shops/


Sent from my HTC One X using GeoClicks Mobile

[Kaylee12]

feeling like a fool now....

[Kaylee12]

this shop has a return policy within 7 days but would only refund 70% of sales price. Should i go for it? Or be happy with my purchase (altho am trying real hard to!)

[100LL]

Look at it this way: you wanted a camera and you have one now. Its unfortunate that the idiot ripped you off and got away with it, but don't let this spoil your fun with the camera and your little girl. You probably don' even need most if these extra function of the other camera. Go take some good pix of the new family member

[wtbhotia]

Just be happy with it, take it as a learning lesson, next time shop around and also stay away from shops that dont have prices listed on the actual products in windows.

[Raccon]

I think we need to make this a sticky: Chapter 14: Consumer Rights

Returning goods
Return policy varies with stores and trades. In most cases, only defective goods can be returned for exchange. So don’t expect to exchange or return a product simply because you change your mind after the purchase.

Warning:
Watch out for dishonest shopkeepers! Bait-and-switch (promising one
product at a lower price than saying only a higher priced one is available)
happens in Hong Kong. Always check product information first.

Call the Consumer Council for advise (see document linked).

[Kaylee12]

expensive lesson indeed! oh well...just a note to others, please avoid going to PRO SHOP which is located at Percival Street, Causeway Bay.