B&H is well known among New York photographers as a resource for equipment and a place to score good deals on used cameras. Beyond the big selection of specialized camera and A/V tech, they're a general electronics store that carries TVs, computers, projectors, and turntables.
Their superstore is located on Manhattan's West Side at 9th Avenue and takes up a whole block between 33rd and 34th Streets. Packed with 70,000 square feet of equipment, it can be an overwhelming experience, so it helps to do your research beforehand and come prepared.
B&H hires "working professional photographers and videographers," so the staff is knowledgeable and ready to answer questions — particularly when it comes to photo and video equipment. They also have a generous return policy and offer money-back if you're unhappy with your purchase (check with the store for limits and details of the return policy).
It's important to note that B&H is closed on Saturdays and all Jewish holidays — even online ordering is unavailable during those times. For their holiday schedule, click here.
Here's a brief overview of the kind of products you'll find at the store:
- Canon EOS 5D Digital SLR, $3,300
- 13.3" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer, $1,994
- Epson 8500UB PowerLite Home Projector, $2,100
- Bose Music to Go Package, $460
- Audio Technica Professional Turntable with USB Output, $210
- Reloop RHP-10 Professional DJ Headphones, $90
- Sony KDL-32EX400 32" BRAVIA LCD TV, $493
- Blue Snowball USB Microphone, $65
- G-Technology 500GB External Hard Drive Array, $310
- Sony DSC-S2100 Point and Shoot Digital Camera, $95
Any first-hand reviews of B&H? Add them in the comments below.
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Comments (9)
They may not be in NY, but I've heard that Full Compass is a pretty good nat'l. reseller as far as A/V equipment goes.
I've been reading Unplggd for years and have never actually signed up to leave comments, but am such a fan of B&H I figured today might be the day to sign up.
I've been a B&H customer for about 4 years now, and always recommend it to friends and family.
There staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. Their prices are great! (they are currently selling Audio-Technica m50s headphones for $107! which is crazy!).
Their online store is great, but if you are in NYC, you should definitely give the store a visit (love the track system in the ceiling that drops off your items at the register).
hmmm, I just noticed typos in my comment. I wish there was an edit feature!
I've had mixes reviews on B&H, mostly negative.
Their customer service in their professional video section is downright awful. Considering the company I work for spent about half a million there to acquire an editing system from them, I'd expect their "pros" to respond to emails at least.
We had to move our system to a new office, and was looking for advice, assistance, or if they knew of any companies that we could outsource the work to, just pay someone to do it. They never responded. So, I did it myself. Then, several months later when we had a different request of them, they chided me for moving the system myself and not getting professional help.
Then, when our PC running our Avid fried, we spent about a week going back and forth with B&H about getting a new box to run the software. They had our previous order. They knew EXACTLY the computer we needed. They even told us that.
They then proceeded to send us a consumer-grade desktop with only one DVI slot (we run two monitors) and a whopping 1GB of RAM. So, in addition to not being able to hook up both monitors, we couldn't even run the software with the configuration they gave us.
So when we pointed this out to them, we demanded a refund on the computer, which they fortunately gave. They then said they would send someone the following week to pick up the computer (we went to a small specialized company to get a new desktop built for us, and they were AWESOME).
So lo-and-behold, five MONTHS later and they still didn't pick up the computer (my office is in the Empire State Building, four avenues away). And then they called us and GAVE US crap about them not having their computer back.
I also made the mistake of purchasing a Nikon d90 through them. My "customer service" experience was limited to "This camera great, take very good pictures, high megapixel." Fortunately, I had done weeks of research before going to them. Next time, I'll go to a retailer who is more knowledgeable, even if the price is a bit more expensive. Oh, yeah, and they sold me a flash that isn't compatible with my camera. Classic.
So weird - I've had nothing but 100% good experiences. Haven't called much, usually do everything online and they're ALWAYS on time, and have good follow through with tracking info, etc.
I have a lot of photography friends who swear by B&H. However, I've dealt with them 4 times in the past 5 or so years, each time something happened that left a sour taste in my mouth. I kept going back because it seemed as though everyone I knew had positive experiences. At least for me they're one of the worst stores I've ever dealt with. Not to mention how horrible their customer service is.
B&H is fabulous and ships product quickly but here is something to consider:
Make sure your address is correct when you fill out your shipping information - B&H generally has a "Do Not Address Correct" order on file with the major carriers [I work for one, processing incorrect addresses so I see this a lot] and your product will automatically be returned. Annoying, yes, but true.
And DO NOT use a P.O. Box unless shipping via the USPS - FedEx & UPS *cannot* deliver to P.O. Box addresses.
I go to the store and it is complete mayhem. It's touch and go if your sales person knows anything. Best advise: Do your homework and know what you want. Worth it because the prices are really good.
B&H is fantastic. They were very helpful in purchasing a new DSLR last year.
Also, I do a lot of corporate ordering from them and they are extremely fast and helpful.