Buying from shops online ?

gus · April 4, 2005

Has anyone else been a bit uneasy with B&H's request ("1st time mail order or online customers" to use their words) for a copy of both sides of your credit card to be faxed/emailed at the time of the order.

I mean its got your bloody signature on it with your number :huh

Let me know if im behind the times & this is now current practice online.

Maybe no different to giving it to some spotty drug crazed teenager in a restaurant to take away & process it... (copy it)

Ta Gus

dragon300zx · April 4, 2005

Hmmm this is news to me. I have never had to do this with them. I have had companies request I fax an order form with my signature but never a copy of the card.

Andy · April 4, 2005

'gus it's absolutely standard with b&h. henry posner of b&h is a member here, and you can also reach him at henryp@bhphoto.com. ask dgrinner skippy, she went thru a little bit of process difficulty with them, but in the end, it all worked out just great.

bh goes thru extraordinary measures to protect themselves, and you, the buyer.

i'll ask henry to pop into this thread and he'll give his explanation. but trust them, 'gus - it's all good with b&h.

wxwax · April 4, 2005

That's odd. I've never had to do that either. Is it because it's a foreign order?

henryp · April 4, 2005

Humungus wrote:

Has anyone else been a bit uneasy with B&H's request ("1st time mail order or online customers" to use their words) for a copy of both sides of your credit card to be faxed/emailed at the time of the order.

This is only necessary the FIRST time a customer uses a non-US credit card for a phone/mail/web order. Thereafter, if a customer uses the samne account number, it's not necessary. The purpose is to deter credit card fraud and identity theft. Over the past decade it's proven to be safe and effective.

blackwaterstudio · April 4, 2005

I've shopped at B&H all the time, spent well over $6K with them and have nothing but great things to say about them.

clap

wholenewlight · April 4, 2005

Humungus wrote:

I mean its got your bloody signature on it

Have you ever seen The Credit Card Prank ?

This guy does a detailed test to see if credit card signatures really matter. If you haven't seen this, click on the above link as it's rather funny.

gus · April 4, 2005

henryp wrote:

This is only necessary the FIRST time a customer uses a non-US credit card for a phone/mail/web order. Thereafter, if a customer uses the samne account number, it's not necessary. The purpose is to deter credit card fraud and identity theft. Over the past decade it's proven to be safe and effective.

Tks for your reply henry. My concerns are with whom has access to this copy of both number & sig once i have sent it, not how many times i use it. If you/andy tell me here that its ok then im fine with that. I have just never had to do this before.

Stop pres:

Ok...just checked my email & have a reply from B&H. B&H will not take credit card payments from Australia...they did explain why.

Wire transfer only now.

Man the last time i did this was for a set of $375 USD Ricky Bars for my GS motorcycle & i got stung (western union from memory) over $100 australian ($77 USD) for the privilege.

I will make an enquiry today.

Thanks for everyones time here.

Andy · April 4, 2005

Humungus wrote:

Tks for your reply henry. My concerns are with whom has access to this copy of both number & sig once i have sent it, not how many times i use it. If you/andy tell me here that its ok then im fine with that. I have just never had to do this before.

Stop pres:

Ok...just checked my email & have a reply from B&H. B&H will not take credit card payments from Australia...they did explain why.

Wire transfer only now.

Man the last time i did this was for a set of $375 USD Ricky Bars for my GS motorcycle & i got stung (western union from memory) over $100 australian ($77 USD) for the privilege.

I will make an enquiry today.

Thanks for everyones time here.

'gus: skippy used credit card only recently to make a substantial purchase from b&h. yes, she's from oz.

gus · April 4, 2005

andy wrote:

'gus: skippy used credit card only recently to make a substantial purchase from b&h. yes, she's from oz.

'andy: i recieved an email from B&H sales last night 4th April 2005 @ 11:50pm stating that they will no longer accept credit card payment from Australia.

henryp · April 4, 2005

Humungus wrote:

Tks for your reply henry. My concerns are with whom has access to this copy of both number & sig once i have sent it, not how many times i use it. If you/andy tell me here that its ok then im fine with that. I have just never had to do this before..

Yes, it's okay. If you trust us with the card info, then you trust us. We've been around 30+ years and I think our credentials are evident.

Humungus wrote:

Stop pres:

Ok...just checked my email & have a reply from B&H. B&H will not take credit card payments from Australia...they did explain why.

Wire transfer only now.

More accurately - we accept Discover & AmEx. We accept MasterCard & Visa but only if the transaction is <$1500.00. The reason for this is that Australan banks seem rather reluctant to cooperate with our efforts to deter credit card fraud and identity theft.

Andy · April 4, 2005

henryp wrote:

Yes, it's okay. If you trust us with the card info, then you trust us. We've been around 30+ years and I think our credentials are evident.

More accurately - we accept Discover & AmEx. We accept MasterCard & Visa but only if the transaction is <$1500.00. The reason for this is that Australan banks seem rather reluctant to cooperate with our efforts to deter credit card fraud and identity theft.

now i recall the situation, henry. thanks for the clarification.

it's amazing how you pop in here just when we need you, how do you do that? ?????? <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/lol3.gif" border="0" alt="" >

gus · April 5, 2005

Ok...just got off the phone with the tommy tank. They said i can wire funds to B&H from my visa for 20 clams ($15.31 USD) using my net banking.

Thats a fair call i recon so i'll get onto it.

Thanks
Gus.

Skippy · April 5, 2005

I Buy From B&H in New York

Hey There Gus....... I just brought another lens from B&H a couple of weeks ago, and I always use my credit card for the Transactions.
You cannot use it on an order that will come to more than $1,500 USA, that is why I didn't buy my Canon 70-200mm 2.8L IS USM from them, ended up having to buy it from another store in USA via Andy Williams

Just remember if you do use them to be very careful about the postage.
DO NOT GO FOR THE FASTER DEARER POSTAGE it will cost you another $90 + the GST you'll get hit for as well from CUSTOMS.

All Parcels that get sent via B&H's fast postage service get seized by CUSTOMS you then have to hire a Customs Agent to go there and fill out the customs forms, and also pay them to pick up and deliver the package......for me that adds another $89 to the postage Costs.

Go for the cheaper postage........the parcel will end up at your local Post Office you will be notified there is a parcel there to collect, and you may or may not have to pay GST .......... trust me this is a far cheaper way to do it.

I learnt my lesson, now when I buy items from B&H in New York I always choose the Cheaper Postage Rate, so I can just pick up the item at my local Post Office.

I wish they could come up with a better way of handling us overseas people who wish to buy larger costing items........ but they have their reasons I guess.

Henry Prossner is a very nice man to deal with and will go the extra mile to help you out, all in all I have had Excellent Service from B&H in New York, and even better service from Andy Williams

First time you use a Credit card with them you must send them a copy of the front and back of the card, after this is all registered, you can happily shop as long as your items plus postage do NOT EXCEED $1,500 USA.

Skippy (Australia)

Humungus wrote:

Has anyone else been a bit uneasy with B&H's request ("1st time mail order or online customers" to use their words) for a copy of both sides of your credit card to be faxed/emailed at the time of the order.

I mean its got your bloody signature on it with your number

Let me know if im behind the times & this is now current practice online.

Maybe no different to giving it to some spotty drug crazed teenager in a restaurant to take away & process it... (copy it)

Ta Gus

gus · April 5, 2005

Thanks skip but my order was over $1500 & i didnt see this limit written anywhere. The problem stems from 0zzie banks being overprotective of our personal information which i really cant complain about.

I am sending my stuff to a USA address & picking it up when i get there in a few weeks & wont be bringing any boxes etc home with me. I have done dance of death with our customs here on several occassions & know the drilll well.

As i mentioned you can simply wire any amount straight to B&H from your credit card via your net banking. I started the process last night but hit a 5 day waiting period for security reasons again on setting it up...after that its just a matter of hitting a button next time. Cost is only 20 clams 0z for the wire.

fish · April 5, 2005

henryp wrote:

This is only necessary the FIRST time a customer uses a non-US credit card for a phone/mail/web order. Thereafter, if a customer uses the samne account number, it's not necessary. The purpose is to deter credit card fraud and identity theft. Over the past decade it's proven to be safe and effective.

Hiya Henry

FWIW, I've spent about $10k at bhphoto and see no reason to stop any time soon. I think your company is about as good as it gets on the net. The fact that you observe Jewish holidays is a big plus in my book too.

Anyway, what's up with this?

Humungus wrote:

'andy: i recieved an email from B&H sales last night 4th April 2005 @ 11:50pm stating that they will no longer accept credit card payment from Australia.

'gus is flying from Oz to the USA to attend our Yosemite shoot out, and I've agreed to be the ship-to address for his purchases from bhphoto. I can vouch for Mark's honesty and integrity. Mark was going to paypal the funds to me, then I'd buy from bhphoto, until I found out that paypal wants to ream me for 2.9% to accept funds. I suggested he order directly from bhphoto and ship to me, then I'd bring the equipt to Yosemite for him.

Can you work some magic to allow Mark (gus) to purchase from bhphoto for this event? I'd hate to have him buy from Adorama instead, as I think bhphoto is a notch or two above Adorama.

What you say?

gus · April 5, 2005

Mate...tks for the backup but its all under control. I spoke to my bank & i can wire the money to them from my credit card for any amount i want. It just takes 5 working days to authorise for 1st time users my end.

Seriously no problem for me to do that. B&H have sent me all the bank info/particulars to get the dosh to them.

fish · April 5, 2005

Humungus wrote:

Mate...tks for the backup but its all under control. I spoke to my bank & i can wire the money to them from my credit card for any amount i want. It just takes 5 working days to authorise for 1st time users my end.

Seriously no problem for me to do that. B&H have sent me all the bank info/particulars to get the dosh to them.

okay...cool. I guess i didn't read that far down. ADD, you know. Hey look! A chicken!

gus · April 5, 2005

fish wrote:

ADD, you know. Hey look! A chicken!

I dont know who has it the worst...you, me or andy.

Steve Cavigliano · April 5, 2005

fish wrote:

okay...cool. I guess i didn't read that far down. ADD, you know. Hey look! A chicken!

Hey Fish,
Have you seen that new ad on TV for this pill that helps people with Adult ADD?
Man it sounds great. It really helps you focus too

It has a few minor side effects though

Like dry mouth, constipation, upset stomach, sexual performance issues, problems urinating and headaches. But other than that it's great :lol :lol :lol This ad cracked my family up. Yeah, they have the same warped sense of humor as the old man

Sounds like the cure is worse than the disease.....lol

Steve

Nikolai · April 5, 2005

Never heard of this..
.. and I would not do it myself - that is unless I had plans to stop this CC immediately:-)

Andy · April 5, 2005

Nikolai wrote:

.. and I would not do it myself - that is unless I had plans to stop this CC immediately:-)

never heard of what, nik ... you didn't quote anyone's reply so we can't know what you are commenting to... thanks.

Andy · April 5, 2005

Humungus wrote:

I dont know who has it the worst...you, me or andy.

what a surprise, i think i *want* one of those! thansk for the linky gus

gus · April 6, 2005

Nikolai wrote:

.. and I would not do it myself - that is unless I had plans to stop this CC immediately:-)

Taking ADD meds ? Its cool.... I volunteer for one of our local universities to sample stuff.

They never tell me what im taking & i dont ask...i like to try & guess. Man i get mad as hell if i chew 'em & they are sugar so they alway try & give me something with some sting in it.

dragon300zx · April 6, 2005

Gus. I wonder if my company could use that screen as a tax write off if I convinced them to buy me one. I wonder what that color quality is like.

mercphoto · April 6, 2005

andy wrote:

bh goes thru extraordinary measures to protect themselves, and you, the buyer.

I'm actually appalled by how EASY it is to buy things with a CC and wish more vendors, including retail, would be more careful about it. Personally, I like it when a retail clerk asks to see photo ID before accepting my credit card.

gus · April 16, 2005

Henry...my new problem is that i cant wire B&H money without an invoice/order number against it & i cant get an invoice/order number from B&H without paying.

Im between a rock & a hard place

How do others from O/S get around this ?

Buying from shops online ?

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