WOW, thanks so much for those links!!!
According to them, the company does bait and switch like NO other, and actually has low prices b/c cameras are Japanese models, you have to pay a couple hundred more for the US version, which they don't tell you until you "have to call to confirm your order."
Just to see how bad things could be, I called their number. Waited on hold for like 20 mins, then a guy picked up "be right with you -click-", 10 more minutes, then he finally picks up "What do you want?"
Me: "Um, ok [asshole]. I am interested in the XSi and saw it advertised on your site for like $760 with the lens kit. Is this price correct, shipping included?"
Guy: "Um, yeah that sounds about right I think."
Me: "Well, is this the price or are there other fees involved?"
Guy: "Do you want to order the camera or did you just call to ask questions?"
Me: [F**k you, KIT, keep it together
] "I'm sorry, I was just trying to confirm your pricing. Also, your site says it's in stock, but my understanding is that the camera hasn't been released yet. Is this a European or Japanese model?"
Guy: "Ofcoursenot [spoken as so]. So can I put you down for the camera?'
Me: [
WTF?! Are you a used car salesman?!] "Um, I don't think so. But thank you for your time and the information."
Guy: "What's keeping you from ordering it today?'
Me: [
] "I don't think I'm ready to order today, but thank you."
Guy: "This has been a waste of my time then, you're telling me?"
****
WHAT
THE
FAWK??
****
Me: "Um bye."
I still can't believe this conversation actually happened. I have NEVER seen or heard of such a dismissive and hostile attitude towards your customers. I mean, I (could have been) trying to give them MY money, and you're going to treat me like a POS?? Where do you get off doing this??
I have now resolved to give this company as much $hit as I possibly can. Stay tuned for a thread therein, I'll prob. record the call or something : )
-RANT OVER-