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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)





Does Samy's Camera buy used cameras and/or used camera equipment?



Yes. Call us at 323-938-2420 x1293, or 323-938-2420 x1297.
Or send an email to used@samys.com





Safe Purchasing



If you've bought online from other stores, you probably think we're asking a lot on our online forms, and you're right. But the business we're in is particularly prone to fraud and theft, and we take as many steps as we can to prevent that. Rest assured that all of your purchases with Samy's are verified, secure and authentic.


This website uses SSL secure server technology to encrypt your critical information while in transit. That means prying eyes can't get at your credit card or personal information. Wherever you see that certificate or the secure icon at the bottom of your browser (typically either a lock or a key), you know that we are who we say we are.


But what about you? The only way we can safely verify that our customers are who they say they are is by using thorough checks and having all the relevant information. That's why we don't currently ship anywhere but the billing address, and that's why we require the amount of information that we do. We realize the inconvenience this might create, but we feel building a mutual network of trust is crucial to having faith in your purchases on the web - particularly if you're purchasing expensive equipment on time-sensitive deadlines!


We are of course looking for better, more convenient solutions to these problems all the time.





This site looks broken on my browser!



Every web browser displays pages slightly differently. While redesigning samys.com, we went to great lengths to ensure that the site would look consistent for most of our viewers. Some browsers display properties very differently from other, more common browsers. If there's something displaying wrong on the site, you've probably run across an issue we haven't seen before. Please send an email to the webmaster and let us know so we can address it.





Payment Methods



We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express*, Discover and Paypal. We also accept Samy's Camera gift cards**, cashier's check, personal checks, postal or bank money orders. Gift cards, personal checks and money orders are subject to verification which may take several days or longer.

Orders are subject to verifications and sometimes require additional information from the cardholder. These precautions are made with the card holder's interests in mind. We will attempt to reach the cardholder for up to five (5) working days after the order has initialy gone through our verification department. After the allowed time, and if we are not able to verify the credit cardholders information, we will cancel the pending order.

*Orders paid by American Express may be subject to additional limitations. Please call for more information or to place your order by American Express. **Orders paid in whole or in part by Samy's Camera gift card are subject to additional processing. A Samy's customer service representative will contact you to complete your order.





Samy's Gift Cards



Samy's Gift Cards are available for purchase online or by calling 800-321-4726. Samy's Gift Cards can be used in Samy's stores or online at www.samys.com. We are not responsible for lost or stolen gift cards.

PURCHASING & SENDING

Are there any fees associated with the purchase of a Gift Card? 
No, there aren't any fees.

How much is shipping? 
For traditional Gift Cards, standard shipping is free. 

When will I be charged for purchasing a Gift Card? 
Your credit card or other payment method will be charged at the time of purchase.

DELIVERY & REDEMPTION

How are Gift Cards delivered and what does the recipient receive? 
Traditional Gift Cards are sent inside a Gift Envelope. The recipient's name, sender's name, a message and the Gift Card amount are printed inside the packing slip. Gift Cards shipped using standard shipping will usually arrive within 1-3 business days. Expedited shipping is available for an additional fee.

Our eGift Cards can be emailed to the recipient within minutes of your purchase or scheduled for delivery on a specific date you choose.  When the recipient opens the email, the eGift Card you selected will be displayed along with the recipient's name, your personalized message, the eGift Card number, amount and instructions on how to redeem the eGift Card.

What exactly does the recipient receive when I send an E-Gift Card?

On the delivery date you choose, a message is sent to the recipient informing them of your gift, with a link to retrieve it online. The link in the email goes to a page showing the E-Gift Card you created (the design you selected, with your recipient's name and your personalized message), its value and code number. This page also gives simple instructions for redeeming the E-Gift Card. Sometimes, special offers and promotions are listed on the page.

When is the E-Gift Card sent to the recipient?

The E-Gift Card alert message is sent to the recipient on the date you choose. The delivery date is pre-set to the current date, so if you do not select a different date, the alert message is sent on the same day as your purchase.

Can I reload my E-Gift Card after I've spent the full value?

Not at this time.

How do I know that the recipient actually received the eGift Card I sent them?

You'll receive an email confirming delivery and another notifying you that the eGift Card has been viewed. 

BALANCE INFORMATION

Where can I check my Gift Card balance? 
Please visit and log into www.samys.com, or call 1-800-321-4726.

SECURITY

What if I lose my eGift Card? 
You should treat your eGift Card like cash. If you lose your printed eGift Card, immediately contact customer service at 1-800-321-4726.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

The following terms and conditions (the "Terms") apply to the purchase and use of Samy's Gift Cards and eGift Cards (collectively, "Gift Cards"). Your purchase and use of the Gift Cards constitutes your agreement to follow and be bound by these Terms. Gift Cards denominated in U.S. dollars are issued by Samy's Camera Inc.. ("U.S. Gift Cards"). 

Redemption & Use
U.S. Gift Cards are redeemable at Samy's Camera Stores in the United States and online at www.samys.com . Gift Cards may not be returned or applied as payment on any account. Gift Cards may not be redeemed for cash except as required by law. 

Expiration & Fees
Gift Cards do not expire, and there are no fees associated with them.

Lost, Damaged or Stolen Cards & Fraud
If lost, stolen or damaged, Gift Cards may be replaced for the remaining value if you provide satisfactory proof of purchase. Samy's Camera will not be responsible if your Gift Card is used without your permission. If we learn our customers were negatively impacted by an issue with our Gift Card systems, we'll work quickly to take care of them. Title to and risk of loss for Gift Cards pass to the purchaser upon sale. Please treat your Gift Card like cash and safeguard it accordingly. Samy's Camera and its affiliates reserve the right to refuse to accept Gift Cards that Samy's Camera suspects or believes were obtained fraudulently.

Limitation of Liability
GIFT CARDS ARE PROVIDED ON AN 'AS IS' BASIS, AND SAMY'S CAMERA DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE GIFT CARDS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN THE EVENT A GIFT CARD IS NON-FUNCTIONAL, YOUR SOLE REMEDY, AND OUR SOLE LIABILITY, WILL BE THE REPLACEMENT OF THAT GIFT CARD. 

Dispute Resolution & Applicable Law
In the event that our customer service team is unable to resolve your concern, any disputes arising out of your purchase or use of the Gift Cards or these Terms will be resolved entirely through binding individual arbitration, rather than in court. You may also assert individual claims in small claims court if your claims otherwise qualify. The Federal Arbitration Act and federal arbitration law apply to this agreement.

Applicable Law
The law applicable to the interpretation and construction of these Terms shall be the Federal Arbitration Act, applicable federal laws and the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to principles of conflict of laws, but subject to the Federal Arbitration Act and other federal law relating to the arbitrability of claims. You agree that all matters relating to the Gift Cards or use of the Gift Cards, including all disputes, will be governed by the laws of the United States and by the laws of the State of California.

General Terms
We reserve the right to make changes to these Terms at any time and will provide notice of such changes if or as required by law. If any of these conditions shall be deemed invalid, void or for any reason unenforceable, that condition shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining condition.





Web Pricing - Why are the prices on this web site different from those in your stores?



Our stores are staffed with a wide variety of product specialists and support staff, each of whom make an effort to be responsive and pleasant to deal with. We're also able to provide a customer with any item from our inventory to inspect and test. The cost of this customer service is an increased overhead for our in-store prices, to pay for the store space, the training of our employees, and other considerations not present online. We're happy to offer reduced prices online and hope that you will be satisfied with your purchase no matter where you decide to buy.





Shipping & Order Deadline



Online orders are shipped via FedEx. We offer, Ground, 2-Day, Standard Overnight and Priority Overnight. Customers who are unable to receive shipments to their billing address via FedEx can call 800-321-4726 to arrange for other shipping options. All orders valued $500 and over will require a signature upon delivery. If there is any problem regarding the shipping for your order, a Samy's customer service representative will contact you.

Order submitted online or over the phone before 1:00pm PST, Monday - Friday will be processed that same day. This does not guarantee that your order will ship that same day. Orders are subject to verification and sometimes require additional information from the cardholder. These precautions are made with the card holder's interests in mind. We will attempt to reach the cardholder for up to five (5) working days after the order has initially gone through our verification department. After the allowed time, and if we are not able to verify the credit cardholders information, we will cancel the pending order.





Free Shipping



Orders over $49.00 will receive Free Samy's Quick Ship (1-3 business day shipping) in the contiguous (lower- 48) United States. In stock orders placed after 1:00pm PST on weekdays will not ship until the next business day. Orders submitted online or over the phone before 1:00pm PST, Monday - Friday will be processed that same day. This does not guarantee that your order will ship that same day. Orders are subject to verification and sometimes require additional information from the cardholder. These precautions are made with the card holder's interests in mind. We will attempt to reach the cardholder for up to five (5) working days after the order has initially gone through our verification department. After the allowed time, and if we are not able to verify the credit cardholders information, we will cancel the pending order. Orders placed after 1:00pm PST Fridays will not ship until the following Monday.

The $49 order total is calculated after all rebates and bundle discounts have been applied. Gift Cards, freight charges, duties, and taxes do not count towards the $49 order total. Most orders over $49 qualify for Free Samy's Quick Ship. Some exclusions apply, including, but not limited to, oversized or heavy items, film, paper, printers, grip equipment, scrims, sandbags, backgrounds, etc. Please refer to the product page or shopping cart page to see if your order qualifies.





Backorders



For orders containing items on back-order, Samy's Camera will hold the order until all items are in stock. Once all items are in stock, Samy's Camera will ship the complete order. Customers may request that in-stock items be shipped as soon as possible, with back-ordered items shipped when available. For orders split into separate shipments, the back-ordered items will ship by FedEx Ground once they are in stock.





Special Orders



Special order items are non-cancelable and non-refundable. All special orders are subject to availability from the manufacturer. Payment in full is required upon placing your order.





Minimum Advertised Price



You may have noticed that some items simply have a price listed, while others have a price that is linked or directs you to "Call for our price!" Why aren't all of our prices treated the same way?


This is because of something called Minimum Advertised Price, or MAP. MAP is an agreement between a reseller (such as Samy's Camera) and an equipment vendor or manufacturer, wherein the reseller agrees to advertise products only at a certain price - even if you can actually buy the product for less! As a reseller, it's beneficial for us to adhere to MAP, because then we get a favored status with vendors that includes better and faster access to new products and information.


As a customer, we understand that MAP pricing can be confusing. But we've tried to simplify the process as much as possible. If you add any item to your shopping cart, the price you see in the shopping cart will always be the absolute best price we can give you on that item. You're under no obligation to buy any item in your shopping cart... just click the "remove" button at any time and it's gone. We'll continually try to find the best ways to get the best prices to you in the most straightforward way possible.





Samy's Return/Exchange Policy



Exchange and Return General Guidelines

(1)  To qualify for an exchange or return the following apply:

  • Provide the original receipt.
  • All returned or exchanged items must be in new condition, in their original box, and must include all packaging materials, blank warranty card, manuals, and all accessories.
  • Video Cameras must show less than 120 minutes of use.
  • Digital Cameras with shutter counters must show less than 200 exposures.
  • Return or exchange is made within 30 calendar days of purchase.
  • The item for return or exchange is sent to the originating shipping address.
  • If you paid with a credit card, your refund will be credited to the same credit card. Please allow 7-10 days for the credit to appear on your credit card account.
  • If you paid with a check, we will issue a refund check, mailed after 10 business days from the deposit date of your check or 10 business days from the date of your return.

(2)  No Exchange or returns are permitted on the following:

  • Any item listed as non-returnable on it's product page.
  • All consumables items such as film, photo paper, all moisture, heat, x-rays, magnetic and other light sensitive materials, tapes, paper, seamless paper, bulbs, batteries, chemistry, filters, video dv and mini dv tapes, digital software, and digital printers.
  • Canvas backgrounds
  • Open blister packaged items
  • Open Apple brand products
  • Any open CD, DVD, computer software, memory cards, and ink cartridges.
  • Any Special Order merchandise.
  • Any computers modified or built to customer specifications.
  • Samy's Camera gift cards may be used for merchandise only and cannot be redeemed for cash, except where the cash value or balance is less than $10.00
  • Labor, delivery and/or completed installation services.
  • Items that have been damaged through customer use or abuse.

(3) Defective merchandise exchange:

  • Defective merchandise can be exchanged within 30 days of purchase as long as you have the original packaging and warranty card and the warranty card has not been filled out. If you do not have the original packaging or have already filled out the warranty card, you will need to send the defective item to the manufacturer.

(4) Refund of promotional items and bundles are subject to the following:

  • Samy's Camera sometimes offers promotional items and savings with a purchase or extra savings on a bundle of items when they are purchased together.
  • When a promotional item is returned, the value of the promotional item will be deducted from the refund amount. For example, if you purchase a camera and get a free camera case and memory valued at $40, the value of $40 will be subtracted from your return.
  • When an item included as part of a promotional bundle is returned, the bundled discount is void and the value of the bundled discount will be applied to the refund. This occasionally results in additional funds being owed to Samy's Camera. For instance, if you receive $200 in savings when you purchase a laptop and a printer together and you return either item, the $200 amount will be subtracted from your refund.

(5) Used Product Return Policy:

If you are dissatisfied with a Used equipment purchase for any reason, you may return your merchandise to Samy's within 30 days of the purchase date, subject to the conditions and exclusions below.

  • All returned merchandise must be in the same condition as sold, with all included accessories. If condition differs, we reserve the right to refuse the return or to charge a restocking fee of 15%.
  • We are not responsible for personal data or items left in returned merchandise.
  • We are not responsible for any consequential or incidental damage resulting from the sale or use of any merchandise bought from us. We are responsible for the monetary value of the merchandise only.
  • Claims for damaged or missing items must be received within two business days of receipt of merchandise.
  • Refunds & Credits: You have the option of exchanging an item or receiving a refund for the full amount of the original purchase price within the allowed return period. In most cases, we will issue your refund to the same payment method used for the original purchase. If payment was made by credit card, we will credit your account once we receive the product. Please allow 7-10 days for a credit to appear on your credit card statement. If payment was made by check, the refund check will be issued no sooner than 10 business days after the date of purchase.

If any conditions are not met, Samy's Camera reserves the right to refuse the return or charge a restocking fee up to 15%.





External Links



At any time, samys.com may contain links to other websites beyond the control of Samy's Camera. Samy's Camera takes no responsibility for the content or presentation of these websites. Links are added and edited as needed. If you have links you would like to submit or correct, please send an email to the webmaster.





California Proposition 65



Attention California residents, Proposition 65, officially the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a law that requires warnings be provided to California consumers when they might be exposed to chemicals identified by California as causing cancer or reproductive toxicity. The warnings are intended to help California consumers make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals from the products they use. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) administers the Proposition 65 program and publishes the listed chemicals, which includes more that 850 chemicals. In August 2016, OEHHA adopted new regulations, effective on August 30, 2018, which change the information required in Proposition 65 warnings.

We know you're concerned about product safety and Samy's Camera is taking all necessary steps to comply with all applicable safety and health requirements.

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

If a "Warning California Prop 65" link does not appear at the bottom of the product page for the product you wish to purchase, the supplier of the product has indicated that it does not require the CA Prop 65 warning.

Additional Information about Proposition 65

For background on the new Proposition 65 warnings, see https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/new-proposition-65-warnings.

Proposition 65 and its regulations are posted at https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/law/proposition-65-law-and-regulations.

To give Samy's Camera notice of an alleged violation of California Health and Safety Code Section 25249.5 or 25249.6, you must send notice to calprop65@samys.com




COVID-19 Posted Protocols



For details about our COVID-19 Posted Protocols for each of our locations, click here and visit the details section for each location.




Samy's Camera Accessibility Statement



Our Commitment - Samy's Camera's committed to accessibility as part of providing an exceptional experience for our employees, customers, business partners and their families. This includes creating and maintaining digital products and services included in our website that are accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of ability.

Accessibility in Action - Accessibility features are built into many of our features on our website. 


Continuing to Improve - Our job is not done. Samy's Camera is actively working to increase the usability of our products and services as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. We are listening to your feedback, partnering with relevant organizations and conducting research to ensure we meet existing standards and identify areas of potential concern.

For Further Information - We value your input. If you have an accessibility-related question, comment or problem, please contact info@samys.com

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