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Buying a fairly expensive lens

Posted 07/03/2021 - 17:38 Link
I've bought from SRS and Clifton Cameras before and rate both very highly. I thought I'd share my most recent experience about trying to use finance to purchase a fairly expensive lens.

I'd decided on Clifton Cameras, zero interest, pretty good price so went through the buying option, 50% down and the rest over 12 months. Declined. Hmm. Touched base with the finance company involved, Omni Capital. Very helpful guy looked through the purchases I'd made previously and couldn't find a reason. Suggested a different email address. Did that, declined again. Frustrating. Phoned Clifton Cameras and spoke with Tony who couldn't have been more helpful. Long story short, he went out of his way to sort this out and I bought the lens at a good price - but no zero interest. Brilliant guy, but frustrating experience.

There's nothing they can do about their finance company I was told. Fair enough, but the reason for writing this is that I'm just wondering if any others have had this experience. I had no problems with another finance company for an even more, (non photography related), item a couple of days later. It may be that different companies have different criteria. However, it's irritating that one is unable to find out why. Is this common? Or should I take it personally? (Paranoia rools, ko?)

No matter, I'm very pleased with the lens, Clifton Cameras and Tony's customer orientation.

Stay safe all.
Be well, stay safe, but most of all, invest in memories
LennyBloke
Posted 07/03/2021 - 17:58 - Helpful Comment Link
Not sure how many Tonys work at Clifton Cameras - but if it's the one who used to work at LCE in Cheltenham then he's really knowledgeable and a great guy
LennyBloke
bforbes
Posted 07/03/2021 - 18:26 - Helpful Comment Link
"50% down and the rest over 12 months". I wonder if the finance company were not going to make enough out of you. Just me being cynical.
pschlute
Posted 07/03/2021 - 19:22 - Helpful Comment Link
Credit scoring is just like insurance. If the credit company were up to their neck in loans with:

Your age group
your postcode
your occupation

You may be declined.
Posted 07/03/2021 - 19:28 Link
LennyBloke - not sure either, John, but he was an absolute star.

Barrie - cynical, moi? 😊 (Plus you do make a good point.)

pschlute - that's a useful insight, I hadn't considered that.

All - thanks. Be well be safe.
Be well, stay safe, but most of all, invest in memories
Lubbyman
Posted 07/03/2021 - 20:30 - Helpful Comment Link
pschlute wrote:
Credit scoring is just like insurance. If the credit company were up to their neck in loans with:

Your age group
your postcode
your occupation

You may be declined.

+1. A financial advisor I once knew told me that if you're turned down or don't like the offer one week, try again next week. By that time, they might want someone like you.

Steve
pschlute
Posted 07/03/2021 - 22:51 - Helpful Comment Link
Lubbyman wrote:


A financial advisor I once knew told me that if you're turned down or don't like the offer one week, try again next week. By that time, they might want someone like you.

Steve

A dating agency once told me the same thing

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