Castle Cameras Shop Reviews

Having signed up with Camera Price Buster for an email alert when a particular Nikon Z lens that I required, was reduced to a given price range, this morning I received a notification that Castle Camera's had reduced the price of the lens to what I had specified that I would be prepared to pay for it. Unfortunately, I happened to be out on business with no credit card and was therefore unable to make the purchase, so I telephoned the Bournemouth branch of Castle Camera's to make them aware of my situation and ask them if they would put the lens aside for me until was able to return home and complete the purchase.
The member of staff that answered the telephone was Deborah, and she proved to be extremely helpful and sympathetic to my situation, and at my request she was happy to put a lens aside for me and await my placing the order and making payment later in the afternoon, before the conversation terminated, she also gave me a reference number to quote should the need arise.
Suffice to say that I arrived home and having attempted to place my order online received an error message that my order had terminated as it had timed out. I therefore telephoned the Bournemouth branch of Castle Camera's and asked to speak with Deborah. Having explained the problem with the online order, she quickly checked and found all my details, and then confirmed that no payment had been taken, I therefore placed my order over the telephone with her, receiving confirmation that the order had gone through and that a receipt would arrive in my inbox shortly, I can confirm that this has arrived.
In conclusion I might add that when I receive poor service, I am as quick to reach for the keyboard to make my dissatisfaction known, however by the same token I am also happy to convey my pleasure when I receive what I consider to be exceptionally good service, and in this instance it would be an understatement to say that I was impressed by the very personal approach to my two telephone calls to Deborah, and what I would say is please do not change anything that you are presently doing as regards dealing with telephone customers, because my impression is that you have a first class approach to customer needs, and it is in my case very much appreciated.
As an aside, I have now received notification that my item has been dispatched, and a further notification from the courier that they are expecting my parcel and will notify me when it is out for delivery, all the latter has occurred during the past 20 minutes!
Many thanks, and may I also add that I have no connection with Castle Camera's, this review is an honest appraisal of what I deem to have been an excellent transaction, with a Company that obviously cares for its custom base.

Salisbury branch are excellent - impartial advice freely and willingly given. I normally use this company and the Salisbury branch for all my photography needs.

Highly recommended.

Very satisfactory online transaction,good price,prompt despatch and delivery on time despite appalling weather conditions (well done DPD). Items well packed and in manufacturers sealed boxes. I rate their online service as excellent on the basis of this order.

Negative Experience with Castle Cameras! I ordered the Sony a7rii through their website, my credit card was charged, I recieved an email from their credit card processing facility that my credit card was fine and that it was charged, and for no reason Castle Cameras said that my card "did not pass security checks" (and I had already received the email that my card had passed), and they refunded the charge to my card (of course ordering in euros, they did not refund the processing fees and exchange rate charges!!!) and asked me to do a bank transfer of the funds for me to order the camera! Sounds just like a fraud attempt (send 3000 quid cash to a bank account, instead of use a credit card!?!?) And if I didn't receive my camera, what recourse would I have???? Sounded very shady!!!

Not only the best price on the web for the Nikon 18-105mm lens, but blow by blow comms on on the order status. Delivery received next day in the first minute of the start of pre-advised one hour time slot.
Totally excellent service.

Ive recently purchased a Sigma 50-500 lens on-line and the service has been absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately, as I work overseas, I wont get my hands on it until I return to the UK early March. Based upon my experience so far, Im sure I wont be disappointed.

My wife and I often visit the Salisbury branch. Staff there are very friendly and helpful. They are also prepared to price match. I have purchased several high end Nikon bodies and lenses from them.