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Just after our start up we authorized Retro as a Fotoman dealer, at the urging of our German dealer FotoImpex (who at the time had some business relationship with Retro). Retro is a one man operation.
We cancelled Retro shortly thereafter for many of the reasons mentioned above. Additionally, they never paid us for the last shipment of goods (about US$3K). After sending dozens of (unanswered) emails and leaving dozens of (unanswered) messages... we finally wrote it off as a bad debt, and a bad experience.
More succinctly... I wouldn't piss in their ears, if their brains were on fire.
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I've no experience with Retro Photographic, and I think I'll avoid.
I've used RK Photographic a few times in the last months, and have been very pleased in all respects. There was one small omission from an order, and this was immediately rectified by First Class Post. Anyone can make a mistake, but you don't mind when things are put right efficiently and politely.
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Hi guys,
I have called Retro twice more today. The answering machine every time. I left messages similar to the ones I left before, stating that I just want him to apologize for his messy way of doing business. Also, I have told him (the machine that is) that I find it irresponsive of him to list products on his website that are not only out of stock, but can also not be back-ordered from Harman.
Message to everybody who feels tempted by Retro's low pricing on Harman papers (I ordered Kentmere) and possibly other stuff: please do not give in. Retro has almost nothing in stock and they do not seem able to back-order (not in my case at least, reason not stated, because he hang up the phone).
Alternatives? Silverprint is very nice and accurate. Go with them instead, or with PhotoImpex if you live on the continent. PhotoImpex is cheaper on Eastern-European stuff, more expensive on British products, and about the same for Fuji and Kodak. Silverprint is not expensive on British products, especially with the current GBP-Euro exchange rates. (I feel very sorry for you Brits, you don't deserve such a economic setback any more than the rest of the EU.)
I am sorry to be so harsh on Retro, but they (he) have themselves to blame.
Regards, Sander.
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I'd contact Ilford/Harman. They have a vested interest in seeing that end users are well served by retailers. If enough people complain I'd have thought that Ilford would have a quiet word in Retro's ear. Otherwise, vote with your feet. Thank you also for taking the trouble to warn everyone on APUG of the potential problems when dealing with this firm.
Steve
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Its interesting Sander that at one time Fotoimpex would not supply UK buyers, we were referred to Retro for their products. Now it seems from their website that Fotoimpex are willing to supply the UK direct. Maybe they have also had a poor experience with Retro?
Barry
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 Originally Posted by BarryWilkinson  Its interesting Sander that at one time Fotoimpex would not supply UK buyers, we were referred to Retro for their products. Now it seems from their website that Fotoimpex are willing to supply the UK direct. Maybe they have also had a poor experience with Retro?
Barry I asked Mirko about this a few months ago in this thread.
Ian
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I don't think the DSR2000 reminder would ever arrive with somebody who doesn't answer (read) email and ignores the phone, most of the time. A pidgeon carrier maybe? Seriously though, it's more his problem than mine. I missed out on some paper, his business is down the drain. It will sort itself out, I hope.
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Originally Posted by Ian Grant I asked Mirko about this a few months ago in this thread.
Ian It's great for the UK that Mirko ships to there as well. Some of his prices (Adox, Foma, Agfa) are much better than in Britain. And then I'm not even talking about service.
Conversely though, I was happy (for a while) to see that Harman FB paper is much much cheaper in the UK than in Germany or elsewhere. Happy until I met Retro that is.
Retro is cheapest for Kentmere FB paper, but Silverprint isn't bad either. In terms of service though, they are worlds apart. (Retro is in the 1985 USSR somewhere.)
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Originally Posted by fotoman More succinctly... I wouldn't piss in their ears, if their brains were on fire. That's a great one, we don't have it in Dutch. I will memorise it and use for some special occasion. Sorry about your losses though.
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Remove "Foto Impex England" link from FotoImpex.de?
If Mirko is around, would you want to take the 'Foto Impex England' banner/link off your site? Some of Retro's bad may end up on your plate.
Maybe you can swap for Silverprint?
What brought you to include the Retro-link in the first place? Was Retro a better place in the old days? Just wondering aloud.
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