In mid-May, Sony announced their latest lenses including the the FE 16–35mm f/2.8 G Master. Unfortunately for Amazon, who were quick to take preorders for the upcoming release, the lens was accidentally listed at a very wrong price point. However, instead of cancelling orders, it now appears that Amazon is honoring lucky customers the total savings.
It’s being reported on Sony Alpha Rumors that at least one customer has gotten away with $500 in savings by being quick to take advantage of the error. The Sony FE 16–35mm GM lens is supposed to retail for $2,198, but Amazon’s original listing was only $1,698. As you can see on the Amazon price tracking service Camelcamelcamel, the lens was offered at the favorable price from May 19 to May 27 before being corrected. That’s over a week of sales that Amazon is potentially taking a hit for at $500 a piece.
Source: Camelcamelcamel
As SAR mentions in their article, many were concerned that Amazon would simply correct the mistake and cancel the orders. This is how pricing mistakes on the Internet are normally handled, which is why this is especially noteworthy given the large price difference here.
[via Sony Alpha Rumors]
I got the deal as well. I was actually on a different retailer’s site to place my preorder when my amazon widget popped up saying it was $1,698 over there. I would have understood if they cancelled them but only if they did it right away. So, glad they shipped as is!
Also, CCC is wrong - it was only like that for a few hours, at least as far as being able to order it. After a couple of hours or so, they changed it to sold out.
I remember years ago Amazon made a similar mistake with a Mac Mini, listing it for $69, instead of $699. I ordered 10. Unfortunately, they didn't honor that price and just issued me a refund. ;(
I would have also ordered ten. And I don't even use Apple :-)