Help Center
The Store FAQ!
Online Purchase FAQs
Why trust you?
Where are you based?
We have our HQ and the majority of Racquet reps in Australia (our home base). This is also the home of our film lab and parent company (you can view the website here). We also have reps in Japan and Hong Kong, however our key distribution points (outside of our HQ) are located in Melbourne and Tokyo. We utilise our contacts in all areas when sourcing a camera for you. Our main port and primary market is Australia, however we sell cameras to individuals all over the world. If you are based in Australia and purchase a camera, you will receive additional benefits in regard to CLAs and after sale service. We can not always offer these services to international customers.
Our HQ is located at Shop 6/44 Douglas St, Milton, 4064.
Where do you buy your items from?
I'm scared of buying online!
Where do you sell to?
I want to hold my camera before I buy.
Don't we all! Unfortunately, for us to maintain the quality that we currently do, it's simply not viable to have a giant inventory of cameras stored at our Milton HQ. Given they are niche products and items that aren't widely purchased, our business model - which is a very unique combination of standard retail, with certain elements taken from 'drop shipping' and 'marketplace' concepts - is the only way we can provide such a reliable and consistent service to the continually growing film marketplace.
If you are intent on purchasing a camera, you can contact us and see what stock we have in-store. We always have roughly 30-40 cameras in store, and another 200-300 ready to be shipped to us. On top of that, we have huge access to camera outlets that aren't available to the everyday consumer.
How do online orders work?
This isn't the same colour as the picture?
As per out 'Product Variances' description, things like colour can be specified by the customer using the drop down tabs on certain product (often when a change of colour means a variation in price) or by simple using the 'Notes' section during checkout. Whenever a customer specifies that they require a specific colour or other 'Aesthetic' specific, we will adhere to that request or notify you if issues arise. For info on what Racquet consider 'Aesthetic Variables', please see the follow FAQ section.
Product Variances
As we state with all our products, images are for representation purposes only. If the camera is black and silver in your order, however you receive an all black item, it is our guarantee to you that the item is the same mechanically, of the same model and the same specification as the one you ordered. Minor changes like colour will be made at Racquet's discretion, and we will never make decisions that provide you with a lower class product. Any variances made by Racquet regarding minor changes to the placeholder image of any product or otherwise shown on the website is only done for the benefit of the customer. For example, if Racquet are able to purchase a higher quality item in a different colour-way, Racquet will prioritise the quality of the item over a minor detail like colour. The exception to this rule is significant colour changes. For example, cameras released in limited runs with colour-ways that are far from the selected and/or displayed colour on the Racquet website are not subject to the terms above. In addition to this, the customer reserves the right to specify exactly what sort of colour they would like, and whether or not they are comfortable with changes in this regard. If not, Racquet will ensure that specifics are adhered to, and this applies to other smaller details pertaining to a camera.
Racquet follow a code based on 'Aesthetic Variances', which includes aspects of the camera like colour (silver and black compared to black and black) and other minor details (a black prism head instead of a silver prism). This does NOT pertain to the aesthetic quality of an item; Racquet only aim to provide high quality items that meet our standards in both a mechanical and aesthetic sense.
Are all your items in stock?
Most definitely not. The items you see on our website are either (a) in stock at our Milton store, (b) recently sold items that we can acquire again and/or (c) items we can easily source from our distributors. To learn more about the benefits of sourcing, you can read the following FAQ section. With respect to the process when you order an item, this varies pending where the item you have purchased. If it's in stock, you will receive a rather prompt email with details on delivery or collection. If this item must come from either our Melbourne distributor or our Japan distributor. Once it arrives, you item will be shipped to you using the method of your choice (express or regular). More info can be found regarding this in the 'Shipping' section of this FAQ.
You don't always have specific photos, right?
That's correct. A number of our suppliers don't always provide photos with their sale items. Instead, they have super stringent 'Grading Systems' accompanied by very detailed descriptions of item condition. The truth is, the suppliers who don't always have time to photograph each item are the suppliers who provide the highest level of service. If an item you purchase doesn't include photos, and the description doesn't match the item, you will be reimbursed or a new item will be provided - you decide!
You're not as cheap as eBay!
What's the price range of items on your site?
We don't deal in small ticket items simply because we find it clogs our operations. Most of our items are $200 AUD and above. Always ask though! You never know. Please see our sales section for the cheapest items on our site!
Complimentary Upgrades
What about all the legal stuff?
We urge all buyers on our website to read the following prior to purchasing:
Please also read the entirety of this FAQ and contact us with ANY questions!
I'm having trouble deciding.
One facet of our brand involves consultation with potential buyers prior to them making a decision on the camera they wish to buy. We love helping out, and often there's a camera that might suit your needs better than the one you had in mind. Giving you a series of options is something we love. We really urge you to contact if you find something you like but want tweaked, or if you are unsure and think we could help!
I have extra needs.
That's the beauty of how we work. Every one of our transactions is unique, which is why our quotes are 100% tailored to your requirements. We take time to consult with you on every element of a sale, and make sure we know exactly what you want. This means we're not in the dark, you have total control, and everyone is smiling at the end of it all. We pride ourselves on full transparency during the process and constant communication.
Navigating the Online Store
It's daunting! Let's start with navigation.
Preface: navigation refers to the key titles spanning the top of the website. See the screenshot below.
It is a little bit daunting at first, but we've made it so you can narrow your search very specifically. To start, consider the main navigation bar as your starting point. From here you can choose from a few main categories: cameras, lenses, accessories and sale items.
If you're after a camera, the main navigating allows you to filter by type of camera (SLR, point & shoot etc), brand of camera (Nikon, Canon etc) and even price range, which we've split into $250 and under, $250-500 and $500+. Lenses and accessories don't have subcategories, however you can use the 'Filter' function on each page to find more specific items. Please see the following section.
Okay, what about filters?
Filters are the next step in narrowing your search. See the screenshot below for an example of how 'Filters' appear on the website. They are extremely useful for finding specific items. For example, perhaps you want an SLR but you need it to be 'Durable' - you can select that using the filter function. You might even want a Titanium SLR (something very specific). Again, feel free to select that using the filter function. See below.
Anything else I should know?
In-Store Purchases
Can I just wander in and buy a camera?
Should I just walk in and buy a camera?
What are your HQ opening hours?
You can find plenty of info on our primary site, www.racquetcreative.com.
As for our opening hours, please see below:
Tue-Fri: 11am - 6pm
Sat: 12pm - 4pm
Sun-Mon: Closed.
Things to remember when visiting Racquet HQ
Returns
Warranty & Returns
This is important: upon receiving your camera from us, test it! Put a cheap roll of film in it, shoot it and get it developed at a quick and easy lab. That means you'll make it through our 7 day returns period (which is standard for all film cameras we sell). We also offer extended warranties, explained in our Terms & Conditions. This is agreed upon prior to the sale of the item, and we can offer extended warranties - sometimes at an added cost - should you wish to have even more peace of mind.
I've changed my mind. What do I do?
See our 'Terms & Conditions' document for our Restocking Fees, which apply to any purchases that are finalised and then not followed through to finalisation.
Faulty Items
Do you get many returns?
Payments
What currency is payment shown in?
All payment shown on our website is in Australian Dollars (AUD). If you require a currency converter, try out this one https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of a third party converter, or that the currency conversion will be the same at the time of sale as it was when you reviewed it, however it will give you a very close estimate.
When is payment due?
What payment methods do you accept?
Can I make partial payments or 'hold' an item?
Shipping
How does your shipping work?
Our shipping is slightly more complex than your average store because it comes from three different locations, depending on where the stock is. Also, many of our clients wish to pick up items. If this is the case, email us prior to purchase! As for the common shipping routes, see below:
- You order an item or items that are in stock in our Milton HQ. Your item is packaged and shipped using the method you selected during checkout.
- You order an item or items that are in stock at our Melbourne warehouse. Your item is shipped to our Milton HQ, reviewed by one of our technicians, then sent to you using the method you selected during checkout.
- You order an item or items that are in stock with our Tokyo distributors. Your item is shipped to our Milton HQ, reviewed by one of our technicians, then sent to you using the method you selected during checkout.
All shipments are insured, tracked and sent using trusted carriers.
How long does shipping take?
If your item is in stock at our Milton HQ, it will be dispatched within 24 working hours. If it's coming from Melbourne, we ask that you allow 48 hours for us to receive and inspect the item before dispatching it to you*. If the item is coming from Japan, it is sent express and we have found 90% of items arrive between five and seven days after dispatch*. We then send it to you.
*please note, we can't control Australia Post, FEDEX or associated carriers, and times may vary. We encourage you to reach out if you require updates at any stage.
If the item has to be shipped to Milton, who pays for it?
Who do you ship with?
What if my item is damaged in transit?
Can you insure my item?
Legal Stuff
Must Read!
As per the various recommendations on our site, there are a number of pages you should familiarise yourself with prior to purchasing a camera. These are linked below again for your convenience.
- Store Policy (T&Cs)
- Privacy Policy
- This entire FAQ!
Please note: we are constantly updating information on this page. If you'd like to know something you can't find on the store (or using the FAQ search function), please contact us!
Film Lab FAQ
General Lab Questions
Why choose you?
Where are you?
What sort of film do you develop?
How do people send you rolls?
How do you develop?
We use rotary processing methods, done by hand with experienced lab techs watching every step of the process. We also put a portion of our rolls through a state-of-the-art Nortisu V30 (when required). This is an automated processor that allows us to handle volume when requested and/or required. We then dry in temperature and dust controlled environments, before scanning using a Fuji Frontier 3000, Noritsu HS-1800 (incoming), Pakon 135 Plus or EPSON V-800 (depending on client needs). We look over ever scan, providing unparalleled quality control on every JPEG and TIFF file that leaves our store. Scans are routinely uploaded to Dropbox and the link is emailed to you in order for you to access and download them. If your roll had any deviations or issues you will be notified about them in 'Lab Tech Notes', a feature we include in all customer emails which allows a direct line of communication between us and the customer.