I've placed some orders with Bluewater Photo starting in November for a few items—a pair of Atom flashes, the AOI OM‑1 housing, and the AOI 4" acrylic dome port. Everything is still showing as out of stock. Bluewater says the delays are tied to customs clearance issues, and I know the end of the de minimis rule hasn’t helped. I usually order from them because they don’t charge tax.

Is anyone else seeing delays this long? Should I just wait it out, or would Backscatter or Reef Photo have been a better choice?

This is a Bluewater issue. They are known for showing in-stock, and not actually having it. Not surprised they're having issues actually getting what you ordered.

I would order with Reef or Backscatter, and you can call them to confirm stock.

3 minutes ago, Lewis88 said:

This is a Bluewater issue. They are known for showing in-stock, and not actually having it. Not surprised they're having issues actually getting what you ordered.

I would order with Reef or Backscatter, and you can call them to confirm stock.

In this case, Bluewater had told me from the very beginning that these items were out of stock. In fact, I ordered the Atoms before Backscatter had them. I've also been calling Backscatter and Reef weekly, and they don't have the items. I'm just really frustrated.

Given that Backscatter is the US distributor of AOI, and the maker of the Atom flash, they would be my first choice. The AOI OM1 housing seems to be in stock at Backscatter.

Bill

Just now, bvanant said:

Given that Backscatter is the US distributor of AOI, and the maker of the Atom flash, they would be my first choice. The AOI OM1 housing seems to be in stock at Backscatter.

Bill

Reef Photo has now told me they have the flash. Backscatter hasn't responded yet. And Bluewater has told me they have been promised a big shipment from Backscatter early this week. I'm juggling all these guys now.

I want to clarify something. Bluewater has always been upfront with me. Also, they are the only retailer that shows whether they have an item in stock on their website, as you can see on the screenshot I just took. I have always understood that the expected shipping date they show only reflects what would normally happen if they had the item in stock. Having bought plenty of gear from them, I have never seen them misrepresent their stock status.

My query was only meant to mine for others' experiences. Bluewater has NEVER been deceptive with me.