What's Going on with Foma & B&H Photo?

[GregY]

I just ordered a large amount ($1k) of LF Film and 16x20" Foma fiber based glossy Variant iii from B&H Photo. The Foma was now special order. In addition, i tried to order a box of 8x10 (100) of the same paper & it has disappeared from the B&H website. All that seems to remain are RC and matt or velvet finishes. When i queried B&H I got this answer back "Foma does not make an 8x10 glossy like the 16x20 that you recently ordered. You can use these papers instead:" Strangely i still have several boxes in my darkroom that I bought from B&H. (photo attached)....
Freestyle Photo still shows it in stock. Does any one have any ideas what's going on either with Foma or B&H? B&H has been my #1 supplier, particularly because of their free shipping to Canada. I do far prefer Foma to Ilford Classic in neutral papers. Oriental FB papers are also out of stock at BH..... Just asking.

 

[adelorenzo]

I order all my Foma paper through Jacques at argentix.ca. Anything that they list he has been able to get for me. He's great to deal with and also a supporter of Photrio.

 

[AgX]

All metrical sizes in stock at two geman dealer, the one who offers also the imperial sizes, has them in stock too.

 

[MattKing]

Distribution issues and margin.
B & H doesn't make much on many of their sales, but they only seem to want to sell in markets they can influence.

 

[removed account4]

I don't know if it was Foma or a different company, but one of the European companies used to shutter the factory during the month of August (vacations and hottest month of the years). I can't comment about Oriental Paper...
Hope it arrives soon !
John

 

[GregY]

Thank you for your replies. Adlorenzo, thank you for your suggestion. Argentix only shows Variant lll in 5x7 ....so I'll send them a message and see if they have reliable supply. Since Forte went under, Foma paper has been my paper of choice. Interestingly enough currently B&H has no 100 sheet boxes of 8x10" fiber based Foma Variant lll, Oriental VC or Arista .....I have a good stock of Ilford Warmtone, but prefer Foma Variant to Ilford classic for neutral tone papers. Jnantz .... thank you for your comment. That same thought just crossed my mind.

 

[ArgentixCa]

Hi GregY

Information coming from my supplier
It looks like the Fomabrom Variant 111 FB glossy being under production. Availability around 20 days...
The same paper 8*10 100 sh is in stock in Germany

 

[GregY]

Merci Jacques, I'll be in touch with you by email re: ordering
Bien amicalement,
Greg

 

[henryp]

I just ordered a large amount ($1k) of LF Film and 16x20" Foma fiber based glossy Variant iii from B&H Photo. The Foma was now special order. In addition, i tried to order a box of 8x10 (100) of the same paper & it has disappeared from the B&H website. All that seems to remain are RC and matt or velvet finishes. When i queried B&H I got this answer back "Foma does not make an 8x10 glossy like the 16x20 that you recently ordered. You can use these papers instead:" Strangely i still have several boxes in my darkroom that I bought from B&H. (photo attached)....
Freestyle Photo still shows it in stock. Does any one have any ideas what's going on either with Foma or B&H? B&H has been my #1 supplier, particularly because of their free shipping to Canada. I do far prefer Foma to Ilford Classic in neutral papers. Oriental FB papers are also out of stock at BH..... Just asking.

I'm sorry for any disappointment. Right now all the Foma paper options on our site are here: https://bhpho.to/2PKT795
Our buyer just told me our inventory is being updated in our warehouse and our site should be updated and more complete by mid-day Thur. I appreciate your patience.

Distribution issues and margin.
B & H doesn't make much on many of their sales, but they only seem to want to sell in markets they can influence.

I'm not sure how you came to this belief but it's not true at all. We're eager to sell in every market where we carry products customers want, anywhere in the world.

 

[GregY]

Henry, Thank you for commenting. I understand stocking problems. My disappointment was due to the inaccurate information provided, when i both asked online & took the time to phone customer service.

"Thank you for contacting the Sales Department at B&H Photo Video and Pro Audio.
Unfortunately we do not sell that version anymore. "

"Thank you for contacting the Sales Department at B&H Photo Video and Pro Audio.
Foma does not make an 8x10 glossy like the 16x20 that you recently ordered. You can use these papers instead"

 

[MattKing]

Distribution issues and margin.
B & H doesn't make much on many of their sales, but they only seem to want to sell in markets they can influence.

I'm not sure how you came to this belief but it's not true at all. We're eager to sell in every market where we carry products customers want, anywhere in the world.

Sorry for the lack of clarity Henry.
I was trying to indicate that you prefer products whose distributors are responsive to your and your customer's needs.