What happen to Sony?

[Lineypi]

Am I the only Sony shooter in Melbourne.....? At least if that's the case you'll have an easy time contacting me I'll keep an eye on the skies lol

I might save you the trouble and put a post on a forum or two If we go to the trouble of putting together a complete accessory lineup you can bet we'll be doing our level best to get our time and money's worth out of it- we'd probably do all the east coast cities, and maybe Adelaide and Perth.

Great Feel free to bring a 70-400mm my way - it's the next lens I'm considering getting and would love to actually see it in the flesh before trying to buy it. Is there any listing of Sony stores in Victoria that would have the lens in stock? (and is it even likely that there'd be one?).

Also, on that, if Sony feels like sponsoring anyone they're more than welcome to sponsor me. That lens isn't cheap lol

 

[Phaelix]

Great Feel free to bring a 70-400mm my way - it's the next lens I'm considering getting and would love to actually see it in the flesh before trying to buy it. Is there any listing of Sony stores in Victoria that would have the lens in stock? (and is it even likely that there'd be one?).

Just checked, your best bet is Michaels in the CBD- we've sold them a few units, they should still have one on hand.

Also, on that, if Sony feels like sponsoring anyone they're more than welcome to sponsor me. That lens isn't cheap lol

Yeah, I'll er... think about it

 

[Anastigmat]

Australia has 22 million residents total.

Tokyo alone has 12 million residents.

I went to the PMA Imaging Expo in Sydney. it rotates between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. There was Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus, Ricoh stands, but where was Sony? They used to have a stand as big as Nikon and Canon but this year no appearance at all.
-
k-aus

 

[Lineypi]

Great Feel free to bring a 70-400mm my way - it's the next lens I'm considering getting and would love to actually see it in the flesh before trying to buy it. Is there any listing of Sony stores in Victoria that would have the lens in stock? (and is it even likely that there'd be one?).

Just checked, your best bet is Michaels in the CBD- we've sold them a few units, they should still have one on hand.

Thanks for the suggestion, I might give them a call. They don't list any Sony lenses for sale on their website but that isn't too surprising - so far I've had no luck going into any camera stores and actually finding sony lenses.

I'll also be interested in seeing how they price it. The Aussie Sony website has the lens listed for $2700 - about $1300AUD more than I'd have to pay if I was in the US and unfortunately about $700 out of my price range

 

[Phaelix]

Just checked, your best bet is Michaels in the CBD- we've sold them a few units, they should still have one on hand.

Thanks for the suggestion, I might give them a call. They don't list any Sony lenses for sale on their website but that isn't too surprising - so far I've had no luck going into any camera stores and actually finding sony lenses.

Yeah, it's something we're working on. Unfortunately, high-end lenses are a risky bit of inventory at the best of times, since they have a high cost and move small quantities. When you're a smaller player, that problem only gets worse. Right now we're strongly encouraging Sony Centre to carry a larger selection... we'll see how that goes.

I'll also be interested in seeing how they price it. The Aussie Sony website has the lens listed for $2700 - about $1300AUD more than I'd have to pay if I was in the US and unfortunately about $700 out of my price range

As I said a bit earlier in the thread, I just can't really talk about prices much, unfortunately. It's something we're looking at.

 

[Gil Knutson]

I understand! It's good to get this sort of feedback. What I read on here goes into my feedback when we talk about serving the enthusiast market, so your voice is heard.

I really and truly hope so....

--
Gil
Sardis, BC
Canada

 

[Gil Knutson]

Thank you so much for listening Best of luck training the retail staff & getting them a bit more positive & confident about products. Also I'll definitely look forwards to seeing some sort of rental system/try before you buy setup

The Canon model of support has been talked about a number of times on threads here on the Sony forum... it is NOT cheap to have the service, but it is VERY dependable... professionals value it, and rely on it... it has few screw-ups, so I understand (NOT being a Canon or Nikon owner, I have to go on what C&N users have said about this). But, it sounds very, very logical to me that IF you want professionals or serious enthusiasts to buy into your system, then YOU, the producer of the system, has to be there. I don't expect it to be affordable to the hobbiest, but it should be there for those who want it.

After all, a manufacturer should stand 100% behind their product, and that would be shown with this kind of program.

Speaking of support... Personally, I really, really appreciate the fact that Sony Canada gives a 2 year Warranty on most of their DSLRs and some lenses. I think that should be a given everywhere, after all, aren't the cameras well built? Really, an confident company would give a good warranty, and the option of expanding the coverage. It may be a Canadian thing, but Bryston, an excellent Canadian stereo electronics manufacturer, gives a 20 year warranty on their products... and often covers it for users OVER that time anyway! I read a thank you note from someone in a stereofile magazine a while back saying.. and I paraphrase.... "Thanks, Bryston, for fixing my 25 year old power amp for free!!" Not a common sort of confidence in one's own product.

--
Gil
Sardis, BC
Canada

 

[Ron Poelman]

As I said a bit earlier in the thread, I just can't really talk about prices much.
Unfortunately. it's something we're looking at.

Fixed it for you !

That's tough, but, because that's ALL
Aussie Sony owners want to talk about.

If Sony is too dense to pick up on OZ consumers
finally getting jack of paying ludicrous mark-ups,
that's their problem and no amount of "marketing"
will stop OZ shooters going grey or to the U.S.
The media here is full of nothing else in the last couple of months,
poor sobbing retailers everywhere.

Sony's marketing model is totally stale, here;
limited range, zone restrictions, rootkits, insane mark-ups,
no adjustments as the sawbuck fell, NONE of it helped.
Never give a sucker an even break, all the way.
They want to be real careful they don't go the way of Nokia
and other arrogant techs; Dell gets it, why doesn't Sony ?

--

 

[Lineypi]

As I said a bit earlier in the thread, I just can't really talk about prices much.
Unfortunately. it's something we're looking at.

Fixed it for you !

That's tough, but, because that's ALL
Aussie Sony owners want to talk about.

I hate to sound flamish or anything because I'm not, but really Ron is right - pricing should be something spoken about, because it's so obvious now that the US is paying massively less for their products than us Australians.

I understand Phaelix that you aren't necessarily in a position to comment on all this so please don't feel obligated to, but really the pricing is a problem that has to be fixed.

I was watching an episode of Hungry Beast recently that highlighted how the market today is VERY different to how it was 10 or even just 5 years ago. Now customers are expecting to be treated more like business partners. So businesses that try to keep their customers in the dark (as Sony is doing with the pricing and as they did with the PSN outage) are actually painting a bad picture of themselves. If Sony was comfortable with being more transparent then I think their customers would be more comfortable accepting their reasons for whatever it is that is happening.

Anyway I'll end my rant there. I wasn't really meaning to start all that sorry.

 

[Phaelix]

As I said a bit earlier in the thread, I just can't really talk about prices much.
Unfortunately. it's something we're looking at.

Fixed it for you !

That's tough, but, because that's ALL
Aussie Sony owners want to talk about.

I hate to sound flamish or anything because I'm not, but really Ron is right - pricing should be something spoken about, because it's so obvious now that the US is paying massively less for their products than us Australians.

I don't want to pretend people aren't worried about price- it's clear they are, yourself and others. Prices aren't in my wheelhouse though, so it's not my place to talk about them. That's a long, complicated discussion that happens several pay grades above me.

That said, I'm happy to answer what I can, and it's great to get feedback on things that we can do in Australia to improve things for users. The stuff I can't influence directly, I pass on to those who can.

As a side note, thankyou for being so civil. I know sometimes it feels good to give it to someone with both barrels, so I appreciate the restraint.

 

[Steve FStop]

Just checked, your best bet is Michaels in the CBD- we've sold them a few units, they should still have one on hand.

Thanks for the suggestion, I might give them a call. They don't list any Sony lenses for sale on their website but that isn't too surprising - so far I've had no luck going into any camera stores and actually finding sony lenses.

Yeah, it's something we're working on. Unfortunately, high-end lenses are a risky bit of inventory at the best of times, since they have a high cost and move small quantities. When you're a smaller player, that problem only gets worse. Right now we're strongly encouraging Sony Centre to carry a larger selection... we'll see how that goes.

I'll also be interested in seeing how they price it. The Aussie Sony website has the lens listed for $2700 - about $1300AUD more than I'd have to pay if I was in the US and unfortunately about $700 out of my price range

As I said a bit earlier in the thread, I just can't really talk about prices much, unfortunately. It's something we're looking at.

G'day Phaelix (Sean?)...

Apologies in advance for the negative vibes........

Just a few questions for you;

1. Is it reasonable to expect that at least one Sony Centre in each OZ capital city would carry/display a full(ish) range of current DSLRs and accessories?
2. Why is the only alpha kit (currently) available for purchase on the SONY OZ website a (very lonely) SLTA55VL? I have not checked the lenses, but expect similar situation?
3. Why did we not see anything of the a580 here in OZ?
4. Why did SONY close down their dedicated DSLR site?
5. Ok, so we can't talk to you about pricing.....and pure speculation on my part, but would you support the notion that; The key reasons SONY is not selling much DSLR kit here in OZ is because; It costs at least twice as much here, than it does OS + one simply cannot locate much DSLR product in SONY stores + one cannot even buy it online from SONY in OZ?

It isn't all bad......but what d'hey....?

Cheers
Steve

 

[Ron Poelman]

make sure Sony Australia at least reads some of these posts.
I don't think they even know DPR exists,
mind you, for all we know neither do they,
for their remarkable ability to remain invisible.

Australians are over spin and manipulation,
our politicians have seen to that in spades.
Loyalty, political or brand was sold out long ago here
and slowly but surely the worm is turning.
If Sony leaves the Australian market it will be their own fault.
It's not like there's no user base here,
they're just over being numbers.

Even at a ridiculous premium, Apple looks after it's users
enough to maintain loyalty, Sony OZ just doesn't get it.
Surprise us by launching the A77 here !
--

 

[goetz48]

The Japanese companies sold their products with the same price numbers in USA and Europe. 1$ = 1€ ! As long as the USD was worth more than the EUR Americans got Sony stuff first. Since the EUR is worth more the Europeans are served first.

 

[Phaelix]

G'day Phaelix (Sean?)...

Apologies in advance for the negative vibes........

None needed.

Just a few questions for you;

1. Is it reasonable to expect that at least one Sony Centre in each OZ capital city would carry/display a full(ish) range of current DSLRs and accessories?

I'd say in the east coast majors it's a strong chance, depending on just how full you want it.

1. Why is the only alpha kit (currently) available for purchase on the SONY OZ website a (very lonely) SLTA55VL? I have not checked the lenses, but expect similar situation?

I'll check. Best guess, a major client has places a massive order and the standing stock got allocated.

1. Why did we not see anything of the a580 here in OZ?

Again, not my decision so I can't speak with authority. At a guess though, I'd say it was because SLT is the way we were going. Selling cameras to a mass market is about communicating what your cameras do in a clear and concise way. If we'd brought in extra models, it would have muddied the message, pushed up costs, and made it harder for us to get our cameras ranged.

1. Why did SONY close down their dedicated DSLR site?

I heard the person who ran it left the company, and the Alpha category had a change of leadership. I have all this secondhand, I wasn't with the company then.

1. Ok, so we can't talk to you about pricing.....and pure speculation on my part, but would you support the notion that; The key reasons SONY is not selling much DSLR kit here in OZ is because; It costs at least twice as much here, than it does OS + one simply cannot locate much DSLR product in SONY stores + one cannot even buy it online from SONY in OZ?

I think it's pretty complex. I'm sure the first two are factors. The third I'm not so sure about, although I do have my frustrations with the Sony Style store.

It isn't all bad......but what d'hey....?

Cheers
Steve

 

[Lineypi]

I think it's pretty complex. I'm sure the first two are factors. The third I'm not so sure about, although I do have my frustrations with the Sony Style store.

Yes, the Sony Style store is definitely in need of some help. I was hunting for a replacement eye piece for my camera recently and I don't think I was even able to find it listed on the Australian store - only on the US one. I'm happy for them to have different prices for different countries (that's pretty understandable) but to not have spare parts listed is just painful. I ended up having to send a message via the contact/feedback form and go that way.

Thankfully I got a reply really quickly, but I can imagine that someone less internet savvy might not have thought of that and then would have ended up stuck with no idea how to get hold of the spare part and no local stores stocking it.

As a side note, thankyou for being so civil. I know sometimes it feels good to give it to someone with both barrels, so I appreciate the restraint.

In my business I'm in charge of sending out all our newsletters and things so I cop a LOT of flack from angry customers every day. It's not fun and it doesn't improve anything.

Frankly I'm really impressed you're willing to come in and openly admit you work for Sony Australia. That's just asking to have everyone blame you specifically for every single one of Sony's shortcomings

Thanks again for being willing to listen & sympathise. If you are able to pass any of this on to Sony Australia then I'm deeply indebted to you.

Also if it's possible to make some things available to Australia on an order-only basis (such as the a580) then that would be nice. Have them just in the flag ship stores and if someone wants to purchase one they have to order it in.

Oh and as I said earlier, some sort of rental options would be fantastic. I think if people knew they were able to try-before-they-buy then they'd be a lot more interested in Sony.

I know Australia is a tough market to crack - at the moment pretty much every camera store around here only has Canon or Nikon. My best bet for buying Sony stuff has actually been from Harvey Norman :S So I suspect that this is actually devaluing the Sony brand somewhat as well.

 

[Steve FStop]

G'day again,

Apologies for my delayed response, but I was watching THE footy last night;
GO THE MIGHTY MAROONS! You did us & 'Locky' proud! :O

G'day Phaelix (Sean?)...

Apologies in advance for the negative vibes........

None needed.

Just a few questions for you;

1. Is it reasonable to expect that at least one Sony Centre in each OZ capital city would carry/display a full(ish) range of current DSLRs and accessories?

I'd say in the east coast majors it's a strong chance, depending on just how full you want it.

Ok, maybe it's time for me to check out my local store again.....

1. Why is the only alpha kit (currently) available for purchase on the SONY OZ website a (very lonely) SLTA55VL? I have not checked the lenses, but expect similar situation?

I'll check. Best guess, a major client has places a massive order and the standing stock got allocated.

Not that I check everyday/week/month, but this seems to be a fairly regular occurrence, when I do visit the site.

1. Why did we not see anything of the a580 here in OZ?

Again, not my decision so I can't speak with authority. At a guess though, I'd say it was because SLT is the way we were going. Selling cameras to a mass market is about communicating what your cameras do in a clear and concise way. If we'd brought in extra models, it would have muddied the message, pushed up costs, and made it harder for us to get our cameras ranged.

As far as I know, Europe, Asia and USA all got the a580, but Canada and OZ (at least) missed out, so does that mean that SONY believes that we get muddled easier than the rest of the world - gosh I hope not! So thanks for your guess, but I think there must have been another reason - like SONY wanted to see if they could hear people screaming from all the way from Canada and OZ...

1. Why did SONY close down their dedicated DSLR site?

I heard the person who ran it left the company, and the Alpha category had a change of leadership. I have all this secondhand, I wasn't with the company then.

Mmmmm......If that is true, then sadly that speaks loudly of SONY's smallness here in OZ?

1. Ok, so we can't talk to you about pricing.....and pure speculation on my part, but would you support the notion that; The key reasons SONY is not selling much DSLR kit here in OZ is because; It costs at least twice as much here, than it does OS + one simply cannot locate much DSLR product in SONY stores + one cannot even buy it online from SONY in OZ?

I think it's pretty complex. I'm sure the first two are factors. The third I'm not so sure about, although I do have my frustrations with the Sony Style store.

It is never simple, but things are improving......aren't they?

So what questions would you like to see asked of you by this forum.....Do you have a particular area of interest in SONY DSLR gear or are you a generalist?

BTW, I currently use the alpha 100, 700 and 900 and own more than just a few lenses. I really like my alphas and believe that my kit still meets/exceeds my needs/ability. The main missing features on my alphas that currently interest me are; articulated LCD/LV and AF micro adjust on the 100 & 700.

I respect the fact that you elected to post on this forum and openly declare your position/interests, and hope that we can all benefit from the relationship.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Plastek]

I do agree with training the retail staff. At the Sydney sonystyle store one of them didn't really know anything about the hvl-f43am flash that i was looking to buy at the time. I had to explain a few of the features to them about it.

Yeah, a lot of the Sony Center staff are really sharp guys, but they're not camera specialists.

You should do what Sony Poland did - hire photo-enthusiasts for retailers in Sony shops. Look on local Sony forums, or organize some sponsored outdoor shooting, get in touch with people and catch these knowing photography and looking for work.

Thanks to this Sony has best retail sellers in our country