How many of you shop local?

[Robert P Miller]

I've talked to some real rude on-line folks. That is when I'm not in some phone queue. I never use anyone on-line that does not have a phone #.

I have also had some irritation in smaller local shops where I did not frequent. Mostly though, The smaller shop I have visited treat me well and I likewise. Sometimes I know more than the sales person about a particular product, but no matter, we usually have a decent time. I do always recommend frequenting dpreview for news and chat.

Bait and switch is a horrid tactic that I first found in the hi-fi industry. Though I'm sure it has existed since the first merchant. If I feel this is being done, I'm done. Seeya.............

Respect and integrity are what I'm after as well as decent return/damage policy. Price comes next. Price is not all. For some folks it is. For them, I feel time is of no value, for we can always find someone cheaper. But man, how much time will it take and aggravation too, on actually getting service, or a person on the other end of the phone, etc.

These days, in the Ritz world, just try finding an owner. Nope only managers. Some decent, others , er, well,..............And try to find a well stocked Ritz or other chain (if others have not yet been purchased). The larger well stocked Ritzs are few and far between. Ask you local Ritz for an E-10 or 20. Nope. That is a premium line for the large stores. Can one be shipped in for a demo. Again no.....
Just relating some actual frustrations...........
Best,
Robert

 

[Todd Corzett]

Didn't want to create a new thread for this... so I'll add it here.

I just got back from my local shop, and this time I feel like taking my business elsewhere. I went to buy another filter ($40) for my new 70-200mm f/2.8 that I got off of eBay. When I later asked a question about the 100-400mm IS I got the reply "if you buy it from me I'll tell you"... This really got to me. I know the shops want to get the $$$ from a lens rather than just a filter, but with these types of remarks I feel like taking my business elsewhere. Just because I can't afford to buy a new lens from them doesn't mean I should feel bad/inferior when i go in to buy other items... it's not like I ask them much information about the lenses, and then go elsewhere - I just ask what their price is... then once my heart starts beating again save $500 buying used on eBay.

Well I needed to vent a little. I know I'm not going to go elsewhere, I really like the shop overall... just at times it's more than I want to deal with.

-Todd...

However, while wanting to help out the local shops it seems they do
not want my help at all. The shop that I go to always looks at me
like I'm a complete idiot! I was looking to buy a 24-85 or 28-135
and when I made comments/questions about one lens or another (based
on things I read here) the guy snapped at me and asked where I
heard that information (muttering under his breath that it was from
some online place). I almost fear that type of reaction every time
I go in asking a question... Now I understand that I'm not some big
$$$ pro or anything, but I do spend $$ - why can't they just show
me a little respect? Well I guess that is how it is everywhere...

As for now I will continue getting the small thing (filters, etc)
and stuff that I want to play with (bags, tripods, etc) - leaving
the big $$ to the lower prices of the Internet. I really wouldn't
mind paying a little extra for local stuff (maybe even %10) - but I
hesitate to spend a cent when they treat me like garbage!

-Todd...

Just curious how many users shop there local camera stores? How is
there pricing and the support and information?

--
Jeffrey Lazo
-Check out my D60 Galleries-
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj
-Newbie Lens Information/Prices -
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj/lenses/lenses.html
Support Your Local Camera Shops. Don't merely use them as
'Internet show-rooms'

 

[Thomas Gardner]

Well I needed to vent a little. I know I'm not going to go
elsewhere, I really like the shop overall... just at times it's
more than I want to deal with.

Don't vent on us, vent on the person that pulled your chain.

Ask for the owner if the sales person ticked you off. Let the owner, in front of the salesperson, know that you tried to get a simple question asked and that this was the salesperson's response. Ask the owner point blank if this sort of answer is the policy of the store and if it is why should you spend one single dime more in a store that abuses it's most valuable commodity, customer's?

Rake the salesperson over some coals. They deserve to be drawn on the carpet for the abusive answer they gave you.

Don't buy from that store. Let the owner know that it's an inconvenience to come into his store and if he doesn't make it just a tad bit nicer of a buying experience, then he can suffer the consequences of going out of business.

I predict that San Jose Camera will be out of business in the next two to three years. I'll bet dollar to doughnuts that K&S in Palo Alto is going to be doing some contracting in the two stores they have over the next couple of years.

It's a fitting end to a lousy attitude.

Hope this helps.

 

[Forrest41926]

I agree with the comment on Capitola Camera Club I purchased my D60
there and also 16-35 L Very good service and friendly courteous
staff

I'm not too familiar with Capitola ... but I like to camp in Big Sur and Big Basin now and then, and I've been thinking about getting a 100/2.8 Macro ... so if I could rent one for a trip and see if I like it, that would be ideal!

 

[Forrest41926]

Just search general for sale and once in awhile you get someone
willing to sell something at a nice price. Of course, you get some
deluded people who actually try to sell last year's digicam for $20
off last year's price.
But it's a great place.

I agree. Also a great place to find an aparatment.

Also, there is a local camera show first Saturday of every month on
Bryant between 2nd and 3rd. Mostly older manual focus cameras, but
you can pick up some lenses pretty cheap.

I'll have to check that out -- thanks for the tip!

 

[mark kay]

Many times they will not match at all. They always add tax. I do not like the inconsistency and the abuse from rude sales folks there. I do not need that hassle. I even told them I want to support the local businesses but 50% mark ups over BH is ridiculous. Mark

Reasonable prices -- they mostly will match B&H and the servvice is
superb. Very professional, honest and informative.
--
Regards,

Jack

Jack,
assume keeble has it for $500, and b&h is offering it at $400 plus
$15 shipping. Will keeble let you walk out the door with it for
$400, $415, and/or will they tack on tax?

Bob

 

[Juli Valley]

I don't know where you are shopping on-line that you end up paying more than locally. My experience has been the opposite.