The vanishing local photography store
Sep 21, 2015 07:44:54 #
It's not just the local photo store that is vanishing, and in my opinion it's another case of government screwing the small guy. Hey, I love the "no sales tax" mantra as much as the next guy but it gives the out of state guy a huge advantage over the local retailer. Adding 6% sales tax to a $3000 camera often takes the in-state retailer out of the game. Add free shipping to the deal and they don't have a chance. I for one would love to pay a little more and get all retailers on the same tax playing field.
Just my early morning rant. Need coffee...
Just my early morning rant. Need coffee...
Sep 21, 2015 07:49:31 #
In Toronto, we have Downtown Camera. Its a first class operation that offers great service and great prices. While on vacation in Florida, Delray Camera Shop is a must visit. This is the epitome of the store that's been around forever, with crowded aisles, lots of used equipment, a portrait studio in the back of the store and experienced operators. It has a special feel to it.
Sep 21, 2015 07:52:55 #
We are truly blessed to have Service Photo in Baltimore. The customer service is excellent and the staff are knowledgeable. They will even price match, but the most important part is the undivided attention that one receives.
Sep 21, 2015 08:24:31 #
JPetrie wrote:
If you're in Chicago and wish/need to shop for photo gear (new and used), consider Central Camera, Chicago's oldest camera shop. Friendly service, family-owned and fun to wander through. 230 S. Wabash, under the el tracks.
When I was a kid, it seemed that there were camera stores on every street. The privately-owned ones were the best. When chains got involved, they dipped a bit in customer service. Then online sales cut into their business.
On the other hand, our one local camera store is very expensive. When I bought a D90, they charged $100 over list. After I bought a D7000 online, I looked in the store, and they were charging $100 over list for that. I'd rather shop online, since they tend to "persuade" customers to buy what they want to sell.
I'd love to have a camera store nearby, but would I like to have spent an extra $5,000 over the past ten years just to keep them in business?
Sep 21, 2015 08:30:53 #
When in Michigan, Norman Camera in Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo is a very good place to shop. They have skilled employs and most of the major photo manufactures goods.
Sep 21, 2015 08:33:20 #
eshotwell wrote:
I love the "no sales tax" mantra as much as the next guy but it gives the out of state guy a huge advantage over the local retailer. Adding 6% sales tax to a $3000 camera often takes the in-state retailer out of the game. Add free shipping to the deal and they don't have a chance. I for one would love to pay a little more and get all retailers on the same tax playing field.
Just my early morning rant. Need coffee...
Just my early morning rant. Need coffee...
I'm drinking my coffee, so I'm getting settled in.
Yes, sales tax can be a deal breaker. I've bought from Crutchfield in CA because of no sales tax and free two-day shipping. I also buy from Adorama and B&H and pay the 8% tax. People in the other 49 states can buy from these two stores without paying 8% more than I do. The Nikon D750 costs $2,300, but sales tax raises that to $2,484. If two camera stores were side by side, and they offered these different prices, it would not be a tough decision.
If I had bought everything from a local camera store, I would have paid thousands more over the past ten years - the difference between buying and not buying. Not just sales tax, but pricing, too.
Sep 21, 2015 08:44:53 #
lukan wrote:
Central Camera is iconic. The sales staff is very knowledgeable and nice, and their pricing is competitive. They are a great asset to the photographic world.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Sep 21, 2015 08:49:01 #
Sep 21, 2015 08:55:44 #
JPetrie wrote:
If you're in Chicago and wish/need to shop for photo gear (new and used), consider Central Camera, Chicago's oldest camera shop. Friendly service, family-owned and fun to wander through. 230 S. Wabash, under the el tracks.
WOW! The security that camera shop has. Adds a whole new meaning to the term "BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN" :shock:
Sep 21, 2015 09:09:54 #
Bugfan
Loc: Toronto, Canada
About twenty years ago I saw the demise of a small camera store. As the owner told me - when I used to sell a camera I used to get a lot of film business after. Now when I sell a camera I never see the customer again.
Some small stores started offering electronic printing and such services but even they started to disappear. Gradually the larger stores that were left started to buy up the smaller ones which reduced competition and enabled them to survive.
I grew up with a small camera store that I patronized for over thirty years until it disappeared. I still miss it. But there is nothing to be done.
Today I'm in a large camera store that survived. I am lucky, there are two staff who recognize me and with whom I've managed to get a relationship. So that gets me good honest advice and good deals too. But it's just not the same.
Some small stores started offering electronic printing and such services but even they started to disappear. Gradually the larger stores that were left started to buy up the smaller ones which reduced competition and enabled them to survive.
I grew up with a small camera store that I patronized for over thirty years until it disappeared. I still miss it. But there is nothing to be done.
Today I'm in a large camera store that survived. I am lucky, there are two staff who recognize me and with whom I've managed to get a relationship. So that gets me good honest advice and good deals too. But it's just not the same.
Sep 21, 2015 09:15:35 #
I used to buy from both Creve Couer and Schiller's when I lived in Saint Louis. Sure miss them. The last independent camera store just closed here in Birmingham, AL, where I now live. What a shame!
Sep 21, 2015 09:18:37 #
I agree, Norman Camera in Kalamazoo is great. In Lansing there is The Camera Shop. They do a great job too and often get Nikon stock in before the big boys. I was able to cancel my B&H backorder for the D800e and pick one up off the shelf for the same price. Had to add the 6%, but at least I got it weeks before I would have.
Sep 21, 2015 09:46:03 #
Arlington Camera in Arlington Texas has got to be my favorite. Well stocked store and knowlegible people are two of it's great assets. They also sponsor expos and numerous classes and seminars throughout the year.
Sep 21, 2015 09:50:53 #
It's nice to hear about how positive an experience the local camera shops have been for folks; my experience hasn't been that great but that is probably due to the people running it. These people were pushy, rude and had disdain for anyone that wasn't a pro. They had high prices, crappy return policies, and you usually felt screwed once you left with your purchase.
The biggest margin was on everything but the camera (and still is today.) If you want to make a camera store happy, buy straps, caps, paper, etc. You'll pay much more than ebay, Amazon, etc.
Me? I'm happy as hell to buy from B&H; helpful with no BS, great policy, shipping fast. But I usually do my own research and know what I want before I buy.
The biggest margin was on everything but the camera (and still is today.) If you want to make a camera store happy, buy straps, caps, paper, etc. You'll pay much more than ebay, Amazon, etc.
Me? I'm happy as hell to buy from B&H; helpful with no BS, great policy, shipping fast. But I usually do my own research and know what I want before I buy.
Sep 21, 2015 09:52:24 #
JPetrie wrote:
If you're in Chicago and wish/need to shop for photo gear (new and used), consider Central Camera, Chicago's oldest camera shop. Friendly service, family-owned and fun to wander through. 230 S. Wabash, under the el tracks.
Also, even if not purchasing, it is a veritable camera museum.
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