Tecant Loc: Wisconsin USA

The recent post by lukan “What is your best/favorite local camera store?” got me thinking. Glad to hear there are some good bricks and mortar stores left.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-196290-1.html

If you still have a local camera store with knowledgeable salespeople and a decent inventory of at least Nikon and Canon gear, do you purchase your photo gear locally? Do you shop online? Or both?

If your local camera store had a certain lens/camera priced slightly higher than Adorama/Amazon/B&H, would you buy local or buy online?

If your local store had a certain lens/camera at the same price as Adorama/Amazon/B&H, but you had to pay sales tax, would you shop local or buy online to escape the tax?

[When I file my Wisconsin income tax, there is a line on the form asking if I bought anything online from out-of-state but paid no sales tax. If so, I am expected to be honest and list the total amount and pay Wisconsin Use Tax on it at same rate as WI sales tax, 5.6% for where I live. It is tempting to put down a smaller number or even $0.]

If your local camera store had a certain lens/camera priced slightly higher than Adorama/Amazon/B&H, would you buy local or buy online?

I assume most of us would buy online if the price difference was significant or if the item was not available locally.

Tecant Loc: Wisconsin USA

True confessions: I live in Milwaukee where I have two good local camera stores less than 10 miles from home. In the past six months, I have had the opportunity to indulge my GAS a little. When I buy, I usually compare prices at the local camera stores, plus Adorama, Amazon and B&H.

1. Last fall, bought a new Nikon D5100 w/18-55vr lens still on the shelf at Amazon ($429). None of the others had this kit, or only at a higher price. Paid sales tax since Amazon is building a distribution center in Wisconsin.
2. While Nikon’s instant savings were in effect, replaced my 18-70 with the 16-85vr for $529 from B&H, paid no sales tax. Locals plus A & A had it at $599.
3. Bought a 50 f1.8G at local store for $200 (after $20 instant savings) + sales tax. B&H had it at same price with no tax.
4. Bought a 35 f1.8DX for $220 at local store + tax. Other store priced it $10 less but was out of stock. B&H has it at $197 + free shipping + no tax.

cntry Loc: Colorado

Closest camera store is 50 miles away, prices tend to be HIGH and I like Sony...I buy online.



Local, instant gratification is worth something :wink:



Local, that instant gratification thing again...

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Yes. From both, but mostly online.

masonmike Loc: Vancouver, Washington

Both local & online. If I can find a better deal online I can still check out gear at our local store.

Ambrose Loc: North America

I don't need to have the latest model, so the majority of my purchases are on eBay from reputable dealers.
I will only go to our local camera store if I'm in need of something immediately. They're the only game in town and charge accordingly.
So - 90% online - 10% local store.

PhotoGenesis131 Loc: Michigan

Shop both. I Show the locals the on line deals and they pretty much match it. Except the sales tax- Michigan needs that. I like to buy locally to keep them in business and it just is not right to go to the brick and motor stores to try it all out and get advice. There is value in that and we should pay for it. If we don't buy locally we won't be able to check things out. That said I don't like to be taken advantage of. We are all seeing the effects if on line buying. Fewer real stores in our backyard. Fewer jobs in your town because the stores are closing. Not that buying on line is bad, but it is changing the availability of local options as retailers consolidate and only big towns have a quality "camera" store. Normans tricks in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Michigan

pete-m Loc: Casper, WY

Right now I use both.

When I lived in Northern Virginia there is (was) a terrific store. Can't remember the name. Now I'm in Casper Wyoming with one small store that I use as much as possible.

Pete :D

uppics Loc: rockford, il, usa

on line....always. mostly for the tax benefits and free shipping. there are two camera stores in rockford, and both are outrageous in their pricing. i'd rather wait a few extra days and save money. i never lie on my tax forms....it's just that it is none of the government's damn business what i buy on line and how much i spend.

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

I do 90% of my shopping at the local camera shop. I gladly pay the tax and as long as the prices are close I buy local. I feel it is worth it to be able to hold things in my hands and try them out, especially lenses. The only exceptions are sometime items like bags will be half price on line. If the store can come close I'll buy local, if they can't I call B&H or Adorama. I dread the day that all I have left is on line buying.

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

If I know what I want and need no assistance not even to look or feel before I buy I buy on line typically from B & H or Adorama. If I need to touch or if I need assistance I buy local.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

I buy all from Adorama and B&H. I was buying from Amazon until they knelt down to this state.

bibsthecat Loc: Cold Spring MN

Not to much for local camera stores around here. I find the knowledge of Google is more help than any advise from them. If I buy anything locally, it's probably from Best Buy but usually I buy online because it almost always cheaper.

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

I support the local brick and mortar store. Very knowledgeable folks. I do pay the small extra cost gladly. Personal service for processing, or just a chat about the latest rumor. I've spent several thousand dollars there in past 18 months.

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

Only have one true camera store about 6 miles away. If I 'NEED" it now, I would go there. If I can wait a few days or so and the savings was worth it, I would buy online