Camera Store vs Best Buy
May 14, 2014 08:38:52 #
Are there any disadvantages to purchasing camera equipment from Best Buy vs a camera store like B&H? I'm really most interested in quality of the products than return policy and customer service. Does Nikon, for example, make a certain model for big box stores and one for dedicated camera stores? Is a d610 purchased from Best Buy going to be the exact same camera as the one I would purchase from B&H?
May 14, 2014 08:43:59 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
Welcome to the Hog. Best Buy will meet prices with B&H and Adorama. I buy a lot from Best Buy because I get a 45 day look-see without any fuss. There are things that B&H and Adorama carry that Best Buy doesn't. For example a Nikon 16-35 f/3.5 lens and a CamRanger. What they do have and can carry or obtain is not different from what you can get through B&H or Adorama. Good luck.
mooselover75 wrote:
Are there any disadvantages to purchasing camera equipment from Best Buy vs a camera store like B&H? I'm really most interested in quality of the products than return policy and customer service. Does Nikon, for example, make a certain model for big box stores and one for dedicated camera stores? Is a d610 purchased from Best Buy going to be the exact same camera as the one I would purchase from B&H?
May 14, 2014 08:44:23 #
mooselover75 wrote:
Are there any disadvantages to purchasing camera equipment from Best Buy vs a camera store like B&H? I'm really most interested in quality of the products than return policy and customer service. Does Nikon, for example, make a certain model for big box stores and one for dedicated camera stores? Is a d610 purchased from Best Buy going to be the exact same camera as the one I would purchase from B&H?
A couple of years ago I purchased a Nikon 1 from Costco. It's the exact same camera as was available from Best Buy, and camera stores. The difference was that Costco is able to "bundle" the camera with lenses, bags and accessories and then offer the bundle at a savings. The online stores such as Adorama, B&H and others do this, as well.
That leaves Best Buy having to compete on price. They may also offer bundles, but truthfully I have never checked. I buy paper, ink and accessories from them from time to time, but that's about it.
My bottom line take: A camera model is a camera model, no matter where you buy it. On the other hand, I do know that some printer manufacturers create models specifically for stores such as Costco. So, it's a good and valid question.
May 14, 2014 08:59:12 #
mooselover75 wrote:
Are there any disadvantages to purchasing camera equipment from Best Buy vs a camera store like B&H? I'm really most interested in quality of the products than return policy and customer service. Does Nikon, for example, make a certain model for big box stores and one for dedicated camera stores? Is a d610 purchased from Best Buy going to be the exact same camera as the one I would purchase from B&H?
Best Buy offers kits. If that is the exact body AND lens that you want then no problem. If you don't want the kit lens, and for many models the kit lens is just ok, your camera store will sell just the body and them you can get better glass.
I'm sure every best Buy differs but the sales person often merely a warm body. If you looking for real technical info you will get guesses. The B&H, Adorma or even your local mom and pop camera store will know their stuff and make sure you end up with a good fit. Yes, they sometimes cost more but that technical knowledge also has a value.
May 14, 2014 09:10:16 #
One disadvantage of going Best Buy over a local camera store is the expertise available at the local. At BB they really do not know what they are talking about.
Now you could go to the local for the knowledge and, maybe, save a few bucks by actually purchasing at BB. But the next time you want to get the expertise from the local, they will have folded their tent and disappeared, leaving you in the capable hands and comprehensive photography knowledge of a 17 year old computer expert who has not seen daylight since he was 9.
And there is nothing wrong with being a 17 year old computer expert who has not seen daylight since you were 9. I would buy a computer from him in a second. But advice on photography, I dont think so.
Now you could go to the local for the knowledge and, maybe, save a few bucks by actually purchasing at BB. But the next time you want to get the expertise from the local, they will have folded their tent and disappeared, leaving you in the capable hands and comprehensive photography knowledge of a 17 year old computer expert who has not seen daylight since he was 9.
And there is nothing wrong with being a 17 year old computer expert who has not seen daylight since you were 9. I would buy a computer from him in a second. But advice on photography, I dont think so.
May 14, 2014 09:15:24 #
mooselover75 wrote:
Are there any disadvantages to purchasing camera equipment from Best Buy vs a camera store like B&H? I'm really most interested in quality of the products than return policy and customer service. Does Nikon, for example, make a certain model for big box stores and one for dedicated camera stores? Is a d610 purchased from Best Buy going to be the exact same camera as the one I would purchase from B&H?
I highly recommend dealing with a LOCAL camera store, if you have one left in your area. The internet has driven the majority of them out of business, but you will never get the hands-on, face-to-face support anywhere else. You never know what you lost until its gone.
EDIT: Looks like dsmeltz and I were writing the same thing at the same time. :thumbup:
May 14, 2014 09:22:35 #
The quality is all the same, but IMHO there is nothing like walking into a locally owned staore and having a conversation about anything photography with someone who is at least as excited about the topic as you are. You may claim that customer service is not important, but these locals want to share their passion with you. Definitely give them a try.
mooselover75 wrote:
Are there any disadvantages to purchasing camera equipment from Best Buy vs a camera store like B&H? I'm really most interested in quality of the products than return policy and customer service. Does Nikon, for example, make a certain model for big box stores and one for dedicated camera stores? Is a d610 purchased from Best Buy going to be the exact same camera as the one I would purchase from B&H?
May 14, 2014 09:26:27 #
The other obvious difference is that you walk out of the local with equipment that is probably better for your needs.
May 14, 2014 09:31:58 #
MT Shooter wrote:
I highly recommend dealing with a LOCAL camera store, if you have one left in your area. The internet has driven the majority of them out of business, but you will never get the hands-on, face-to-face support anywhere else. You never know what you lost until its gone.
EDIT: Looks like dsmeltz and I were writing the same thing at the same time. :thumbup:
EDIT: Looks like dsmeltz and I were writing the same thing at the same time. :thumbup:
The only reason I do not buy from local stores, even B&H is a local store, is the outrageous NY State and local sales taxes. I pay no delivery charges and no sales taxes when I buy out of state. On a $2,000 purchase I save about $160.
May 14, 2014 09:39:34 #
boberic wrote:
The only reason I do not buy from local stores, even B&H is a local store, is the outrageous NY State and local sales taxes. I pay no delivery charges and no sales taxes when I buy out of state. On a $2,000 purchase I save about $160.
So let me get this straight. Your rationale for NOT supporting local stores is entirely so you can be a scofflaw and avoid paying YOUR FAIR SHARE of the taxes that go to support the local municipal services that you enjoy and take advantage of every day? I guess that's a scenario that makes a strong statement from you.
May 14, 2014 10:17:20 #
MT Shooter wrote:
So let me get this straight. Your rationale for NOT supporting local stores is entirely so you can be a scofflaw and avoid paying YOUR FAIR SHARE of the taxes that go to support the local municipal services that you enjoy and take advantage of every day? I guess that's a scenario that makes a strong statement from you.
At least there was an admission of being "frugal" (cheap). Wonder if next time they need their appendix out, or brain surgery, will they go to their local discount auto mechanic for a quote?
May 14, 2014 10:19:51 #
mooselover75 wrote:
Are there any disadvantages to purchasing camera equipment from Best Buy vs a camera store like B&H? I'm really most interested in quality of the products than return policy and customer service. Does Nikon, for example, make a certain model for big box stores and one for dedicated camera stores? Is a d610 purchased from Best Buy going to be the exact same camera as the one I would purchase from B&H?
I've had a very bad experience with Best Buy so I do not patronize them anymore.
Several years ago I bought an HP laptop. I took the extended warranty.
Long story short. I had to bring it back 2 more times until they finally fixed it...BUT, in the process, they reformatted my Hard Drive for no reason. Then, they offered to do a HD recovery, later reneged and wanted $80.
Their Geek Squad are nothing but a bunch if wannabe geeks.
Their salespeople, as mentioned, are just warm bodies who know very little.
May 14, 2014 10:23:33 #
Buy local if you have a GOOD camera store in your area (I don't) otherwise go to B&H for their customer service and return policy. Only thing missing is face to face but they offer great telephone support if you need it. ;)
May 14, 2014 10:25:29 #
From B&H, you will receive a camera identical to the one you'd receive from Best Buy. But B&H does not collect sales tax. B&H provides excellent customer service. You can call in and talk with a knowledgeable customer service representative. In addition, B&H ships most products for free, although you can select a faster delivery at higher cost. Go B&H.
Good luck.
Good luck.
mooselover75 wrote:
Are there any disadvantages to purchasing camera equipment from Best Buy vs a camera store like B&H? I'm really most interested in quality of the products than return policy and customer service. Does Nikon, for example, make a certain model for big box stores and one for dedicated camera stores? Is a d610 purchased from Best Buy going to be the exact same camera as the one I would purchase from B&H?
May 14, 2014 10:53:53 #
As has been already mentioned, the biggest problem with Best Buy is the lack of expertise for the sales people.
They might match the price from other places and have a fair return policy, but I still would prefer to purchase from a local camera shop with knowledgeable salespeople. Purchasing cameras and accessories from someone who knows the product (even if they are very opinionated) is worth far more than saving a few dollars.
They might match the price from other places and have a fair return policy, but I still would prefer to purchase from a local camera shop with knowledgeable salespeople. Purchasing cameras and accessories from someone who knows the product (even if they are very opinionated) is worth far more than saving a few dollars.
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