Local Camera Stores in the Age of Big Boxes
Jun 8, 2017 10:05:24 #
A few recent posts have made me think about the quality of help available to photography novices. In one post, staff at what is said to be a "local camera store" told someone that their SD card may have been damaged magnetically.
Obviously not true.
I would expect this from a clerk at WM or even BB, but not at a dedicated camera store.
Are the Big Boxes making it more difficult for local camera stores to find/afford quality staff?
I am in Philadelphia and (since the closing of Calumet) have to go outside the city to get to a good reliable store with knowledgeable staff.
How are local stores in your area?
Obviously not true.
I would expect this from a clerk at WM or even BB, but not at a dedicated camera store.
Are the Big Boxes making it more difficult for local camera stores to find/afford quality staff?
I am in Philadelphia and (since the closing of Calumet) have to go outside the city to get to a good reliable store with knowledgeable staff.
How are local stores in your area?
Jun 8, 2017 10:09:07 #
I am in the Naples / Ft Myers area of FL and there are no camera stores in our general area. Sadly, we have to go a long distance to find a competently staffed camera store
Jun 8, 2017 10:15:31 #
Jun 8, 2017 10:18:13 #
I am very fortunate to have a camera shop just 5 minutes driving from my home. The staff is very knowledgeable and always willing to help and answer questions, even when I visit them and don't buy anything.
This is in the Vancouver, British Columbia area, 'Kerrisdale Cameras'.
I have visited the Big Box stores as well, but have found that staff will give very vague answers to my questions, and sometimes don't even know what items they have in their department or where they are.
This is in the Vancouver, British Columbia area, 'Kerrisdale Cameras'.
I have visited the Big Box stores as well, but have found that staff will give very vague answers to my questions, and sometimes don't even know what items they have in their department or where they are.
Jun 8, 2017 10:18:50 #
I can always count on outstanding advice from the Houston Camera Exchange. This family owned camera store has operated in Houston for decades and is always busy.
Jun 8, 2017 10:19:24 #
Tempe Camera is one of the best. The camera store is well stocked with knowledgeable staff and top of the line products. A very good used dept., too. The repair dept. is tops. The imaging center is fantastic.
--Bob
--Bob
dsmeltz wrote:
A few recent posts have made me think about the qu... (show quote)
Jun 8, 2017 10:24:24 #
Guess I should give a shout out to Allen's Camera just outside Philadelphia. That is where I would go and where a I would send novice.
Jun 8, 2017 10:30:45 #
I do have a local camera store. (Mike's Camera in Boulder, CO) I purchased a Canon T2i new from them back in the day and when I upgraded to a 7D MKII I had a minor question regarding menu settings. When I went back to the store with my question my sales person wasn't there and the person I talked to seemed to care less. I ultimately found the answer on this forum. It seems to me the helpful mom and pop camera stores are gone for good, being replaced by big conglomerates who care more about selling the big packages like a D5 or a 5D MKIV resulting in large commissions.
Jun 8, 2017 10:48:18 #
dsmeltz wrote:
A few recent posts have made me think about the qu... (show quote)
I live 60 miles from my local store. That is Schillers in St. Louis, MO. Extremely knowledgeable staff, great service, honest and reputable. Highly recommend them to anyone.
Jun 8, 2017 10:56:17 #
I have had several very positive mail order experiences with Unique Photo in Fairfield, NJ. When I was in the process of deciding on a macro lens, I decided to take a "field trip" to their store so I could try the lens of my choice. The store is not exactly local to me (50 miles), but in today's camera world, that's as close as I could get and not deal with schlepping in to B&H. My expedition was well worth the trip! The sales staff was helpful and knowledgeable, the store was well stocked, and, in spite of the fact that I told the salesperson I wasn't going to purchase the item in the store, she continued to provide me with the answers to all of my questions and handed me the lens to try on my camera. I left the store with the following thought: "Wow, a REAL photography store!" I went home and ordered the lens on line from Unique the following day (saved sales tax that way) and received it one day later. I couldn't be happier with their service. 
Jun 8, 2017 10:57:45 #
SteveLew wrote:
I can always count on outstanding advice from the Houston Camera Exchange. This family owned camera store has operated in Houston for decades and is always busy.
I agree. Though it is a long drive from my home (appx 175mi) I often shop there for the friendly service and good pricing.
Jun 8, 2017 10:58:20 #
I recently had an extremely positive experience dealing with a store owner (Eric) in Manchester, NH, part of a small regional New England photographic chain (Hunt's Photo). Eric was patient, friendly and helpful, checking inventory in response to my queries and cooperating fully with my shipping requirements. Not the same brusque ("so, do you want one or not") treatment we so often get from the big box NYC vendors. Eventually, I placed an order which will arrive today. I would absolutely consider going back to Eric/Hunt's for any photo gear I need in the future. They carry a full range of cameras and accessories. And I don't even live in New England. /Ralph
Jun 8, 2017 11:07:10 #
my first camera was bought from a camera store in 1958. back then the store had been there a long time. it's still going strong today. it's Dobbs in Cleveland Ohio. my local dealer closed last year but there is still one 20 minutes away. except for their high mark up on accessories, they can't be beat for the serious hobbyist.
Jun 8, 2017 11:22:35 #
I have two local (Berger Brothers, Cameta) and two within a hour train ride, cab/walk (B&H, Adorama), never had a problem with getting information from any of them.
Jun 8, 2017 11:33:12 #
Machinedoc wrote:
I have had several very positive mail order experi... (show quote)
Congratulations with your purchase. However, it is exactly this kind of behaviour that causes local camera shops to close their doors.
You took up the time of the store staff, you didn't buy a thing there, but you got some good advice for free. At no cost to you. How much time of the staff did you take up? How much did that cost the store?
How long do you think a store can exist if all they do is give free advice and don't sell anything?
Be a good citizen too, and pay your sales taxes when they are due!
If I sound harsh, I mean to!
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