Ranjan Loc: Currently Cyber-Nation!

Hello Dear Friends (those who may/may not [?] remember me? :-) ),

Writing after a long time, although had been getting snippets of sharing from all of you through digests.

This is funny..., at least in retrospect! When recently the G.A.S.-bug bit me, something drew me to X-E3 and when I arrived at the local photo-store to check out the camera, I knew how the local (Multi-brand Giants Brick and Mortar) tend to be, I had with me not only the E2S body for trade, but also a charged battery and a SD card as well as the XF-27. Guess what, the X-E3 could not focus, out of the BOX. The "child" who was tending the store, while her senior compadre was wolfing down supper in full customer-view, mounted my lens and the DARNed spanking new X-E3 could/would not focus...!

Worrisome moment, to say the least...? Then the BIG guy came after quaffing his supper and did his little tests and went back to his 'dessert'!

I (potential customer?) next suggested that they ((get off their duff and...)) fish out a lens from their inventory...? I HAD TO...!

They (she) complied and it worked perfectly...! Soon it was discovered by the young lady (junior salesperson) that there was a MCEX-16 stuck on the XF-27 pancake! From then onwards it was straight and simple...!

I am not sure about you all folks here, but I am not SO sure if Brick and Mortar with their multiple and fickle BRAND loyalties and generally BLASé attitudes are going to last much longer, other than if the PRO-PHOTOGRAPHERs with urgent and $$$ needs keep them fed and ALIVE for a few years or a decade or so longer ...?


I am 65+, so please ignore my babble...? 😜

anotherview Loc: California

I too have received indifferent or insulting customer service in stores. As a rule, I take my business elsewhere.

But I will say I now seldom receive poor customer service because I do my shopping online when I may.

The local Walmart store, as an exception, provides helpful customer service.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

This is not my experience. Our local B&M store has helpful and enthusiastic staff. Shopping there is a pleasure, and I shop there for both new and used gear, as well as for printing, processing, and scanning.

I guess I’m just lucky, but I don’t think I’m the only one.

Andy

Joe Blow

I drive 2 1/2 hours to get to my favorite store, Robert's, in Indianapolis.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Jack’s Camera Shop in Muncie, IN, and Roberts in Indianapolis, IN, are both brick and mortars that have courteous, knowledgable salespeople that are on top of their products and go out of their way to serve their customers. They both do mail orders as well--if you want good service, check out either of these businesses.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Well, while I cannot condone the shabby customer service you describe, I ought to point out that you walked in there not with "just the pancake lens" but - surprise surprise - the extension tube! So shame on hou for not knowing what you had - unless that tube was something the clerk attached between you 27MM and the X-E3.

I mean, you should take some responsibility for this encounter.

anotherview Loc: California

I must add that Samy's Camera, here in California, gives superb customer service, both in store and online. I can recommend this business to my fellow photographers.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

The service you get at Best Buy or Walmart is not the same service you get at a regular photo store. National camera exchange in mpls, Mn is absolutely top shelf no young people who are not up to speed. If they are young and working there they have been well trained