Support your local camera store
Aug 1, 2018 23:12:13 #
Jaackil
Loc: Massachusetts
tiphareth51 wrote:
There was a time when I would agree that purchasing from your small, locally owned business would be beneficial. Unfortunately they usually cannot compete with the add-ins and other benefits offered by the large box stores and online sales. The return policy is key. Sometimes, once you walk out of the store, your purchase is yours regardless of whether or not you like it or it performs as stated. For me, purchasing from a trusted source and having my order shipped is my preference.
Return policy is key and should also be a tip off if you want to do business with that local or not. Your local camera store should have a very similar return policy as an online because they should have a good relationship with the manufactures. I know my local store will be happy to take anything back in original condition with original packaging. They remember most people’s faces so they don’t ask for receipts most of the time. If it is in good working order they will resell it as open box. If it is not they send it back to the manufacture. If they are an authorized dealer they should be able to credit for that item. If not that should be a huge warning sign.
Aug 2, 2018 02:54:36 #
Some local businesses really need to reduce their inflated prices if they want to be competitive and remain in business.
When a local business offers its merchandise at prices 25% or above compared to the major online retailers, it becomes difficult for customers to justify returning to the local shops for their photographic needs, despite the benefits associated with local shops.
When a local business offers its merchandise at prices 25% or above compared to the major online retailers, it becomes difficult for customers to justify returning to the local shops for their photographic needs, despite the benefits associated with local shops.
Aug 2, 2018 03:52:46 #
jdubu wrote:
I recently did research on a good travel backpack ... (show quote)
Sure...as long as that local camera store sells the product I want at a price I want and offers a return policy like I get from B&H or Adorama, then I'd be glad to go there if I had one.
It's not my job to rescue business from their bad decisions, it's up to them to make the right decisions to survive in the marketplace.
B&H (and I assume Adorama) started as a small camera shop and then made good decisions and now is thriving via in-person and internet sales.
That's just how the free market system works. It's not a welfare system, it rewards those to do the right things.
Aug 2, 2018 05:08:15 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
rpavich wrote:
Sure...as long as that local camera store sells the product I want at a price I want, then I'd be glad to go there if I had one.
It's not my job to rescue business from their bad decisions, it's up to them to make the right decisions to survive in the marketplace.
That's just how the free market system works.
It's not my job to rescue business from their bad decisions, it's up to them to make the right decisions to survive in the marketplace.
That's just how the free market system works.
That is true, I do not spend money locally at any business that doesn't cater to my needs and provide good customer service. I don't see it as rescuing local businesses as much as keeping my money local if the business warrants my patronage.
In this latest instance, I bought this as a birthday present to myself. B&H shows it as discontinued and Amazon was $20+ lower. But since San Jose Camera has been locally owned since the late 20's, they must be doing something right.
Aug 2, 2018 05:51:29 #
I would love to have a local camera store to buy from, but here in eastern KY the closet local store is either in the next state or half way across the state so I have resorted to trusted folks like B&H Photo for the past several years and have bought several cameras and lenses and other equipment from them and have always been happy with their prices and their service.
Aug 2, 2018 06:00:34 #
deer2ker wrote:
I love my local store "Dury's" here in N... (show quote)
I live in Florida and shop Dury's-happier with their service than the "local" store in Orlando. As info, they are the oldest continually operated camera store in the country.
Aug 2, 2018 06:02:13 #
In the last year I have purchased:
- a D500 with grip, batteries, cards etc.;
- a Tamron 24-70/2.8 G2;
- a Fuji X-T2 with the 18-55/2.8-4 lens, cards and extra battery;
- a new Manfroto CF tripod with geared head;
- a MagMod system for 3 flashes;
- 4 flash triggers;
- several light modifiers;
- a new bag for my Mamiya 645 system;
- some darkroom supplies
at my local camera store all at prices that match B&H. There is great value to me in having such a resource available local to me and I try to support them when possible.
- a D500 with grip, batteries, cards etc.;
- a Tamron 24-70/2.8 G2;
- a Fuji X-T2 with the 18-55/2.8-4 lens, cards and extra battery;
- a new Manfroto CF tripod with geared head;
- a MagMod system for 3 flashes;
- 4 flash triggers;
- several light modifiers;
- a new bag for my Mamiya 645 system;
- some darkroom supplies
at my local camera store all at prices that match B&H. There is great value to me in having such a resource available local to me and I try to support them when possible.
Aug 2, 2018 06:12:40 #
Aug 2, 2018 06:22:29 #
NikonZSeriesMike
Loc: Naples, FL
Service Photo in Baltimore, MD is excellent. Their prices are the same as online retailers. The staff is friendly, professional, and courteous. They have a great selection of gear. Unfortunately MD sales tax can’t be avoided but, that aside, Service Photo is a fabulous local camera store. If I’m not mistaken it’s the only full service camera store in MD.
Aug 2, 2018 06:47:08 #
Closest one I know of to you is Service Photo in Baltimore. As far as I'm concerned their pricing is competitive and when I sell gear it is to them and they pay me what KEH does. Have a question - by face or by phone they will talk to you.
Aug 2, 2018 06:54:26 #
Bill_de wrote:
Give me a good local camera store and I'll do the same.
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Aug 2, 2018 07:28:05 #
zug55
Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas
There also is this little dirty secret that is not so secret: sales tax. B&H, for instance, does not collect sales tax for shipments outside of NY and NJ. That is an automatic discount advantage B&H has over the local store--in the case of my local store in Austin it is 8.25%. If local stores have to charge sales tax, online vendors should have to as well.
Aug 2, 2018 07:37:27 #
Aug 2, 2018 07:51:01 #
mborn wrote:
My local store is Hunt’s Photo which has many stores in New England
to Hunt’s. Been doing business with them since they were in the back room of a drugstore. Andy
Aug 2, 2018 08:09:07 #
Satman
Loc: Indy
Roberts is our LOCAL STORE,
Competive , yes, except for the sales tax, ending soon,,
Free Classes, very supportive
Large Internet business,
Glad they area there,,,less than a 30 minute drive, and parking at the front door,,
Competive , yes, except for the sales tax, ending soon,,
Free Classes, very supportive
Large Internet business,
Glad they area there,,,less than a 30 minute drive, and parking at the front door,,
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