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A question about purchasing ethics
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Mar 9, 2019 11:48:54   #
GeorgeFenwick
 
If you visit a camera shop to evaluate options to purchase, should you then feel obligated to buy from that shop in return for their help, even if the prices are higher?

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Mar 9, 2019 11:53:30   #
AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
 
It's not an ideal practice, in my opinion.

But most local retailers are well aware of prices on Amazon, B&H, Adorama, etc. I generally tell them the best price I've seen online, and ask them how close they can come, BEFORE they start taking out cameras or other equipment for me to handle. If they can come reasonably close, I buy locally. But I'm always honest with them from the moment I walk in the door. I also buy all of my film, printing, and consumable products from them if what I need is available there.

It will be a sad day when you can't walk into a local shop and find what you need.

Andy

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Mar 9, 2019 11:55:00   #
jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska
 
GeorgeFenwick wrote:
If you visit a camera shop to evaluate options to purchase, should you then feel obligated to buy from that shop in return for their help, even if the prices are higher?


Yes.

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Mar 9, 2019 11:56:26   #
BebuLamar
 
GeorgeFenwick wrote:
If you visit a camera shop to evaluate options to purchase, should you then feel obligated to buy from that shop in return for their help, even if the prices are higher?


I may check out many cameras and not buy any of them. However, if I decided to buy I would buy it from the store I checked it out even if the price is higher. However, with my local dealer the different is only the tax and that is about to go away too. So I would definitely buy from them. I would buy online if they don't carry the item I want.

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Mar 9, 2019 11:57:08   #
clickety
 
GeorgeFenwick wrote:
If you visit a camera shop to evaluate options to purchase, should you then feel obligated to buy from that shop in return for their help, even if the prices are higher?


Do you really have to ask someone else?
Just ask yourself, “if I owned a shop”........???

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Mar 9, 2019 11:57:59   #
Bazbo Loc: Lisboa, Portugal
 
GeorgeFenwick wrote:
If you visit a camera shop to evaluate options to purchase, should you then feel obligated to buy from that shop in return for their help, even if the prices are higher?


Depends on how you define "value". If value to you is price only, then no obligation. If he help you get from the local retailer is valuable to you, then you should buy from the local retailer.

I want my clocal camera stores to not only survive but thrive.

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Mar 9, 2019 12:01:12   #
BebuLamar
 
Bazbo wrote:
Depends on how you define "value". If value to you is price only, then no obligation. If he help you get from the local retailer is valuable to you, then you should buy from the local retailer.

I want my clocal camera stores to not only survive but thrive.


I don't need any help from the camera store sales people (not any more than I can get help from B&H). I only need to see the cameras I am interested in. For that alone I would buy from the local store.

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Mar 9, 2019 12:16:05   #
Bazbo Loc: Lisboa, Portugal
 
BebuLamar wrote:
I don't need any help from the camera store sales people (not any more than I can get help from B&H). I only need to see the cameras I am interested in. For that alone I would buy from the local store.


The premise of the question was "If you visit a camera shop to evaluate options to purchase...". My reply should be viewed in that context.

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Mar 9, 2019 12:22:50   #
AJFRED Loc: Alabama
 
Andy, that is a good practice, and one I follow, too. Our local shop is not a franchise chain, but even so, on more than one occasion, they have met the B&H price, without any haggling.
AJ

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Mar 9, 2019 12:37:36   #
Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida
 
GeorgeFenwick wrote:
If you visit a camera shop to evaluate options to purchase, should you then feel obligated to buy from that shop in return for their help, even if the prices are higher?


What a question.
I think most know the answer.

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Mar 9, 2019 12:51:52   #
Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV
 
I would say yes, unless the price is ridiculously different. There is value in the support you receive and keeping a local store in business is a great thing too.

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Mar 9, 2019 12:56:42   #
ChristianHJensen
 
clickety wrote:
Do you really have to ask someone else?
Just ask yourself, “if I owned a shop”........???


You took the words tight out of my mouth.

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Mar 9, 2019 12:58:01   #
Dragonophile
 
Very interesting. This small sampling of dedicated photographers indicates a consensus that local businesses should be supported even if their prices are higher. Yet I think the success of online retailers shows this might be a minority opinion overall.

Obviously, it is a question that transcends photographic gear. And it is a question that is impacted by whether your state has a steep sales tax or not. Do you feel the same about books & booksellers? Pharmaceutical drugs? Office supplies? Etc Etc

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Mar 9, 2019 12:58:23   #
Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon
 
GeorgeFenwick wrote:
If you visit a camera shop to evaluate options to purchase, should you then feel obligated to buy from that shop in return for their help, even if the prices are higher?


Yes!
They are not in business to give free advice to someone who takes up their time and does not intend to buy from them. Did you ever wonder what it costs to keep a small business running? That 'slightly' higher price doesn't end up in the owner's pocket.

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Mar 9, 2019 13:01:09   #
BebuLamar
 
Bazbo wrote:
The premise of the question was "If you visit a camera shop to evaluate options to purchase...". My reply should be viewed in that context.


Yes the value of the local store that I can see and handle the merchandise before making a purchase. That is enough reason for me to buy from them. Now I wouldn't place an order from a local store if they don't have a demo for me to check out.
Of course if I come to the store to evaluate the options to purchase but then decide that none of the options suits me then I don't buy anything and don't feel obligated to buy something.

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