Buying local or from B&H or Adorama
Mar 16, 2019 00:49:36 #
Zario
Loc: sacramento, CA
I've finally decided to buy the Fuji X-T3 w/18-55mm - financial stretch but satisfied with choice. Dilemma is:
Local price = $1699 black body & lens + 8.75% CA sales tax - no extras, buy good people.
Adorama = same price w/ accessories bundle no tax - if I buy B4 April 15
B&H = same price + abbreviated bundle - no tax
I have never dealt with the online retailers and am a little nervous after reading a few negative reviews. Yet many of you seasoned UHHers seem to have good luck buying from online camera retailers.
Comments & Help would not be turned away.
As always many thanks.
Local price = $1699 black body & lens + 8.75% CA sales tax - no extras, buy good people.
Adorama = same price w/ accessories bundle no tax - if I buy B4 April 15
B&H = same price + abbreviated bundle - no tax
I have never dealt with the online retailers and am a little nervous after reading a few negative reviews. Yet many of you seasoned UHHers seem to have good luck buying from online camera retailers.
Comments & Help would not be turned away.
As always many thanks.
Mar 16, 2019 00:59:52 #
While it’s good to support your local store, that tax is a chunk of change. As for online, it doesn’t get better than either Adorama or B&H. Both offer top equipment and great customer service at good prices. I’ve dealt with both many times and had no issues, even when I’ve had to return an item.
Mar 16, 2019 01:10:35 #
Zario
Loc: sacramento, CA
Thanks a lot for the quick and positive response. I'll give them both a call tomorrow.
Mar 16, 2019 01:29:11 #
If cheating on your taxes doesn't bother you, go with either of these fine online retailers. It's you, not them, that owes the state sales/use tax. You won't find any problems with either of them, nor with any of the other upstanding retailers like KEH, Hunt's, Cameta…they're all very reputable and easy to deal with.
They're just collecting the tax on behalf of the state, you're the one who owes it. I'm sure you'll find plenty of support here for the position that taxes are evil, you don't morally "owe" it, that the state will never "catch" you, etc. Let your conscience be your guide.
Andy
They're just collecting the tax on behalf of the state, you're the one who owes it. I'm sure you'll find plenty of support here for the position that taxes are evil, you don't morally "owe" it, that the state will never "catch" you, etc. Let your conscience be your guide.
Andy
Mar 16, 2019 03:16:57 #
Had a fairly similar dilemma recently. Wanted to buy a new Nikon camera. Grey imports were considerably cheaper and were offering a similar "Vendors warranty" as opposed to the Nikon Australia supplied camera with Nikon warranty. Decided on the local seller at the higher price with full factory warranty.
After 5 weeks broke a control dial (possibly user error). The entire top of the camera had to be replaced. Was pretty pleased with My decision then. Granted that is not the norm.
Mike.
After 5 weeks broke a control dial (possibly user error). The entire top of the camera had to be replaced. Was pretty pleased with My decision then. Granted that is not the norm.
Mike.
Mar 16, 2019 03:48:20 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
There are on line retailers in the photo world and then there are the likes of Adorama, B&H, Roberts, KEH to name a few. These companies strive to offer great customer service and competitive prices. You could definitely do worse.
Having said that, I purchase locally when I can for things that are comparably priced, or not available from the major on line companies. I appreciate the dedication and knowledge my local photo stores provide.
I do not balk at paying sales tax, it's the cost of living in this society. When B&H and others start charging sales tax, that won't stop me from being a customer. Plus, I rather like that the playing field between internet sellers and brick and mortar stores is being made more level. Having managed stores and companies in retail for most of my life, I know what it is to work a brick and mortar store.
Having said that, I purchase locally when I can for things that are comparably priced, or not available from the major on line companies. I appreciate the dedication and knowledge my local photo stores provide.
I do not balk at paying sales tax, it's the cost of living in this society. When B&H and others start charging sales tax, that won't stop me from being a customer. Plus, I rather like that the playing field between internet sellers and brick and mortar stores is being made more level. Having managed stores and companies in retail for most of my life, I know what it is to work a brick and mortar store.
Mar 16, 2019 03:49:41 #
kathmandu wrote:
Had a fairly similar dilemma recently. Wanted to b... (show quote)
I wouldn’t recommend gray market, but Adorama and B&H are reputable and sell new cameras with the full factory warranty.
Mar 16, 2019 03:57:41 #
AndyH wrote:
If cheating on your taxes doesn't bother you, go w... (show quote)
Yada yada yada...I’m all for paying my fair share when the fat cats start paying theirs. Not only are those businesses not in my state, but sales tax is one of the most regressive taxes there is. Really I pay taxes all the time. If there were a decent camera shop near by I would use it. Adorama and B&H are more convenient and good to deal with.
Mar 16, 2019 03:57:58 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
SuperflyTNT wrote:
I wouldn’t recommend gray market, but Adorama and B&H are reputable and sell new cameras with the full factory warranty.
Careful, both also sell gray market cameras and lenses. Usually differentiated in the small print and sometimes a different warranty.
Mar 16, 2019 08:15:25 #
You can always call Adorama,or B&H and talk to a sales guy. I've had good luck with Adorama both reconfitioned and new stuff. Their "extra stuff" is usually not so great. You can ask for price without the gimmies. I've also gotten suggestions about filters and such, even got a new filter for less than a used one. Same brand, not lesser.
I do try and buy some stuff locally, tho. Sometimes it helps to just see and handle stuff like camera bags and tripods.
I do try and buy some stuff locally, tho. Sometimes it helps to just see and handle stuff like camera bags and tripods.
Mar 16, 2019 09:36:22 #
SuperflyTNT wrote:
Yada yada yada...I’m all for paying my fair share when the fat cats start paying theirs. Not only are those businesses not in my state, but sales tax is one of the most regressive taxes there is. Really I pay taxes all the time. If there were a decent camera shop near by I would use it. Adorama and B&H are more convenient and good to deal with.
I agree with a lot of what you said about taxes, especially that the sales tax is one of the most regressive, hurting the poor and elderly the most. But as the MSRP is set by the makers in our field, the sales tax policies in the past of online sellers have given them a decided price advantage.
Mar 16, 2019 09:40:19 #
Zario wrote:
I've finally decided to buy the Fuji X-T3 w/18-55m... (show quote)
In your case I buy from the local store. The sales tax is what your state want not the local store. Although B&H and Adorama don't collect the tax you are still obligated to pay to your states.
Mar 16, 2019 10:12:13 #
I have purchased from B&H and Adorama for longer than twenty years and have never had a bad experience, quite the contrary. Another online source I have used over the years is Abe's of Maine with equally satisfying results. Good luck with your new camera whichever source you select.
Mar 16, 2019 10:32:35 #
Zario
Loc: sacramento, CA
Ok. Thanks Andy. I get you drift. Paying California sales tax has never bothered me. My concern was the cost difference between the accessories.
Appreciate your ethical concern re tax responsibility.
Appreciate your ethical concern re tax responsibility.
Mar 16, 2019 11:23:31 #
Zario wrote:
Ok. Thanks Andy. I get you drift. Paying California sales tax has never bothered me. My concern was the cost difference between the accessories.
Appreciate your ethical concern re tax responsibility.
Appreciate your ethical concern re tax responsibility.
Individual thoughts do vary on this. But you need have no concerns about these online sellers.
Andy
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