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08/24/2006 03:20:34 PM · #1 |
Inspired by bearmusic's thread, and the responses so far, i'd like to know people's opnions on buying equipment online (eBay, b&h, ect.) compared to walking into a store.
what's your experience? good or bad? warranty issues? shipping? anything?
I've begun sniffing around in the nikon D70/Canon XT area.
Message edited by author 2006-08-24 15:21:13. |
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08/24/2006 03:31:14 PM · #2 |
I don't like salesmen, so now fond of Brick & Mortar shopping.
I love B&H. I buy a lot of stuff from them. Ebay is getting a bit seedy. I don't waste my time on there anymore.
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08/24/2006 03:32:17 PM · #3 |
Lol, shocked me when Bear posted that thread.
Anyway:
1. Never had a problem on EBay (except 1 non-paying bidder). Key is to ask as many questions as you can and read the description CAREFULLY. Someone selling something they don't know much about will usually make a mistake.
2. Had ONE 'problem' ordering online from a reputable store (Sigma4Less), wasn't the 1st time I ordered from them. I ordered 2 lenses they showed in stock. I received 1. When I called to ask what happened, they said it was out of stock and would be in on Friday (this was Tuesday). When I explained I was going on vacation and needed the lens (solemn voice helps), the woman I spoke with said they would upgrade my shipping (which they did and I got it Monday).
3. Haven't needed to use the warranty. But, barring any unforseen circumstances, I won't need to. But, if I have a problem, I'll let you know.
ETA: Also ordered from B&H with no problems.
Message edited by author 2006-08-24 15:32:49. |
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08/24/2006 03:43:36 PM · #4 |
If I know what I'm looking for and have no questions I buy online. If I have questions and want to see something first I'll buy local, as long as the sales person did a good job and wasn't just trying to make a sale. I've worked retail before and hate it when people milk you for information then turn around and buy someplace else. Luckily the local stores here do a good job of being in the "ballpark" of online stores, price wise, most of the time.
I'd say my recent purchases have been split 50/50 between online and local.
EDIT: By local I mean mom and pop stores, not large retail chains.
Message edited by author 2006-08-24 15:44:49.
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08/24/2006 03:45:17 PM · #5 |
i purchased my d70 local. my wife purchased her d70 online.
oddly enough, it was from the same retail store...
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08/24/2006 03:52:04 PM · #6 |
| In my area the local stores can't come close to the online prices ... I always buy online ... I don't ever need anything bad enough to pay the huge markup the "Mom and Pop" stores charge ... I've never had a bad experience buying online either ... got my camera from Beach Camera ... other accessories/lens from B&H ... just got a new lens from Canoga Camera ... thumbs up to the online stores! |
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08/24/2006 04:01:47 PM · #7 |
The camera stores here in Portland seem to charge a lot (10%-50%) more than online stores for everything they sell. Most of the salespersons I've spoken to have been downright rude too. They stand around and pretend to be busy, then act like they're doing you a huge favor just to speak with you. Most of them knew next to nothing about the equipment they're selling. The one exception so far has been Pro Photo Supply. Their prices are still pretty high, but the people are friendlier and they seem to know a lot about the equipment they're selling.
Anyway, I buy almost everything online from B&H. Once in a while I'll get something from Adorama. At B&H I can order a lens and have it delivered with overnight shipping and still pay less than I would at the local camera stores.
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08/24/2006 04:03:48 PM · #8 |
I used to love B&H. I spent thousands of dollars (online) there and then..... I had to deal with their customer service. I won't bore you with the unfortunate details, but I swore I would NEVER buy anything from them again. They were obnoxious and combative. They do a tremendous volume so they don't mind losing people occasionally. B&H is great until you have a problem.
All of the brick and mortal stores around me are vastly overpriced (at least 15% over Internet costs).
I've used Unique Photo (internet) in NJ for some industrial sized orders for a college I worked for and they were great.
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08/24/2006 04:06:42 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by micknewton:
The camera stores here in Portland seem to charge a lot (10%-50%) more than online stores for everything they sell. Most of the salespersons I've spoken to have been downright rude too. They stand around and pretend to be busy, then act like they're doing you a huge favor just to speak with you. Most of them knew next to nothing about the equipment they're selling. The one exception so far has been Pro Photo Supply. Their prices are still pretty high, but the people are friendlier and they seem to know a lot about the equipment they're selling.
Anyway, I buy almost everything online from B&H. Once in a while I'll get something from Adorama. At B&H I can order a lens and have it delivered with overnight shipping and still pay less than I would at the local camera stores. |
I wondered if you had tried ProPhotoSupply Mick. I've found them to be reasonable and they have actually pushed me from nearly 100% online purchases, to sometimes buying there. They are competitive on some things and not on others. I got my 24-105L from them for less than I could get it online. If you are looking at something big, I'd ask if they were willing to match B&H or OneCall.
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08/24/2006 04:53:30 PM · #10 |
| it all depends if I want it that day or can wait. Price being the how long I can wait |
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08/24/2006 05:00:54 PM · #11 |
| I always but from a local store. I prefer that my money stays in my community, and I like being able to actually feel and try out a product. This goes for everything, not just photography equipment. |
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08/24/2006 05:09:11 PM · #12 |
The local camera store is a Ritz, so its a retail chain store, but not like Costco, Best-Buy, Circuit City, etc.
First time I went in there, I asked them to price-match an internet deal. The salesman just flat-out said no. Wouldn't budge an inch, but more importantly, didn't sell. He should have explained that not all on-line stores are what they seem, etc. Instead, he let a nice sale walk out the door.
Next time I went in, I avoided him, and spoke with the manager. He gave me great service, and I bought a flash, bag, tripod etc. He let me exchange a bag for one that fit my camera beter. But the prices are (or were) a lot higher than B&H.
So I'd say that if you have a local store with someone who knows all the gear, and can sell it (i.e. explain the features and value) and help if you have any questions or issues after the sale, its worth going there. On the other hand, on-line is cheaper.
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08/24/2006 05:20:24 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
Originally posted by micknewton:
The camera stores here in Portland seem to charge a lot (10%-50%) more than online stores for everything they sell. Most of the salespersons I've spoken to have been downright rude too. They stand around and pretend to be busy, then act like they're doing you a huge favor just to speak with you. Most of them knew next to nothing about the equipment they're selling. The one exception so far has been Pro Photo Supply. Their prices are still pretty high, but the people are friendlier and they seem to know a lot about the equipment they're selling.
Anyway, I buy almost everything online from B&H. Once in a while I'll get something from Adorama. At B&H I can order a lens and have it delivered with overnight shipping and still pay less than I would at the local camera stores. |
I wondered if you had tried ProPhotoSupply Mick. I've found them to be reasonable and they have actually pushed me from nearly 100% online purchases, to sometimes buying there. They are competitive on some things and not on others. I got my 24-105L from them for less than I could get it online. If you are looking at something big, I'd ask if they were willing to match B&H or OneCall. |
I haven't bought any lenses from them yet, but I have bought a few other items, like 9' rolls of seamless paper, and my Tenba backpack.
I haven't taken advantage of it yet, but another reason to use ProPhoto is that they rent lenses and other photo equipment. You can 'try before you buy' for a reasonable fee.
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08/24/2006 05:27:01 PM · #14 |
Another plus for the small guy... I was looking to buy a Canon 10-22 last spring. I went to my local store, but, they were out of stock. They did have the Tokina 12-24. I checked it out, liked what I saw and went ahead and bought it. Even though I'd purchased the Tokina and was very happy with it (it's a very nice lens) I still had it in my mind the Canon was what I really wanted.
About 6 weeks later they got in a few Canon's. I stopped in and checked one out and decided to ask if they'd do a trade. Not only did they say yes, but, since the Tokina was still like new and I had all the packing they gave me the full price I paid towards their every day price on the Canon. I'm not sure an online store would do that.
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08/24/2006 05:31:45 PM · #15 |
| I have done both, bought online as well as at local stores. I tend to draw towards the smaller reputable camera shops though in my town. They seem to be a lot more knowledgeable then the larger chains. Yes, you pay more, but I am one that believes in giving back to the smaller business owner when I can and I steer clear of the larger chains for this reason. Just my personal way I guess |
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08/24/2006 06:09:07 PM · #16 |
Got my D70 from a eBay based store which was almost local (a few towns away) for about $800 less than the retail rate at the time. It arrived the next day so that was awesome.
I got a SB800 from B&H for about $50 cheaper than what was going on eBay even when you included international shipping - and because it was under AU$500 customs didn't bother stopping the parcel to wack 10% GST on it |
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08/24/2006 06:11:27 PM · #17 |
I tend to research stuff online - including what price my local retailers charge. If the price difference is small I will buy locally (Melb Australia) - from either Kirks cameras (stand alone store) or Teds (camera chain) depending on price, availability etc. I have found they will generally price match other bricks and mortar prices but usually can't get as low as the online only stores. I like to support the local camera stores as I want them to be there in 10 years time.
I also buy stuff online - when there is a big price difference or when the item is not available locally. I try to check out the retailer on a forum somewhere - googling the store name is handy for this ;-) Sometimes its cheaper for me to buy in the US than locally even after shipping. My second hand 70-200 2.8 came from keh.com - very good to deal with. I have never seen this lens here 2nd hand and new it was over double what I paid. Amazingly I now receive printed catalogues from them every month...
I do buy stuff on ebay too - I prefer 99%+ positive and 20+ transactions. I will buy from people with 98-99% after reading all the feedback, or new sellers if everything else adds up and there is no negative feedback. So far the couple of problems I have had have been handled pretty well, its important to have a clear goal in mind e.g. I want a refund and spell it out clearly with logical, fair reasons to the other party (as opposed to getting emotive and pushy). In fact I have been impressed with the behaviour of ebay stores - especially dan222au aka Studioworks |
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08/24/2006 06:13:23 PM · #18 |
| most of my equipment is bought used from forums or ebay. |
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08/24/2006 06:55:07 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Leok:
I like to support the local camera stores as I want them to be there in 10 years time. |
What difference does it make? Most digital camera gear is obsolete in less than a year anyway. :p
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08/24/2006 07:32:40 PM · #20 |
Locally there are two real camera stores (good places), and a few wanna be's and the Ritz chains that are useless. The big box stores are useless too IMO. Limited selection, no lenses, know-little salesman.
Sometimes i go local (rarely) and often I go b&h, newegg.com (CF cards), uniquephoto.com (they have a division for pros, free shipping better service and lots of knowledge) and i've used ebay successfully several times.
which is best? depends - if price is #1, then online. If you need that one-on-one support than the independent store is probably best. |
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08/24/2006 09:58:01 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by micknewton:
Originally posted by Leok:
I like to support the local camera stores as I want them to be there in 10 years time. |
What difference does it make? Most digital camera gear is obsolete in less than a year anyway. :p |
Exactly - I want someone that will help me with my new toy ;-) |
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08/24/2006 11:03:51 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by micknewton:
Originally posted by Leok:
I like to support the local camera stores as I want them to be there in 10 years time. |
What difference does it make? Most digital camera gear is obsolete in less than a year anyway. :p |
i expect my lenses to last a long long time ,
bodies i'll go though 3 more (current rate) in the next ten yrs but i'll be using the same lenses ...
that being said i've bought used glass localy but all my retail purchaes are internet or phone (saving taxes & 10% off local retail)
though being in Canada limits my choices (wish B&H had a local/Cnd outlet ..) |
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08/25/2006 07:24:56 AM · #23 |
I have very little loyalty to my local stores. As I, and others, have mentioned, my loyalty lies with those who can provide the product I want at the price I want. Supply and Demand at it̢۪s finest.
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08/25/2006 08:00:02 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by ralphnev:
Originally posted by micknewton:
Originally posted by Leok:
I like to support the local camera stores as I want them to be there in 10 years time. |
What difference does it make? Most digital camera gear is obsolete in less than a year anyway. :p |
i expect my lenses to last a long long time ,
bodies i'll go though 3 more (current rate) in the next ten yrs but i'll be using the same lenses ...
that being said i've bought used glass localy but all my retail purchaes are internet or phone (saving taxes & 10% off local retail)
though being in Canada limits my choices (wish B&H had a local/Cnd outlet ..) |
can you order from B/H in canada?
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08/25/2006 08:21:09 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by saintaugust:
Originally posted by ralphnev:
Originally posted by micknewton:
Originally posted by Leok:
I like to support the local camera stores as I want them to be there in 10 years time. |
What difference does it make? Most digital camera gear is obsolete in less than a year anyway. :p |
i expect my lenses to last a long long time ,
bodies i'll go though 3 more (current rate) in the next ten yrs but i'll be using the same lenses ...
that being said i've bought used glass localy but all my retail purchaes are internet or phone (saving taxes & 10% off local retail)
though being in Canada limits my choices (wish B&H had a local/Cnd outlet ..) |
can you order from B/H in canada? |
Yes.
Shipping cost might be a bit steep and you pay GST plus Canada Customs fees on receipt.
Message edited by author 2006-08-25 08:22:02. |
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