Does price trump all?

[jlau]

What a pickle I am in. Just wondering how you guys deal with this problem.


I don't know about others who shop for camera gear but I have checked out both mom and pop camera stores and large chain retailers and of course the wonderful internet. I have received such good service at this one store, but I also know their margins are low in comparison to places like B&H. I want to buy from them and support them but I am just not financially able to throw away a few hundred dollars like that. Are you guys driven by price or do you have a 'camera guy' you always go to to purchase things from regardless?

[jlau]

What a pickle I am in. Just wondering how you guys deal with this problem.


I don't know about others who shop for camera gear but I have checked out both mom and pop camera stores and large chain retailers and of course the wonderful internet. I have received such good service at this one store, but I also know their margins are low in comparison to places like B&H. I want to buy from them and support them but I am just not financially able to throw away a few hundred dollars like that. Are you guys driven by price or do you have a 'camera guy' you always go to to purchase things from regardless?

[Daya]

Tough to accept but gotta admit that price drives me.

[crosbyharbison]

I will buy all my lenses and bodies from out of state stores with no sales tax (in california its close to 10% right now) but, for example, i bought a battery and a roll of film at my local camera store. I try to keep everything small local

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

I buy from reputable sellers with the lowest price.

[JJphoto]

I buy from reputable sellers with the lowest price

I do same thing, and even more if it's a big purchasing, i'll carefully try those "unknown" store if risk only means paying return shipping and time, I'v tried couple of those, so far so good.

[Daniel Browning]

Are you guys driven by price or do you have a 'camera guy' you always go to to purchase things from regardless?

If you can find a local place with an honest, friendly, trustworthy camera guy that provides good service, that's a good reason to buy there, even if it's 20% more. (IMHO.)

I will buy all my lenses and
bodies from out of state stores with no sales tax (in california its
close to 10% right now)

Did you know that you are evading taxes illegally?


The state of California (as well as my state and almost every other state, in fact) requires you to track all your out of state purchases, calculate how much sales tax you *would* have paid, then write them a check:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Use_tax


Most people are not even aware that they are illegally evading taxes when they buy online or by telephone without sending the tax into their State Dept. of Revenue.

[Rodger]

As a highschool student who washes dishes for his main source of income, I can tell you that price is a big factor haha. Inflated rates of the smaller shops have just kept me out. Ex: I wanted my sensor cleaned. Local shop wanted close to $200 just to open up the camera. Canon Repairs cleaned it up for $50 plus $13 shipping.


Does it suck not supporting the little guys? Yeahh, but the line has to be drawn somewhere as to how much more you'll spend supporting him.


-Rodger

[JJphoto]

Did you know that you are evading taxes illegally?

good to know that, thank you!

[Marine96]

I prefer a place that has a solid reputation for outstanding custmer service and will fix any problems I may have. Price is a low priority for me.