Group Since Feb 12, 2004
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Hi everyone,
Just trying to pick your brains.
I have bought stuff in the internet, before -- like my computer and accessories -- but tended to use local sources too when avaiable and priced well compared to internet sources. In general, I have been lucky with my internet purchases, over the years.
I had to return my new digital camera yesterday, something was wrong with it -- it kept on "locking".
It was bought from one of the reputable internet sites in Metro New York area, after consulting with the more experienced users here, and also based from my own research of reputable internet sources. I made sure that they have good return policy as well as the company being a member of Better Business Bureau, well rated among customers from rating sources, etc.
It was bought just before Christmas, so the problem might not have been the product itself, originally; but how it was handled during transport during the Christmas rush hour. It looks like something might have been jarred during the transport, or something -- the symptoms of the problem look it. Although, not too sure.
So, the issue of the reputability of the source is not the primary concern here. Whether the internet source was B&H, Adorama, Beach, and other reputable sources, sometimes there is just a need to return something, for one reason to another.
Yesterday, it cost me more than $32 ($25 for 2nd day delivery plus insurance) to have it returned, it would have been more had I chosen, next day delivery. If I bought a box (another $5), it would have been another added cost. I cannot use the larger box it came from, because alll the other items (9 items including lens) seemed OK, so far.
I am not sure if I will have to pay the cost of shipping for the replacement too.
I realize this happens and just part of the luck of the draw. If it is a one time thing, it is not so bad. But, if they recur, the costs add up.
Anyway, this is the reason why I am wary about making internet purchases sometimes -- especially for electronic items.
No problem with computer purchases right now, since we have quite a number of reputable stores locally -- like several Apple stores, as well as university-connected tech stores, and all the rest of my computer needs I can buy from many general stores .
Pros and Cons of buying Photography needs from Local vs Internet souces
1. No shipping cost, if bought locally
2. Sales tax had to be paid immediately, if local. This may be deferred until next tax deadline -- if bought through the internet.
3. Local sources, tend to be more costly, if avaiable at all.
4. You can check the items out, before making a purchase, if done locally. Not possible, if done through the internet.
The unavailability or lack of choices, plus the usual much higher price of local sources compel me use internet sources.
I am in Boston at the moment. I have asked the local group here about where they buy their stuff, and the choices are very limited. If anyone is in the Boston area among the members here, I am also interested to know where you buy your stuff, locally.
Thanks.
Cornelio
Just trying to pick your brains.
I have bought stuff in the internet, before -- like my computer and accessories -- but tended to use local sources too when avaiable and priced well compared to internet sources. In general, I have been lucky with my internet purchases, over the years.
I had to return my new digital camera yesterday, something was wrong with it -- it kept on "locking".
It was bought from one of the reputable internet sites in Metro New York area, after consulting with the more experienced users here, and also based from my own research of reputable internet sources. I made sure that they have good return policy as well as the company being a member of Better Business Bureau, well rated among customers from rating sources, etc.
It was bought just before Christmas, so the problem might not have been the product itself, originally; but how it was handled during transport during the Christmas rush hour. It looks like something might have been jarred during the transport, or something -- the symptoms of the problem look it. Although, not too sure.
So, the issue of the reputability of the source is not the primary concern here. Whether the internet source was B&H, Adorama, Beach, and other reputable sources, sometimes there is just a need to return something, for one reason to another.
Yesterday, it cost me more than $32 ($25 for 2nd day delivery plus insurance) to have it returned, it would have been more had I chosen, next day delivery. If I bought a box (another $5), it would have been another added cost. I cannot use the larger box it came from, because alll the other items (9 items including lens) seemed OK, so far.
I am not sure if I will have to pay the cost of shipping for the replacement too.
I realize this happens and just part of the luck of the draw. If it is a one time thing, it is not so bad. But, if they recur, the costs add up.
Anyway, this is the reason why I am wary about making internet purchases sometimes -- especially for electronic items.
No problem with computer purchases right now, since we have quite a number of reputable stores locally -- like several Apple stores, as well as university-connected tech stores, and all the rest of my computer needs I can buy from many general stores .
Pros and Cons of buying Photography needs from Local vs Internet souces
1. No shipping cost, if bought locally
2. Sales tax had to be paid immediately, if local. This may be deferred until next tax deadline -- if bought through the internet.
3. Local sources, tend to be more costly, if avaiable at all.
4. You can check the items out, before making a purchase, if done locally. Not possible, if done through the internet.
The unavailability or lack of choices, plus the usual much higher price of local sources compel me use internet sources.
I am in Boston at the moment. I have asked the local group here about where they buy their stuff, and the choices are very limited. If anyone is in the Boston area among the members here, I am also interested to know where you buy your stuff, locally.
Thanks.
Cornelio
striped cabbage [deleted]
Posted 19 years ago
I buy most stuff online, but not without having gone to see and use the product in person first. I guess I have been fortunate in that I haven't had to return anything yet. I'm in a smaller town in Texas, so the only way I can get a lot of stuff, and get the best prices, is online.
My dad got bit in the butt recently when ordering a flash for me as a Christmas present. He ordered from expresscameras.com without first researching them and was baited into switching to a grey market flash after he had ordered a Nikon Speedlight SB-800. He ended up paying over $300 for a flash that was only worth about $180.
My dad got bit in the butt recently when ordering a flash for me as a Christmas present. He ordered from expresscameras.com without first researching them and was baited into switching to a grey market flash after he had ordered a Nikon Speedlight SB-800. He ended up paying over $300 for a flash that was only worth about $180.
Any item purchased has the potential of being returned. Usually online stores are cheaper then local ones. Also i think about if something goes wrong, what is their return policy? Do I pay shipping back? Can they do the warranty work? Is it worth waiting for the item? Does the local store provide loaners?
I put those in the equation.
Edit: @xonesix: you can always make day trips here in Dallas for equiptment runs :)
I put those in the equation.
Edit: @xonesix: you can always make day trips here in Dallas for equiptment runs :)
striped cabbage [deleted]
Posted 19 years ago
Yeah, I would stop by local stores in Dallas and Arlington when I was in the area. That is how I first got to play with the D80. We have a local shop here but I guess they couldn't meet some Nikon quota so they primarily sell Canon.
I got to hold a D200 when I was in Florida over the holidays. That's a nice camera! Wish I had the money to go up the ladder. Maybe once the D200 replacement comes out.
I got to hold a D200 when I was in Florida over the holidays. That's a nice camera! Wish I had the money to go up the ladder. Maybe once the D200 replacement comes out.
I tend to prefer local purchase simply because it allows me to see, touch and walk out with the product I'm buying. However, when I've already seen and handled the product (at a store or from a friend) or if the store does not have the prioduct in stock, I have purchased online. I've had the best experience with B & H which processes and ships the products quickly. They also deliver to a P.O. Box through the USPS within 2 days.
DSP (Digital Soft Paw)
Posted 19 years ago
I do the majority of my major purchasing on-line. I agree it is great to be able to go to a local merchant and test-drive the item before purchasing. The simple economics and convenience of buying on-line is a real deal sealer for me. Low dollar items I need right now are bought locally without regard to price, but when it comes to an expensive lens or body that 5% sales tax can be a real tough nut to crack.
Fortunately I'm in the same shipping zone as the NY merchants so UPS ground shipments are in my hand the next day. Plus, B&H does pay return shipping on defective items.
Ultimately, I do the math and factor in the convenience factor as well. Usually the lowest delivered in my hands price wins out.
Fortunately I'm in the same shipping zone as the NY merchants so UPS ground shipments are in my hand the next day. Plus, B&H does pay return shipping on defective items.
Ultimately, I do the math and factor in the convenience factor as well. Usually the lowest delivered in my hands price wins out.
striped cabbage [deleted]
Posted 19 years ago
There's also a part of me that feels for the local merchant (not the chains like Best Buy, Circut City, etc.) Can they really compete with the online merchants? If my local store had carried Nikon, and I had spent quite a bit time in the store, I probably would have bought from them if the prices were close.
Son Of The Griz
Posted 19 years ago
I prefer to purchase locally as long as they can match or come very close to online retailers' (with a brick-and-mortar presence) prices. Especially when looking at lenses and bodies. And by 'locally' I'm referring to local photo shops, not big-box electronics retailers.
Adorama has been fantastic to me and I have no qualms about doing business with them. Paying $45 to 2nd Day Air ship a body that can be hundreds less than local prices and avoiding Boulder County, CO sales tax (currently ~8.6%) on something at or near a thousand dollars makes financial sense.
Additionally, it all depends on the 'local' store. The town I live in (just north of Boulder) has one photo shop that looks more like a pawn shop than a photography store and the prices are sky-high while their re-sale/used purchasing is a joke. Down the road I have two more 'established' stores that typically charge retail but are willing to offer aggressive discounts to compete, have knowledgeable staff and are genuinely nice people.
Adorama has been fantastic to me and I have no qualms about doing business with them. Paying $45 to 2nd Day Air ship a body that can be hundreds less than local prices and avoiding Boulder County, CO sales tax (currently ~8.6%) on something at or near a thousand dollars makes financial sense.
Additionally, it all depends on the 'local' store. The town I live in (just north of Boulder) has one photo shop that looks more like a pawn shop than a photography store and the prices are sky-high while their re-sale/used purchasing is a joke. Down the road I have two more 'established' stores that typically charge retail but are willing to offer aggressive discounts to compete, have knowledgeable staff and are genuinely nice people.
I shop local almost exclusively. I try to avoid big chain stores too. The major benefit of shopping local is that you get to know the people who work there, and they get you great deals and great service on the products you buy.
I do a lot of business with Calumet here in Chicago. They hold frequent sales, often in conjunction with a display expo to which major vendors including Nikon send representatives. I got my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 at one of these with a 10% discount that covered the sales tax.
They have an outlet in Cambridge MA - check their web site.
They have an outlet in Cambridge MA - check their web site.
There used to be a good photo shop in Harvard Square, Ferranti Dege, but they closed shop last October -- because they could not compete with the discounting by the chain stores -- we have so many of them here, that are in turn more expensive than the internet stores.
I have not found another local photo shop yet, that is as good and reputable. but I have not looked that closely. My internet search and asking the local flickr group, have not led me to a good local source yet. The ones I found so far, do not carry lens that I wanted to buy, or too costly.
MerlinsMan. I did check the Calumet website a few weeks back. nothing on sale or they do not carry the item I want, at the time. I might visit them one of these days, but it is quite a distance from where I am -- two subway trains.
My choice would also be local. I just have to find one that has the items I needed, at a reasonable price.
Cornelio
I have not found another local photo shop yet, that is as good and reputable. but I have not looked that closely. My internet search and asking the local flickr group, have not led me to a good local source yet. The ones I found so far, do not carry lens that I wanted to buy, or too costly.
MerlinsMan. I did check the Calumet website a few weeks back. nothing on sale or they do not carry the item I want, at the time. I might visit them one of these days, but it is quite a distance from where I am -- two subway trains.
My choice would also be local. I just have to find one that has the items I needed, at a reasonable price.
Cornelio
David.S.L
Posted 19 years ago
actually i've never bought anything online
normally for things that has only a bit of price difference, i'll buy it local but for things that got a big diff, i don't trust internet so i make a trip to the store myself
normally for things that has only a bit of price difference, i'll buy it local but for things that got a big diff, i don't trust internet so i make a trip to the store myself
lovely room [deleted]
Posted 19 years ago
Edited by lovely room (member) 19 years ago
I agree with Baron Von Aaron,
there are two small, independent camera stores in my local area, and they're great! Prices are higher, but only by about £30, which is worth getting what you want straight away. There are no p&p costs and taking back with any problems is much easier. Getting to hold products to get a feel for them is a great plus too.
Everything is also much friendlier, allowing me to get to know the people who work there; who can give me advise, as well as special deals (eg, throw in a free memory card, case, etc.)
there are two small, independent camera stores in my local area, and they're great! Prices are higher, but only by about £30, which is worth getting what you want straight away. There are no p&p costs and taking back with any problems is much easier. Getting to hold products to get a feel for them is a great plus too.
Everything is also much friendlier, allowing me to get to know the people who work there; who can give me advise, as well as special deals (eg, throw in a free memory card, case, etc.)
the #69 bus runs from harvard square to Lechemere in Cambridge, so it's just one bus ride from where Ferranti Dege used to be (which I always thought was expensive).
there's what used to be SBI on JFK Street not far from harvard square; I think it's hunt's camera now, if it's still there. got my n90s there years ago.
Calumet is pretty reasonable and halfway on my walk from home to work. I got my d80 there, only because B & H had sold out. also my 105mm VR micro, since they were oddly cheaper than B & H. also my 80-200mm f/2.8... because they were the same price as B & H, I think. on the other hand, I bought my other three lenses at B & H since they were cheaper, and delivery was just a day or two.
there's what used to be SBI on JFK Street not far from harvard square; I think it's hunt's camera now, if it's still there. got my n90s there years ago.
Calumet is pretty reasonable and halfway on my walk from home to work. I got my d80 there, only because B & H had sold out. also my 105mm VR micro, since they were oddly cheaper than B & H. also my 80-200mm f/2.8... because they were the same price as B & H, I think. on the other hand, I bought my other three lenses at B & H since they were cheaper, and delivery was just a day or two.
shoothead
Posted 19 years ago
Zappos.com pays for return shipments on all orders. They sell shoes though and not cameras...so this really doesn't help much. It's a good policy though, and one a lot of online retailers should adopt.
-lee
-lee
I have bought all my stuff online, I'm part of a forum that has a good photography section and there's always people upgrading their lenses or at least have tried out the kit I've been interested in.
Other than that, ebay.
I tried going to a local photography chain (Jessops in the UK), when I wanted my first digital camera, but the prices were too high, the staff weren't interested in helping and my knowledge was far greater than theirs. It was disapointing but the internet is really a marvellous thing these days.
Jon
Other than that, ebay.
I tried going to a local photography chain (Jessops in the UK), when I wanted my first digital camera, but the prices were too high, the staff weren't interested in helping and my knowledge was far greater than theirs. It was disapointing but the internet is really a marvellous thing these days.
Jon
O Casasola
Posted 19 years ago
I was looking to buy my D200 and searched BH photo for the price first. The price with shipping to Los Angeles was about $1,500 I offered my local shop to sell me the camera for $ 50 more so it would have been $ 1,550 plus tax. They said no, so I bought it from BH. Saved $ 50 and got it in 2 days.
I agree with many of the sentiments expressed here.
There are a number of reasons where, if possible, I would prefer local merchants to internet sources. The major reason is that the money spent locally will help support the livelihood of people in the area -- so in broader term it helps me too -- even if indirectly.
I have watched Harvard Square (in Cambridge, MA) deterioriate -- many local shops closing -- because they do not make enough money to pay the high cost of rent in the area on top of the tough competition from internet sources. As a result of what used to be small shops and restaurants, are now just banks branches or the gazillion clothing (mostly chain) stores or some pretentious eateries or haunts of sophisticates.
I have stated many of my other reasons, for preferring local sources, in the main post, so I need not repeat them. And, I try to abide by this policy when practical
Having stated the above, I also consider the ultimate cost on me. A D200 (body only), for example still retails for $1500-1700, when I added some of the lens I want, the total can range from $2400-3000. For this reason, I have considered mainly the D80, initially. I
Then, while researching this, and it is good I did not buy immediately, I sudenly saw a pattern, just before Christmas when B&H and a number of reputable internet sites have lowered their D200 to $1328-1400. While local retailers and chain stores remained higher at $200-400 more for the D200 body alone. That is a lot of savings. After deciding to buy the D200, a simple prime lens and other accessorities, my entire initial kit was $1803.
If I bought that locally in December, as I have done, the entire package would have cost me, about $2200-2300. Guess what my choice under the circumstance? And, based from the responses, a number made th same choice.
Cornelio
There are a number of reasons where, if possible, I would prefer local merchants to internet sources. The major reason is that the money spent locally will help support the livelihood of people in the area -- so in broader term it helps me too -- even if indirectly.
I have watched Harvard Square (in Cambridge, MA) deterioriate -- many local shops closing -- because they do not make enough money to pay the high cost of rent in the area on top of the tough competition from internet sources. As a result of what used to be small shops and restaurants, are now just banks branches or the gazillion clothing (mostly chain) stores or some pretentious eateries or haunts of sophisticates.
I have stated many of my other reasons, for preferring local sources, in the main post, so I need not repeat them. And, I try to abide by this policy when practical
Having stated the above, I also consider the ultimate cost on me. A D200 (body only), for example still retails for $1500-1700, when I added some of the lens I want, the total can range from $2400-3000. For this reason, I have considered mainly the D80, initially. I
Then, while researching this, and it is good I did not buy immediately, I sudenly saw a pattern, just before Christmas when B&H and a number of reputable internet sites have lowered their D200 to $1328-1400. While local retailers and chain stores remained higher at $200-400 more for the D200 body alone. That is a lot of savings. After deciding to buy the D200, a simple prime lens and other accessorities, my entire initial kit was $1803.
If I bought that locally in December, as I have done, the entire package would have cost me, about $2200-2300. Guess what my choice under the circumstance? And, based from the responses, a number made th same choice.
Cornelio