Jamie123
Veteran
I don't agree with you at all. Just because you try out a camera at a store doesn't mean you have to buy it.
Just as an example, I recently bought a Bessa III from Stephen Gandy. Prior to that I went to a local camera store that was listed as a distributor on Voigtländer's page and asked if I could put a roll through the Bessa III they had in the shop window. Did I have any intention of buying it from them? No, because they sell it for $4k which is almost double of what Stephen sells it for.
So yes, of course I wasted their time but I don't feel bad about it at all. Why not? Because I've bought enough of their overpriced (smaller) items in the past and will continue to do so in the future. I'm just not dropping 2k extra just out of loyalty.
Al Kaplan
Veteran
I don't recall ever buying a camera or lens that was still sealed in the box. I want to feel it, look it over, look through the finder, feel the smoothness of the advance and hear the shutter speeds. A top line bench made camera such as Leica has already seen (and felt!) it's share of handling. How else can you assemble and adjust a camera "by hand"?
Jamie123, did you tell the local store that you were going to buy from Gandy. Did you ask about the possibility of getting a better price? Did you consider that after you and your like minded buddies finish putting the local guy out of business you'll have no convenient place to pick up last minute "overpriced" items? Sometimes getting the best price can be short sighted. I wish that there was still more than one "local guy" (less than 12 miles away) and he's not a Leica dealer. A dozen years ago there were five shops less than five miles, including a Leica dealer, plus an independant repair shop that also handled used Leicas, Hasselblads, Nikons, view camera lenses, etc. No more! And a good percentage of the time Manfred would look over your ailing Leica, open it up while continuing to chat about last night's Marlins game or whatever, do something with a screw driver, and hand it back with a "no charge, I didn't do anything". Now it's ship a broken camera out of town, wait weeks, and not get a "weren't you looking for a 16 exposure back for your Hassleblad?", just a big repair charge plus shipping. Yup, we should all order from the Big Guys out of town! They need our business.
Jamie123, did you tell the local store that you were going to buy from Gandy. Did you ask about the possibility of getting a better price? Did you consider that after you and your like minded buddies finish putting the local guy out of business you'll have no convenient place to pick up last minute "overpriced" items? Sometimes getting the best price can be short sighted. I wish that there was still more than one "local guy" (less than 12 miles away) and he's not a Leica dealer. A dozen years ago there were five shops less than five miles, including a Leica dealer, plus an independant repair shop that also handled used Leicas, Hasselblads, Nikons, view camera lenses, etc. No more! And a good percentage of the time Manfred would look over your ailing Leica, open it up while continuing to chat about last night's Marlins game or whatever, do something with a screw driver, and hand it back with a "no charge, I didn't do anything". Now it's ship a broken camera out of town, wait weeks, and not get a "weren't you looking for a 16 exposure back for your Hassleblad?", just a big repair charge plus shipping. Yup, we should all order from the Big Guys out of town! They need our business.
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DerekF
Established
This has been my experience with at least one local camera shop here. To take it a bit further, the last time I went to drop off my Leica for repair, a couple of my friends tagged along with me and the owner kept throwing them sideways glances every so often while writing up my paperwork as if he thought I was playing the distraction while they tried to shoplift. With that kind of treatment, I'm glad I didn't have to actually pay for anything then (the camera was still under warranty), and he may well have just lost me as a future customer.
mawz
Established
I wouldn't buy a sealed box. While I generally prefer to buy demo/used kit on the occasions I buy new I expect that the salesperson will open up the box and show me that everything's there at a minimum. If possible, I prefer to confirm that the item in question is functioning correctly (especially with Sigma lenses).
Jamie123
Veteran
Well, firstly I may have to say that it's not a "mom-and-pop" store. It's part of a small chain (they have all different names but belong to the same chain) here in Switzerland. And no, I did not ask for a better price as I know they don't do this sort of thing. They usually have a "take it or leave it" attitude.
My point is that even the local guy has to justify the premium he's charging. If he's so forthcoming, knowledgeable and helpful that it makes me feel that the premium is worth it then I buy from him. However, if he charges 50% more than the competition he might have a hard time.
Just as an example, I could've ordered from a local internet shop that charges just a little more Stephen Gandy but not much (considering customs fees) and I would've had the convenience of a local warranty. However, Stephen has been so helpful and prompt in answering my questions that I bought from him.
btw, I don't have any "like minded buddies". My ingenius mind is unmatched by anyone around me.