Camera Wholesale Distrubutor?

[metagore]

Ok, another off the wall question here. Does anyone know of a company (web or otherwise) that offers 'true' wholesale?

I'm doing some initial investigation on possible startup costs of a business and it would involve the purchase of about 50-100 camera components at once. I can't see paying a retail price for this, it would end up being about $150K.

I know there are distributors out there, I just don't know where and all 'googling' is getting me is a bunch of junk sites about 'crap' wholesale and how to make 'billions' on ebay. :D

Thanks for any assistance! :)

[TxManx]

If you come up with a large purchase like that...you should check with Fort Worth Camera... Jeff Masure is the owner, and he might be willing to give you a discount off of retail prices (and of course, you'll save all the sales tax...)

Ken

[sbp]

I don't know anything about it but why not talk to company directly like canon, nikon etc...

[CobyPhoto]

Not an authority on this, but I do know that Canon and Nikon etc. will require LARGE purchases to allow "wholesale" or discount pricing like distributors receive. They have requirements that allow those distributors to make purchases.

It sounds like you are purchasing for a business (not retail "resale") and that would just about automatically exclude you from purchasing directly from the manufacturer.

I do know that big retailers like quantity orders and would probably be willing to work with you on the deal. The quantity alone would help them in their business and they should be willing to pass on a savings to you based on the quantity.

I would call and talk to several of the major distributors: B & H Photo; Sammy's Camera; Penn Camera; etc. All have excellent reputations and would be able to deal in quantity.

If by chance you are trying to start a retail store, selling cameras and accessories, then contact the manufacuters direct. They will require minimum purchases, etc. but it will cost you alot less in the long run.

CJ

[adirty1]

find out who the canon or nikon rep is for that area. talk to them.
if your going to do that many cameras odds are a lease is the best way to go. talk to you cpa.
your rep will be able to handle the lease...

talk it over with the cpa they will go over all the benny's of a lease....

[moffo]

Unless it's equipment all from a single manufacturer, I suspect the best way to do this is to write it up as a 'request for bids' making sure to clearly state needs and expectations. Then bid it out.