Why by local?

[3n-Out]

I went to pretty much our only local camera dealer here in town, "Name unspecified to protect the innocent" to buy a new body - either the 5D MkII or 7D. I wanted to feel them, hear how they sound and kinda get a feel if the $1000.00 price difference is something I want to do. After being demeanered by the guy I asked him if he could match the "online" price of certian stores?" These store are offering free shipping and don't charge tax if order out of state. They had the same price but the Tax on 2700.00 is like $200.00 does he want to sell the camera? To make a long story short I will never go into that store again. I have never been treated like that as a customer anywhere - they are are bunch of jerks. The store will not be around much longer with them treating thier customers like dirt. I was simply amazed how I was spoken down to willing to drop 3 grand. Shesh.. I'm shopping B&H like I always have.

Okay my rant is over... I feel better now...

[toverman]

I completely understand, and you're right that it's financially cheaper many times to buy online. I've done that and will continue to buy online. That store deserves to lose your business because you weren't treated well.

The problem around here is that we've got a few really good camera stores, with Arlington Camera being one of the best. If I need something quickly, or want face-to-face answers, I'll go there before powering up my computer. The staff is usually busy (a side effect of good service), but they've never talked down to me for buying the cheapest lens on the shelf. I'm planning to make a trip there tomorrow for a few little things again.

[ronocnikral]

i would like to point out that you are "suppose" to pay taxes on whatever you buy out of state or online.

you are technically deferring the tax, if you pay it.

[zebulus]

Yeah, I have been mistreated by the Houston Camera Exchange before. On several occasions. It isnt fun.

However, you probobly shouldnt ask them to drop $200 off the price. I can understand why they would get ticked.

If you dont wanna pay taxes, buy online.

[3n-Out]

Originally Posted by ronocnikral

i would like to point out that you are "suppose" to pay taxes on whatever you buy out of state or online.

you are technically deferring the tax, if you pay it.

I have no problem paying Tax - but! They need to bring the price aligned with their competitors. No one as of now, pays tax online - "Even though you should declare that" - who really does.

I really would have preferred to by local and keep my money within the community but that isn't ever going to happen with my camera/photo needs after that experience today. Screw em!

[ronocnikral]

Originally Posted by 3n-Out

I have no problem paying Tax - but! They need to bring the price aligned with their competitors. No one as of now, pays tax online - "Even though you should declare that" - who really does.

I really would have preferred to by local and keep my money within the community but that isn't ever going to happen with my camera/photo needs after that experience today. Screw em!

they were willing to match b&h, what else do you want? them to pickup the tax bill also? certainly not keeping your money in the community as far as uncle sam is concerned. i think to walk in a store with the expectation of having the same bottom line to you as b&h is a ridiculuous expectation.

i think they were more than fair in terms of price matching.

[90 5.0]

Brick and mortar store front's can't always compete with online pricing because of lower volume of sales and increased overhead.

Major purchases like bodies and higher end lenses can be found much cheaper online if that's what you want to do.

Unfortunate about the mistreatment, it happens.

I do however support local stores because if you need something quick they are there and all of my smaller and used purchases come from them. Plus printing unless i need something done on a specialized paper like pearlesent metallic I'll used mpix for that only because my local store won't stock it because of the drum cost not the paper cost.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by ronocnikral

they were willing to match b&h, what else do you want? them to pickup the tax bill also? certainly not keeping your money in the community as far as uncle sam is concerned. i think to walk in a store with the expectation of having the same bottom line to you as b&h is a ridiculuous expectation.

i think they were more than fair in terms of price matching.

I think the bigger issue is the way they talked to the customer. You can tell a customer "no we cant match that price" without being a DB and talking down at them. Well, a good salesman can at least.

[texkam]

They had an opportunity to make a customer. They needed to explain why the cost structures are different. They needed to explain the benefits of shopping with them even if items are more expensive. They needed to explain that they sell more than items. They needed to demonstrate that. They missed an opportunity.

[3n-Out]

First off, I have no problem paying Tax - I support our country's structure. But I will not deal with anyone and I mean anyone that treats their customers in such a manner. I was perplexed to say the least. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was a horrible experience - and to ask the question about cutting the price down I guess some of you are making way more money then me. I guess 3 grand means more to me then some of ya'll. I donno, but I'm absolutley confident you would have done the same thing! :)

Maybe it was meant to be - Now I have more time to ponder! And save about $250.00 - so it's a win/win for me.

[zebulus]

Where was this? San Antonio Camera Exchange? My experience there was good, but I dont know if thats what your talking about.

[Redneck]

I don't know how they treated you, but I don't know either how you asked for a price match that was impossible to make without loosing money for the store.
Every story has at least two sides and being in sales myself for many years I know how cheap customers can get. Supporting the own community means almost everytime paying a little more. This is what you need to get comfortable with when you really want to support it.
No offense meant. As I mentioned before, I don't know any details.

I love to buy local and I don't expect to get online pricing.

[ronocnikral]

Originally Posted by 3n-Out

No one as of now, pays tax online - "Even though you should declare that" - who really does.

Originally Posted by 3n-Out

First off, I have no problem paying Tax - I support our country's structure.

hmmm...seems a little contradicting. i do actually pay the tax i am suppose to. you can come look over my books if you want also.

i can't comment on the CS though. i wasn't there. just don't expect your local shop to pickup the tab on what you should be paying in the first place.

ronocnikral added 1 Minutes and 46 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by Redneck

I don't know how they treated you, but I don't know either how you asked for a price match that was impossible to make without loosing money for the store.
Every story has at least two sides and being in sales myself for many years I know how cheap customers can get. Supporting the own community means almost everytime paying a little more. This is what you need to get comfortable with when you really want to support it.
No offense meant.

agree. except i buy most of my stuff online and skip the hassle. or i buy used face to face from individuals.

[3n-Out]

Look, maybe I didn't explain myself correctly. The guy was being a jerk from the get go. From the very minute I walked in store. I was the only one there too BTW. It wasn't like he was overwhelmed with screaming clients. I have full intentions on buying, I had green backs in my pocket. I only asked him if he was in a position to meet online pricing in my hand, out the door. I never asked him about Tax - the word Tax came up from his mounth not mine. If I can get a camera for 2699.00 out the door can he put me out the door for 2699.00? You know what that means, he knew what that meant, I know what that meant - he continued being his jerk self. I don't even know why I asked the question because I was standing there scratching my head as to why the hell I was being belittled in the process. Oh well - it's over I fully respect your opinion - I just needed to get it off my chest - I drove back to work kinda sad it didn't happen and pissed at the same time.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by 3n-Out

They need to bring the price aligned with their competitors.

In reality - they are NOT competitors. Even large chain stores have different pricing online than they do in their stores. Why? B/C overhead is much lower and volume is higher. When you have a guy bustin his butt trying to make a living and you asked him to blow off his profit - quite possibly his only profit - yeah I can see why he'd get curt.

Online shopping sucks. I totally hate it. You went into a brick and mortar store b/c you wanted their opinion and help. (In this case they screwed up and Id like to kick them for that). I would have loved to buy my stuff locally, but no one is here. And there are hardly any locally owned stores left.

Anyway, everyone can shop where they want, but you have to realize when you ask a local store to match online pricing, its like hitting them in the head with a brick.