sign of the times...

[akimartymar]

The oldest camera shop in the Golden Triangle is going out of business. Braud Camera in Nederland is closing it's doors for good. I noticed a GOOB 50% off sign out front this afternoon. Unfortunately for me the sale started Monday and there basically nothing worth buying left in the store. While I no longer do much business there because there is a better lab in Orange that I like much better, it is a bit sad to see a store that has been around so long closing shop. I heard one of the women that works there say that the camera business has just moved to online sales. I would have to agree.

[txphotog]

A good reason to buy local. Remember you cant talk to the guy on the other end of the internet.

[JohnRushing]

Actually you can talk to them but you can't get your hands around their neck if the screw you over . They know this so some of them will try to take advantage of this fact and sell junk.

[JohnT]

It's two sides of the same coin, so to speak. Not only must people purchase locally for a brick-and-mortar to stay in business, but that business must also learn to adapt to the ever-changing business climate--ecommerce with competitive pricing in this case.

[carrbowl]

I was happy to learn my local lab is learning to do that. They told me yesterday they are going to start setting up taking orders over the web, and allowing you to set up proofs on your own web site and taking orders and they will mail the orders out. Now I will have to wait and see how their prices are...hopefully competitive so I can use them..

[akimartymar]

Originally Posted by txphotog

A good reason to buy local. Remember you cant talk to the guy on the other end of the internet.

The aspect of speaking to a salesman to get his or her opinion or advise about a product has become somewhat irrelevant. Why ask the opinion of one salesperson when I can ask the opinion and feedback of hundreds of consumers in an online forum like this one? I would always take the advise of a consumer over a salesperson. There are some things I do like about InFocus in Orange which is the lab I do most of my printing at. They are very personable and offer a lot in terms of printing options. I never felt that personal connection with Brauds and they didn't offer near the printing or finishing options. They never adapted to the changing climate of our profession and I believe that played a key role in them closing.