Buying in Tokyo - Advice needed

[Richard7481]

Basically this goes out to any members who have bought camera products in either Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera.

Yesterday I went into a branch of Bic in Ikebukuro to try and get a feel about the best deal they are prepared to do on 30D body and a 17-40L. The result was that he would not offer me any discount for cash, even though I asked, and he would not be able throw in some extras either, like say, a filter or bag. They have a points system of course but claimed that it's just 10%, eventhough I know they are running a summer campaign which boosts your points, the more you spend.

TBH, I was quite surprised at his attitude considering that I could tell him to stuff it and take a walk over to Yodobashi to see what they say. Considering that the prices between the two stores are probably within 99.9% of each other, he didn't seem to make much of an effort to get me to make a purchase at Bic.

So the question is, should I force a deal, and what's the best way to do it?
Or is Mapcamera, or similar, a better option?

Cheers. :)

[Wilt]

A friend, who is originally from Japan and now lives in Washington state, went to japan for a couple of months earlier this year, and bought himself a 5D and 24-70 zoom. The camera body was less expensive than NYC stores like B&H, and the lens was more expensive. In total, his purchase was about the same price as if buying all of it from B&H. Had he bought the body in japan and the lens from NYC, he would have saved money. Prices in Japan are NOT necessarily terrific for photographic goods, and that is based upon many business trips and window shopping I have done over the many years as the Yen went up and down.

[Coco-Puffs]

youll never get a discount from those big stores.

butif you want good warranties, those stores will be the best.
Yodobashi @ Shinjuku has 2 buildings just for camera stuff, i always buy stuff there if i buy anything new. not to mention they originated from a camera store. If not, map camera or fujiya @ nakano.

[Richard7481]

So they just won't shift on prices even for cash? I assume that the points are the discount in their eyes.

I understand that they offer to take off points in exchange for an extended warranty. Is that a good idea or are warranties just a waste of money?

[Coco-Puffs]

So they just won't shift on prices even for cash?

bribe??
and yes they do take the points as discounts.

[blackviolet]

i'm actually a huge fan of yodobashi - the prices are decent to begin with and with the points card, it just tuns into this perpetual cycle - buy discount buy discount buy :) also, their service has been quite good

sure there are some smaller shops that will cut you a deal, but for the selection and service, it's worth it to me.

i want to get the song to use as my ringtone when you hear it, you can't get it out of your head for days!!!

[Coco-Puffs]

i'm actually a huge fan of yodobashi - the prices are decent to begin with and with the points card, it just tuns into this perpetual cycle - buy discount buy discount buy :) also, their service has been quite good

sure there are some smaller shops that will cut you a deal, but for the selection and service, it's worth it to me.

i want to get the song to use as my ringtone when you hear it, you can't get it out of your head for days!!!

if i hear that song coming out of anyones cell phone, im beating you with my EOS:p. if its Bic Camera's ringtone, ill just stab my own ears....bic bic bic bic camera..aahhhh, no!!!

[molesrkool]

hit up akihabara(electric avenue).. they seemed to be willing to offer discounts on most things i asked about.. although not that cheap to start with
there 350d which are called digital kiss n (?????) was £550 with the kit which is very high i think

[Richard7481]

Akihabara doesn't seem that hot for camera gear. I reckon Shinjuku is the place for a Canon purchase, or any branch of Bic or　Yodo.

The Yodobashi-Akiba store in Akihabara is impressive though. Truly department store sized, simply massive!

[Coco-Puffs]

I would NEVER trust Akiba for camera equipment. Maybe accessories, but NEVER a L lens. And the Yodobashi in Akiba is huge, it was actually an electronic store my girlfriend DIDNT complain b/c it had a cafe and a bookstore inside :p

[kenwchan]

One thing to note about the big chains like Bic that I can remember is that they should take their local services tax off if you bring your passport. At least that worked for me when I was buying some watches at Bic. Same rule should apply to cameras/etc.

Regards to all
Ken

[Richard7481]

I live here so that doesn't apply to me. To update, I went to another Bic today, and managed to get the sales guy to write the price down on his business card. I will now take a trip to Yodobashi and see what they say. No doubt the price will be the same but I might be able to twist his arm if I flash the cash and suggest that I will return to Bic, unless he can offer me a beter deal.

[rssfhs]

I live in Japan, but shop either on eBay or at b&h. If I need to spend a day going out to Tokyo, buying the train ticket there, etc., it's just not worth any small savings I might realize. Plus, Canon lenses are normally cheaper in the States anyway.