Local Dealer or Online Store? (For my 17-40 f/4L)

[dennykyser]

Ok guys you have done it again and my wife is getting upset with you. I am going to get the 17-40 f/4L. Spring is right around the corner so it wont hurt her to walk when the repo the car. LOL I am getting this lens to replace my 28-90 f/4.5. I bet the picture quality will be a little better.

Ok now for my question how much more would you pay the local retailer to buy local. (actually not too local is an hour away but the closest camera store I have)

B&H Price $699.00
Local $770.00

Sales tax and shipping are a push so that doesnt matter. What should I offer the Camera Store.

1 advantage the travel store has is that its Friday and I can use the lens this weekend. B&H Next week.

[gkas]

You must really have problems with making decisions....

[martcol]

When I bought my 10D, i went to my local dealer and told him what I could get it for online. We negotiated a price that was more expensive by a small margin. I am so glad now that I bought it locally. The relationship I have developed with the retailer (Adams Cameras) is great. They are a knowledgeable staff group who have helped me out with several problems. If I don't understand something, I just take the kit into the shop and say "what do I do?" I would never have had that service from an on-line dealer.

So for me, if the price comes close I would always pay a bit more and buy locally.

Martin

[Whaler]

Split the difference. We need local "mom and pop" stores. Oh and yeah tell Mrs Kyser she can use the lens anytime. Watch her eyes and get ready to duck. Ya gotta love em.:lol:

[CoolToolGuy]

$50 over B&H is my target. My local store is about 2 miles away, so I can pop over there quickly. However they close at 6 every day, so it relegates me to Saturday unless I take off work early. :(

I have developed a pretty good relationship with the local store, and they cut me some slack on some things. On occasion, they have even beaten B&H's price. But in addition, they have done some things like loan me an eyecup when I lost mine until the one they ordered for me comes in, and some other favors. They don't have the biggest inventory of good lenses (the average joe only wants zooms), but whatever they have, I can try out. If I order something, they will place the order that day or the next. 8)

They have three stores within 15 miles of me (Cooper's Camera Mart), and in the same radius there are over 12 Ritz stores. But I won't go to Ritz unless I have to. :P

I like having a local store - nothing against online, in fact I have an order on the way right now from B&H, but I don't want online to be my only choice other than Ritz (truth be told, there is one other decent photo store in town, and one not-so-great, but they are both inconvenient to get to), and if I don't support them I can't complain if they go toes up. :shock:

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[dennykyser]

gkas,

Nope just like making smart decissions and what a better way to find out than on here. but hey thanks for your Knowledgeable Informative Contribution.

I agree guys I got my 10D and 550ex from this dealer and call before I order anything online and see if they have it. I have yet to negotiate with them but in this case its quite a bit. Thanks for the advice.

[dennykyser]

I offered him $730.00 and he said thats fine so will get of early tonight and drive up and pick it up. I am glad I was able to keep it local. I have done business with B&H for years and great support but still nice seeing a local dealer get some of the business.

[ssim]

I tried the trick of telling the local retailer what I could get something for online and they wouldn't budge much more than a few bucks. So I went to the online company that I use exclusively now and have built a very good relationship with them and they treat me like gold. They are a smaller company but have been in business for a reasonable amount of time and I have no fear of them disappearing.

If they have the item in stock when I call (yep I get to talk to the owner usually) I usually have it within 48 hrs.

[drisley]

I have the same experience as SSIM.
Local retailers won't budge much, if at all.
I too have gone with a small online retailer in Montreal, Simmy's, which is probably the same place you are talking about.

I used to be in sales, and HATED "hagglers". That is why I always ask politely and try to be reasonable. And if they say no, I usually respect that and just tell them thanks but I have to go with the online store.

I've had the same experience with local computer shops too.
When I ask if they will match or come close to an online price, they almost laugh at me. That is probably why I do 90% of my shopping online.