camera stores

[ninjaboy]

When buying equipment such as tripods and bags i like to be able to have a good look before i buy. Now where i live there only seems to be jessops around all other shops closed down .Where do you guys shop is there another chain of stores i should be lookin at.
Cheers shane

[JWright]

First off, it would help to know where you are. Second, I'd stay away from the chain stores like Ritz. Most of the help there has no clue about photography. Look around in your area for an independent, professional oriented camera store.

[ninjaboy]

I am in tamworth England,there used to be a few independant shops but now only one around i know of is jessops and have not been impressed with the place since they got took over a while back.
cheers shane

[EveryMilesAMemory]

Dont know how to help you in England Bro, but you might want to look at the Show Your Bag thread where everyone shows what the bag looks like with their stuff in it.

I feel your pain though, I hate buying anything like that unless I can hold it in my hand first. A lens or a filter or something like that is one thing, but I'd rather be able to put the bag over my shoulder and see what its weight is and what not.

Good luck

[ben_r_]

Internet.... Why buy from a local shop?

[JWright]

Internet.... Why buy from a local shop?

Believe it or not, but sometime you can get a better deal from a local shop than on the internet. I paid less, including sales tax, for a Think Tank Change Up at my local store than it's listed for on their website. If I had bought it online I would have paid more for it with shipping.

Besides, the OP said he wanted to be able to try the bags before buying.

[Nick5]

Why buy from the local shop?
Try before you buy. Easier to return.
Better service.
Better prices.
Help your local economy.

[tin.risky]

You might have more luck posting under a different title. Maybe mention in the title that you're in England since a lot of members seem to be from the US. You'd get the attention of more fellow countrymen (or women) like that. I'd like to say I feel your pain, but I live in New York City. 'Nuf said.

[Az2Africa]

I want the brick and mortar stores to stay in business.My general rule is to buy anything that costs less than $500.00 from them even if it's cheaper on the internet. They still make money selling cameras to others. For more expensive items I give them a chance to at least come close to a price on the net.
But, somestimes the difference is too great. I just got the 85 f1.2L II from B&H for $1,697.00 delivered by 2nd day air. The local store wanted $2,154.00 even with the "pro" discount plus sales tax of $172.32. That's $647.00 difference. I like the guys in the local stores, but not that much.

[Dylanlewis2000]

My local City has 2 main camera stores, Jessops and a Independed. I always used to show with Jessops where possible, as it was a Brand name and fairly reputable. The Camera centre accross the road however blows them away with price. I didnt realise untill a few months back when i walked in there, and asked for a Circular polariser. There was over £50 difference in price, from what Jessops wanted for their own brand, to what this independent was flogging, and his was a Hoya.

The other day, i the GF when to buy me a bag, a Sling shot 300, went to the Jessops store, the guy said they were £100, and they didnt have them in stock, however if i went on the internet i can get it for £89 and have it delivered to their store. I had already seen it for £55 + Postage. I asked the Jessops sales person if he would price match this, and he imediatley said no, dissmissed it strat away and walked off. Now when i went in the camera centre accross the road, they had the bag for £89... and when i asked about a price match, he also replied no, however he said how much did you see it for. When i told him the price, he asked his boss, and we struck a deal. Now this is what i want. I dont want some half arsed bloke to dismiss what i say strait away, i really do prefere to buy from a shop, and since i have had this level of service with them, if i need anything again, i will be going to that shop first. So it does pay to have a look at what the high street offeres

Also with regard to the internet comment, there is nothing more pleasing than having felt a camea, or a piece of equipment, chatting to someone about it, then paying for it and comming out of the store with a bag full of goodies, no waiting time, no having to wait for the mail man to come around and drop parcels off, its there in your hand strait away, and if you ever do get a probelm, you are not on the phone to some Indian chat line, you can just go back to the store! What more can you want :)