What is wrong with Samy's camera

If I am in the wrong section please move this thread

So yesterday I went to Samy's Camera store and tried to trade my 50 l 1.2 in for the 85 1.2 mark ii. Guess what they gave me $600 for my very sharp 50l 1.2. Come on now, I would take 900 for it but not 600. So I listed on Craigslist and sold it for $1,200 today. Now that is not the end of the story guys. Again stupid me, I called Samy's today after selling my 50L, wanting to buy their 85 1.2 mark ii. I ask them if they are willing to price match B and H, which listed at $1859. They said "No. It will have to be $1969 plus tax. It is below our cost to sell it at $1859". I said "Ok you have a good day" and hanged up.

So I called Calumet Photographic and they said "ok we will do it for $1859 plus tax which is $2020". After work I picked one up from them and now I am a very happy guy but mad at the same time at Samy's Camera. I can tell you guys one thing, I will never go back to Samy's again.

For those who wonders why I did not buy from B and H, three thigs. I have cash in hand, don't like to wait for thing to ship across the country and I like to support my state and county. Now I feel better and sorry for the long post.

I fail to understand your issue. You were free to buy and sell with a vendor of your choosing, which you apparently did.

Unregistered.Coward wrote in post #13696343
I fail to understand your issue. You were free to buy and sell with a vendor of your choosing, which you apparently did.

My point is to stay away from Samy's camera if your guys want a better deal. As simple as that.

Does Samy's still try to sell stuff at a higher price in-store than on their own web site?

mike_d wrote in post #13696370
Does Samy's still try to sell stuff at a higher price in-store than on their own web site?

Yes. They wanted MSRP without rebates.

No outfit will give you what your lens is worth in trade in. Half of it's value is quite typical. The advantage is that it is quick and painless.

Most brick and mortar shops don't have great prices. You purchase from them so you have a place to drive to if something goes wrong...

wrxrocks wrote in post #13696386
Yes. They wanted MSRP without rebates.

I understand that they're trying to have lower prices online to compete with the rest of the Internet. Still, I think its silly when a store won't match their own price when you're standing in front of them with cash in hand. If they're going to make someone shop online to get a better price, the customer is more likely to go elsewhere online for an even lower price.

mike_d wrote in post #13696413
I understand that they're trying to have lower prices online to compete with the rest of the Internet. Still, I think its silly when a store won't match their own price when you're standing in front of them with cash in hand. If they're going to make someone shop online to get a better price, the customer is more likely to go elsewhere online for an even lower price.

That does seem kinda silly. They complain about how internet sales are hurting the brick and mortar stores and they are sabatoging their own retail sales outlet with their lower internet prices. And refusing to match their own online prices seems just a bit absurd.

WRX... I know exactly what you mean. I sometimes go to Samy's just to window shop. Frankly, the LA store is so busy with Hollywood types so I don't think they're hurting. And again, depends who you talk to because I have negotiated prices of some accessories. Calumet is a good shop, but their selection are so limited.

Sammy's is the very best camera store in my home town for browsing. I may pick up a small item there such a filter or some small accessory but when it comes to bodies, lenses etc. I pretty much stick with Adorama, or B&H.

I can wait a couple days to save a few hundred dollars.

Samy's is good for things like Think Tank stuff that's the exact same price everywhere. The OC store had a pretty good selection but I was in there recently and it looks like they've moved stuff around and cut back on their stock. I was really hoping to get a look at the Retro30 since I'm thinking of upgrading from my 10.

I fail to understand the problem. Samy's quoted you a price that you didn't like, and you went elsewhere. What's the problem?

wrxrocks wrote in post #13696328
...I like to support my state and county...

All you're doing is encouraging them! Cut it out!

argyle wrote in post #13698185
I fail to understand the problem. Samy's quoted you a price that you didn't like, and you went elsewhere. What's the problem?

I don't have any problem. I got what I wanted. I just want to warn the consumers out there there are better options and better ways to get the best for your gears and money. After all we in information era, and information is powerful.

wrxrocks wrote in post #13698550
I don't have any problem. I got what I wanted. I just want to warn the consumers out there there are better options and better ways to get the best for your gears and money. After all we in information era, and information is powerful.

I think the vast majority of folks on this forum already know that...its called "shopping around".