What a scam. . .

I went to the local mom and pop camera store(not ritz). and what did I find. They had the same eBay remote flash triggers there for $129.99. The exact same ones. Identicle. I couldn't believe it. I didn't say anything, but wow, I hope nobody buys from them.

Know how you feel about that sort of thing.... it does seem like a rip. But then unfortunatley that's what it takes for a lot of the little ma and pa places to stay in business. You pay a premium up front for something that's overpriced, but then many of these places have expertise, knowledge and a high level of advice that you'll never find on ebay.

oh man! that sucks!

But you know what, the sad truth is that alot of people wont do research on prices or even ebay, as obvious it may sound its the truth.

As for the shop, its tough, i guess you have to make ends meet, not sure where i stand on that.

Did I miss the ebay price?

donlavange wrote in post #2902434
Did I miss the ebay price?

Usually around $20-30 USD.

I'm curious to know if there is any warranty or FCC compliance statement in the store-bought devices.

pakololo wrote in post #2902420
oh man! that sucks!

But you know what, the sad truth is that alot of people wont do research on prices or even ebay, as obvious it may sound its the truth..

Some people don't even do research on items they are buying from ebay. I just bought some CF cards and while doing my own price research I saw that several people bought the same cards using the "buy it now" option for twice the price of other "buy it now" prices from more reputable sellers, too. I just don't get it. Some people seem to do everything they can to get rid of their money.

Curtis N wrote in post #2902565
I'm curious to know if there is any warranty or FCC compliance statement in the store-bought devices.

I thought about that when I left the store. I know that the 433mHz is illegal in the US, but I don't see people actually getting caught. This place is rediculously expensive for stuff. I looked at a lens there that at Adorama was $330, and at Ritz it was $400, this store was $475. I couldn't believe it. I would think they wouldn't sell anything for their prices. Ocassionally they have something reasonably priced, but it is usually the small stuff.

alien bees sell the same wireless one as well, for like 130 bucks.

sapearl wrote in post #2902394
Know how you feel about that sort of thing.... it does seem like a rip. But then unfortunatley that's what it takes for a lot of the little ma and pa places to stay in business. You pay a premium up front for something that's overpriced, but then many of these places have expertise, knowledge and a high level of advice that you'll never find on ebay.

You are so right!
Theres a place in Chicago, Marquette Photo, where the prices are a lil higher then say B&H or Calumet Photo
But the man Joe behind the counter is just a fountain of information for me!
So I'll buy some gear from him and pay then price for the lessons i've learned there!

most camera stores are higher priced than the online guys, that is why there aren't many around.. its a shame...for them, but great for the consumer...just like the whole Walmart Vs. ma and Pa's hardware, deli, coffee shop! Its a $$ driven world out there, and as hard as it is to make, would you wanna spend more for something you can get for almost half price elsewhere? Its kinda sad that you cant just go to the store and get a new lens but, unless you have the extra scratch, your better off buying it on line!

I doubt that the Ma & Pa store paid $7.50 for theirs...or even $20, so how could they match the E-bay price? I'd also be interested if these were certified to be sold in the US.

Big Mike wrote in post #2907797
I..... I'd also be interested if these were certified to be sold in the US.

Just a hunch.... but I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't.

Although a small item, my local store sells daylight and 3200 bulbs for $9.99 CDN.

I can drive for 10 minutes down the road (Kingsway) into burnaby and buy them for $4.99

That is DOUBLE the price for a damn lightbulb. I know the other store is making money, but my local guys buy from the SAME supplier. That extra $5 is just pure gravy.

These same retailers share another product. A little Canon gadget bag that I like to use as my summer walkaround as a backpack gets too hot. It's the Lowepro EX 180. cheap store has them for $25 CDN. Local store has them for $69.95.

This same local store is right beside the largest drug store chain in Western Canada (London Drugs). LD has a nice photo department. Lots of Chinese stuff, Canon prices are wacky but the photfnishing is state of the art. My 24x36 prints on their best archival paper are $29.95. Next door at mental price outlet they was $59.95 for a 24x36 print.

This store has been in business for years, they sell on ebay and the stro usually has 3-4 people in it while I'm there. SOMETHING keeps them in business.

Go figure, the local Chain store here in Edmonton has some of the highest prices around...but they are doing very well. They have a price match policy, which is the only reason I buy anything there at all. I'm guessing that only a small percentage of their customers regularly use the price match to get a lower price.