B&H pricing vs local store price on 70-200 2.8

I am about to spring for the 70-200 2.8 IS and was going to buy it local but they have it for 1875.00 minus the 125 rebate. B&H has the same lens for 1574.00
after rebate so it's a no brainer there's $300 difference. I asked if they would match that but I seriously doubt it.
I'd like to support the local store but they need to be a little more competitive I think.

Not to mention the hit on sales tax that you'll take...and which is probably more than the B&H shipping fees.

yep don't forget sales tax at 7% thats $131...the local camera shop by me wanted $899 for the canon 10-22 I paid $675 guess some people like getting ripped off

I would ask your local store. I bought a few things from my locals guys and they matched or came close to B & H.

Well, you can save an additional $17.05 or more. There are a few places like BuyDig and Beach offering the $1574 price with no shipping costs.

Chris G wrote in post #4497031
I would ask your local store. I bought a few things from my locals guys and they matched or came close to B & H.

I sent them an email to see if they would match and yes the shipping would be 18 bucks but like you said the tax would be another 130. Oh well, I'm sure Santa will be shopping at B&H lol.

gjl711 wrote in post #4497057
Well, you can save an additional $17.05 or more. There are a few places like BuyDig and Beach offering the $1574 price with no shipping costs.

Cool thanks for the heads up...

Bought the 70-200 2.8 IS Monday from B&H for $1488--shipped to Phoenix. New. Should be here tomorrow. Already drooling.

An email will not likely get you a match. Showing up at the store with cash in hand very well might.

Mark--check your PM's, I just sent you a PM.

irish1 wrote in post #4497149
Mark--check your PM's, I just sent you a PM.

Thanks for the info Irish!

You have to remember that many of the local shops (most actually) fall into one of two categories:

1) tiny mom n pop stores that order a couple of lenses at a time. They can't compete with a place like B&H that sells (and purchases) dozens of these lenses daily. In fact, many of these places buy their stuff for about what B&H sells it for.

2) big retail chains that have huge buying power, but are more interested in keeping their margins up than just moving boxes out the door. Store general managers get bonuses based on the margins they keep, so selling too close to cost on big ticket items is often a serious no-no.

I dont like the local camera stores. I get why they are more expensive, but they are just SOOO much more expensive.

I asked them to pricematch and they said they wont, but they would throw in a free class (~$50 worth) when I was buying my 30D. They wanted $300 more for it!

Fyerfytr wrote in post #4496918
I'd like to support the local store but they need to be a little more competitive I think.

You should support the store that gives the lowest price & best service.

Often the rationale for buying local is better service and that is largely myth .. local stores (the Mom & Pop sized, not the big box stores) often have inconsistent or restrictive return policies.

If needed returning a lens to B&H is usually easier than returning a lens to the local store.

In most states with a sales tax, failing to collect the sales tax on internet orders and pay it yourself on your state income tax form when filing amounts to tax evasion.

I realize people tend to follow this rule about as closely as they obey the speed limit, but it should be noted that B&H does not technically enjoy a sales tax advantage in most states.