Price Gouging...

I though my fellow photogs might appreciate me sharing my most recent purchase experience...

I typically purchase via the internet but some things are just better to buy in a store. That being said; I've been shopping for a new shoulder bag for a few weeks now... I have my eye on the Lowepro Stealth Reporter 400 but seem to always miss it when it's in stock at the Pasadena, CA Samy's.

So I was on their website last night and found a couple of items that I wanted to buy (other then the bag) and made plans to stop by this morning. I walk in the door and go directly to the bags. I dont see the 400 but I see the 550 (bigger) but I'm kinda confused because the price on the bag says $175... I remember seeing the 400 @ $99 and the 550 just a few ($10-$15) dollars higher. So with a confused look on my face I walk over to one of the counter guys and ask him if the price on the bag is correct? He looks it up and spins the monitor around to show me and indeed it was...

I grab my BlackBerry and go to their website, look up the bag and I show the guy and he says, "That's weird". I said yeah... why would you price the bag @ $109.99 on the website but charge $174.99 for your walk in customers? He said, "I'll do it for $109" and he did and I bought it but what a joke! Gouge the unsuspecting customers... that's not right!

Funny things is now you go to the site and the same bag is $129.99

That's always been my biggest complaint against Samy's. Their in store prices are always higher than their online prices. That's why I like Canoga Camera, their pricing is the same in store as it is online. Have you tried Powell camera in Covina? Their pricing is high on gear but their bag pricing seems to be pretty competitive.

thats how samys run their business. their online price is cheaper than in store price.

Here's another vote for Canoga Camera. Store prices match their web prices if you but over about $60 worth of stuff.... that's never been a problem for me.

They actually have a disclaimer for it somewhere on their website. It basically states something to the affect of having to cover the costs of overhead (most likely the salesperson's commission) which is why the prices are higher in store. You can still get a decent deal if you know your prices a head of time and are willing to negotiation with them in a sense. My only beef with Samy's has been their sales person, whom I have yet to receive any great or even decent customer service from even with high dollar items.

duckiller01 wrote in post #9965711
I though my fellow photogs might appreciate me sharing my most recent purchase experience...

I typically purchase via the internet but some things are just better to buy in a store. That being said; I've been shopping for a new shoulder bag for a few weeks now... I have my eye on the Lowepro Stealth Reporter 400 but seem to always miss it when it's in stock at the Pasadena, CA Samy's.

So I was on their website last night and found a couple of items that I wanted to buy (other then the bag) and made plans to stop by this morning. I walk in the door and go directly to the bags. I dont see the 400 but I see the 550 (bigger) but I'm kinda confused because the price on the bag says $175... I remember seeing the 400 @ $99 and the 550 just a few ($10-$15) dollars higher. So with a confused look on my face I walk over to one of the counter guys and ask him if the price on the bag is correct? He looks it up and spins the monitor around to show me and indeed it was...

I grab my BlackBerry and go to their website, look up the bag and I show the guy and he says, "That's weird". I said yeah... why would you price the bag @ $109.99 on the website but charge $174.99 for your walk in customers? He said, "I'll do it for $109" and he did and I bought it but what a joke! Gouge the unsuspecting customers... that's not right!

Funny things is now you go to the site and the same bag is $129.99

What is not right about it?

They are in business to make money. The market always takes care of itself, as you showed you got your price.

Can you haggle the checkout cart online?
No, but you got a good deal in store.

Samy's is okay when they have their "no tax" sales. They have room to come down on the price on most of their accessories. However, I only feel comfortable with one of their salesmen. The others seem to pressure you like you're wasting their time if you ask questions. One salesman talked to me about the 85 1.8 for about 20 minutes before I bought it...and the store was already technically closed.

Powell's in Covina is smaller but very friendly. They'll answer any questions and don't pressure you at all. Their prices are obviously more than online stores, but worth it for the customer service.

Canoga Camera is great, but too far for me. Their prices are very competitive against the other online stores. If they didn't charge tax, I'd shop here exclusively.

For Lowepro bags, the best place to buy is either
SellnSend or Avid Outfitters -- both on Ebay. You will get the lowest prices with no tax and free shipping and Bing Cashback of 8-10%. Shipping time averages 4-5 days by FedEx.

mikeassk wrote in post #9968109
What is not right about it?

They are in business to make money. The market always takes care of itself, as you showed you got your price.

Can you haggle the checkout cart online?
No, but you got a good deal in store.

Yep. There is no such thing as price gouging. The buyer always sets the price in a free market, unless the government steps in and sets the prices.

polobreaka wrote in post #9966264
thats how samys run their business. their online price is cheaper than in store price.

Best Buy is the same way. They will match their on-line price if you ask.

Pinto wrote in post #9977517
Best Buy is the same way. They will match their on-line price if you ask.

As will H.H. Gregg