Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/09/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Buzz, Yes, if your premium is only the 5% tax, then it is no contest. I also like to support my local retailers, but besides a recent Crumpler bag purchase, the premium is just too great. An example from non-Leica land: I am looking for a 17-40mm Canon L zoom. I can buy it from B&H for $679 plus shipping plus Dutch VAT, a total of around 700 Euro. Or I can buy it from a Dutch or German online store for around 750 Euro including shipping and VAT. Or I can buy it from a friendly local retailer for 900 Euro! For a saving of 150 Euro I think I will go the online route. Nathan Buzz Hausner wrote: > I find that my local shops charge the exact same amount as the mail > order and on-line guys...even for Leica gear...with the exceptions that > I do pay 5% sales tax but do not pay shipping. For my 5% premium, I get > to make every transaction face to face with someone I know and trust, > who will spend ample time answering all of my questions, and whom I know > will work hard for my business. On the rare occasions when I have had a > problem with a major purchase (the loose head that plagued spherical 21 > Elmarits), my guy took the items back, no questions asked, and replaced > them the same day with a smile and a handshake. > > I do not shop mail-order but, again, I am fortunate to live someplace > with an abundance of trusty resources. It will be a sad day, indeed, > when those local dealers are gone. > > Buzz > -- Nathan Wajsman Almere, The Netherlands General photography: http://www.nathanfoto.com Seville photography: http://www.fotosevilla.com