[Leica] Let's Hold the Future at Bay a Tad Longer

[lea at whinydogpress.com (lea)]

Speaking of independents...I have much family in the Seattle area and
when there I always try my darndest to get to Glazer's. They are what a
camera store should be, in my opinion. Lots of stuff to play with, lots
of stock on hand and lots of knowledgable sales staff. Big enough to
have what you need but small enough to care about the customer. I've
bought from them and had it shipped simply because I know them from my
visits and enjoy doing business with 'the little guys.'

The trend, at least what I'm seeing in KC, is for our local independents
to cater to the digital crowd (of which I am a member) and try to beat
out Best Buy, Costco and Sam's with good service. It's a good tactic and
it works but for those of us deeper into photography than just needing a
new media card or upgrading our point and shoots, it falls far short.

I have photography in my blood...I love a good camera shop where there's
lots to see and touch and play with. Our local shops are good in a pinch
but leave me wanting sooooo much more. Who can blame them? They have
bills to pay and need to keep in stock those things that sell.

One thing I never do is go to a local shop, pump the help for
information and demonstrations of equipment then buy on-line to save a
few bucks. Many folks do it but to me that's just not nice.

Lea


----- Original Message -----
From: "B. D. Colen" <bdcolen@earthlink.net>
To: "'Leica Users Group'" <lug@leica-users.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2004 8:50 AM
Subject: RE: [Leica] Let's Hold the Future at Bay a Tad Longer


> Yes, waiting around at B&H can be a pain - but the prices aren't. I'm
> willing to put up with the wait to save significant money - even more
> significant if you're purchasing over the internet or by phone,
because
> you eliminate the obscene NYC/NYS sales tax. I've literally never had
a
> problem with an on-line order from B&H, and have found that their
> standard UPS gets to me within 24-48 hours.
>
> I understand the wanting to support the little shoppe on the corner -
> and I make a point of buying books from my independent book store. But
> there's a big difference between paying an extra five bucks to get a
> book right away and support the local folks, and paying an extra 50 or
> even a couple hundred on photo equipment. I don't find that local
places
> give me any more "support" than a places such as B&H or KEH, and they
> certainly don't give me any better quality. Yes, it's nice to go in
and
> leisurely play with equipment or schmooze with some guy behind the
> counter - but not only am I not willing to pay more than a few bucks
for
> the priviledge - I can't afford to.
>
> B. D.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: lug-bounces+bdcolen=earthlink.net@leica-users.org
> [mailto:lug-bounces+bdcolen=earthlink.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf
Of
> Robert Palmieri
> Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2004 12:28 AM
> To: lug@leica-users.org
> Subject: [Leica] Let's Hold the Future at Bay a Tad Longer
>
>
> All -
>
> Been away from the desk for a few weeks; the first item I feel
compelled
> to comment on involves this past one, which was spent in Manhattan.
>
> Tried to go see Rich at Photovillage; no answer on the phone,
> appparently he's closed the shop for awhile.
>
> Went to Tamarkin; very good treatment and stock, prices I hope are
> negotiable, although I didn't try because they didn't have anything on
> my current wish list.
>
> B&H - I couldn't even get through the door without getting the
> impression that they see live customers as more of a headache than
> anything else.  Security, mandatory bag check, immense lines to get
> admitted or checked out.  I passed on this place.
>
> I'm really glad that I already own just about everything I need in the
> Leica world; the odd piece here and there seems to come up among the
> online folks when I'm looking for it.
>
> Bob Palmieri
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