Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/05/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I find the local dealers are willing to spend the time to develope your business. whereas buying mail-order, a good many times, all you get is the fast sell, don't bother me for additional info or recommendations type of sale. I would rather spend my money where I get excellent service over the quick sell just to save a couple of bucks. Of course these days I have no choice, as I have to drive 4+ hours to get to a Leica dealer. So I choose the mail order shop that gives me the best service, such as Kit or Rich etc. Gene |---------+--------------------------------------------------------> | | "B. D. Colen" <bdcolen@earthlink.net> | | | Sent by: | | | lug-bounces+grduprey=rockwellcollins.com@leic| | | a-users.org | | | | | | | | | 05/03/2004 09:12 AM | | | Please respond to Leica Users Group | | | | |---------+--------------------------------------------------------> >-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | To: "'Leica Users Group'" <lug@leica-users.org> | | cc: | | Subject: RE: [Leica] photo dealers on the LUG | >-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| I'm all for supporting local dealers - the problem, however, is that doing so often becomes a charitable exercise, given price differentials between the local dealers and a place like B&H for new equipment, and KEH or the like for used. It's one thing to pay a few bucks extra when what you need is a last-minute couple rolls of film, camera strap, or a few batteries - but when the stakes rise.... 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 grduprey@rockwellcollins.com Sent: Monday, May 03, 2004 10:12 AM To: lug@leica-users.org Subject: RE: [Leica] photo dealers on the LUG I will have to echo Kits words here. A dealer who spends the time to create a customer is by far the most important part of the purchase. I also prefer to support local dealers when possible. Unfortunately here in Small Town USA - Cedar Rapids, I have no Leica Dealer, My wife likes that part of living here ;-). When I went to purchase my M6TTL I did not know of Kit or Rich and purchased it from Calumet, they had the equipment. Since then I found the LUG and along with it I found Kit and Rich, and several others. I have purchased form Rich, and I'm sure I will buy from Kit at some time in the future. Both have spent the time helping me with various items and are at the top of my list for future purchases. Gene |---------+--------------------------------------------------------> | | "Kit McChesney" <kitmc@acmefoto.com> | | | Sent by: | | | lug-bounces+grduprey=rockwellcollins.com@leic| | | a-users.org | | | | | | | | | 05/01/2004 11:34 AM | | | Please respond to Leica Users Group | | | | |---------+--------------------------------------------------------> >----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------| | | | To: "'Leica Users Group'" <lug@leica-users.org> | | cc: | | Subject: RE: [Leica] photo dealers on the LUG | >----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------| Brian et al-- Thanks for the note about dealers. I am one of those, and I would count myself among the ethical and helpful, and competitive in terms of pricing, within reasonable (and ethical) bounds. As for "cheap," that word makes me cringe. If "cheap" is the determining factor in making a purchasing decision, then "caveat emptor" should go along with it. You usually get exactly what you pay for. If you want "cheap," you'll probably get very little in terms of support, service, a close relationship with a dealer, and a dealer who will be around for the long haul. It is my daily experience that the Leica client usually is one who doesn't mind paying a fair price for the product. In fact, most of my clients will discourage me from doing too much wheeling and dealing, because it seems to cheapen (there's that ugly word "cheap" again) the relationship. They know that paying a fair price supports the dealer who has helped them to understand and use the product, and will be there down the line, in the long haul, to support him or her when the time comes. Fully half of my clients are first-time Leica buyers, and they appreciate that I am able to spend lots of time (hours and hours on the phone, and maybe weeks in making a decision) to help them figure out exactly what they need (and want!). Most of the really good authorized dealers who have been around for a long time follow this kind of business practice. Those who will only compete on price will have nothing to offer but "cheap," and probably not much else. Usually if it seems to good to be true, it probably is. Cheers! Kit (kitmc@acmefoto.com) -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+kitmc=acmefoto.com@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+kitmc=acmefoto.com@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Brian Reid Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2004 9:20 AM To: lug@leica-users.org Subject: [Leica] photo dealers on the LUG I'd like to remind LUGgers that there are several top-notch and reliable photo dealers on the LUG. For whatever reason (perhaps his location in Manhattan), Rich Pinto is the one we talk about the most, but there are others that, as far as I know, are as ethical and as helpful and as cheap. Yes, I know there are some dealers who use the LUG only to post for-sale announcements, but don't forget the ones who are among us and make contributions. _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information