Buying at local small shop for more $ or online @ better price

[mikeyj]

Hey guys, I'm shopping around for a canon digital cam and have found the model I want, (A710IS) but it costs 499.00, which is nearly $200 more than what I can get it for from an online shop. I really like the customer service and expertise of the local retailer, but the price is way off base in my opinion. Though I see big corporation retailers like office max selling the Canon S3 at $489.00 at the mall, which is kind of ridiculious, seeing as its on average $100 less basically everywhere including Sears. As much as Id like to purchase locally, and help a new small business, I'm not a wealthy guy, so I find it very difficult to spend the extra dough. Oh well, I just wondered what you guys have or do in the situation.

[ktixx]

Hey guys, I'm shopping around for a canon digital cam and have found the model I want, (A710IS) but it costs 499.00, which is nearly $200 more than what I can get it for from an online shop. I really like the customer service and expertise of the local retailer, but the price is way off base in my opinion. Though I see big corporation retailers like office max selling the Canon S3 at $489.00 at the mall, which is kind of ridiculious, seeing as its on average $100 less basically everywhere including Sears. As much as Id like to purchase locally, and help a new small business, I'm not a wealthy guy, so I find it very difficult to spend the extra dough. Oh well, I just wondered what you guys have or do in the situation.

Call me an awful person, but if I can get a better deal from an online (reputable) company, I will do it. There are certain people who pay the premium for small town shops, mostly because they get knowledge and advice from seasoned experts to help them with their decision. I am not someone who requires this kind of advice and therefore I only care about the bottom line.
Ken

[Riddick51]

Here's what happened to me.

I had to send my camera into the repair facility because I dropped it. They sent it back fixed with a new leica lens and lens mechanism after a $400 USD repair bill.
It stopped operating correctly. So I shipped it in to be fixed. They sent it back fixed.
New problem: shutter button stopped working correctly. Sent it back to repair facility.
Back to the repair facility with the camera. They sent back an email: The technician says there is water damage to the camera, warranty voided. Will be sending camera back to owner unrepaired if we don't hear anything about what you want done with it. My dad was pissed off I bought it on the net and was about to get screwed. He paid the $400 USD repair bill

To wrap the story up, after half-dozen phone calls, a business like email response written by my father (typed by me) owning them (he's worth many millions): they replace my Lumix FZ-20 (+$400 USD repairs) with the brand new '06 model FZ-50.

Basically, online they'll test you. Jack you up and see if you're communicating clearly what you expect is fair treatment. If they see you don't care, then they don't care either.

So the online purchase balanced out.

It just depends on what you want to deal with. Lots of phone call jockeying vs. walk-in store replacement. Although, I don't think you'd get the upgrade with the walk-in store replacement. There are advantages either way.

My dad was pretty fired up at the arrival of the FZ-50. He opened the box before I got to it. So that was good to see.

That would happen with any camera manufacturer, I would think.

[ktixx]

Here's what happened to me.

I had to send my camera into the repair facility because I dropped it. They sent it back fixed with a new leica lens and lens mechanism after a $400 USD repair bill.
It stopped operating correctly. So I shipped it in to be fixed. They sent it back fixed.
New problem: shutter button stopped working correctly. Sent it back to repair facility.
Back to the repair facility with the camera. They sent back an email: The technician says there is water damage to the camera, warranty voided. Will be sending camera back to owner unrepaired if we don't hear anything about what you want done with it. My dad was pissed off I bought it on the net and was about to get screwed. He paid the $400 USD repair bill

To wrap the story up, after half-dozen phone calls, a business like email response written by my father (typed by me) owning them (he's worth many millions): they replace my Lumix FZ-20 (+$400 USD repairs) with the brand new '06 model FZ-50.

Basically, online they'll test you. Jack you up and see if you're communicating clearly what you expect is fair treatment. If they see you don't care, then they don't care either.

So the online purchase balanced out.

It just depends on what you want to deal with. Lots of phone call jockeying vs. walk-in store replacement. Although, I don't think you'd get the upgrade with the walk-in store replacement. There are advantages either way.

My dad was pretty fired up at the arrival of the FZ-50. He opened the box before I got to it. So that was good to see.

That would happen with any camera manufacturer, I would think.

I have to say that while your experience is a great story of getting service that you deserve, it is not specific to internet purchasing. You will deal with frugal managers regardless of purchasing on the internet or from a brick and mortor store. I worked for a large retailer for many years and saw this time and time again.
Ken