Nikon Rumors Forum

where there’s smoke there’s forum fire

1. 

   Henry Nikon Fan
   

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   Here is an example of the sales tax issue. On B&H Photo the Nikon AF-S DX 17-55mm lens is $1,259.95 plus Los Angeles County sales tax of 9.75% equals an additional $122.85. Not to mention the fact that Samys Camera quoted me $1,399.95 for the lens plus $136.50 sales tax.

   Summary:

   B&H Photo Web Site $1,259.95 No Sales Tax and FREE SHIPPING

   Samys Camera $1,536.45 Including Sales Tax Shipping N/A

   This is a difference of $276.50 that I am not willing to pay to support a local merchant and I do not think that most other people are as well. This difference could be used for another low price lens.

   Samys Camera does from time to time have a no sales tax sale, but B&H Photo is still less cost on the lens it self.

   Posted 3 years ago #
2. 

   adamz
   

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   another example can be Nikon 300/2.8 - lowest price in Poland = 6 992,17 USD, B&H - 4,899.95 USD :) - plane ticket 556.00 USD - that means d300s for free :)

   Posted 3 years ago #
3. 

   ted2001
   

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   btw, just a note to anyone in California who shoots professionally and deducts their camera equipment on an IRS Form Schedule C. On your California reconciliation sheet you must add the sales tax for equipment purchased from out of state. If you depreciate or write-off (Sec. 179) the equipment, then the state can easily determine in an audit if you paid the sales tax. If you did not, they'll collect it with penalties.

   Posted 3 years ago #
4. 

   Henry Nikon Fan
   

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   That is just another reason why when my wife and I retire in a few more years we will be leaving California and returning to our roots in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

   Posted 3 years ago #
5. 

   5D Mark II
   

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   wow that's something good to know Ted!

   Posted 3 years ago #
6. 

   shivaswrath
   

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   My "local" store is Adorama, but I still buy online simply because I don't have to pay shipping or tax. . .when i want to "try" something out, I go into the city. . .I usually stay away from BH because they charge shipping on virtually everything, which annoys the hell outta me. . .

   BTW, everyone is forgetting the stores in Long Island and NJ: Calumet (in Amityville); Beach Camera/Buy Dig (in NJ); and AbesofMaine.com (in NJ).

   I have purchased from all of them, prices are competitive, and they are ALL Nikon authorized dealers so you get your USA warranty.

   BTW, you can get the D300s from abesofmaine.com for $1789 using the LOYALTY10 $10 discount, free shipping, and no tax. . .

   Posted 3 years ago #
7. 

   Henry Nikon Fan
   

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   I am sure that Adorama does offer more items with free shipping now, but B&H is currently offering free shipping on most of there Nikon lenses and I suspect others.

   The point being that with Adorama and B&H Photo the shipping cost is either free or limited at most which again makes them the place to purchase rather than local stores outside of New York City with higher prices and sales tax.

   Posted 3 years ago #
8. 

   kellenfreeman
   

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   It happens to be a huge issue in the SF Bay Area... all the camera stores around me (East Bay) consistently have 15-20% markups on their products compared to online retailers and that just makes all the difference in the world. Unfortunately, it's also the case that there aren't stores like Samy's in NorCal, that I've been able to find. I've been searching through stores in the city and there's absolutely nothing that even remotely compares to either the Samy's in LA or the Samy's in SB.

   Then the one decent store in Berkeley is just too expensive for me to really seriously considering buying anything there except maybe a UV filter here or there.

   Posted 3 years ago #
9. 

   Gentoo
   

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   Being from the east bay myself and having looked there when I vist, I know what you mean.

   Where in the east bay are you from?

   Posted 3 years ago #
10. 

    kellenfreeman
    

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    Berkeley, you? Find any reliable places?

    Posted 3 years ago #
11. 

    cbeck80@bellsouth.net
    

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    I just joined this forum and hope no one minds me jumping in here. I have brought from B&H and Adorama for several years now. Besides the lack of tax and free shipping many times, they are just easy to deal with, on line or over the phone.

    Some have mentioned the personal touch of dealing locally. I have found that using the several forums I belong to provide much more expertise than I could ever get from a clerk in a store. Many of the people of these forums are not only professional, but expert in the cameras, lenses and any other matter you could possibly have a question about.

    Carl

    Posted 3 years ago #
12. 

    New Fanboy
    

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    Through the years, I've had less than desirable experiences -- most small issues, some not so small -- with chain stores, mail-order retailers, online retailers, Ebay sellers and mom-and-pop retailers. There's good and bad to be found in each category, and good and bad people under the same roof sometimes.

    But in the past couple of years, I've never had a problem with an order from a major online retailer.

    I think that's because I've severely narrowed down my choices using independent ratings sites. I also don't buy from sites that charge restocking fees or that have a history of hassling customers on returns.

    I don't buy anything significant unless I've read reviews on the products. I read customer reviews for each product.

    If you shop by price alone, you're going to get burned.

    Posted 3 years ago #
13. 

    HUeMAN
    

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    Buying online is almost always going to be less expensive. Local stores typically don't have the volume as online retailers and they usually have more overhead. It's nice to buy locally and I usually try, no matter what I'm shopping for, but sometimes you just can't make yourself do it. At the same time, I personally feel that it's just plain wrong to go into a local store and take a 'knowledgeable' salesperson's time if you know you aren't interested or willing to buy from the store. That person's time is valuable and he needs to be working with someone who appreciates that his knowledge of a product adds value to the product, making it worthwhile to spend more. I'm speaking as someone who has owned retail establishments. If you are an electrician, do you want to spend an hour with someone who just wants to 'pick your brain' and then go do the job himself? I don't think so. You would tell him the he needs to do his research online of in school, that your knowledge has cost you time, effort and money. That same applies to ANY field of expertise whether it is a doctor, plumber or whatever. Just my 2 cents and I'm happy to be a new forum member. I hope to learn a ton from some of you guys who are here to share, as I am. And I love my new D300S!

    Posted 3 years ago #
14. 

    Gentoo
    

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    kellenfreeman:

    YOU ARE NOW MY FAVORITE PERSON ON HERE! I am originally from Berkeley myself! Still love it even though is has it's issues but what place doesn't. I grew up on Oregon Street.

    I live in San Diego now. I miss the east bay.

    Posted 3 years ago #
15. 

    New Fanboy
    

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    HUeMAN: One of the reasons I tend to stay away from the local retailers on camera equipment is because I don't want to take up their time and not buy anything.

    There's value in shopping locally. If the local shops could match or come close to the online stores, I'd feel more comfortable in going there. I usually end up buying something if I go in and take up their time, if they're nice.

    On the other hand, I don't feel guilty at all about going into Best Buy, where one of the sales guys recently told me "Sony just bought the Nikkor lens corporation, so now their lenses are as good as Nikon's."

    Posted 3 years ago #
16. 

    HUeMAN
    

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    Fanboy, it has been my experience at Best Buy that in general the employees are pretty much clueless in regards to facts. On the other hand, the ones I've encountered are pretty good at making up the facts as they want you to know them. As far as looking and putting my hands on items, I too don't have a problem doing it at Best Buy. I actually don't have a big problem with doing it in most places but I'm not going to monopolize a real salesperson's time if I know I'm not going to spend my money there. Where I live though, there is no such thing as a camera store so the point is moot here. I bought my D300s based on information gained in forums on the D300, which I had never laid hands on either.

    Posted 3 years ago #
17. 

    shivaswrath
    

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    You know, I work with this one guy at Adorama who makes it a personal experience for me - Fred. Honestly, I guess I get the best, as I'm able to see them in person and just call him up if I need anything at a competitive price (he loves haggling). . .

    Posted 3 years ago #
18. 

    kellenfreeman
    

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    Hahah, Gentoo.

    The only place I've found for good photography stuff is the Looking Glass. My god are they helpful, but also just so damned expensive. I've forced myself to buy a few things there (UV filters, a slingpack) but I don't think I could take the extra hit in my wallet to buy anything like an expensive lens or a camera.

    I think the nicest thing about those kinds of stores is actually more than just the knowledgeable people (if I wanted knowledgeable people, I'd consult a forum like this one), it's actually that I can handle a product before I buy it. I made sure to hold the D90 and shoot a few shots before I bought one.

    Posted 3 years ago #
19. 

    NikoDoby
    

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    I think it's very rude to go into a local camera store, ask to see everything behind glass, and then walk out and buy online. I always buy my camera bodies in person because:
    1) when I buy gear I tend to spend a lot and I want to make sure what I'm buying is exactly what I need.
    2) the convenience of returning an item if it's defective or something's not right with it.
    3) being able to haggle a bit and sometimes getting a discount or freebies on additional gear

    Now I'm talking about small dedicated camera stores not places like Best Buy. I've seen plenty local shops close because of online competition. Yes the prices are cheaper but I don't mind paying "a little more" for local customer care. I do buy all the things I can't find locally online, mainly film and darkroom supplies or specific filters or smaller items.

    Posted 3 years ago #
20. 

    kyoshinikon
    

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    As to Samy's My D90 was cheaper there than at Adaroma, B&H, Calumet, Best Buy, Fry's, and Valencia Camera... And I had it right then too.

    Posted 3 years ago #
21. 

    AaronFoto
    

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    I always give my local store a chance to compete. I'm up front with them and say what the price is elsewhere and give them a chance to match it. Usually the prices from B&H are right around their cost so they can't usually do it. They did come close enough on my 50mm 1.4 and sb-800 to make it worth the convenience to purchase at their store.

    Posted 3 years ago #
22. 

    aslightdelay
    

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    Here's how I see it: if I just want to see/play with/get a feel for something, I'll go to Best Buy. Their sales staff are, with pitifully few exceptions, comically incompetent (there's got to be something in their training materials that says if you don't know the answer to something, just make it up).

    While I understand the temptation of online, I'd rather stay local. Then again, I guess I'm spoiled. Besides being able to go into any of the Manhattan spots, Unique Photo is in spitting distance, as well as a handful of spots elsewhere in Jersey. I like supporting local places even if it means paying a bit extra, though I've noticed it doesn't always. Besides, if you have a question on your product, would you rather ask a person that knows what they're talking about, or a "Vine Voice" who farms their reviews out to someone else?

    Dunno, maybe it's just me...

    Posted 2 years ago #
23. 

    pher
    

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    Looking Glass in Berkeley is where we go to get our film developed. They always do an amazing job.

    I've only bought one lens (35 1.8 when it came out) and it wasn't marked up. I'll probably go there to buy my D95 when it comes out.

    Posted 2 years ago #
24. 

    SkintBrit
    

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    After a 20 year absence from photograpy, I decided to get back into it again. I made a shopping list for the equipment I wanted to buy, about $10,000 worth, and faxed/emailed it through to about 20 national and local stores, asking them to come back to me with their best price. Half didn't reply, 9 said that the prices they advertise in the magazines were already their best prices, and couldn't give me any further discount........Only 1 came back to me and said "can you pop into the store, and I'll see what deal I can knock up". I went there (fortunately it was one of my most local dealers), and he gave me 10%. I was hoping for more (I have no idea of the margin they work on?) but $1000 was better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick! The manager gave me his HOME email address and phone No, and said to give him first option on any more equipment I might want. Isn't this what all shops should do? I have bought several items from him since that original purchase, sometimes he beats the best price I can find elsewhere (including Internet prices), sometimes he gets close (in which case he gets the business), sometimes he has to admit defeat. Neither of us takes any offence if we can't do a deal with each other, but we always try. In my opinion he's a great businessman, and I think I'm a good customer, who tries to be loyal.

    Posted 2 years ago #
25. 

    tcole1983
    

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    When I started looking for my Nikon I went to the local places. Best buy was first just to check out the cameras and hold them without someone bugging me really. I obviously knew they wouldn't have much information anyway. Then I went to the local places. The first and only place that was really by my house was somewhat useless and only had 2 Nikon bodies and the kit lenses. I did get a chance to try out some of the other brand cameras I had been considering and made up my mind on the D5000, but the prices were sky high at the place. The store wasn't competitive at all. With sales tax I would have paid ~$300 more then I got online. I since bought all my stuff online.

    When I was looking at buying a new fast lens I looked again and found a different local shop. The place was big, but it wasn't a chain or anything. I went once to look and then home to do some research more on the lenses they had available and then came back and actually purchased a lens (I had forgot about the tax of $70 on the lens). Now the prices were about retail that I had found online but the tax was killer. I also disliked the way I was treated. Both times the people helping me seemed very impatient and annouyed or something that I was there asking about the stuff. I was spending almost $800 on the lens and they still seemed like they had something better to do. I think I got better service at Best Buy and really service is the only thing that should keep a local place in business at all.

    Anyway the service really turned me off and I returned the lens the next day and won't go back. Now I am stuck shopping online...I save money (if nothing else the sales tax), but I don't get to handle it before I buy which makes me a little sad.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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