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B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
Yes, Castle Photo of Lansing, in business for over 25 years, is closing its
doors. I did buy all my darkroom chemistry from them, but B&H and all the
rest (meaning Adorama and a couple others) can't be beat for most items,
including paper, even though it commands a premium in shipping 'cause it's
quite heavy. Castle Photo was a great resource, though (if you talked to
the right individuals), and I will miss them.
The one good thing to come out of this is great sale prices as they seek to
dump their inventory. I picked up a bunch of stuff there yesterday for
40-50% off, including this ballhead for my medium and large format
equipment:
* w w w .bhphotovideo . com /sitem/sku=272989&is=REG (cost me $75--they
normally charged $125 for it). Also, a couple filters, some photo paper,
two fidelity 4x5 holders, a strobo frame reflective light modifier, and a
couple other odds and ends. Paid $250 for what would have cost me $450 (at
their prices, anyway).
Yes, yes, I know--I'm part of the problem.
--
w w w .mattclara . com
Yes, Castle Photo of Lansing, in business for over 25 years, is closing its
doors. I did buy all my darkroom chemistry from them, but B&H and all the
rest (meaning Adorama and a couple others) can't be beat for most items,
including paper, even though it commands a premium in shipping 'cause it's
quite heavy. Castle Photo was a great resource, though (if you talked to
the right individuals), and I will miss them.
The one good thing to come out of this is great sale prices as they seek to
dump their inventory. I picked up a bunch of stuff there yesterday for
40-50% off, including this ballhead for my medium and large format
equipment:
* w w w .bhphotovideo . com /sitem/sku=272989&is=REG (cost me $75--they
normally charged $125 for it). Also, a couple filters, some photo paper,
two fidelity 4x5 holders, a strobo frame reflective light modifier, and a
couple other odds and ends. Paid $250 for what would have cost me $450 (at
their prices, anyway).
Yes, yes, I know--I'm part of the problem.
--
w w w .mattclara . com
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
Matt Clara wrote:
> Yes, Castle Photo of Lansing, in business for over 25 years, is
closing its
> doors. I did buy all my darkroom chemistry from them, but B&H and
all the
> rest (meaning Adorama and a couple others) can't be beat for most items,
> including paper, even though it commands a premium in shipping 'cause
it's
> quite heavy. Castle Photo was a great resource, though (if you
talked to
> the right individuals), and I will miss them.
>
> The one good thing to come out of this is great sale prices as they
seek to
> dump their inventory. I picked up a bunch of stuff there yesterday for
> 40-50% off, including this ballhead for my medium and large format
> equipment:
> * w w w .bhphotovideo . com /sitem/sku'2989&is=REG (cost me $75--they
> normally charged $125 for it). Also, a couple filters, some photo
paper,
> two fidelity 4x5 holders, a strobo frame reflective light modifier,
and a
> couple other odds and ends. Paid $250 for what would have cost me
$450 (at
> their prices, anyway).
> Yes, yes, I know--I'm part of the problem.
We're all part of the problem, but I don't think B&H is the culprit.
There is a general decline in the number of people who do darkroom work.
There is a general decline in the number of people who do prints at
the store. People are getting great (to them) photography from P&S
cameras and they can send the files to Wal*Merde and drugstore chains,
and others and pick up their $0.19 prints the next day... this after
doing whatever suits them in photoshop...
The two store/labs closest to me have closed, one was an E-6 processor.
A third store, a Nikon specialist, is now an "Apple Authorized Reseller"
and the Apple area of the store is about 2/3 of the customer walkin
area. They also process E-6. They do stock 120 negative but not 120 E6...
The times they are a changin and it is due to the internet, digital and
the fast paced lives that people live.
Cheers,
Alan
--
-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: * w w w .aliasimages . com /rpe35mmur.htm
-- r.p.d.slr-systems: * w w w .aliasimages . com /rpdslrsysur.htm
-- [SI] gallery & rulz: * w w w .pbase . com /shootin
-- e-meil: Remove FreeLunch.
Matt Clara wrote:
> Yes, Castle Photo of Lansing, in business for over 25 years, is
closing its
> doors. I did buy all my darkroom chemistry from them, but B&H and
all the
> rest (meaning Adorama and a couple others) can't be beat for most items,
> including paper, even though it commands a premium in shipping 'cause
it's
> quite heavy. Castle Photo was a great resource, though (if you
talked to
> the right individuals), and I will miss them.
>
> The one good thing to come out of this is great sale prices as they
seek to
> dump their inventory. I picked up a bunch of stuff there yesterday for
> 40-50% off, including this ballhead for my medium and large format
> equipment:
> * w w w .bhphotovideo . com /sitem/sku'2989&is=REG (cost me $75--they
> normally charged $125 for it). Also, a couple filters, some photo
paper,
> two fidelity 4x5 holders, a strobo frame reflective light modifier,
and a
> couple other odds and ends. Paid $250 for what would have cost me
$450 (at
> their prices, anyway).
> Yes, yes, I know--I'm part of the problem.
We're all part of the problem, but I don't think B&H is the culprit.
There is a general decline in the number of people who do darkroom work.
There is a general decline in the number of people who do prints at
the store. People are getting great (to them) photography from P&S
cameras and they can send the files to Wal*Merde and drugstore chains,
and others and pick up their $0.19 prints the next day... this after
doing whatever suits them in photoshop...
The two store/labs closest to me have closed, one was an E-6 processor.
A third store, a Nikon specialist, is now an "Apple Authorized Reseller"
and the Apple area of the store is about 2/3 of the customer walkin
area. They also process E-6. They do stock 120 negative but not 120 E6...
The times they are a changin and it is due to the internet, digital and
the fast paced lives that people live.
Cheers,
Alan
--
-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: * w w w .aliasimages . com /rpe35mmur.htm
-- r.p.d.slr-systems: * w w w .aliasimages . com /rpdslrsysur.htm
-- [SI] gallery & rulz: * w w w .pbase . com /shootin
-- e-meil: Remove FreeLunch.
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
Thats the problem with local shops they don't feel that they have to compete
with the places on the internet. A local store here closed up after nearly
50 years because they didn't feel they had to compete. They sold everything
at suggested retail, all sales were final even if a product was defective
they wanted you to deal with the maker, etc. I told them that they can do
that and stay in business and they couldn't now they are gone.
We have one more store here a Shutterbugs they charge suggested retail for
nearly everything, they too didn't have a return policy until I e-mailed
them and told them that without a return policy I would have to continue to
shop online so they now have a 15 day return policy though the stress that
it isn't to be used to buy something, test it out and then return it if you
don't like it. It is incase there is something wrong with the item
(defective).
It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always shop
online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this or they go
bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses this stupid.
This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we don't have to put up
with high priced local stores with poor customer policies, support and
before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if they can't keep up or are too
worried about the extra couple of bucks.
=(8)
Thats the problem with local shops they don't feel that they have to compete
with the places on the internet. A local store here closed up after nearly
50 years because they didn't feel they had to compete. They sold everything
at suggested retail, all sales were final even if a product was defective
they wanted you to deal with the maker, etc. I told them that they can do
that and stay in business and they couldn't now they are gone.
We have one more store here a Shutterbugs they charge suggested retail for
nearly everything, they too didn't have a return policy until I e-mailed
them and told them that without a return policy I would have to continue to
shop online so they now have a 15 day return policy though the stress that
it isn't to be used to buy something, test it out and then return it if you
don't like it. It is incase there is something wrong with the item
(defective).
It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always shop
online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this or they go
bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses this stupid.
This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we don't have to put up
with high priced local stores with poor customer policies, support and
before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if they can't keep up or are too
worried about the extra couple of bucks.
=(8)
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
In rec.photo.digital.slr-systems "=\(8\)" <nospam@nospam . com > wrote:
>Thats the problem with local shops they don't feel that they have to compete
>with the places on the internet. A local store here closed up after nearly
>50 years because they didn't feel they had to compete. They sold everything
>at suggested retail, all sales were final even if a product was defective
>they wanted you to deal with the maker, etc. I told them that they can do
>that and stay in business and they couldn't now they are gone.
>We have one more store here a Shutterbugs they charge suggested retail for
>nearly everything, they too didn't have a return policy until I e-mailed
>them and told them that without a return policy I would have to continue to
>shop online so they now have a 15 day return policy though the stress that
>it isn't to be used to buy something, test it out and then return it if you
>don't like it. It is incase there is something wrong with the item
>(defective).
>It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always shop
>online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this or they go
>bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses this stupid.
>This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we don't have to put up
>with high priced local stores with poor customer policies, support and
>before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if they can't keep up or are too
>worried about the extra couple of bucks.
I agree with you about what is going on, but I think you
miss something important. A dealer that can order 1000
of a given lens will get a better price than a dealer who
orders 5.
The local guys will always have higher prices than the volume
sellers.
That battle has, in my opinion, already been lost by the locals.
The next battle will be over delivery systems and buying from
the on-line store with the best reputations *and* the best
delivery systems.
--
--- Paul J. Gans
In rec.photo.digital.slr-systems "=\(8\)" <nospam@nospam . com > wrote:
>Thats the problem with local shops they don't feel that they have to compete
>with the places on the internet. A local store here closed up after nearly
>50 years because they didn't feel they had to compete. They sold everything
>at suggested retail, all sales were final even if a product was defective
>they wanted you to deal with the maker, etc. I told them that they can do
>that and stay in business and they couldn't now they are gone.
>We have one more store here a Shutterbugs they charge suggested retail for
>nearly everything, they too didn't have a return policy until I e-mailed
>them and told them that without a return policy I would have to continue to
>shop online so they now have a 15 day return policy though the stress that
>it isn't to be used to buy something, test it out and then return it if you
>don't like it. It is incase there is something wrong with the item
>(defective).
>It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always shop
>online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this or they go
>bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses this stupid.
>This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we don't have to put up
>with high priced local stores with poor customer policies, support and
>before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if they can't keep up or are too
>worried about the extra couple of bucks.
I agree with you about what is going on, but I think you
miss something important. A dealer that can order 1000
of a given lens will get a better price than a dealer who
orders 5.
The local guys will always have higher prices than the volume
sellers.
That battle has, in my opinion, already been lost by the locals.
The next battle will be over delivery systems and buying from
the on-line store with the best reputations *and* the best
delivery systems.
--
--- Paul J. Gans
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
Paul J Gans wrote:
> The local guys will always have higher prices than the volume
> sellers.
Yep!
> That battle has, in my opinion, already been lost by the locals.
> The next battle will be over delivery systems and buying from
> the on-line store with the best reputations *and* the best
> delivery systems.
Delivery real isn't a problem since venders like B&H, Adorama, and Cameta
have set the standards in this department. All three of these guys have my
stuff in my hands the next business day after placing an order.
Rita
Paul J Gans wrote:
> The local guys will always have higher prices than the volume
> sellers.
Yep!
> That battle has, in my opinion, already been lost by the locals.
> The next battle will be over delivery systems and buying from
> the on-line store with the best reputations *and* the best
> delivery systems.
Delivery real isn't a problem since venders like B&H, Adorama, and Cameta
have set the standards in this department. All three of these guys have my
stuff in my hands the next business day after placing an order.
Rita
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
In article <465868fe$0$14074$742ec2ed@news.sonic . net >, 8\
<nospam@nospam . com > wrote:
> It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always shop
> online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this or they go
> bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses this stupid.
> This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we don't have to put up
> with high priced local stores with poor customer policies, support and
> before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if they can't keep up or are too
> worried about the extra couple of bucks.
Well... if your local store charges list and didn't allow returns,
that's pretty extreme; BUT:
A small local camera store can never really compete on price. The
economics of purchasing and business expenses make it impossible.
They'll ALWAYS be higher, and must find ways to justify it; hopefully
ways that are cheaper than simply lowering the price.
This can be a better showroom, more knowledgeable employees; heck, even
a lounge/gallery with free coffee. All trying to win the customer's
business and loyalty.
And you know what? None of it means anything. Every year, customers pay
less and less attention to anything but the absolute lowest price. The
result is that the customer will never be able to handle cameras before
purchase, or ask questions after, because the local camera stores are
gone.
Does that make price conscious consumers part of a problem? Not really;
they're just voting for what kind of buying experience they want, and
will get.
Me, I wish it was otherwise, but my stores closed a long time ago. Much
as I loved the business, and honor the current survivors, the small
local camera store is a "dead business walking."
In article <465868fe$0$14074$742ec2ed@news.sonic . net >, 8\
<nospam@nospam . com > wrote:
> It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always shop
> online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this or they go
> bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses this stupid.
> This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we don't have to put up
> with high priced local stores with poor customer policies, support and
> before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if they can't keep up or are too
> worried about the extra couple of bucks.
Well... if your local store charges list and didn't allow returns,
that's pretty extreme; BUT:
A small local camera store can never really compete on price. The
economics of purchasing and business expenses make it impossible.
They'll ALWAYS be higher, and must find ways to justify it; hopefully
ways that are cheaper than simply lowering the price.
This can be a better showroom, more knowledgeable employees; heck, even
a lounge/gallery with free coffee. All trying to win the customer's
business and loyalty.
And you know what? None of it means anything. Every year, customers pay
less and less attention to anything but the absolute lowest price. The
result is that the customer will never be able to handle cameras before
purchase, or ask questions after, because the local camera stores are
gone.
Does that make price conscious consumers part of a problem? Not really;
they're just voting for what kind of buying experience they want, and
will get.
Me, I wish it was otherwise, but my stores closed a long time ago. Much
as I loved the business, and honor the current survivors, the small
local camera store is a "dead business walking."
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
"=(8)" <nospam@nospam . com > wrote in message
news:465868fe$0$14074$742ec2ed@news.sonic . net ...
> Thats the problem with local shops they don't feel that they have to
> compete with the places on the internet. A local store here closed up
> after nearly 50 years because they didn't feel they had to compete. They
> sold everything at suggested retail, all sales were final even if a
> product was defective they wanted you to deal with the maker, etc. I told
> them that they can do that and stay in business and they couldn't now they
> are gone.
>
> We have one more store here a Shutterbugs they charge suggested retail for
> nearly everything, they too didn't have a return policy until I e-mailed
> them and told them that without a return policy I would have to continue
> to shop online so they now have a 15 day return policy though the stress
> that it isn't to be used to buy something, test it out and then return it
> if you don't like it. It is incase there is something wrong with the item
> (defective).
>
> It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always shop
> online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this or they
> go bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses this
> stupid. This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we don't have
> to put up with high priced local stores with poor customer policies,
> support and before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if they can't keep
> up or are too worried about the extra couple of bucks.
>
>
Most small stores do not get the price breaks from the manufacturer that the
big online sellers get. That's why their prices are typically higher. It's
not because they don't care, or "get it".
Every business has a certain amount of fixed costs to cover: It costs XX
dollars to turn on the lights, have phones, pay property taxes, etc. If a
store sells one $500 camera a day, the profit from that camera has to cover
the fixed costs. If the store sells 10 $500 cameras a day, each camera's
profit only has to cover 1/10 of the fixed costs. It does not take ten times
as many employees to sell ten cameras as it takes to sell one. The big
online sellers have a larger customer base and can afford a smaller profit
on each sale.
"=(8)" <nospam@nospam . com > wrote in message
news:465868fe$0$14074$742ec2ed@news.sonic . net ...
> Thats the problem with local shops they don't feel that they have to
> compete with the places on the internet. A local store here closed up
> after nearly 50 years because they didn't feel they had to compete. They
> sold everything at suggested retail, all sales were final even if a
> product was defective they wanted you to deal with the maker, etc. I told
> them that they can do that and stay in business and they couldn't now they
> are gone.
>
> We have one more store here a Shutterbugs they charge suggested retail for
> nearly everything, they too didn't have a return policy until I e-mailed
> them and told them that without a return policy I would have to continue
> to shop online so they now have a 15 day return policy though the stress
> that it isn't to be used to buy something, test it out and then return it
> if you don't like it. It is incase there is something wrong with the item
> (defective).
>
> It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always shop
> online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this or they
> go bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses this
> stupid. This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we don't have
> to put up with high priced local stores with poor customer policies,
> support and before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if they can't keep
> up or are too worried about the extra couple of bucks.
>
>
Most small stores do not get the price breaks from the manufacturer that the
big online sellers get. That's why their prices are typically higher. It's
not because they don't care, or "get it".
Every business has a certain amount of fixed costs to cover: It costs XX
dollars to turn on the lights, have phones, pay property taxes, etc. If a
store sells one $500 camera a day, the profit from that camera has to cover
the fixed costs. If the store sells 10 $500 cameras a day, each camera's
profit only has to cover 1/10 of the fixed costs. It does not take ten times
as many employees to sell ten cameras as it takes to sell one. The big
online sellers have a larger customer base and can afford a smaller profit
on each sale.
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
Ken Hart wrote:
> "=(8)" <nospam@nospam . com > wrote in message
> news:465868fe$0$14074$742ec2ed@news.sonic . net ...
>> Thats the problem with local shops they don't feel that they have to
>> compete with the places on the internet. A local store here closed up
>> after nearly 50 years because they didn't feel they had to compete. They
>> sold everything at suggested retail, all sales were final even if a
>> product was defective they wanted you to deal with the maker, etc. I told
>> them that they can do that and stay in business and they couldn't now they
>> are gone.
>>
>> We have one more store here a Shutterbugs they charge suggested retail for
>> nearly everything, they too didn't have a return policy until I e-mailed
>> them and told them that without a return policy I would have to continue
>> to shop online so they now have a 15 day return policy though the stress
>> that it isn't to be used to buy something, test it out and then return it
>> if you don't like it. It is incase there is something wrong with the item
>> (defective).
>>
>> It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always shop
>> online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this or they
>> go bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses this
>> stupid. This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we don't have
>> to put up with high priced local stores with poor customer policies,
>> support and before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if they can't keep
>> up or are too worried about the extra couple of bucks.
>>
>>
>
> Most small stores do not get the price breaks from the manufacturer that the
> big online sellers get. That's why their prices are typically higher. It's
> not because they don't care, or "get it".
Harvard Camera (that had a thread a while ago in one of the groups I'm
in) once told me they paid more for that model slide projector than the
advertised price at Caldor, and I should definitely buy it there.
Ken Hart wrote:
> "=(8)" <nospam@nospam . com > wrote in message
> news:465868fe$0$14074$742ec2ed@news.sonic . net ...
>> Thats the problem with local shops they don't feel that they have to
>> compete with the places on the internet. A local store here closed up
>> after nearly 50 years because they didn't feel they had to compete. They
>> sold everything at suggested retail, all sales were final even if a
>> product was defective they wanted you to deal with the maker, etc. I told
>> them that they can do that and stay in business and they couldn't now they
>> are gone.
>>
>> We have one more store here a Shutterbugs they charge suggested retail for
>> nearly everything, they too didn't have a return policy until I e-mailed
>> them and told them that without a return policy I would have to continue
>> to shop online so they now have a 15 day return policy though the stress
>> that it isn't to be used to buy something, test it out and then return it
>> if you don't like it. It is incase there is something wrong with the item
>> (defective).
>>
>> It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always shop
>> online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this or they
>> go bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses this
>> stupid. This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we don't have
>> to put up with high priced local stores with poor customer policies,
>> support and before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if they can't keep
>> up or are too worried about the extra couple of bucks.
>>
>>
>
> Most small stores do not get the price breaks from the manufacturer that the
> big online sellers get. That's why their prices are typically higher. It's
> not because they don't care, or "get it".
Harvard Camera (that had a thread a while ago in one of the groups I'm
in) once told me they paid more for that model slide projector than the
advertised price at Caldor, and I should definitely buy it there.
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@dd-b . net > writes:
> Harvard Camera (that had a thread a while ago in one of the groups I'm in)
> once told me they paid more for that model slide projector than the
> advertised price at Caldor, and I should definitely buy it there.
And if memory serves they went out of business within the last year. It was
always somewhat sad when I went in there, where they didn't usually have stuff
that I wanted. So now, if I want to try stuff out or talk to a salesman, I
drive into Melrose to go to Hunts.
--
Michael Meissner
email: mrmnews@the-meissners.org
* w w w .the-meissners.org
David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@dd-b . net > writes:
> Harvard Camera (that had a thread a while ago in one of the groups I'm in)
> once told me they paid more for that model slide projector than the
> advertised price at Caldor, and I should definitely buy it there.
And if memory serves they went out of business within the last year. It was
always somewhat sad when I went in there, where they didn't usually have stuff
that I wanted. So now, if I want to try stuff out or talk to a salesman, I
drive into Melrose to go to Hunts.
--
Michael Meissner
email: mrmnews@the-meissners.org
* w w w .the-meissners.org
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
Michael Meissner wrote:
> David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@dd-b . net > writes:
>
>> Harvard Camera (that had a thread a while ago in one of the groups I'm in)
>> once told me they paid more for that model slide projector than the
>> advertised price at Caldor, and I should definitely buy it there.
>
> And if memory serves they went out of business within the last year. It was
> always somewhat sad when I went in there, where they didn't usually have stuff
> that I wanted. So now, if I want to try stuff out or talk to a salesman, I
> drive into Melrose to go to Hunts.
I was living in Hudson MA from 1981-1984, and used Harvard Camera then.
Back at that point they were looking fairly healthy. I've still got
the darkroom stuff I bought from them, including a 4x5 enlarger that
will probably never be set up again (I think we're past the point where
I can sell it to somebody who really wants to use it).
Michael Meissner wrote:
> David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@dd-b . net > writes:
>
>> Harvard Camera (that had a thread a while ago in one of the groups I'm in)
>> once told me they paid more for that model slide projector than the
>> advertised price at Caldor, and I should definitely buy it there.
>
> And if memory serves they went out of business within the last year. It was
> always somewhat sad when I went in there, where they didn't usually have stuff
> that I wanted. So now, if I want to try stuff out or talk to a salesman, I
> drive into Melrose to go to Hunts.
I was living in Hudson MA from 1981-1984, and used Harvard Camera then.
Back at that point they were looking fairly healthy. I've still got
the darkroom stuff I bought from them, including a 4x5 enlarger that
will probably never be set up again (I think we're past the point where
I can sell it to somebody who really wants to use it).
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@dd-b . net > writes:
> Michael Meissner wrote:
> > David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@dd-b . net > writes:
> >
> >> Harvard Camera (that had a thread a while ago in one of the groups I'm in)
> >> once told me they paid more for that model slide projector than the
> >> advertised price at Caldor, and I should definitely buy it there.
> > And if memory serves they went out of business within the last year. It was
> > always somewhat sad when I went in there, where they didn't usually have stuff
> > that I wanted. So now, if I want to try stuff out or talk to a salesman, I
> > drive into Melrose to go to Hunts.
>
> I was living in Hudson MA from 1981-1984, and used Harvard Camera then. Back at
> that point they were looking fairly healthy. I've still got the darkroom stuff
> I bought from them, including a 4x5 enlarger that will probably never be set up
> again (I think we're past the point where I can sell it to somebody who really
> wants to use it).
As this thread indicates, the 90's and 00's have not been friendly to the small
local stores. Both the convenience store on the first floor and Harvard camera
on the second floor have closed.
--
Michael Meissner
email: mrmnews@the-meissners.org
* w w w .the-meissners.org
David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@dd-b . net > writes:
> Michael Meissner wrote:
> > David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@dd-b . net > writes:
> >
> >> Harvard Camera (that had a thread a while ago in one of the groups I'm in)
> >> once told me they paid more for that model slide projector than the
> >> advertised price at Caldor, and I should definitely buy it there.
> > And if memory serves they went out of business within the last year. It was
> > always somewhat sad when I went in there, where they didn't usually have stuff
> > that I wanted. So now, if I want to try stuff out or talk to a salesman, I
> > drive into Melrose to go to Hunts.
>
> I was living in Hudson MA from 1981-1984, and used Harvard Camera then. Back at
> that point they were looking fairly healthy. I've still got the darkroom stuff
> I bought from them, including a 4x5 enlarger that will probably never be set up
> again (I think we're past the point where I can sell it to somebody who really
> wants to use it).
As this thread indicates, the 90's and 00's have not been friendly to the small
local stores. Both the convenience store on the first floor and Harvard camera
on the second floor have closed.
--
Michael Meissner
email: mrmnews@the-meissners.org
* w w w .the-meissners.org
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
"David Dyer-Bennet" <dd-b@dd-b . net > wrote in message
news:4659ec4a$0$272$8046368a@newsreader.iphouse . net ...
> Michael Meissner wrote:
>> David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@dd-b . net > writes:
>>
>>> Harvard Camera (that had a thread a while ago in one of the groups I'm
>>> in)
>>> once told me they paid more for that model slide projector than the
>>> advertised price at Caldor, and I should definitely buy it there.
>>
>> And if memory serves they went out of business within the last year. It
>> was
>> always somewhat sad when I went in there, where they didn't usually have
>> stuff
>> that I wanted. So now, if I want to try stuff out or talk to a salesman,
>> I
>> drive into Melrose to go to Hunts.
>
> I was living in Hudson MA from 1981-1984, and used Harvard Camera then.
> Back at that point they were looking fairly healthy. I've still got the
> darkroom stuff I bought from them, including a 4x5 enlarger that will
> probably never be set up again (I think we're past the point where I can
> sell it to somebody who really wants to use it).
>
I really want to use it, David--I'm following several on Ebay right now.
Please contact me off list, if you'd like to continue the conversation:
mattclara (at) mattclara . com
--
w w w .mattclara . com
"David Dyer-Bennet" <dd-b@dd-b . net > wrote in message
news:4659ec4a$0$272$8046368a@newsreader.iphouse . net ...
> Michael Meissner wrote:
>> David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@dd-b . net > writes:
>>
>>> Harvard Camera (that had a thread a while ago in one of the groups I'm
>>> in)
>>> once told me they paid more for that model slide projector than the
>>> advertised price at Caldor, and I should definitely buy it there.
>>
>> And if memory serves they went out of business within the last year. It
>> was
>> always somewhat sad when I went in there, where they didn't usually have
>> stuff
>> that I wanted. So now, if I want to try stuff out or talk to a salesman,
>> I
>> drive into Melrose to go to Hunts.
>
> I was living in Hudson MA from 1981-1984, and used Harvard Camera then.
> Back at that point they were looking fairly healthy. I've still got the
> darkroom stuff I bought from them, including a 4x5 enlarger that will
> probably never be set up again (I think we're past the point where I can
> sell it to somebody who really wants to use it).
>
I really want to use it, David--I'm following several on Ebay right now.
Please contact me off list, if you'd like to continue the conversation:
mattclara (at) mattclara . com
--
w w w .mattclara . com
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
Wow, I don't know where to start. Retail is not about the
lowest price and has never been about the lowest price. A
mail order or online store simply doesn't have the overhead
that a retail store has and can sell on a much lower margin.
BUT: Try getting a couple more rolls of 120 BW on Saturday
afternoon to complete a job from your online buddy.
OR: talking them into special ordering a new kind of film
just so you can try a couple of rolls.
OR EVEN: trying camera after camera on a Saturday, with no
intention of buying, just to satisfy your curiosity.
TRY TO FIND: online free classes for new camera users.
Service and added value is the retailer's ally, try that big
far-away box. BTW my retailer always had a return privilege
and would handle warranty service for me. As well as
shipping for out of warranty repairs. They still folded
since there were jerks that ran them out of business based
only on price.
darkroommike
=(8) wrote:
> Thats the problem with local shops they don't feel that they have to
> compete with the places on the internet. A local store here closed up
> after nearly 50 years because they didn't feel they had to compete. They
> sold everything at suggested retail, all sales were final even if a
> product was defective they wanted you to deal with the maker, etc. I
> told them that they can do that and stay in business and they couldn't
> now they are gone.
>
> We have one more store here a Shutterbugs they charge suggested retail
> for nearly everything, they too didn't have a return policy until I
> e-mailed them and told them that without a return policy I would have to
> continue to shop online so they now have a 15 day return policy though
> the stress that it isn't to be used to buy something, test it out and
> then return it if you don't like it. It is incase there is something
> wrong with the item (defective).
>
> It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always
> shop online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this
> or they go bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses
> this stupid. This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we
> don't have to put up with high priced local stores with poor customer
> policies, support and before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if
> they can't keep up or are too worried about the extra couple of bucks.
>
> =(8)
Wow, I don't know where to start. Retail is not about the
lowest price and has never been about the lowest price. A
mail order or online store simply doesn't have the overhead
that a retail store has and can sell on a much lower margin.
BUT: Try getting a couple more rolls of 120 BW on Saturday
afternoon to complete a job from your online buddy.
OR: talking them into special ordering a new kind of film
just so you can try a couple of rolls.
OR EVEN: trying camera after camera on a Saturday, with no
intention of buying, just to satisfy your curiosity.
TRY TO FIND: online free classes for new camera users.
Service and added value is the retailer's ally, try that big
far-away box. BTW my retailer always had a return privilege
and would handle warranty service for me. As well as
shipping for out of warranty repairs. They still folded
since there were jerks that ran them out of business based
only on price.
darkroommike
=(8) wrote:
> Thats the problem with local shops they don't feel that they have to
> compete with the places on the internet. A local store here closed up
> after nearly 50 years because they didn't feel they had to compete. They
> sold everything at suggested retail, all sales were final even if a
> product was defective they wanted you to deal with the maker, etc. I
> told them that they can do that and stay in business and they couldn't
> now they are gone.
>
> We have one more store here a Shutterbugs they charge suggested retail
> for nearly everything, they too didn't have a return policy until I
> e-mailed them and told them that without a return policy I would have to
> continue to shop online so they now have a 15 day return policy though
> the stress that it isn't to be used to buy something, test it out and
> then return it if you don't like it. It is incase there is something
> wrong with the item (defective).
>
> It floors me how many local stores simply don't get it. I will always
> shop online when I can get a better deal. They need to understand this
> or they go bye bye plain and simple. I have no sympothy for businesses
> this stupid. This is a global world now when it comes to shopping we
> don't have to put up with high priced local stores with poor customer
> policies, support and before sale support. Screw'em is what I say if
> they can't keep up or are too worried about the extra couple of bucks.
>
> =(8)
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
darkroommike <darkroommike@cableone . net > wrote:
> BUT: Try getting a couple more rolls of 120 BW on Saturday
> afternoon to complete a job from your online buddy.
>
>
Strange but True, the quickest place for me to get 120 anything any day is
the local Ritz.
darkroommike <darkroommike@cableone . net > wrote:
> BUT: Try getting a couple more rolls of 120 BW on Saturday
> afternoon to complete a job from your online buddy.
>
>
Strange but True, the quickest place for me to get 120 anything any day is
the local Ritz.
Re: B&H puts another local camera store out of business (with my help, unfortunately)
On May 27, 8:43 pm, Lobby Dosser <lobby.dosser.map...@verizon . net >
wrote:
> darkroommike <darkroomm...@cableone . net > wrote:
> > BUT: Try getting a couple more rolls of 120 BW on Saturday
> > afternoon to complete a job from your online buddy.
>
> Strange but True, the quickest place for me to get 120 anything any day is
> the local Ritz.
Now if we were to discuss a local camera store that has done well, we
should look at Larmon Photo in suburban Philadelphia: sure it has had
its ups and downs and is on its second owner since 1939, but they have
a business model which works for them and it is on service and
printing, with hard product as a secondary (tertiary) business. Anyone
who wants to can find the online lowest price (and they will try to
sell you an extended warranty, which is where the extra cost negates
everything..resist, resist)
Larmon will do beautiful custom printing, have knowledgeable staff
who, in some cases have been there years, and make an effort to build
a relationship with the customer...
I worked there for three years in the 1980-s (Birth of the FM2, a
beautiful day), and consider the store manager a friend still (Hi Dave
Porter 8-))... I missed the day that someone entered an outlying store
with 2 old 35mm cameras and the manager declined to offer to buy them
because he had no idea of a good price....
... and one was a dial set Leica B.... oooohhhhhh...
anyway, good times and they will still be there in 20 years.
David
On May 27, 8:43 pm, Lobby Dosser <lobby.dosser.map...@verizon . net >
wrote:
> darkroommike <darkroomm...@cableone . net > wrote:
> > BUT: Try getting a couple more rolls of 120 BW on Saturday
> > afternoon to complete a job from your online buddy.
>
> Strange but True, the quickest place for me to get 120 anything any day is
> the local Ritz.
Now if we were to discuss a local camera store that has done well, we
should look at Larmon Photo in suburban Philadelphia: sure it has had
its ups and downs and is on its second owner since 1939, but they have
a business model which works for them and it is on service and
printing, with hard product as a secondary (tertiary) business. Anyone
who wants to can find the online lowest price (and they will try to
sell you an extended warranty, which is where the extra cost negates
everything..resist, resist)
Larmon will do beautiful custom printing, have knowledgeable staff
who, in some cases have been there years, and make an effort to build
a relationship with the customer...
I worked there for three years in the 1980-s (Birth of the FM2, a
beautiful day), and consider the store manager a friend still (Hi Dave
Porter 8-))... I missed the day that someone entered an outlying store
with 2 old 35mm cameras and the manager declined to offer to buy them
because he had no idea of a good price....
... and one was a dial set Leica B.... oooohhhhhh...
anyway, good times and they will still be there in 20 years.
David
