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#1
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Buying by mail or online
Does anyone have any current experience buying a camera by mail, or online?
I haven't done so since 1999 when I bought from Cambridge Camera, which was a good experience. A number of the camera sellers linked through some of the information sites, such as Steve's and dpreview, list a number of sellers whose prices are considerably better than the local store prices. If we are talking about $15-20 dollars, I would prefer to buy in a store, but sometimes prices are better on line by $50 or more. Your input is appreciated. -- Judy |
#2
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Buying by mail or online
On Thu, 05 Jan 2006 18:03:20 GMT, Judith Raskin wrote:
Does anyone have any current experience buying a camera by mail, or online? I haven't done so since 1999 when I bought from Cambridge Camera, which was a good experience. A number of the camera sellers linked through some of the information sites, such as Steve's and dpreview, list a number of sellers whose prices are considerably better than the local store prices. If we are talking about $15-20 dollars, I would prefer to buy in a store, but sometimes prices are better on line by $50 or more. If you know exactly what you want, buying online is fine. However, and this is important, only buy from reputable places. Some of the rock-bottom sellers are little removed from scams. If in doubt, ask here about particular companies. -dms |
#3
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Buying by mail or online
Judith Raskin wrote:
Does anyone have any current experience buying a camera by mail, or online? I haven't done so since 1999 when I bought from Cambridge Camera, which was a good experience. A number of the camera sellers linked through some of the information sites, such as Steve's and dpreview, list a number of sellers whose prices are considerably better than the local store prices. If we are talking about $15-20 dollars, I would prefer to buy in a store, but sometimes prices are better on line by $50 or more. Your input is appreciated. -- Judy Have you asked the local stores to match the online prices? David |
#4
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Buying by mail or online
Judith Raskin wrote:
Does anyone have any current experience buying a camera by mail, or online? I haven't done so since 1999 when I bought from Cambridge Camera, which was a good experience. A number of the camera sellers linked through some of the information sites, such as Steve's and dpreview, list a number of sellers whose prices are considerably better than the local store prices. If we are talking about $15-20 dollars, I would prefer to buy in a store, but sometimes prices are better on line by $50 or more. Your input is appreciated. -- Judy I bought my last camera from State Street Direct back in 2001. They called me on the phone and up-sold me on some accessories. I didn't know any better, so I bought it. I still have the camera, but the extra stuff they sold me was junk. I'd think twice about using that vendor again. A good resource is: http://www.resellerratings.com/ In particular, check out the ratings for Beach Camera, BuyDig, and B&H Photo and compare with some of the others. Old hands here seem to like those three. On the other hand, supporting a local retailer is always a good idea. If a local store can come close to an online price, I'd rather have a few of my camera dollars stick in the local economy. Paul Allen |
#5
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Buying by mail or online
"Judith Raskin" wrote in message nk.net... Does anyone have any current experience buying a camera by mail, or online? I haven't done so since 1999 when I bought from Cambridge Camera, which was a good experience. A number of the camera sellers linked through some of the information sites, such as Steve's and dpreview, list a number of sellers whose prices are considerably better than the local store prices. If we are talking about $15-20 dollars, I would prefer to buy in a store, but sometimes prices are better on line by $50 or more. Your input is appreciated. -- Judy I chose to buy my FZ20 from a Circuit City store so I would have the option to easily return it. They have a "14 day satisfaction guaranteed" policy so the camera doesn't have to be defective to justify a return/refund. When you buy from a store you don't have to wait after you've made your choice, and you can check the box immediately after purchase to confirm that everything is as it should be. When you're shopping for the best price online check the "shipping and handing" (and maybe insurance) costs, and keep in mind that you will be paying extra shipping if you have to return the camera for any reason - that can easy offset the initial savings. I buy many things online, but I think the negatives outweigh the positives for something as expensive and sensitive as a camera. Just my .02 and YMMV, of course g. |
#6
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Buying by mail or online
Swingman wrote: "Judith Raskin" wrote in message nk.net... Does anyone have any current experience buying a camera by mail, or online? I haven't done so since 1999 when I bought from Cambridge Camera, which was a good experience. A number of the camera sellers linked through some of the information sites, such as Steve's and dpreview, list a number of sellers whose prices are considerably better than the local store prices. If we are talking about $15-20 dollars, I would prefer to buy in a store, but sometimes prices are better on line by $50 or more. Your input is appreciated. -- Judy I chose to buy my FZ20 from a Circuit City store so I would have the option to easily return it. They have a "14 day satisfaction guaranteed" policy so the camera doesn't have to be defective to justify a return/refund. When you buy from a store you don't have to wait after you've made your choice, and you can check the box immediately after purchase to confirm that everything is as it should be. When you're shopping for the best price online check the "shipping and handing" (and maybe insurance) costs, and keep in mind that you will be paying extra shipping if you have to return the camera for any reason - that can easy offset the initial savings. I buy many things online, but I think the negatives outweigh the positives for something as expensive and sensitive as a camera. Just my .02 and YMMV, of course g. You bring up an excellent point. Also, many retail stores will match an "on line" price if it can be proven legit. The convenience of return is certainly a plus. My own benchmark for price comparison is a quote within $75 for a camera such as a FZ20. OTOH, if buying used, generally ebay is the best bet in my experience. JT |
#7
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Buying by mail or online
I have been pleased with both new and used purchases from KEH.com
Paul B. |
#8
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Buying by mail or online
And solve the problem of how to/where to sending camera for repair during
warranty period. |
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