Originally Posted by jmdeegan
Reason I ask is kinda simple, I think.
I have a local camera shop-at least, local to my current client. On a normal basis, the shop is 3 blocks away, on my way home, and the staff have been very good to deal with.
However, they do not have the cheapest prices in the city, though they are willing to compete.
Since I work in NYC, and another of my client locales happens to be nearer the big 2 camera shops, going to either is clearly an option, but not as convenient.
Question is, especially as the camera shops seem to be dying off, and others are ditching Pentax...would you pay a little extra to shop a smaller shop with a bit of a more hands on feel for you (I walk in here, and the owner and at least 2 salesmen know me and say hi). Just wondering if the relationships or the savings are more important to folks (and for the most part, prices are not terribly far off).
What would you do? Would you consider the slightly higher price paid a price worth paying for that service? Or would you rather save 50 bucks on a 600 dollar order?
I have somewhat simmilar situation... There's a place where I usually come by and spend an hour or two talking with the owner about cameras, film, chemicals and everything photo-related, they retail stuff like cokin filters, some cheap lighting, photo bags, bouncers... I buy filters there, and often film and paper, although I could go to factory, about 20 miles away, and buy somewhat cheaper, not much, but still cheaper. However, this "personal" feel and talk, always pleasant and polite is something I enjoy, and I don't mind paying 5-10% more...
I'd stick to "friendly face" places, as long as I can, unless it's really big difference, like 30-40%