Need sales people to sell cameras

pichur · 12-03-2013, 05:33 PM

Went in to Norman's camera to look at the Sony A7. They hadn't stocked Pentax in a long time and didn't figure on them being there. Much to my amazement they had 4 models on the shelf! Now we are getting somewhere!

Hung out at the shop for a bit to see what interest there was for the Pentax line, and after the 5th customer was immediately shown the Cannon line of DSLR models and never offered the Pentax or even Nikon as a real alternative I decided to inquire about the Pentax models.
After going through two sales people it became obvious they were not trained in using the Pentax cameras, but were very familiar with the Cannon and Sony A7.

To say the least, I was disappointed.

To sell product, you have to know more than the customer!

DavidSKAF3 · 12-03-2013, 05:58 PM

Ashton Kutcher knows more than you guys? Lol!

An advertising exec once told me that cute pets, innocent little babies, or a stunning pleasant beautiful woman are all it takes to sell anything!

Take for example that talking dog Duke in the Bush's baked beans commercials...

Now what would a dog really know about baked beans? Lol

civano · 12-03-2013, 07:13 PM

Was this Norman's Camera in Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids? How exciting they had Pentax there. How disappointing that they aren't knowledgeable (yet) or interested in helping promote the brand.

Joel B · 12-03-2013, 08:02 PM - **1 Like**

Grab a Pentax and show em how it's done!! Nothing better than showing up the hired help!!

elliott · 12-03-2013, 11:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pichur

To sell product, you have to know more than the customer!

You just need to give the illusion of knowing what you're talking about, you don't actually have to know anything. Pick up a few key phrases and enough technical terms and you'll do fine with 90% of customers. A lot of the better salesmen are able to make stuff up on the spot and get away with it.

pichur · 12-04-2013, 03:50 AM

The first job I had after graduation was selling cars and trucks. To successfully sell trucks at that time it was essential that we knew more than the guy looking at them. They could sniff out a BS salesperson like a Setter sniffs out a bird, and would find someone else to buy a truck from. That was how I learned and expect to this day a salesperson know more than me. They are the expert, no?

Could be there was more enthusiasm for Cannon, but that would come from management and employee influence. Perhaps Cannon has a commission program? Or the store does and Cannon is easily recognized by the customer, thus easier to sell, much like Schwinn in its prime years. When other brand of bikes where without a doubt better from a technological perspective, that is, lighter, better shifting, better construction, etc. people bought Schwinn because of brand recognition.

I don't know the answer, but can see Pentax has an up hill battle to fight. Can't wait to get a new one. FF if affordable.

Location: Grand Rapids.

Paul MaudDib · 12-19-2013, 02:29 PM

I love Norman Camera, it's great to find a place that will still stock film and photo paper at a reasonable price. On some things their selection actually beats Huron Camera, who are my gold standard. Sadly Norman's doesn't do used photo equipment, so I usually end up shopping elsewhere (KEH).

Originally posted by pichur

Could be there was more enthusiasm for Cannon, but that would come from management and employee influence. Perhaps Cannon has a commission program? Or the store does and Cannon is easily recognized by the customer, thus easier to sell, much like Schwinn in its prime years. When other brand of bikes where without a doubt better from a technological perspective, that is, lighter, better shifting, better construction, etc. people bought Schwinn because of brand recognition.

I think it's the brand recognition. The real advantage to Canon/Nikon is high-end upgrade potential, but soccer moms aren't the kind of customer that's going to drop $1500 on a new first-party lens. For what they're spending the weather sealing of a Pentax would be the best feature. IBIS isn't really an advantage here unfortunately - all 18-55mm kit lenses come with image stabilization nowadays, and they aren't the type of customer to buy more than a nifty fifty anyway.

formercanuck · 12-19-2013, 08:02 PM

Having salespeople in a camera store (even Samys of Los Angeles!) selling Pentax over say a Canon/Nikon/Sony is similar to trying to find a car dealership in southern California to sell me a minivan.

1. They typically don't stock them (dozens of suv's, cars and trucks. in a lot of 300 vehicles there are maybe 3 minivans, and they were cargovans)
2. Salespeople will sell what will give them a profit (commission). (Case in point - back when I was purchasing a minivan - SUVs, hybrids and high end cars were selling, along with some of the base models).
3. The 'store' will push what will make more money for the store. They won't stock what they believe won't sell, or is not in their best interest due to #2 (i.e. minivans can sell, but there's more profit in the SUV).
4. Return customers - Pentax has put themselves in a not so good spot in the consumer side. Hard to compete with Sony/Nikon/Canon which have new models at least every year, hundreds of lenses (repeat customers), side businesses (video-Sony / printers - Canon ) - in both consumer and pro markets. Pentax... ??? Primarily cameras, and Ricoh on the industrial copier side.

Pentax is a bit of a niche - at least in the US. Its strange to see a drug store in Canada (London Drugs) that carries Pentax gear - yet in markets like Los Angeles (+15 million people) the only stores that carry 'anything' Pentax are - Samys (will order - nothing in stock - lenses or cameras), Frys (only a 50-200mm WR in the store), and Target (only carries the WG.

They don't really need WR lenses cameras down here much anyways - so it probably doesn't help for a selling feature.

normhead · 01-06-2014, 09:32 AM

When I went in to Henry's and bought my *ist, because I already had some good Pentax glass, I ended up going back to the camera store a few days later. I showed the guy how to use the camera. I brought him images to replace the crappy images they had in their sample photo book, and I continued to keep in touch and educate him until I moved out of town.

Sometimes you just have to take these things on yourself. I don't know how many Pentax's I helped the guy sell or how much commission he earned from them, But he always came over to see me when I entered the store with a big smile on his face.

canonguy · 01-07-2014, 07:59 PM

I worked at Norman Camera for 8 years....they are sometimes slow to change and of course there is the expense of carrying an entire new line of cameras. Now they just have the K-3

geo444 · 01-08-2014, 03:47 AM

+ Pentax needs 3rd party Lenses to sell cameras !

No Pentax K mount option for the last Full-Frame Sigma prime Lens ?

Sigma announces all-new 50mm F1.4 DG HSM 'Art' lens: Digital Photography Review

then No Kenkos... No Tamrons... No Tokinas... No Voigtlanders... now No Sigmas !

isn't the horizon somewhat dark for the awaited Pentax Full-Frame camera ?

**Rondec** · 01-08-2014, 07:06 AM

I think as a sales person, you just really want to give the customer information that will let them get into the best camera -- for them. For most folks, the lack of full frame or, the presence of a 600mm f4 lens in the line up is just not important, while weather sealing, faster frames per second, better view finder could very well be.

To get a repeat customer, there just needs to be honesty about the strengths and weaknesses of various systems and let them decide.

jogiba · 01-08-2014, 08:36 AM

I have never purchased a camera from a sales person. It's amazing with all the info available online today some people still have no idea what a camera looks like.

ElJamoquio · 01-08-2014, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by geo444

+ Pentax needs 3rd party Lenses to sell cameras !

No Pentax K mount option for the last Full-Frame Sigma prime Lens ?

Sigma announces all-new 50mm F1.4 DG HSM 'Art' lens: Digital Photography Review

then No Kenkos... No Tamrons... No Tokinas... No Voigtlanders... now No Sigmas !

isn't the horizon somewhat dark for the awaited Pentax Full-Frame camera ?

Sigma still supports Pentax, it's just that Pentax is not Sigma's first priority.

geo444 · 01-09-2014, 06:31 AM

Originally posted by ElJamoquio

Sigma still supports Pentax, it's just that Pentax is not Sigma's first priority.

You think Sigma will launch the Pentax K mount version later ?...

Ok... wait & see...

12-03-2013, 05:33 PM	#1
pichur Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 63	Need sales people to sell cameras Went in to Norman's camera to look at the Sony A7. They hadn't stocked Pentax in a long time and didn't figure on them being there. Much to my amazement they had 4 models on the shelf! Now we are getting somewhere! Hung out at the shop for a bit to see what interest there was for the Pentax line, and after the 5th customer was immediately shown the Cannon line of DSLR models and never offered the Pentax or even Nikon as a real alternative I decided to inquire about the Pentax models. After going through two sales people it became obvious they were not trained in using the Pentax cameras, but were very familiar with the Cannon and Sony A7. To say the least, I was disappointed. To sell product, you have to know more than the customer!

01-08-2014, 03:47 AM	#11
geo444 Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Marseille Provence Photos: Albums Posts: 150	+ Pentax needs 3rd party Lenses to sell cameras ! + Pentax needs 3rd party Lenses to sell cameras ! No Pentax K mount option for the last Full-Frame Sigma prime Lens ? Sigma announces all-new 50mm F1.4 DG HSM 'Art' lens: Digital Photography Review then No Kenkos... No Tamrons... No Tokinas... No Voigtlanders... now No Sigmas ! isn't the horizon somewhat dark for the awaited Pentax Full-Frame camera ?

01-09-2014, 06:31 AM	#15
geo444 Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Marseille Provence Photos: Albums Posts: 150	+ Pentax needs 3rd party Lenses to sell cameras ! Originally posted by ElJamoquio Sigma still supports Pentax, it's just that Pentax is not Sigma's first priority. You think Sigma will launch the Pentax K mount version later ?... Ok... wait & see...

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Need Help to sell Jewelry-New K-30 Owner is confused	donya	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	59	01-13-2014 08:42 AM
Ricoh must want to sell cameras	mdodrill	Digital Processing, Software, and Printing	5	11-08-2012 05:53 PM
Best way to sell some SLR cameras and lenses	Colbyt	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	4	04-11-2011 07:58 AM
either work for rich people or we sell stuff to rich people	Nesster	General Talk	12	04-02-2011 11:18 AM
What Pentax needs to sell more cameras	ftpaddict	Photographic Technique	33	05-22-2008 12:57 AM

12-03-2013, 05:58 PM	#2
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546	Ashton Kutcher knows more than you guys? Lol! An advertising exec once told me that cute pets, innocent little babies, or a stunning pleasant beautiful woman are all it takes to sell anything! Take for example that talking dog Duke in the Bush's baked beans commercials... Now what would a dog really know about baked beans? Lol Last edited by DavidSKAF3; 12-03-2013 at 06:07 PM.

12-03-2013, 07:13 PM	#3
civano Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery Posts: 224	Was this Norman's Camera in Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids? How exciting they had Pentax there. How disappointing that they aren't knowledgeable (yet) or interested in helping promote the brand.

12-03-2013, 08:02 PM - 1 Like	#4
Joel B Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Barnett MO. Photos: Albums Posts: 2,336	Grab a Pentax and show em how it's done!! Nothing better than showing up the hired help!!

12-03-2013, 11:07 PM - 1 Like	#5
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	Originally posted by pichur To sell product, you have to know more than the customer! You just need to give the illusion of knowing what you're talking about, you don't actually have to know anything. Pick up a few key phrases and enough technical terms and you'll do fine with 90% of customers. A lot of the better salesmen are able to make stuff up on the spot and get away with it.

12-04-2013, 03:50 AM	#6
pichur Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 63 Original Poster	The first job I had after graduation was selling cars and trucks. To successfully sell trucks at that time it was essential that we knew more than the guy looking at them. They could sniff out a BS salesperson like a Setter sniffs out a bird, and would find someone else to buy a truck from. That was how I learned and expect to this day a salesperson know more than me. They are the expert, no? Could be there was more enthusiasm for Cannon, but that would come from management and employee influence. Perhaps Cannon has a commission program? Or the store does and Cannon is easily recognized by the customer, thus easier to sell, much like Schwinn in its prime years. When other brand of bikes where without a doubt better from a technological perspective, that is, lighter, better shifting, better construction, etc. people bought Schwinn because of brand recognition. I don't know the answer, but can see Pentax has an up hill battle to fight. Can't wait to get a new one. FF if affordable. Location: Grand Rapids.

12-19-2013, 02:29 PM	#7
Paul MaudDib Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 294	I love Norman Camera, it's great to find a place that will still stock film and photo paper at a reasonable price. On some things their selection actually beats Huron Camera, who are my gold standard. Sadly Norman's doesn't do used photo equipment, so I usually end up shopping elsewhere (KEH). Originally posted by pichur Could be there was more enthusiasm for Cannon, but that would come from management and employee influence. Perhaps Cannon has a commission program? Or the store does and Cannon is easily recognized by the customer, thus easier to sell, much like Schwinn in its prime years. When other brand of bikes where without a doubt better from a technological perspective, that is, lighter, better shifting, better construction, etc. people bought Schwinn because of brand recognition. I think it's the brand recognition. The real advantage to Canon/Nikon is high-end upgrade potential, but soccer moms aren't the kind of customer that's going to drop $1500 on a new first-party lens. For what they're spending the weather sealing of a Pentax would be the best feature. IBIS isn't really an advantage here unfortunately - all 18-55mm kit lenses come with image stabilization nowadays, and they aren't the type of customer to buy more than a nifty fifty anyway.

12-19-2013, 08:02 PM	#8
formercanuck Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: SoCal Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 518	Having salespeople in a camera store (even Samys of Los Angeles!) selling Pentax over say a Canon/Nikon/Sony is similar to trying to find a car dealership in southern California to sell me a minivan. 1. They typically don't stock them (dozens of suv's, cars and trucks. in a lot of 300 vehicles there are maybe 3 minivans, and they were cargovans) 2. Salespeople will sell what will give them a profit (commission). (Case in point - back when I was purchasing a minivan - SUVs, hybrids and high end cars were selling, along with some of the base models). 3. The 'store' will push what will make more money for the store. They won't stock what they believe won't sell, or is not in their best interest due to #2 (i.e. minivans can sell, but there's more profit in the SUV). 4. Return customers - Pentax has put themselves in a not so good spot in the consumer side. Hard to compete with Sony/Nikon/Canon which have new models at least every year, hundreds of lenses (repeat customers), side businesses (video-Sony / printers - Canon ) - in both consumer and pro markets. Pentax... ??? Primarily cameras, and Ricoh on the industrial copier side. Pentax is a bit of a niche - at least in the US. Its strange to see a drug store in Canada (London Drugs) that carries Pentax gear - yet in markets like Los Angeles (+15 million people) the only stores that carry 'anything' Pentax are - Samys (will order - nothing in stock - lenses or cameras), Frys (only a 50-200mm WR in the store), and Target (only carries the WG. They don't really need WR lenses cameras down here much anyways - so it probably doesn't help for a selling feature.

01-06-2014, 09:32 AM	#9
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,448	When I went in to Henry's and bought my *ist, because I already had some good Pentax glass, I ended up going back to the camera store a few days later. I showed the guy how to use the camera. I brought him images to replace the crappy images they had in their sample photo book, and I continued to keep in touch and educate him until I moved out of town. Sometimes you just have to take these things on yourself. I don't know how many Pentax's I helped the guy sell or how much commission he earned from them, But he always came over to see me when I entered the store with a big smile on his face.

01-07-2014, 07:59 PM	#10
canonguy Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 25	I worked at Norman Camera for 8 years....they are sometimes slow to change and of course there is the expense of carrying an entire new line of cameras. Now they just have the K-3

01-08-2014, 07:06 AM	#12
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,650	I think as a sales person, you just really want to give the customer information that will let them get into the best camera -- for them. For most folks, the lack of full frame or, the presence of a 600mm f4 lens in the line up is just not important, while weather sealing, faster frames per second, better view finder could very well be. To get a repeat customer, there just needs to be honesty about the strengths and weaknesses of various systems and let them decide.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

01-08-2014, 08:36 AM	#13
jogiba Banned Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Millstone,NJ Posts: 6,491	I have never purchased a camera from a sales person. It's amazing with all the info available online today some people still have no idea what a camera looks like.

01-08-2014, 01:23 PM	#14
ElJamoquio Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 4,873	Originally posted by geo444 + Pentax needs 3rd party Lenses to sell cameras ! No Pentax K mount option for the last Full-Frame Sigma prime Lens ? Sigma announces all-new 50mm F1.4 DG HSM 'Art' lens: Digital Photography Review then No Kenkos... No Tamrons... No Tokinas... No Voigtlanders... now No Sigmas ! isn't the horizon somewhat dark for the awaited Pentax Full-Frame camera ? Sigma still supports Pentax, it's just that Pentax is not Sigma's first priority.