[Clavius]

I was talking to a salesman at a camera store...

If it's not canikon, it doesn't exist for them.

[bigdavephoto]

If it's not canikon, it doesn't exist for them.

And without a sales rep, it never will.

I wonder, if Pentax offered sales rep jobs to forum members, how many would take it and promote Pentax?

[Opethian]

I second the sales reps. Have people actually promote the product! And it's such a nice product at that, being a salesperson of Pentax would be a good gig (provided the sales people are actually taken cared of).

[RossCo]

In order -

I like the sales reps idea (how do I apply).

When I buy stuff from my local camera shop I get a Nikon / camera shop bag to carry my purchases away - so advertising in appropriate places.
Pentax gear - hats. shirts, better camera straps.
Proud owner campaign - "I use Pentax gear"
Sponsorship / discounts for Professional Photographers - (where do I apply)
Sponsorship / discounts of photography seminars / trips / camera clubs

Inventory - make sure the inventory is available - and make sure the camera store knows they will get their orders quickly.

They need to work on quality control and fixing the current issues - i.e. autofocus and K5.

They need to back up their product by doing their warranty work quickly. My DA* 16-50 F2.8 spent 10 weeks at Pentax Canada being repaired because it would not autofocus.

They need to be consistent. I asked about the adapter for my 645 lenses to fit my K7 and Pentax Canada quoted me a price of $625 (if it was available) when it available through Pentax US for ~$230.

They need to provide quality (professional level) lenses / teleconverters to attract a full range of photographers. (If you are new to nature photography the longest Pentax lens is 300mm - this is not long enough and there is no teleconverter available.)

Then they can work on FF (in this case full frame).

[johnmflores]

I think that everyone that buys a Pentax in 2012 should get a Pentax t-shirt or a hat. Those that buy a 645D should get a nice fleece vest.

[dylansalt]

ZERO presence -in shops or users simply means - no sales

[dmort]

I was thinking about this yesterday and came to the realization that probably most people with Pentax gear made that choice for a specific reason. With little presence in stores, many of probably had to order online... However, in contrast, I wouldn't be surprised if most people with Canikon gear bought it by default... They walk into store, those are the choices, and they buy one that the salesman suggests.

Of course, that first indicates that we need more presence, sales reps, etc... Agreed.

However, it also means that pentax, as a company, is sitting on top of a user base that have made thoughtful decisions regarding their camera choice. Perhaps they could exploit that by creating a marketing campaign that uses actual pentax users explaining why they chose a pentax camera? Additionally, I think many Pentax shooters would be happy to participate in such a campaign because it would ultimately lead to increased brand strength, money for R and D, and such. They could have an essay writing contest, "why shoot pentax?" Prizes could be gear, money, role in an ad...

[EricG]

I just posted a little about this in the poll thread about what we want to see from Pentax and I think Pentax has it right by not marketing in the way Nikon and Canon have. I would love to see Pentax focus on a larger web presence and I think it is time for a Pentax U attached to their corporate website. Capture new people entering the DSLR market like myself by committing to supporting your product through investing in online tutorialis, webinars, etc. that is "We build quality cameras and photographers." When you buy Pentax product, you should gain access to a world of free online Pentax training to make the most of your equipment. I think doing this means that when they are sold in store it is an easy sell for the salesperson when someone is unsure of two products then you can say, hey not only does this company support its product it wants to support you. I think that actually is the more longterm roots based approach that will pay dividends over time.

[bigdavephoto]

That would also help EricG. Infact I feel that would be a great thing where if you have a question about using your camera, you could go online and chat with someone that knows the camera too.

But as stated before by myself and others, If the product is not in the stores, then people will not see or buy the product.

@ dmort, I can say for myself, when I bought my K7 I was thinking about changing to Nikon, and yes, I had to order it on line, but the cost of replacing all of my lenses is what stopped me plus, my father has a Nikon D90 and one of the lenses he has does not work properly on it because it is an older lens. Thank God Pentax had the foresight the make the camera bodys backwords compatable.

[dylansalt]

If the majority of all professional togs around the world are using a Nikon or Canon an amateur will base his decision by association i.e. all the pro's use therefore he bases his purchase on this fact

Who came up with the idea that buying Pentax you become special and elitist?

I can gurantee you now that there is more access to 2nd hand Canon gear then any other brand, Nikon a close second - this makes more sense for a budding amateur who needs a more cost effective alternative to buying lenses.

[eddie1960]

And without a sales rep, it never will.

I wonder, if Pentax offered sales rep jobs to forum members, how many would take it and promote Pentax?

I would go back to the CE business to rep Pentax Ricoh. I often thought of going the rep route and turned down an offer at one point way back (that a friend took - he's now a VP at Sharp - maybe I should have taken it )

[bigdavephoto]

I would go back to the CE business to rep Pentax Ricoh. I often thought of going the rep route and turned down an offer at one point way back (that a friend took - he's now a VP at Sharp - maybe I should have taken it )

Hindsight is always 20/20

[eddie1960]

Hindsight is always 20/20

yep, i regretted it once or twice over the rest of my CE career.