Camera Shops- Going Down Hill?

[F8&Bthere]

I am south of Calgary and I've heard good things about both The Camera Store and Robinsons, just when I go into Calgary I prefer to stay as far south as possible- not to venture as far as Downtown or Inglewood. In fact I'm even challenged at times just to make it to the South Vistek store before it closes.

Like I said, I really tried to find some reason to make a couple south stores my regular stop, even if it cost me more money, but I've just been so disappointed for many reasons. So for now, I'm going to continue buying most of my small to medium dollar items on line, mostly eBay, from the comfort of my home, and have it delivered right to my mailbox. And the occasional biggy, like a lens over $500, where I might be more concerned about a bad copy or potential warranty issues- I'll go mostly to London Drugs where I know they will price match to some degree, and accept returns.

[JAS_Photo]

If you know what you want, then London Drugs is a good place to shop because they will replace anything that does not work properly right away. They often have a good price on Nikon or Canon cameras and accessories. Sometimes I want better quality though, things like a B&W filter, so I go to a proper camera store. "The Camera Store' is very good but they are incredibly busy. Saneal Cameras downtown is very good, too. They are tiny but they are knowledgeable and will discuss gear with you. The large internet, eBay stores like Adorama or Cameta are excellent too but you need to know what you want before you shop.

Ok, ok now cameras have a big gadget component to them and many people love to collect and use old cameras so here we go:

Warning this link is very dangerous for gadget lovers. Do not click if you can not resist temptation.

[EJC]

Too right Raiven it could be a danger zone. I've surfed thier site a few times. Have you been to their place to see any of their product?

EJC

[F8&Bthere]

Thanks for the link Raiven, I almost forgot about that place!

[mindforge]

In under a decade, the mom and pop camera store will be gone probably. The only ones that will survive will incorporate other services like classes, studio rental, knowledgeable staff and create a social environment.

My local camera shot "Mike's Camera's" is pretty crappy. I go and buy accessories and filters there. I use them to send my Nikon warranty stuff. Other than that, I walk in and all but one worker is a camera elitist. You know the people that think they take better pictures and no one in the world knows more than they do. They actually take pretty crappy pictures, except for one of them and they basically scoff at anyone that doesn't have a Nikon or Canon. I have seen them literally laugh at a customer out of the store that was looking for Sony gear.

I know Mike's Camera does well because it is the only camera store within 45 minutes and does have plenty of gear and offers a variety of stuff like astronomy telescopes, rental gear, all the cool accessory buys like lens babies.

[F8&Bthere]

...I walk in and all but one worker is a camera elitist. You know the people that think they take better pictures and no one in the world knows more than they do. They actually take pretty crappy pictures, except for one of them and they basically scoff at anyone that doesn't have a Nikon or Canon...

That's exactly what I mean- and through forums and such I hear this same type of thing from all over- snobby elitist staffers. I walked into the south Calgary Vistek a while back and there wasn't a single customer in the store. There were 2 staff members and one manager on duty- all at their computers, doing what? Like what could all 3 of them possibly have to do other than serve the only customer in the store? I know, could have been inventory or something right? No, I've been there several times and it's always like this. They barely even lift their heads to make eye contact. It's like they smell an amateur from a mile away. I stood there looking at photo backpacks for about 10 - 15 minutes, I even tried to glance over at them from time to time looking like I could use some help. Finally I had to go right up to the counter and ask one of the zombies for his help. My god, it was as if I was interrupting him. The guy had no expression at all, I was getting ready to poke him with a display monopod to see if he was even alive. He was so obviously uninterested that it was uncomfortable.

[casil403]

You might want to consider writing them a letter/calling customer service to let them know what you think (always good to write something good about them in your letter as well as the bad...gets their attention more I think) and...cc one to the store and one to the head office.
I believe that stores should know when they are going to lose my business and why (especially in these economic times)....if they really care, they will make it right and respond to you. And if not, then at least you know you tried and can take your business elsewhere.

I had a horrible shipping experience w/ a very large clothing company 2 weeks ago and I phoned customer service. They apologized, wrote me an email and took the shipping charge off my bill. They made it right and still have my business.