How will the highstreet retailer survive eBay?

[StuartR]

that's a price crash....

I can understand a pro might feel "safer" buying from the UK with perhaps a better or longer warranty (?) but I got good service from Canon when I had to return a lens bought on eBay from the US, absolutely no issues at all. And the 100-400mm I bought was dispatched from the UK so no worries about duty.

It still "feels" wrong to save all this money but less so as time goes on, especially in the current economic climate. I think we're just being ripped off. As a cornered car manufacturer executive once said on radio 4, "The British public expect to pay more" He made it sound like a virtue!!

[Goatsmilkuk]

[Goatsmilkuk]

[Patrick]

Re: How will the highstreet retailer survive eBay?

that's a price crash....

I can understand a pro might feel "safer" buying from the UK with perhaps a better or longer warranty (?) but I got good service from Canon when I had to return a lens bought on eBay from the US, absolutely no issues at all. And the 100-400mm I bought was dispatched from the UK so no worries about duty.

It still "feels" wrong to save all this money but less so as time goes on, especially in the current economic climate. I think we're just being ripped off. As a cornered car manufacturer executive once said on radio 4, "The British public expect to pay more" He made it sound like a virtue!!

[StuartR]

Re: How will the highstreet retailer survive eBay?

[ash]

Re: How will the highstreet retailer survive eBay?

This is an interesting thread and a great read from Stuart and Patrick.
I think internet and retail shops both have there good points and bad points, but Ill be honest the majority of my purchases are done online because of the obvious price difference.

If its a substantial purchase I might find a shop or retailer that has it in stock, so I can look before I buy, bit cheeky I no

Speaking of Jessops, you can always try the 'price match' promise.
When I bought my first minolta A2 I saved 200 quid with jessops price match. Mind that was about 4 years ago,might have changed a little, I think they are still doing the price match though, might be best to check the small print before you embaress yourself if your going to try it.

Its probably got to be a leap year, on april fools day with the wind blowing in a certain direction and speed and only if you have a red hat on, smoking a pipe, standing on one leg picking your nose

[Goatsmilkuk]

Re: How will the highstreet retailer survive eBay?

Ash

It does seem that Jessops will still do a price match, I purchased my 40D from them on the last day of the Canon cash back offer from them a month or so ago. I got the online price and phoned the Cannock branch who matched the price and I collected the same day, I do prefer it that way as one I don't have to worry about the delivery driver bouncing it all over the place and if there is a problem afterwards, I have a real place to go back to and get it sorted. I have never found them very good for advice on kit though, that may just be the person I have spoken to at various other branches, or maybe because they tend to deal with people who don't know what they are looking for and look to the sales staff for advice. I find the help and advice of online forums to be the best place to ask such as here. I'm about to ask for advice (again) very soon on lighting.

Stu

[devilgas]

[Goatsmilkuk]

Re: How will the highstreet retailer survive eBay?

I agree on that, it really does depend on who you speak to, Cannock branch did not even ask for written confirmation where the price came from and took verbal, they just matched it. He did try to sell me their insurance though which I declined.

Stu

[Patrick]

Re: How will the highstreet retailer survive eBay?

He did try to sell me their insurance though which I declined.

Stu

There is more profit in that than selling the camera that's why they are so hot on it.

Patrick