Camera Shop experience and price quotes.

[ombre]

I went walking around Funan and Peninsula plaza today, seriously my experience was a bad bad one. This may be a rant post, but I really wonder what you guys think. Being a starter in photography, I am starting to be disappointed that I'm "in the circle" even though as a consumer, not a business owner.

So I went around shopping, have two things in mind, a CPL 46mm, and a lowepro bag, or at least get a feel of the bags and prices.

First stop, Cathay photo, I mean, what happened to the price?! They now have labelled price tags, I suppose they are still negotiable, but their labels are scary, almost horrifying. A Lowepro Fastpack 350 costing over 300 margin with the Primus AW at 448? Prices are certainly doubled at least. Even a Fastpack in Challenger (Funan) was only 169. (Or was it 199? I forgot, but certainly below 200).

Their sales staff was also really unfriendly, two guys walking around the shop, almost seemingly avoiding me on purpose. I asked a question, and he walked away almost as instantly as he said "don't have." And he had nothing to do anyway!

Actually I tried to find John 3:16, but I must have gotten the wrong address, so I walked into Alan photo to try to get the CPL. Got quoted 65 for a Hoya 46mm CPL, which I thought was a high quote, my impression was that the price is doubled.

The next shop I went into was Bally at the 5th floor. Now I must comment that this guy's service to me was much much better than I expected. He helped me carry the product off the shelf, presented it to me nicely, even though I was already prepared to help myself. I got quotes from him for a great many things and I thought his quotes were much more closer or better than what I expected from reading clubsnap's pricelist. For instance he quoted me Fastpack 350 at 159. I nearly bought it but I think the bag doesn't suit me well, and after awhile he was still willing to ask me for my budget, maybe I could have bargained but I didn't want to. I asked for the CPL 46mm and I was quoted 28 dollars. (the brand was PL)

However, after that I went down to the Bally at 2nd floor. The guy who attended to me (looks like the boss), was obnoxious. He quoted me the SAME filter, at 65 dollars. I said nevermind thanks, and I started walking off, then he said, "how about 50?"... "how about 20?", and I thought maybe he was out for an honest deal after all, so I turned around, and no, to my surprised, he was just making snide remarks, "I say 20 only you stop, you think I am ever going to sell you at 20?", that tone would have warrant an instant dismissal if he were any service staff at Courts or something.

So I eventually went back to Alan Photo to get a Stein Zeiser CPL at 23 dollars. I don't know if its a good brand, don't think its that highly, but at least the price fits my budget, and if a Hoya is going to be say.. 35-40, I would have chosen this anyway. I didn't really like business with him but at least, I say the deal was fair. Even if I did pay abit extra, it shouldn't be more than 5 dollars? Though I must say his Lowepro bags are really expensive too.

Now, really, I don't feel like stepping back into any of these shops again really, except maybe the small Bally outlet at the 5th floor. Sometimes it makes me regret even picking up photography. After hearing all the cheater shops which I've avoided, and experiencing jacked up prices even from the reputable, supposedly trustworthy shops, which I am about to add to my avoid list. So really, who can we buy from?

Anyone has experience to share or comment on my experience? Please, I would like to hear from you.

Thanks for Reading =)

 

[Pokka]

I went walking around Funan and Peninsula plaza today, seriously my experience was a bad bad one. This may be a rant post, but I really wonder what you guys think. Being a starter in photography, I am starting to be disappointed that I'm "in the circle" even though as a consumer, not a business owner.

So I went around shopping, have two things in mind, a CPL 46mm, and a lowepro bag, or at least get a feel of the bags and prices.

First stop, Cathay photo, I mean, what happened to the price?! They now have labelled price tags, I suppose they are still negotiable, but their labels are scary, almost horrifying. A Lowepro Fastpack 350 costing over 300 margin with the Primus AW at 448? Prices are certainly doubled at least. Even a Fastpack in Challenger (Funan) was only 169. (Or was it 199? I forgot, but certainly below 200).

Their sales staff was also really unfriendly, two guys walking around the shop, almost seemingly avoiding me on purpose. I asked a question, and he walked away almost as instantly as he said "don't have." And he had nothing to do anyway!

Actually I tried to find John 3:16, but I must have gotten the wrong address, so I walked into Alan photo to try to get the CPL. Got quoted 65 for a Hoya 46mm CPL, which I thought was a high quote, my impression was that the price is doubled.

The next shop I went into was Bally at the 5th floor. Now I must comment that this guy's service to me was much much better than I expected. He helped me carry the product off the shelf, presented it to me nicely, even though I was already prepared to help myself. I got quotes from him for a great many things and I thought his quotes were much more closer or better than what I expected from reading clubsnap's pricelist. For instance he quoted me Fastpack 350 at 159. I nearly bought it but I think the bag doesn't suit me well, and after awhile he was still willing to ask me for my budget, maybe I could have bargained but I didn't want to. I asked for the CPL 46mm and I was quoted 28 dollars. (the brand was PL)

However, after that I went down to the Bally at 2nd floor. The guy who attended to me (looks like the boss), was obnoxious. He quoted me the SAME filter, at 65 dollars. I said nevermind thanks, and I started walking off, then he said, "how about 50?"... "how about 20?", and I thought maybe he was out for an honest deal after all, so I turned around, and no, to my surprised, he was just making snide remarks, "I say 20 only you stop, you think I am ever going to sell you at 20?", that tone would have warrant an instant dismissal if he were any service staff at Courts or something.

So I eventually went back to Alan Photo to get a Stein Zeiser CPL at 23 dollars. I don't know if its a good brand, don't think its that highly, but at least the price fits my budget, and if a Hoya is going to be say.. 35-40, I would have chosen this anyway. I didn't really like business with him but at least, I say the deal was fair. Even if I did pay abit extra, it shouldn't be more than 5 dollars? Though I must say his Lowepro bags are really expensive too.

Now, really, I don't feel like stepping back into any of these shops again really, except maybe the small Bally outlet at the 5th floor. Sometimes it makes me regret even picking up photography. After hearing all the cheater shops which I've avoided, and experiencing jacked up prices even from the reputable, supposedly trustworthy shops, which I am about to add to my avoid list. So really, who can we buy from?

Anyone has experience to share or comment on my experience? Please, I would like to hear from you.

Thanks for Reading =)

I normally get my stuff from CP marina sq. Frenly guys there. Were the CP guys serving other customers when u asked them?

 

[pegasus1010]

Hmm..93 posts here, I thought you would had learned which shops to avoid by now.
I might be wrong though, but it's pretty much a trial & error thing. Sometimes you get overcharged to learn that fact.

Always know the prices before stepping into the shops. Then you can check among them & compare the prices for the same product.

The Bally guy is really asking for it. If I am you I will boycott the whole shop altogether, no matter which level is it on.

 

[Pokka]

I went walking around Funan and Peninsula plaza today, seriously my experience was a bad bad one. This may be a rant post, but I really wonder what you guys think. Being a starter in photography, I am starting to be disappointed that I'm "in the circle" even though as a consumer, not a business owner.

So I went around shopping, have two things in mind, a CPL 46mm, and a lowepro bag, or at least get a feel of the bags and prices.

First stop, Cathay photo, I mean, what happened to the price?! They now have labelled price tags, I suppose they are still negotiable, but their labels are scary, almost horrifying. A Lowepro Fastpack 350 costing over 300 margin with the Primus AW at 448? Prices are certainly doubled at least. Even a Fastpack in Challenger (Funan) was only 169. (Or was it 199? I forgot, but certainly below 200).

Their sales staff was also really unfriendly, two guys walking around the shop, almost seemingly avoiding me on purpose. I asked a question, and he walked away almost as instantly as he said "don't have." And he had nothing to do anyway!

Actually I tried to find John 3:16, but I must have gotten the wrong address, so I walked into Alan photo to try to get the CPL. Got quoted 65 for a Hoya 46mm CPL, which I thought was a high quote, my impression was that the price is doubled.

The next shop I went into was Bally at the 5th floor. Now I must comment that this guy's service to me was much much better than I expected. He helped me carry the product off the shelf, presented it to me nicely, even though I was already prepared to help myself. I got quotes from him for a great many things and I thought his quotes were much more closer or better than what I expected from reading clubsnap's pricelist. For instance he quoted me Fastpack 350 at 159. I nearly bought it but I think the bag doesn't suit me well, and after awhile he was still willing to ask me for my budget, maybe I could have bargained but I didn't want to. I asked for the CPL 46mm and I was quoted 28 dollars. (the brand was PL)

However, after that I went down to the Bally at 2nd floor. The guy who attended to me (looks like the boss), was obnoxious. He quoted me the SAME filter, at 65 dollars. I said nevermind thanks, and I started walking off, then he said, "how about 50?"... "how about 20?", and I thought maybe he was out for an honest deal after all, so I turned around, and no, to my surprised, he was just making snide remarks, "I say 20 only you stop, you think I am ever going to sell you at 20?", that tone would have warrant an instant dismissal if he were any service staff at Courts or something.

So I eventually went back to Alan Photo to get a Stein Zeiser CPL at 23 dollars. I don't know if its a good brand, don't think its that highly, but at least the price fits my budget, and if a Hoya is going to be say.. 35-40, I would have chosen this anyway. I didn't really like business with him but at least, I say the deal was fair. Even if I did pay abit extra, it shouldn't be more than 5 dollars? Though I must say his Lowepro bags are really expensive too.

Now, really, I don't feel like stepping back into any of these shops again really, except maybe the small Bally outlet at the 5th floor. Sometimes it makes me regret even picking up photography. After hearing all the cheater shops which I've avoided, and experiencing jacked up prices even from the reputable, supposedly trustworthy shops, which I am about to add to my avoid list. So really, who can we buy from?

Anyone has experience to share or comment on my experience? Please, I would like to hear from you.

Thanks for Reading =)

I normally get my stuff from CP marina sq. Frenly guys there. Were the CP guys serving other customers when u asked them?

 

[jkaiser]

lowepro prices at CP are always heavily inflated..typically 2 times..but the moment u ask, it's an auto discount

 

[egnaro]

I think they have to state original price or RRP for Lowepro stuff cuz they are the so call authorised distributor if I am not wrong.

 

[TriggerHappy]

I was @ CP this morning too and was looking for a camera bag. Upon enquiry I was told there is an offer now and going at 50% the listed price. :bigeyes: Wow...what a discount...how can i resist??:sticktong

 

[BlackCloud]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience dude. But I think the best approach to buying any stuffs would be to get a E-Quote from them 1st, before visiting their shops (which ever the shops) And do remember to compare quotes and the clubsnap pricelist.. Hehehehe... ;p

Not a foolproof way, but safer to my opinion. Kiasu and Kia-see :bsmilie::thumbsup:

 

[Lord Soth]

I was @ CP this morning too and was looking for a camera bag. Upon enquiry I was told there is an offer now and going at 50% the listed price. :bigeyes: Wow...what a discount...how can i resist??:sticktong

Yeah. I picked up a Lowepro bag from CP (Peninsular Plaza) this afternoon.

The final price (inclusive of GST and payment by credit card) they quoted me was exactly 1/2 of the price tag! It was a really good deal because it was the same US$ (but in S$) price found in Amazon.Com. On Amazon, the bag was going for US$150 (would be around US$160 inclusive of shipping. I got the bag from CP for S$160.

And if you are reading this, don't fall for the typical "BS" by camera shops, adding 7% GST and another 2% for credit card payment to the price.

As an aside, I passed by the Bally shop at Funan too. One of the staff looks very fierce and unfriendly. Just from his body vibes, I don't think that I'll buy any thing from their shop.

 

[ombre]

Hey guys thanks for all the replies. Well I didn't get cheated today, but I mean, the whole shopping process is so extremely tedious. First you check online prices, then you go down... and you get offered a 2nd item that you didn't expect to get, apparently its cheaper than the item you intend to get, but it might be a rip off...

This suspicion hangs heavy on every single camera deal, even from the most trusted shops, maybe its just me, but I really don't think that helps business at all.

To answer some of the queries above. No they were not attending to anyone else. They casted me a glance and tried to look away, and loiter around. Maybe I gave the impression "This guy is just here for quotes and cheap prices, maybe he can't even afford anything here." I did ask about the Lowepro prices, saying, "Your prices are a bit high, wasn't like the quotes I know.", and he replied, "No, not high at all, they have always been this price." And he kept walking away, ditched me here twice without sales assistance when he was just standing beside a cabinet till I turned to someone else. Who did the same thing.

I don't precisely understand why people get different treatment, but it appears to me that you only get treated nice if
1) You are about to be conned. Or an attempt will be tried on you.
2) You own a middle to high end dSLR
3) You look rich.

Would I be right to say that? Perhaps not, but its the impression set in me already.

In anycase, about the Bally, even on the 5th floor, with that friendly guy quoting me (looks like a 25 y.o punk.) the other guy (like 30 +) didn't look very happy. When the friendly guy didn't exactly know the prices, he asked the other guy and it was almost too obvious that the conversation was less than normal. =S

So hm, should Bally go on my list of "shops to avoid"?

Anyway I heard TK has been getting good comments, but where is shaw towers exactly? Google maps gave so many possible options =S


Okay, say you know a price of an item, and you are quoted double. But you know this very same shop is willing to sell at this price. What do you do?

Stand there and bargain for the next 30 minutes? Or leave? Implying that you may not get the item even though you would very much like to.

 

[pegasus1010]

can i know how old are u? I can't imagine CP treating u like tat.

TK is at level 2 of Shaw Towers beach road, middle of Suntec & Bugis Junction. Can figure out now?

 

[Octarine]

I don't precisely understand why people get different treatment, but it appears to me that you only get treated nice if
1) You are about to be conned. Or an attempt will be tried on you.
2) You own a middle to high end dSLR
3) You look rich.

You forgot the 4th one .. which maybe is covered by point 3: you obviously don't look local. In this case option 1 will be applied automatically. I'm tired of this nonsense and none of these shops you mentioned will see me again. I also stepped once into Cathay at Peninsula Plaza and I noticed the same low interest in serving customers as you observed. I appreciate if I'm not overrun by 3 sales guys once I step into a shop - but once I show interest I expect more than a few reluctant price checks. If they guys are fat and rich they shall close the shop.
Just today I went to MS in AMK, Blk 711. Although it's a nightmare to get there at 7pm but it was worth it! A cup of cold water appeared in front of me before I even could say what I want. You have all the time to check the offers in the shop and if you have a question you'll get a prompt answer. Finally I got the the item for S$8 instead of S$12 as written on the price tag. "For a regular." That's service!
Beside this: everybody gets the same attention and service, regardless whether local or not.

 

[night86mare]

caveat emptor


if you had read some threads on this in clubsnap before heading down happily, you'd have learnt a few things about the shops you have mentioned.

i would personally avoid bally's at all costs. cathay's might need to be a little careful but they would not overcharge you too severely unless you look like an absolute carrothead. confidence and how you carry yourself is far more important than seeing how people react to you. if you walk in with the air that you know what you want, and you know your rights as a customer, believe me, most people will treat you properly. as for alan photo.. they can be good, they can be bad. it's all in your luck.

 

[s2s1]

I quite surprised that none mentioned about OP at Simlim? They are new comer but provide very good service. I had 3 shopping experience there and they were very polite and gave good advise. They are very patient to let me and my friend try this and that. Just be sure that the price you pay for is local set or grey set.

Cathay is the biggest camera shop here. I guess it is difficult to control the staff quality. But I like to use their price as guide line. =P
So far my shopping there is good also. But my friend had a very bad experience with a lady staff. After that, I try to avoid ladies there.

MS Color staff are very friendly. (most of the time you can get better deal from staff then boss there) shh......

Alan Photo... Heard many extrememly good and also bad experience from members here. So, I have never bought anything there.

 

[ombre]

can i know how old are u? I can't imagine CP treating u like tat.

TK is at level 2 of Shaw Towers beach road, middle of Suntec & Bugis Junction. Can figure out now?

I'm 21. Yes I certainly don't expect to be treated like that.

To make matters worse, there were two americans beside me buying lowepro bags who were very unhappy too. He was elaborating on how the amazon prices were 100 dollars better than their price and the salesman didn't seem up for a bargain. Which was a very contradicting experience from what I heard about CP on Clubsnap.

 

[ombre]

You forgot the 4th one .. which maybe is covered by point 3: you obviously don't look local. In this case option 1 will be applied automatically. I'm tired of this nonsense and none of these shops you mentioned will see me again. I also stepped once into Cathay at Peninsula Plaza and I noticed the same low interest in serving customers as you observed. I appreciate if I'm not overrun by 3 sales guys once I step into a shop - but once I show interest I expect more than a few reluctant price checks. If they guys are fat and rich they shall close the shop.
Just today I went to MS in AMK, Blk 711. Although it's a nightmare to get there at 7pm but it was worth it! A cup of cold water appeared in front of me before I even could say what I want. You have all the time to check the offers in the shop and if you have a question you'll get a prompt answer. Finally I got the the item for S$8 instead of S$12 as written on the price tag. "For a regular." That's service!
Beside this: everybody gets the same attention and service, regardless whether local or not.

Someone who shares my point of view! Yes, I agree about not being overrunned by sales guys part. Somehow, the 2nd thing I learnt was that if you are greeted at the door, warmly and pretentiously served, they're trying to plunder you too. (Like Bally).


I only stepped into Bally because I was quite firm on the CPL prices, yea, it wouldn't have been a shop I would consider now.

Anyway, where on earth is John 3:16? I walked the whole funan and didn't see them. Shouldn't they be on level 5?

 

[wishxtreme]

You forgot the 4th one .. which maybe is covered by point 3: you obviously don't look local. In this case option 1 will be applied automatically. I'm tired of this nonsense and none of these shops you mentioned will see me again. I also stepped once into Cathay at Peninsula Plaza and I noticed the same low interest in serving customers as you observed. I appreciate if I'm not overrun by 3 sales guys once I step into a shop - but once I show interest I expect more than a few reluctant price checks. If they guys are fat and rich they shall close the shop.
Just today I went to MS in AMK, Blk 711. Although it's a nightmare to get there at 7pm but it was worth it! A cup of cold water appeared in front of me before I even could say what I want. You have all the time to check the offers in the shop and if you have a question you'll get a prompt answer. Finally I got the the item for S$8 instead of S$12 as written on the price tag. "For a regular." That's service!
Beside this: everybody gets the same attention and service, regardless whether local or not.

not very true. i am sure even most reputable shop will quote high prices if they know you can afford and does not know the current market price.

My friend got a large Giotto rocket blower at $15 from MS color and guess what, it was florence that served him.

OMG..

the price tag is showing $20 but Florence give me a discount of $5. I told him some shops are selling about $10+/-.

How can this happened? maybe my friends is easy prey for a quick profit.
It also my friend's fault that he did not check out the price before going down to MS.

Just treat it as an experience and learn from there.

 

[acpical]

I was at CP myself today. I was asking for the price of a slot-in filter. A staff showed me one at $56 and I commented it was rather expensive. He then informed me that the actual price is half that. Turns out all other filters are half the price tag.

Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to lenses.:sticktong

 

[thedaniel]

Someone who shares my point of view! Yes, I agree about not being overrunned by sales guys part. Somehow, the 2nd thing I learnt was that if you are greeted at the door, warmly and pretentiously served, they're trying to plunder you too. (Like Bally).


I only stepped into Bally because I was quite firm on the CPL prices, yea, it wouldn't have been a shop I would consider now.

Anyway, where on earth is John 3:16? I walked the whole funan and didn't see them. Shouldn't they be on level 5?

Yes, they are still at 5th floor Funan, near the escalator. Not the escalator near the food court.

 

[ombre]

not very true. i am sure even most reputable shop will quote high prices if they know you can afford and does not know the current market price.

My friend got a large Giotto rocket blower at $15 from MS color and guess what, it was florence that served him.

OMG..

the price tag is showing $20 but Florence give me a discount of $5. I told him some shops are selling about $10+/-.

How can this happened? maybe my friends is easy prey for a quick profit.
It also my friend's fault that he did not check out the price before going down to MS.

Just treat it as an experience and learn from there.

You can't put it that way really. Somehow its just camera shops. I don't believe its entirely a camera thing, but theres little evidence not to isolate it entirely either.

For instance we don't see similar cases with other electronics, Audio, computers etc etc. Even though they have no restriction on their quotes, they keep very well to the retails. within a 5% divergence.

So far the only other similar case I've heard of is car workshops that offer modded parts. They quote killer prices, like 400 dollars for a 20-30 dollars equip. Or so I heard. Not first hand info, so I shant comment too much.

Anyway, I wouldn't consider it so big a deal if she ripped him of 5 dollars. Even if he bought it at 20 dollars. Technically its a 100% jack, but still its 10 dollars. You can't say the same about the integrity of reputable shops like CP / AP. Even their base quote is 150 dollars over the actual selling price, ie. lowepro bags? Or anything else really.

A friend from this forum bought a worthless wideconverter from AP at 95 dollars. It should be only 30-40 bucks.