John 3:16

[muvouser]

When i just started photography, I bought all the equipments brand new.

Then as I shop and shop more, I realized that some stores give plenty of "free testing" or "free evaluation" of products freely. From evaluation purposes to choosing the sharpest lens.

Then suddenly I realized since these items in the shops are "used" anyway, why not buy them in the used market for less money? I dare not think how many times have the products being tested before being purchased by the customer who paid brand new price for it.

Henceforth, my purchases include new and used stuffs.

 

[oneluckyguy]

When i just started photography, I bought all the equipments brand new.

Then as I shop and shop more, I realized that some stores give plenty of "free testing" or "free evaluation" of products freely. From evaluation purposes to choosing the sharpest lens.

Then suddenly I realized since these items in the shops are "used" anyway, why not buy them in the used market for less money? I dare not think how many times have the products being tested before being purchased by the customer who paid brand new price for it.

Henceforth, my purchases include new and used stuffs.

Haa, I always start out wanting to buy 2nd hand stuff first, but for some reason after doing my homework, I always end up buying first hand because of the longer warranty, and it's not that much cheaper buying from CS's BnS.... I once got told off by a seller for bargaining an additional $100 off for an $800 item, when I can buy a new one for $920. So far the only 2nd hand item I have is a Nissin flash.

 

[redname]

Haa, I always start out wanting to buy 2nd hand stuff first, but for some reason after doing my homework, I always end up buying first hand because of the longer warranty, and it's not that much cheaper buying from CS's BnS.... I once got told off by a seller for bargaining an additional $100 off for an $800 item, when I can buy a new one for $920. So far the only 2nd hand item I have is a Nissin flash.

aiyah, CS BnS got lots of pple who overprice their items, some even priced it at near retail prices. like this pple buy 2nd hand for wat? even if they say it's few days old but still it's 2nd hand mah.

eg. retail in shop for $190. pple wanna sell $170, used for few months or even no warranty already

 

[redname]

so far i've not purchased anything from them, only went to ask prices.

there was once i ask to try a lens, they were nice enough to let me try it. i noticed the lens had a certain area tht wasn't sharp, the rest of the area was excellent, i close down the aperture but still same result. i ask abt it and the reply was "it's like tht one". wah lau, i tink it's quite sad lor, i mean it's obvious the lens has problem mah.

i asked abt the warranty of the lens also and the boss actually tld me tht if i buy from him, he can ask the manager of the customer service to honor my warranty anytime, so dnt have to worry abt how long the coverage is. to me, tht's cheating and to come from a shop tht's suppose to have Christian backgrd, is not acceptable for me. I'm a christian too and i feel strongly against dishonesty even if it's well-meant.

i've nothing to complain abt the waiting time thou cause fortunately i've been served promptly everytime. recently i went when the shop was super crowded but there was a lady who came up to me to ask whether i need help within 2 min of me entering the shop

 

[Fireweed]

I guess Sam and Leslie may be reading this thread and I sincerely hope they will accept the feedback humbly. There is always room for improvement.

They were pretty patient with me and in fact I get good service from those young chap. (Volunteer and part timer?!)

Sure. The price is quoted higher in J3:16.

On one occasion, I felt that one of the boss was not sincere, citing it wasthe only lens in stock without letting me to try another lens. I may be paranoid and I reckon benefit of doubt should be given to them. Yes, U guys would comment that I can choose not to buy.

Willing buyer, willing seller. I guess I will do my homework and buy from those reputable shop that offer better price. I will still give J3:16 a chance.

I totally agree with willing buyer, willing seller thinking. J3:16 is sometimes more ex but i have bought stuffs from them as they were cheaper than the other shops. Sam has always been pretty friendly/talkative and imho not always a bad thing, especially when i first walked into the shop knowing nothing and asking for advices.

If a shop's business is good, of coz u have to wait, when u want to eat the popular chicken rice and was told u have to wait 30 mins for it, u still get ppl willing to wait it out. Plus now Sam does talk cork for a bit too. Just do some homework and check around before heading to any shop (calls are easy and quick), ask for the thing, test and pay lor...

I got my Nikon at Parisilk and it wasn't crowded and service is quick but the shop gave nothing for free, whether u buy 1 set or 2, they will not give much freebie. Every shop has got its 'bad' points so maybe we shouldn't attach so much expectations with the shops...its just business man...i personally spends more time making calls and checking prices than at the shop. ;p

 

[Samuelwg]

This is interesting reading. I always walk into John 3:16 whenever I go to Funan. Most of the time, I do not buy anything. I have never seen the any of the guys there being rude or talking nonsense. Almost all the time, they are very friendly. I guess that's why they are doing so well, even though they price their equipment slightly higher. I have bought 2 lenses from them before but I most buy my bodies & other lenses somewhere else as price is important to me. However, when I need advice, John 3:16 is the shop to go to. I actually spent about 15 minutes inquiring about the 5DmkII body but I ended up buying it somewhere else as it was slightly cheaper. I actually felt quite bad about it. Haha! But if I have to choose only 1 shop to patronise and recommend, it would definitely be John 3:16.

 

[archon75]

Actually, I find this shop very professionally run. One of the best in town. Of course, there are few other good shops round the corners like The Camera Workshop and Cathay Photos etc.

John3:16 staff provide their service by helping u to source for what u want, and they really help u to get what u want. of course, this service comes with a slight premium, which I totally believe that these guys deserve it for their honest, hard work.

TCW, a good old-timer shop for many of us. U must know your stuff well, and u may find some suprises buried somewhere in this shop. I nearly buy a Nikon 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 from them. The uncles are friendly, can negoitate the price abit.

Cathay Photo, abit too mechanical and over-pro liao for a entry DSLR player like me. No deep pockets for their high end stuff.

 

[Linerax]

I believe that out of so many transactions J3:16, those people who complained are only a small fraction of them. While I myself have not patronized J3:16, I believe that with so many transactions occurring, to have a few unsatisfied customers is normal for any shop out there, and most of the people whom have received good services from there might not have bothered to post.

So guys, learn to take everything with a pinch of salt. Don't condemn J3:16 just because of what others think about them, but rather, go down to the shop and try out the service for yourself.

 

[redname]

I believe that out of so many transactions J3:16, those people who complained are only a small fraction of them. While I myself have not patronized J3:16, I believe that with so many transactions occurring, to have a few unsatisfied customers is normal for any shop out there, and most of the people whom have received good services from there might not have bothered to post.

So guys, learn to take everything with a pinch of salt. Don't condemn J3:16 just because of what others think about them, but rather, go down to the shop and try out the service for yourself.

then i wld say tht J316 sure has a large customer base cause tht small fraction actually can contribute nearly 12 pages of complains

 

[CS TAN]

then i wld say tht J316 sure has a large customer base cause tht small fraction actually can contribute nearly 12 pages of complains

Don't think it is a fair comment when you said there are 12 pages of complains. You should go through all of the 12 pages here before making that statement.

 

[oneluckyguy]

well possibly, there's inconsistent service given to each customer, hence there are such extreme views of them. Just a hypothesis.

 

[redname]

Don't think it is a fair comment when you said there are 12 pages of complains. You should go through all of the 12 pages here before making that statement.

alamak, i purposely put the word "nearly" lah. maybe i shld bold it?

 

[oneluckyguy]

alamak, i purposely put the word "nearly" lah. maybe i shld bold it?

ya lor, actually if there's just 1 complaint per page, there's already 12 pages of complaints ma. haha. You didn't say 12 FULL pages of complaints what.

 

[CS TAN]

ya lor, actually if there's just 1 complaint per page, there's already 12 pages of complaints ma. haha. You didn't say 12 FULL pages of complaints what.

So out of 234 post and average about 19 posts per page, you said 1 complaint per page yourself so this is a far cry from what Redname has indicated in his previous post of:

"nearly 12 pages of complains" even with that "nearly" put in.

A bit misleading wouldn't you say?

Should have put it as "nearly 12 pages of discussion on John3:16's service" instead...

 

[Photobuff9889]

So out of 234 post and average about 19 posts per page, you said 1 complaint per page yourself so this is a far cry from what Redname has indicated in his previous post of:

"nearly 12 pages of complains" even with that "nearly" put in.

A bit misleading wouldn't you say?

Should have put it as "nearly 12 pages of discussion on John3:16's service" instead...

Well said bro!:thumbsup:

 

[muvouser]

Thats not ethical if its true.

so far i've not purchased anything from them, only went to ask prices.

there was once i ask to try a lens, they were nice enough to let me try it. i noticed the lens had a certain area tht wasn't sharp, the rest of the area was excellent, i close down the aperture but still same result. i ask abt it and the reply was "it's like tht one". wah lau, i tink it's quite sad lor, i mean it's obvious the lens has problem mah.

i asked abt the warranty of the lens also and the boss actually tld me tht if i buy from him, he can ask the manager of the customer service to honor my warranty anytime, so dnt have to worry abt how long the coverage is. to me, tht's cheating and to come from a shop tht's suppose to have Christian backgrd, is not acceptable for me. I'm a christian too and i feel strongly against dishonesty even if it's well-meant.

i've nothing to complain abt the waiting time thou cause fortunately i've been served promptly everytime. recently i went when the shop was super crowded but there was a lady who came up to me to ask whether i need help within 2 min of me entering the shop

 

[Spaniard]

I must say that J3:16 are quite good. I bought my Canon G9 from him 2 years ago. At that time, I didn't know which camera to choose but Sam was good enough to explain the various brands that it's in line with my budget. As long as you know what you want, he is more willing to help you.

His prices might be a bit on the high side. But at the end, it's what you paid for in terms of service. These lads really know their stuffs and hardworking as well.

They are running a business here. Overheads are high, likes rentals, staffs salaries, etc. To me is simple logic, if a person thinks that you don't want to pay more than what you actually quote from other shops. Can always walk out of the shop. No qualms about it.

 

[CS TAN]

I must say that J3:16 are quite good. I bought my Canon G9 from him 2 years ago. At that time, I didn't know which camera to choose but Sam was good enough to explain the various brands that it's in line with my budget. As long as you know what you want, he is more willing to help you.

His prices might be a bit on the high side. But at the end, it's what you paid for in terms of service. These lads really know their stuffs and hardworking as well.

They are running a business here. Overheads are high, likes rentals, staffs salaries, etc. To me is simple logic, if a person thinks that you don't want to pay more than what you actually quote from other shops. Can always walk out of the shop. No qualms about it.

Quite common in Singapore people will go to the shop which offers the lowest price. Service worth nothing to them.

You also see people here mentioning they will go to J3:16 for advice and then go to another shop to buy because it is $20 cheaper there.

 

[shaari2009]

Quite common in Singapore people will go to the shop which offers the lowest price. Service worth nothing to them.

You also see people here mentioning they will go to J3:16 for advice and then go to another shop to buy because it is $20 cheaper there.

Hi I'm a new boy... I wish John 3:16 could expand his shop.. always got no chance to speak to them... And for Alan Photo, I think they need to perform a service audit if they do not want to lose customers.. I'm one of them.. MS Color kudos to you guys.. Cathay Photo keep up the spirit in expediting customers with top class shop...

And one Ah-pek shop opposite Cathay Photo, Thanks for keeping up your "fly by night" status on quoting me SGD25.00 for a pop-up diffuser..

At the end of the day.. digital photography is an affordable hobby now, compared to my late father's time - dark room, with his old PEN series and OM 20

 

[oneluckyguy]

So out of 234 post and average about 19 posts per page, you said 1 complaint per page yourself so this is a far cry from what Redname has indicated in his previous post of:

"nearly 12 pages of complains" even with that "nearly" put in.

A bit misleading wouldn't you say?

Should have put it as "nearly 12 pages of discussion on John3:16's service" instead...

haha, and if you go and count properly, I believe it is also not only 1 complaint per page, it was just an illustration. What I meant is that all it takes is 1 complaint per page to make Redname's statement correct. I wasn't actually stating any statistical facts.

Similarly, I can also safely say that there are 12 pages of praise for John3:16's service.

It works both ways, just whether you want to say that the glass is half empty or half full. :bsmilie: