The Difference in prices

[jackbeta]

Hi All,

I am new in this photography world and had just recently bought a 400D from Alan Photo for my honeymoon, hoping to take some better pics. Just when I wanted to go deeper into this new hobby I was really put back by some of the well known shops when I wanted to buy some add ons to my 400 where their prices were so far off. I thought this only happen many years ago when the market is not that competative and now it is the buyers market.

This is what happened and maybe you guys who are already in this for a long time can give me some advise. I wanted to buy a batt grip and so I went to check at C**** Photo and they quoted me S$260.00 I was shock when I remember that A*** Photo only quoted S$180 @ the time I bought my 400D so I went off to check With A*** Photo, And guess wat now they only quoted me S$159. I didnt want to use their full shop name but for you guys reading out there you should know who are the more well known shops.

 

[vince123123]

You might as well just use the full names, it makes no difference.

 

[MerseysideRed]

Haha you'll make a bad secret agent.

Yes I happened to me before when I asked for quotes for cameras. The difference seems even bigger when asking around for accessories. I even had a different quoted amount in the same store when I called and then emailed for a quote on the same day. served by different salespersons and got 2 very different quotes even though it was a very popular item.

So what i've learnt is to just call and call, get the best quote and then purchase it. But I think sometimes it's a waste of mine and their time when they jack the price up on purpose on the pretext that we might ignorant. And then there's the issue of cheap quotes and getting grey sets and store warranty without one knowing about it. Store becoming tigers' lair and us consumers are like sheep.

 

[jackbeta]

You might as well just use the full names, it makes no difference.

Wa you really know them very well, don't you......must be a old bird talking. Thanks anyway for your constructive comments....

 

[runes]

Do your research in CS first, just spend about half hour searching for posts regarding the price. Well, search, not post new thread, you'll most probably find some help.

Once you know the estimated price, then won't get cheated easily.

 

[subiaco]

Hi, If I am in Singaporre for a day and want to grab a DSLR or compact on the run, which shopping centre and shop should I go to for the best price? Thanks.

 

[ricohflex]

Hi All,

This is what happened and maybe you guys who are already in this for a long time can give me some advise. I wanted to buy a batt grip and so I went to check at C**** Photo and they quoted me S$260.00

I have bought some stuff from Cathay. I prefer their old staff, meaning maybe about 20years service whom I know.

I have observed the rudeness of 2 of the younger staff in Peninsula Branch of Cathay who may have been there about 10 to 15years? Very acsi. These 2 guys ignore other people in conversation. They only talk to customers who recently have bought something from them; and purposely make it a point to ignore conversing in a group with any other people who did not buy from them.

They think it is stylo mylo to behave this obnoxious way.

 

[elfvin]

Wa you really know them very well, don't you......must be a old bird talking. Thanks anyway for your constructive comments....

even if you put C* or A*, its quite easy to guess in CS.

maybe you can do a search in the forum for best price from the best shop. even from CS members.

 

[camerashy]

I went to John 3:16 at Funan and got great service. I bought my D80 kit plus other accessories from them although there was another shop that quoted me lower. Both guys (Sam and I can't remember the Indian guy) at John were patient, friendly and provided advise on how to choose equipment based on my shooting needs.

One thing though, I went in the evening after office hours and the shop was very busy. I could tell 80% of the people were old customers as they were greeted by name. As there were only 2 person manning the shop and there were 3-4 customers at any one time, it was a bit hard to get their full attention for more than a couple of minutes since they were busy handling different customers at the same time. I was not neglected but I would advise going at a less busy time so that you get more of their attention.

Cheers.