Trusted Shops - what does this mean to you?

[Octarine]

Several times in this section (and others) people asked for 'trusted shops'. The Price guide has a list of 'reputable shops'.
Let's hear the various ideas from members of the forum about the meaning of 'trusted shop'. Different people have different understanding and expectations for this term, also based on different cultural background and other factors.
As customers, we always expect the best price for the best products. But obviously there are limits to that and pricing might not be the only point.

Therefore: what is 'trusted' or 'reputed' to you?
What do you expect in general when entering a photography shop with regards to:
- Product knowledge (brands, facts, specs)
- Subject knowledge (photography in general)
- Service attitude (just sell, consulting, explanations)
- other areas.

Let's keep the focus on photographic shops.

 

[rhino123]

To me, reputable simply means, they don't take me as carrot and chop me (given my old noob look).

Anyway, I do believe that no matter which shop it is, there are bound to have some black sheeps, so one still need to do some homework before going down and purchase an item.

 

[daredevil123]

For me it is also about building a relationship with the shops you frequent.

Some shops will even tell you honestly not to buy the item you want because of particular reasons and that only happens after you have build a good relationship with that shop. Recently I went into a shop to ask for a particular lens. The shop owner told me to look for a brand new set on BnS, because many are dumping that lens that came with a package at much lower prices brand new.

So how to build a relationship? What I did:

1. Start with what you deem as a proper shop that is not out to chop carrot.
2. Buy from the same shop even though they might be a few dollars more expensive than the cheapest shops out there. Support that shop.
3. When business is slow in that shop and I have time, sometimes tcss with the folks there.
4. If I have knowledge of a particular item more than shop folks, I openly shared information about that item, how it is used. Why I choose one item over the other.
5. Share honest opinion on products, the ones they carry, and the ones they do not carry.

In the end, you do not have to limit yourself to one shop. And no shops expect you to limit yourself to one shop. But the proper attitude, treat people with respect and it will go a long way.

 

[nedy77]

What do I expect in general when entering a photography shop with regards to:
- Product knowledge
It's impossible for a sales-person to know of every single brand's model's functions, but at least do not try pretend that that know everything and give false information.If he/she doesn't know, just say so, and maybe try to find out.

- Subject knowledge
As as the above,it's impossible for a sales-person to know of every technique or subject, just share what he knows and don't bullshit what he doesn't.

- Service attitude
Everyone has his/her own bad days and problems, but do not take it on me(the customer). If not possible to take the day off, then at lease show professionalism towards customers when in the shop. Not necessary to put on a smile if he has a bad day but at least least don't show bad attitude.

 

[keithwee]

My take is similar to DD's. A trusted shop is a shop whom I have established a relationship with , one that I can always drop by for Kopi and will call me if there's new stuff (**** lol)

Baseline is it must be that the shop does not misrepresent , does not cheat aka : goods sold is A means it's A and if issues arise , the shop is willing to help within reasonable means.

 

[Ralf Winston]

A trusted shop is a shop that display the price of the product prominently. I do not understand how some shops still put codes in the price tag nowadays. If shopper wants to know the price, they have to ask the sales person. which is very unproductive. if you ask too many times, they will think you are an Ass.

2 reasons why they put codes.. 1) they can chop you if they feel like it. 2) they are insecure because they are afraid shopper will compare price. in other words, it's to discourage price comparison.

 

[Blur Shadow]

Here's my take:

1. A reliable source of products. Nothing stolen, damaged or otherwise illegal.

2. Reasonable prices. They may not offer the best price, but prices reside in a comfortable range.

What is curiously not included:

1. Product knowledge. I like to think of myself as an informed buyer, and I would not rely significantly on the sales person for knowledge or advice.

2. Service quality. It certainly improves the experience, but not necessary to be "trusted".