In trying to save that pittance of a sales tax, don't waste the hundreds you'll be spending..
Get it from B&H, they take care of their customers, as attested by thousands of posters, from this very website..
Seriously, at some point, one should say "This is a good deal !".instead of "Can I save another penny by buying from that guy on the corner with the trench coat of Goodies?".
Dave PattersonMidwestshutterbug.com'When the light and composition are strong, nobodynotices things like resolution or pincushion distortion'Gary Friedman..
Midwestshutterbug wrote:.
In trying to save that pittance of a sales tax, don't waste thehundreds you'll be spending..
How so?.
Get it from B&H, they take care of their customers, as attested bythousands of posters, from this very website..
Nothing against B&H, I buy from there too. But the other stores the OP mentioned are also legit..
Seen in a fortune cookie:Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed..
I'm guessing a local store is out of the question. After years of living in one area I just found one that so far seems really good and I kind of wish I bought my last camera from them, even though I know it would have cost more money. But I live in an area that is heavily populated with chain stores so when I find a locally owned and operated place I try to give them my business (it's a quirk of mine)..
I have used B&H many times and will continue for stuff I can't get locally. They seem to do a good job. I've had maybe 3 or 4 emails with them which all went nicely also..
I think the other vendors you listed are just fine too..
Good luck..
Misc equip : Canon 610, Canon 400D, Canon 10D (about to sell), EF 50mm f/1.8 II, EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, EF 24mm f/2.8 (not so sure about)..
Pretzelb wrote:.
I'm guessing a local store is out of the question. After years ofliving in one area I just found one that so far seems really good andI kind of wish I bought my last camera from them, even though I knowit would have cost more money. But I live in an area that is heavilypopulated with chain stores so when I find a locally owned andoperated place I try to give them my business (it's a quirk of mine)..
I always try and avoid local stores if possible - a quirk of mine I guess I would rather pay much less AND save on tax than pay a local retailer.....
I think the other vendors you listed are just fine too..
Cool - I imagine I will probably go with one of them...
Stags14 wrote:.
I always try and avoid local stores if possible - a quirk of mine Iguess I would rather pay much less AND save on tax than pay alocal retailer.....
Geez, I hope you do not go into the local retailer to try out a bunch of equipment before you buy it online from someone else.......
I've found my local stores tend to be close to the B&H price (usually within 10%)for most things, often beating their price at times. I'd much rather have the local support and service, as well as the store available for things I need quickly..
JohnPentax *ist-D, K100D, Fuji F20/31fd, Oly Stylushttp://www.pbase.com/jglover..
John Glover wrote:.
Stags14 wrote:.
I always try and avoid local stores if possible - a quirk of mine Iguess I would rather pay much less AND save on tax than pay alocal retailer.....
Geez, I hope you do not go into the local retailer to try out a bunchof equipment before you buy it online from someone else.......
I've found my local stores tend to be close to the B&H price (usuallywithin 10%)for most things, often beating their price at times. I'dmuch rather have the local support and service, as well as the storeavailable for things I need quickly..
JohnPentax *ist-D, K100D, Fuji F20/31fd, Oly Stylushttp://www.pbase.com/jglover.
Well if the price is 10% more expensive, and you then factor in the 8.75% sales tax, you are now talking nearly 20% more expensive!!! I would rather save the 20% and put that towards more gear.....
I also see nothing wrong with browsing at a local store and then buying somewhere else. I will always try and negotiate with a local store. If they can price match (including the cost of tax) than I will be happy to purchase from them. The generally can't do that good on price - that is why I buy many things online!.
I will give them the opportunity to sell to me - as long as they can meet or beat the price...
Must be nice. All the local retail chains around my area charge at least $100 more then any internet site. Some cases closer to $200 more. Thats on the lower end stuff. The more expensive cameras are an even larger discrepancy. The D80 pricing comes to mind.
If it came down to $50-$70 more and the place was a good place to deal with then I might consider it. But in my area you either deal with the chain stores that are completely ridiculous with there service and pricing, or you go to only a few of the local camera shops that can be better on the service front but charge even more then the chain stores..
John Glover wrote:.
Stags14 wrote:.
I always try and avoid local stores if possible - a quirk of mine Iguess I would rather pay much less AND save on tax than pay alocal retailer.....
Geez, I hope you do not go into the local retailer to try out a bunchof equipment before you buy it online from someone else.......
I've found my local stores tend to be close to the B&H price (usuallywithin 10%)for most things, often beating their price at times. I'dmuch rather have the local support and service, as well as the storeavailable for things I need quickly..
JohnPentax *ist-D, K100D, Fuji F20/31fd, Oly Stylushttp://www.pbase.com/jglover..
I got my Nikon D40 at Staples while I was doing my grocery shopping next door. Just as cheap as most other places online at the time and I could return it locally within 12 days if it was faulty or I didn't like it. I also checked out the XTi there. Yes I had to pay sales tax here in WA but I also got a free mem card as a sweetener to offset it..
Not saying Staples is my camera store of choice but it was convenient and very quick.Gary..
Hundreds of posts, from people who tried to save a few extra bucks, buying from disreputable Sellers and never receiveing any merchandise..
At some point, one has to stop looking for a better price and actually buy the item..
I've found B&H to have, if not the best prices, then close to it, and I never have to worry about problems before, during, or after the sale..
For the extra 5% that may, and I do stress "may", be saved buying somewhere else, it is simply not worth it..
Yes, there are other repuatable nearls, I'm quite sure. I just know that B&H is oen of the better of ones out there and, when I'm spending thousands over teh internet, I don;t want to any hassles. Espeically with my photography gear, that;s a "passion", not a "need", hence far more important to me..
Dave PattersonMidwestshutterbug.com'When the light and composition are strong, nobodynotices things like resolution or pincushion distortion'Gary Friedman..
Midwestshutterbug wrote:.
Hundreds of posts, from people who tried to save a few extra bucks,buying from disreputable Sellers and never receiveing any merchandise..
The 3 sellers the OP mentioned are all reputable. Your point is wasted in this thread..
Seen in a fortune cookie:Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed..
Stags14 wrote:.
With some help, I have decided to purchase the XTi/400D with the kitlens. Now I just need to figure out where to buy it from?.
Bhphotovideo.com? (I have to pay sales tax on this purchase - whichis a major bummer for me).
Beachcamera.com? (no tax if purchased here).
Buydig.com? (no tax if purchased here).
Thoughts on where to buy from?.
I and several friends of mine have done business with Buydig and had no problems. We did not buy pro cameras but I am now in the market for a DSLR and will probably purchase from them or Beach. Both are good and have good ratings...