How we recommend camera product sites

Nathan Lanni

Senior Member
I've been thinking about how to present this thought and finally decided to just get it out there.

First do we have a list or database of trusted online, or even local vendors? If so, please direct me to the list.

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Here's my issue and it's very general but does pertains to the Nikonites forum.

I would like us to get away from recommending vendors directly in our posts, but rather refer them to a Nikonites user list of trusted vendors, such as a forum site online link, or even a sticky. Why? Because a whole list of good vendors could be displayed for people to review and decide what's best for them.

Why do I suggest this? As we all know two of the biggest names out there and the subject of constant referral are B&H and Adorama. Sometimes it seems in our discussions (here and elsewhere) these two companies are the only ones out there. I know there are a million positive stories about B&H and Adorama.

There must be hundreds or even thousands of well run, dedicated camera supply houses across this country, around the world, given the international nature of this site, As a former businessman, I cringe everytime I hear a B&H and Adorama referral. If I was an established business or even a start up I know the cards are stacked against me.

These two companies are getting tons of free advertizing. We all know word of mouth is the best advertizing but I know there must be other companies. Example: reading Shutterbug this last week one of the staff editors responded to a subscriber question automatically by spitting out "B&H and Adorama".

I would go so far to say this may be partly responsible for the demise of local camera shops. From what I've seen the only brick and mortar shops that exist are in huge metropolitan cities. Obviously the internet/on-line shopping must take the large share of blame for this, but regardless I've seen "B&H and Adorama" occurring on several photography websites, magazines, etc.

I think competition is good for this industry and many people here are aware of excellent businesses they use to acquire their gear besides B&H and Adorama.

If my suggestion has merit or not let's discuss it, but please don't turn this into a "I Love B&H" or "I love Adorama." I'm not bashing these great companies so please let's not get off point.
 
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Krs_2007

Senior Member
I hear ya. I usually go to my local camera shop, if they dont have it then I check Best Buy ( which mine doesn't have much in the way of photography) then I come home and browse the internet. I shop multiple place, BH, Adorama, Ebay, KEH and a couple others that I hear and there. I try to spread my business but prefer local first.

I dont see an issue with a list, but if you add a local shop then maybe state which town/state they are in. The problem around here is they are very limited
 

FastGlass

Senior Member
I'm all for the idea. I do shop at Adorama and B&H because I know I can trust them and not sure about anyone else. We use to have a camera shop here where I live but they closed up long before I got interested in photography. I'm one for wanting to see, feel it before I buy it. The Best Buy here is horrible as far as the camera dept. Everytime I walk in and browse not because I need something but because I'm there and decide to see what they have. Sure enough here comes a sales associate that knows absolutely nothing about photography. So yes it would be nice to have a trusted list to check on once in a while.
 

RON_RIP

Senior Member
If any group could put together a list of trusted dealers it should surely be Nikonites. This could be a very valuable source for all of us, experienced and novices alike. Let's do it.
 

skene

Senior Member
Really why I think that a list is somewhat helpful, it may not be beneficial. Sure everyone knows of the larger ones B&H, Adorama, Cameta, KEH, and few other large ones. However you do need to keep in mind that this is a generally small hobby. While I see that intentions are good, I probably would not go and shop the online store of your local camera store. Not because it probably would not be someone I cannot trust, but these generally small brick and mortars while they may have basic essentials they may not have a full on hand inventory of odds and ends.
Take for example here in Las Vegas there is one large camera store B&C camera (with 2 locations) they carry for their odds and ends Promaster. While Promaster is a very generic company offering items like filters and other knick knacks, it would not be my first choice in purchasing. There is a reason you have such high profile companies like B&H and Adorama competing with one another. Because you can get multiple offerings of anything you need. Filters, flashes, cameras, bags.... You name it they probably have it.
The reputations are also highly regarded because of the way items are packaged, prepped, graded (used). You can generally rely on the grading of the items because they are doing it day in and day out. The stores are also top notch if you ever have a chance to go and visit the stores. I also know because I was born/raised New York... so I've dealth with Cameta, B&H and Adorama.
So on the all and all, I would rather deal with the companies that are doing their grind. Have the reputation, and are already established with quality service and products.
 

Nathan Lanni

Senior Member
I hear ya. I usually go to my local camera shop, if they dont have it then I check Best Buy ( which mine doesn't have much in the way of photography) then I come home and browse the internet. I shop multiple place, BH, Adorama, Ebay, KEH and a couple others that I hear and there. I try to spread my business but prefer local first.

I dont see an issue with a list, but if you add a local shop then maybe state which town/state they are in. The problem around here is they are very limited

I'm all for the idea. I do shop at Adorama and B&H because I know I can trust them and not sure about anyone else. We use to have a camera shop here where I live but they closed up long before I got interested in photography. I'm one for wanting to see, feel it before I buy it. The Best Buy here is horrible as far as the camera dept. Everytime I walk in and browse not because I need something but because I'm there and decide to see what they have. Sure enough here comes a sales associate that knows absolutely nothing about photography. So yes it would be nice to have a trusted list to check on once in a while.

If any group could put together a list of trusted dealers it should surely be Nikonites. This could be a very valuable source for all of us, experienced and novices alike. Let's do it.

Thanks I think it would be beneficial.
 

Nathan Lanni

Senior Member
Really why I think that a list is somewhat helpful, it may not be beneficial. Sure everyone knows of the larger ones B&H, Adorama, Cameta, KEH, and few other large ones. However you do need to keep in mind that this is a generally small hobby. While I see that intentions are good, I probably would not go and shop the online store of your local camera store. Not because it probably would not be someone I cannot trust, but these generally small brick and mortars while they may have basic essentials they may not have a full on hand inventory of odds and ends.
Take for example here in Las Vegas there is one large camera store B&C camera (with 2 locations) they carry for their odds and ends Promaster. While Promaster is a very generic company offering items like filters and other knick knacks, it would not be my first choice in purchasing. There is a reason you have such high profile companies like B&H and Adorama competing with one another. Because you can get multiple offerings of anything you need. Filters, flashes, cameras, bags.... You name it they probably have it.
The reputations are also highly regarded because of the way items are packaged, prepped, graded (used). You can generally rely on the grading of the items because they are doing it day in and day out. The stores are also top notch if you ever have a chance to go and visit the stores. I also know because I was born/raised New York... so I've dealth with Cameta, B&H and Adorama.
So on the all and all, I would rather deal with the companies that are doing their grind. Have the reputation, and are already established with quality service and products.


My sense is the overall industry is rather large.

There are, of course many sources of product out there, but part of what your saying, even though I don't think it's intentional, is part of the problem.

This is what I mean: With the industry on a wide scale basis referring people to B&H and Adorama in a knee jerk fashion, it literally drives the competition out. As a businessman looking at the industry I'd have to ask myself - do I invest the time, energy, money, collect staff with experience and knowledge - likely not because consumers in this industry are pointed at every turn to buy from only two companies. I think they are doing a massive volume because of the free advertizing they receive at the expensive of many other legitimate operations. I can't believe that only two companies are capable of providing a supply of quality products with top notch service. But it's a vicious cycle - it's all we can see right now so we can't see anything else.

And I'm not talking about just brick and mortar operations - brought that up because they've all disappearing.

Really all I'm suggesting is that we develop a list that individual forum members contribute to that available for anyone to use.
 
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I think the problem with some of the more local stores is that there are not many people here that could benefit. I have bought from Cameta, B&H and Adorama and on the more electronic side my local Best buy. The reason for this is that I know them and trust them. Never had a problem with them at all. I do know that there are some BestBuy stores that do have problems. I think that all has to do with the local managers. Again that would be a problem that brick and mortars will have. IT all depends on who is working that day and who is the manager that day. The big online retailers are more insulated from those problems.
 

carguy

Senior Member
I usually prefer to spend at my local camera stores as well. I'm headed there this weekend for a battery as a matter of fact :)

Trouble is, with a global community such as this, it would be nearly impossible to produce this list.

Also, what would be the criteria? Who would pick who is and who isn't on the list?

Personally I haven't found this to be an issue here.
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Locals ship too and vouch for quality of their product, but not all have the competitive prices to encourage buying online. In person, in a pinch maybe, but with time there's no reason not to get a significantly better deal elsewhere unless you absolutely want to support the shop.

Had some sour experience with 2 of my local ones in terms of product vs pricing, so no support unless I'm in a complete pinch sadly.
 

skene

Senior Member
My sense is the overall industry is rather large.

There are, of course many sources of product out there, but part of what your saying, even though I don't think it's intentional, is part of the problem.

This is what I mean: With the industry on a wide scale basis referring people to B&H and Adorama in a knee jerk fashion, it literally drives the competition out. As a businessman looking at the industry I'd have to ask myself - do I invest the time, energy, money, collect staff with experience and knowledge - likely not because consumers in this industry are pointed at every turn to buy from only two companies. I think they are doing a massive volume because of the free advertizing they receive at the expensive of many other legitimate operations. I can't believe that only two companies are capable of providing a supply of quality products with top notch service. But it's a vicious cycle - it's all we can see right now so we can't see anything else.

And I'm not talking about just brick and mortar operations - brought that up because they've all disappearing.

Really all I'm suggesting is that we develop a list that individual forum members contribute to that available for anyone to use.

I don't think that you are wrong. But I think you have a misguided conception on really just how small the market share is on niche specific photography gear.
The large photo stores are large because maybe you feel that they are, when in comparison they are really small with just large names. People the world over shop at these companies not because of just word of mouth, they specialize in what they offer. Have you taken a look at videos on Youtube. Adorama, B&H and others are all turning to offering tips, reviews, online classes just to get their name out there. This is not simple free advertising, as they pay these people to make these videos for them. These are your specialty shops. Look at how small the market really is... J&R Music (Closed) Camulet (Closed) they were specialty stores as well, where you can buy lenses above and beyond what Best Buy offers.
I'm all for supporting local businesses, and I really enjoy talking to salesmen if I have no knowledge on the product. If they throw the crap on the wall and it sticks they may just end up having a sale.
However at the same time, you do need to look at what Amazon offers to you. Sometimes great deals that you would never see at local store, let alone a Best Buy. You can purchase any product within reason, from anywhere around the world and get it to you within a few days. Now even Amazon has gotten into selling used gear, because they know that they can make even more of a profit margin on used electronics.

Photography niche stores now has become even more scarce since the introduction of the camera phone. Why even carry around a small digital camera with you, when you can get yourself a smartphone that already comes with that option. One less thing to carry for convenience.
Just something to ponder on.
 
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