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