The Camera Shop

I was thinking about a camera shop the other day and I thought I would write this as it is fresh on my mind.

I was browsing a famous big box store the other day when I noticed in the electronics section a nice camera. It was on sale for $599.00 and I was surprised that they carried a camera that expensive. Now, I expect them to have the cheap point & click camera's but not something that extensive and nice. I thought to myself even though it was an expensive camera to me, someone who's looking for this camera probably knows it's a good deal. Then I thought about someone who might be willing to pay this kind of money for a good camera. Would they be able to ask the kid behind the counter to help them learn about the camera? Does the kid know anything about it? We all know the answer to those questions,....so where would you go to get familiar with this camera? It wasn't that long ago that if you wanted anything for a camera you would go to a camera shop. There you could touch the camera, & the sales associate would get you familiar with the buttons on the camera and he or she would answer all your questions. If you wanted to compare camera's you could do so at that time. One problem though......the camera shop would want $649.00 for the same camera. Why? Because they are greedy? Because they enjoy charging more? No,...It is because it costs them money to pay those associates to be experts in their field and then for them to spend time with us. One thing I think we all need to keep in mind is that getting professional help with products is going to cost us a little bit more and I'm OK with that. If enough of us are OK with that too, we will keep the professional around longer and we will make smarter purchases.

I actually don't know much about camera's and I definitely don't know much about running a camera shop but I think it is ridiculous that you can buy a $599.00 camera in a big box store. I think there are some things that should be sold independently....from a professional, not a cash register attendant!

That's my humble opinion,.....What's yours?

Who do you support?

I want to talk about what some people do as consumers and just vent for a little bit.  When we are ready to buy something we all want the best price.  Our money is precious and we work hard for it.

But many people have the habit of going to a small business to learn all about the product they want to buy, because the small business expert knows everything about the product and will spend time telling them all about it.   Then, that customer will walk out and go buy it somewhere else because they can save a FEW dollars. They're confident in what they're buying because the small business helped them figure it out.  Well, If we have ever done that....shame on us!

I remember one time this woman came into my store to look for a new vacuum.  She didn't know what to buy and she needed our expertise.  I gladly helped her and showed her a few choices that I thought matched her needs.  Before she left we settled on one that we both thought was a good choice.  She was a little apprehensive though, so I suggested she take the vacuum home and try it.  She did and in bringing it back she exclaimed "I love it, I just have to talk to my husband."  She called me the next day and said "my husband agreed we should buy it, However, my husband went online and we can get it for $20 Dollars cheaper.  Will you match the price?"  I couldn't believe my ears.  After all the time, service, and advice that I rendered her, she wanted me to match the Internet price that was only $20.00 different.  Well, out of mere principal, I said NO.  I reminded her of what I had already done for her and then reminded her of all the things I would do if she purchased it from us.   Guess what?....She bought it online.  She bought a vacuum that she had never known about before she met me.  One that I let her try in her own home for free.  Shame on her for wasting my time and using me!  I was so mad and I have to admit,.... I'm getting a little hot thinking about it now.  Don't worry.....Serenity Now! Serenity Now!.....OK much better.

All I want to say to all of us as consumers is this:  Don't do that!  Either decide you are going to buy something for lowest price or you are willing to consult a local small business and get help with your purchase.  It's OK to ask the small business operator if they are competitive with Internet pricing or ask why you should do business with them instead of going on the Internet.  A good business will have good answers for those questions but, be aware.....you probably will spend a few pennies more, but if you get expert help and end up with the right product, Haven't you actually saved money?  Something to think about.  Let me know what you think.

The Butcher, the Baker,...the Candlestick maker.

It wasn't that long ago when everybody was a specialist and they made a living doing ONE thing. When we as customers had needs, we went to these specialists. When we needed meat, we went to the butcher. When we needed shoes, we went to the shoe store. When we needed a vacuum, we went to a vacuum shop. I was thinking how things have really changed, and I'm one who usually embraces change but, I have to admit,... I wonder if we're heading in the right direction? It seems like a really nice idea to be able to go to specialists and form relationships with these people as the years go by. I know that some of these specialty businesses are still around today, but for the most part, they are drying up, especially in areas where the big giant stores have taken over. It's Sad, isn't it? The fact is that times are hard on a small business and the costs of doing business is higher than ever before. We really need to rally behind these businesses that are still going today. Why? Because they are truly experts in their profession and we can't afford to lose their expertese. It is my opinion that doing business with these folks is the most primitive way to do business. It is the best way. Think about it....you need a service or product,....you go to the specialist. He or she provides exactly what you need......you provide them with money for that service..... The specialist uses that money to put food on the table for their family. No where else can you have such an impact on someone personally when it comes to giving someone your business. Something for all of us to think about.

Is there a specialist or tradesman in your area? If so, give them the opportunity to gain your business, because the big giant store doesn't care about you and doesn't need you,... like the specialist does.