When compare prices in digital cameras, same model can has hugh difference in pricing from difference reseller, either mail ordering company or from store, sometime, you will see some resellers marked up to 100% more then from other resellers. Why should cameras be different from any other commodity? It's just the way retail works. When you check out at WalMart, the "cash register" is already placing an order to China to make a new camera to ship to WalMart's central distribution center. When you buy one at the local camera store, they all get together after you leave the shop and drink a toast of congratulations. "Hey, we finally sold one!" Of course, those people will be there for you when you need help operating the thing and the cashier at WalMart can't even tell you what kind of batteries your camera takes. In many cases, the manufacturer requires "Authorized" dealers to only sell at a particular price or in a particular range. They are sometimes allowed to discount if they purchase certain volumes, but generally all of the authorized dealers sell in a range thatt is + or minus 5% of one another.
The advantage from purchasing from an authorized dealer is tha the manufacturer will honour their warranty.
Resellers that are considerably under priced may be Unauthorized Resellers (nor sales agreement with the manufacturer to sell the product), selling a Gray Market product (manufactured for sale in one place (i.e. Asia) and selling in another (i.e. U.S.), selling refurbished items (item returned, repaired, and repackaged) or selling counterfeit materials. None of these would be eligible for the manufacturers warranty, although some of these resellers offer a warranty of their own. Everyone is trying to make money. Don't be a victim of high prices on any items you buy. I price match almost everything I buy. For electronics I try to buy at Costco. They generally have the best price, a good selection and there return policy is second to none. If they don't have what your looking for try to price match on-line & buy local. City sales tax & shipping rates are commpairable. Do your research! hope I helped. |
