Evolution in trade
My first time. I remember it as if it was yesterday. A friend had a catalogue from China.
Sorry about the confusion. My first time buying a lens for my camera. I couldn’t afford the rigour of retail, and this was a simple little booklet filled with product names and prices that were much cheaper than the domestic lists. The only catch: you sent your postal money order off to an address in Kowloon and then you waited for the slow boat. Literally. Time for fulfillment was in the range of six weeks or more, before the card from Customs and Excise arrived. No door-to-door when the government had its weigh/way.
We knew about tariffs and classifications, and as astute young consumers we were ready to go down to the Dominion building and state our case. If needed. The customs officers were in control, and you paid your due. The total bill still beat what the local store was asking. I enjoyed the exotic nature of the transaction, and it was a proud “It came from China” that explained the pedigree of photo gear.
Flash forward several decades. With the Internet, I can shop, compare, consult with other users. Deals are everywhere, and only a lazy shopper pays “MSRP”. I’ve got a bad case of LBA (Lens-Buying Addiction); I want another telephoto before summer vacation (my dates have been approved).
After only two nights of research (insomnia carries its own reward), I’ve located the right price and the right online store. Given that the merchant is familiar on eBay, there’s lots of feedback to peruse. I know what I’ll be getting, if I decide to drop the roll of coins (virtual). Quite a change from the slow boat from China.
