Unrealistic price point
We went to the big mall tonight, a question of finding a book store. That part was easy. But my heart lay elsewhere, so when the discussion turned to readability factors for ESL at the secondary level, I politely excused myself and wandered on down the concourse. To the camera shop.
No secret; I dream of having the gear necessary to capture what my mind’s eye sees. Not a simple task. Requires special tools. And besides, it’s fun to shop for things I might be able to afford some day. Except… not locally.
There are close to a million potential customers in the greater metropolitan area. No, they’re not all out to buy sophisticated camera gear, but this isn’t a village. Why, then, are the prices so high locally? And why is everything (that I would like to own) a special order item? When it comes to looking at pretty pictures in a catalog, a brick and mortar boutique isn’t a necessary part of the retail equation.
How much higher? Can you say (or justify) as much as 40% on name brand items? The store does. No matter what I asked for, it wasn’t in stock, and the price was off my scale. If this is a plot to drive me into the hands of online sellers, it’s working. Worse, the same store has its own online business, although I’m not going to bet on how well things are going.
Dealers, please take note. We know what the ticket price for things is, now that the Internet is available to the home user. In the case of a camera lens, that glass isn’t made from diamond. Get your price range down to where local buying is an acceptable compromise – yes, I know you have a staff to pay. I’ll do my part, but meet me half way. Or go without my fare.
