DigitalCity.net.au Online store thoughts anyone?

[Morgan]

Hi all I'm a long time reader first time poster.

I'm a student @ RMIT Uni melb and I'm trying to buy the new Canon EOS 30D for my first DSLR. I have one pre-ordered at Ted's for $2,299 which is there waiting for me. But Baltronics in Melbourne said they'll sell one to me for $2,070, problem is they haven't got them in yet and it could be 1 - 2 weeks wait. Ten I discovered another option last night the Sydney based store Digital City. They are selling them for $2,069 with free registered postage in 2-5 days which is a pretty sweet deal.

I Just wanted to know if anyone has dealt with them and their online store. My concerns are if the camera has a fault i feel it will be a real hassle to return it and dealing with an interstate store. How safe is it using registered Post to post my camera, the only other option is Express Post with no insurance. Or do i wait for Baltronics in Melbourne who really have no clue when they're getting them in.

I've got to get crackin with school assignments and can't really afford to wait another 2 weeks.

Thanks for any Info/Advice guys
Morgan

[nito]

They have quite a few stores in sydney. Dont normally get gear off them because they are usually expensive for nikon stuff.

[bago100]

Morgan
You say Ted's have one waiting for you.
Why don't you see them and try to renegotiate the price based on what Ted's competitors are selling them for.
Ted's may well refuse to renegotiate and may release your camera for general sale but you'll probably feel better being upfront and direct with them. You'll also be able to buy peace of mind with regards to Ted's various satisfaction guarantees.
If Ted's do come to the party and lower their asking price, then you'll have a win, and so will they.
Good luck with your decision about what to do
Cheers
Graham

[gstark]

Hi Morgan, and welcome.

I would echo Graham's suggestion. After all, what do you have to lose?

Also, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could alter your location in your profile so that it conforms with our requirements. "Melbourne" is a big place, and a little more specificity is in order here.

Thanx.

[BullcreekBob]

G'day

At times I feel some sort of sympathy for the bigger retail stores like Ted's and even Hardly Normals.

Many people (including myself) go to these places to look at, touch, play with, ask questions, and learn about products. Then we go away and buy from eBay or some online place at a cheaper price. The price is cheaper usually because they don't have the overheads of holding stock, servicing customers and answering queries from punters who are never going to buy there.

I'm not critising the original poster, I am just saying that it's a situation I know well and I do it myself (I've recently bought an SB600 online).

When I bought my 50mm F1.8 a few months back, I spoke to the guys at Camera Electronic in Perth and said "I appreciate your help, advice and service, thanks. I am looking to get the 50mmF1.8, your price is good and lower than Maxwell listed retail BUT I can get from eBay at $xx. After some discussion they agreed to sell me the lens at a very good price.

I let them know I was happy to pay a bit more for their friendly service but I couldn't afford too big a margin. They were very helpful.

I guess this is a fairly long winded post to say, I would go to Ted's and tell them the situation, after all they have preordered for you and held on rather than sell to other waiting customers. I would be very surprised if Ted's didn't make you some some sort of reasonable offer. You be reasonable and I'm sure they will be too.

Cheers
Bob in Bull Creek

[nito]

birddog is my dealer now for the nikon crack.

Never go to a retailer again because of their horrible service and their every increasing range of PS.

[gstark]

Bob,

Many people (including myself) go to these places to look at, touch, play with, ask questions, and learn about products.

Learn about the products?

At Hardly Normal's ???

or Ted's???

You'll be lucky.

In all seriousness, that's where we, in Sydney, are very fortunate in that at our minimeets at Birdy's we can see touch and play with pretty well anything we like from the Nikon range, and sometimes, some of the Canon toys as well.


And we are able to pl;ay with them with the willing help and advice of some very knowledgable people to help us.

Yo'll be lucky to find the sort of knowledge we have access to in any of the larger stores that sell photographic equipment.

In some of the smaller and more specialised stores, ok, yes, and your point is well made.

But not when using Ted's et al as the example.

[losfp]

In all seriousness, that's where we, in Sydney, are very fortunate in that at our minimeets at Birdy's we can see touch and play with pretty well anything we like from the Nikon range, and sometimes, some of the Canon toys as well.

Absolutely, Gary. In the two minimeets I've been to, I've been lucky enough to try out the Tokina 12-24, Nikkor 12-24, 10.5FE 17-55, 70-200VR, 200-400, the D2X, D2H... and be able to chat to people who have owned and used this gear. This is the level of help that you are unlikely to get at a camera retailer.

Unfortunately the minimeet only has one Sydney branch, and is only open about once every month

I know I regularly wander into retailers on weekends, lunchtime at work etc (and not just photographic gear) for a look. Sometimes I've even paid over the best price because I'd wanted things there and then, instead of ordering online and going to specific shops further away.

[rookie2]

my two bobs worth

I think you are all a little biased against the retailers.

nearly every item I have purchased over the years has been from a major retailer..you know why?

...because the salespersonsaid that they had one of the items themself at home (ie camera, TV, computer) and they have had no troubles with it
....... or at lest their brother or mate or brothers' mate or brothers' mate's sister had one and it was grouse - A1 - sick as - cool - yada yada

Having just been to my first minimeet in Adelaide the opportunity to handle and test other gear with the owner present is priceless and without pressure to buy anything.

For peace of mind buy your body locally - lenses and accessories another story. shop around and always check birddog's price and service.

cheers
R2

gottalovealongweekend. PS in reality most of the retailers I have dealt with in adelaide have been pretty good - Teds, Diamonds, PW. all have been happy to negotiate - small town and plenty of competition

[Morgan]

Thanks for all the help everyone i went with Graham's idea of negotiating with Ted's, brought them down from $2,200 to $2,070 for the 30D and they added a BG-E2 battery Grip for a total price of $2,300 . So overall very happy with their service and price and if any problems it's alot better knowing I can just take the gear back to Ted's Pro Store in Melbourne rather than Sydney or some eBay Store in Honk Kong.

Just have to worry about Lenses now and whether to go second hand or not, f/2.8 or f/4 etc which is another story altogether. It's hurts having this new camera and not even a lens to put on it and shoot with yet.