Mr Ten Questions at Photo Imaging World

[gstark]

At today's minimeet at Thanh's (thanx Thanh and Tran for the - as always - great hospitality) the aApril 29 inimeet that we'll be holding in conjunction with Photo Imaging World was discussed.

Amongst the more interesting suggestions raised was the one whereby each of our members, at some point throughout the show, wander up to the Maxwell reps and ask them some questions.

Nothing odd about that you say?

What if we're all asking, over an extended period of time, the exact same questions?

Who wants to build a list of those questions?

[johndec]

What if we're all asking, over an extended period of time, the exact same questions?

I like the evil way your mind works Gary Just make sure everyone is in "civvies" not their D70 users shirts..

[leek]

I missed that discussion today... On a similar theme, we could do the same thing but in the style of a flashmob... Synchronise watches, be in the vicinity of the Maxwell's stand at the appointed time, then on a pre-agreed signal all converge quickly on the stand, all demanding attention at the same time for 2 minutes... then on another signal all disappear in different directions as if nothing had happened...

They would be totally confused...

Of course - one or 2 members would stand off to the side to take photos of the scene...

[DaveB]

John, what would that achieve other than flustering the staff?

Gary's suggestion (you're the one who started this thread Gary, so by inference it's yours ) could prove more interesting in the long term (depending on the list of questions).

[johndec]

The most obvious question if you want to embaress them is; "Why are Nikon products so much dearer in Australia than they are in the US? It cant be shipping costs, we are closer to Japan than the US."

Or if you want to annoy them:
"When are you making a left handed D70s?"

[leek]

John, what would that achieve other than flustering the staff?

Gary's suggestion (you're the one who started this thread Gary, so by inference it's yours ) could prove more interesting in the long term (depending on the list of questions).

I'm open to either approach, but the reactions to such a flashmob are usually hilarious... We may not have enough people to pull it off though...

[leek]

Does the D2x come in Silver?

[Nnnnsic]

When will Nikon produce an astrophotography targetted camera like the Canon 20d-a?

[LOZ]

Produce say 20 full colour
business cards and simply drop them around the stand then a member pick one up and hand it to them with a surprised look Or many members just show them the card and ask if they know who they are


Nikon Grey Importers

Same day servicing on all Nikon cameras

WE WILL BEAT ANY AUSTRALIAN PRICE

NAME -------
local PHONE NO

[TonyH]

I asked the why should I not buy a Grey import question here in Brisbane at the last Photo Expo (from Maxwells rep).

They told me that warranty issues would be a huge hurdle for me to overcome, to which I replied "are Nikon products manufactured so badly that they are in need of constant repair?. No answer.

I then reasked why I would buy the Nikon product here at twice the price of an imported item. The reply was that perhaps Nikon manufacture good at differing standards for different parts of the world, and Australia gets the best or premium products only. I replied that if he could furnish me with evidence, I don't want to buy an inferior product, I'd certainly buy the Australian product. At that stage he asked me for my contact details (which I gave him) to be able to come back to me at a stage in the near future to further elaborate.

I shook my head and left the stand...... btw I didn't get his name but he was seconded from Sydney.

Must think we're all a little thick in Queensland

So, maybe a question to ask would be: Why should I pay roughly twice as much from a local supplier as opposed to getting Nikon gear from overseas. And then watch them squirm because they just can't justify the ripoff prices we have to pay.

[gstark]

The most obvious question if you want to embaress them is; "Why are Nikon products so much dearer in Australia than they are in the US? It cant be shipping costs, we are closer to Japan than the US."

In actual point of fact, this is exactly the sort of question I (and in fact one I specifically) had in mind.

I'm thinking that the questions should be serious in their nature, but equally, intended to inform them that we're not simply customers of their's but bloody unhappy customers because of their "who gives a fuck" attitude towards us.

And products such as NC are a great example to give them - shipping costs are bugegr all, support costs are even less, yet it costs about three times what it should.

As well as the questions, we would need a set of responses to their answers, so that we could truly apply some pressure to them.

And we coulsd demand their business cards and insist that we want and expect a serious response from them.

Other suggested questions, people?

[gstark]

I missed that discussion today... On a similar theme, we could do the same thing but in the style of a flashmob... Synchronise watches, be in the vicinity of the Maxwell's stand at the appointed time, then on a pre-agreed signal all converge quickly on the stand, all demanding attention at the same time for 2 minutes... then on another signal all disappear in different directions as if nothing had happened...

One issue with this is thatthese people are already under-staffed but swamped with customers as it is. I'm not sure that a flashmob would be noticed.

[leek]

I'm thinking that the questions should be serious in their nature

Ah sorry Gary - you set me off on the wrong track by referring to Mr. Ten Questions in your title...

[gstark]

I'm thinking that the questions should be serious in their nature

Ah sorry Gary - you set me off on the wrong track by referring to Mr. Ten Questions in your title...

But those questions are serious .... are they not?

[leek]

I'm thinking that the questions should be serious in their nature

Ah sorry Gary - you set me off on the wrong track by referring to Mr. Ten Questions in your title...

But those questions are serious .... are they not?

Very true... but the objective is to fluster or confuse...

[Matt. K]

Count me in on anything that is devious and malicious. I love the idea of printing up some fake notices that could be dropped around the place to stimulate healthy discussion between members of the public.

[christiand]

Hi everyone,

My favourite question would be to ask why Nikon gear is SO expensive in AU.
Who is going to Photo Imaging world on Saturday 29th April ? (if so what time ?)
Is there going to be a mini meet at Birddogs ? (if so what time ?)

I have registered but still have to do some planning and checking.

Best regards,
Christian

[Killakoala]

I won't be there as i'll be OS, so can someone ask them why it's taking so long to fix my D70 BGLOD problem

[johndec]

If we are going to give them a hard time regarding price differentials in AU vs US pricing, I reckon we should choose a sample lens and camera and work on suggested Q's and A's. Can I suggest the D2x and the 70-200 as usable examples. Usable on two fronts. Firstly, they are high end items so the Maxwell markup/ripoff will be at it's most obvious. Secondly, asking questions about gear like this will show that the questioner has some idea about quality equipment.

We need to go in well armed though. The AU and US retail prices as listed by Maxwell and Nikon USA need to be documented. That way if they try to use the GST argument, one can still say "OK, even if we factor that in and ignore that most states in the USA have similar taxes, you still haven't explained why the (insert product here) is still (insert large number here) dearer".

[Nnnnsic]

John, I believe after memorising computer hardware prices for no apparent reason, I can commit Nikon gear prices to memory.

Maybe.

And if all fails, I can write it on my hands and hope I don't sweat.

[Finch]

Gary,

I would like quite a number of people to ask a 'senior' rep why it is taking so bloomin' long for them to release non-banding D200 (I've had one on order since mid-December) and why they kept so quiet about the problem for so long. Also, a date for the new batch of D200 for Australia would be good, too (although I doubt that is possible!).

Cheers

Michael

[moz]

Can I suggest the D2x and the 70-200 as usable examples.

I have the Canon version of that lens, albeit the cheapo camera to attach to it, so would it also be good to ask about differences between the competing products? I'm guessing this parallels the 1DII from Canon, and that package from Camera House is $500 cheaper (Canon just under $10k, Nikon just over), but then the Nikon gives you 6MP/8fps at 140-400mm with stabilisation, the Canon only gives you 91-260mm but you get 8MP (cropping it to the center 6MP gives 105-300).

I'll be along on Saturday, and I'm willing to swot up on the Nikon gear and play along.

[MattC]

Hammer Maxwells on pricing and when done, all of the Nikon users should get over to the Canon stand and do the same in support of the few Canonites here on the forum. Local Canon pricing is just as strange.

Cheers

[Alpha_7]

I don't mind pestering the canon guys either, but I'll be doing it with my D70 around my neck

[Nikon boy]

I wonder if anyone from Maxwells monitors this site ?

[Alpha_7]

Post Removed : My apologises to Wally, my intention was a light hearted joke, not a personal flame.

[Nnnnsic]

I wonder if anyone from Maxwells monitors this site ?

Wally perhaps ?

Don't make me ask if that's an attempt at a flame, Craig.

[gstark]

Is there going to be a mini meet at Birddogs ? (if so what time ?)

Christian,

The minimeet will be at Darling Harbour. My expectation is starting at around 3 ish, and then into the exhibition, with dinner at Chinatown afterwards.

Work on those timeframes as your starting point.

[gstark]

We need to go in well armed though. The AU and US retail prices as listed by Maxwell and Nikon USA need to be documented. That way if they try to use the GST argument, one can still say "OK, even if we factor that in and ignore that most states in the USA have similar taxes, you still haven't explained why the (insert product here) is still (insert large number here) dearer".

John,

What we need are realistic street prices, which, in Oz, are still way OTT.

The D2X may be a good example, certainly the 70-200VR, maybe the 50 1.4 which is double what it should be, and as I mentioned earlier, the NC software is thrice the US$ cost, but there's nothing to support, and even if there was, can you see maxwell's providing it?

The absence of service on on camerras as well, and their refusal to honour NIKON warranties, would be other points I'd be willing to place on the agenda.

[gstark]

Gary,

I would like quite a number of people to ask a 'senior' rep why it is taking so bloomin' long for them to release non-banding D200 (I've had one on order since mid-December) and why they kept so quiet about the problem for so long. Also, a date for the new batch of D200 for Australia would be good, too (although I doubt that is possible!).

Michael, the issue here, as I understand it,, is that Nikon simply isn't supplying stock to Maxwell. Maybe that's the way that question needs to be framed: "Why are Maxwell's finding it so difficult to procure stock from Nikon?
When we call to enquire as to an ETA, you either don't know, have some X on order but don't know when they're coming in,or else some are due in within a week but don't know what it is nor how many. Not exactly professional ... "

[Manta]

Not exactly professional ... "

That's it, in a nutshell, Gary. Why is it that Nikon seem to treat their Aussie customers with such disdain and why do Maxwells appear to do little to lift that perception? Seems a basic tenet of doing business that you look after your customer base, you supply what they need or you communicate with them respectfully and honestly to ensure their ongoing support and brand loyalty. Rocket science? I think not.

[RICPIC]

[What we need are realistic street prices, which, in Oz, are still way OTT.

The D2X may be a good example, certainly the 70-200VR, maybe the 50 1.4 which is double what it should be, and as I mentioned earlier, the NC software is thrice the US$ cost, but there's nothing to support, and even if there was, can you see maxwell's providing it?
[/quote]

the odd thing is that the aussie price of the D200 ($2600) is the same as OS. You can order a D200 from Foto Riesel in Sydney for the same price as HK Supplies on Ebay.

[gstark]

Simon,

Not exactly professional ... "

That's it, in a nutshell, Gary. Why is it that Nikon seem to treat their Aussie customers with such disdain

That one is easy. We're such an insignificant part of their market, why should they care? The reality of the situation is that Nikon might probably do better (from a business/shareholder perspective) to toally ignore Oz completely, as a market segment, and just direct our poduct into the US or HK.

And - again looking at this from a reality PoV - would we in Oz be better off buying direct from HK, or through Maxwell, as our primary source of product?

Ponder that one seriously ...

and why do Maxwells appear to do little to lift that perception?

Which is a different question, and one that we should be prepared to pose.

Seems a basic tenet of doing business that you look after your customer base, you supply what they need or you communicate with them respectfully and honestly to ensure their ongoing support and brand loyalty. Rocket science? I think not.

No, it's not.

But time and agan, Maxwell's have clearly demonstrated that they're not even not rocket scientists.

[moz]

I suspect what you're seeing is that Nikon regard Australia as not worth having, but Maxwells are the Australian importer trying to make the best of a bad joke. From Nikon's end Maxwells probably get a lot of "and how many thousand cameras did you order this month, again?" and "Nowhere, USA is a bigger customer than you and they're on the other line".

In some respects us Canon users are better off, in that there's an actual Canon operation here who do real work (not just a service outlet), so we tend to get slightly better service. Of course, we still get silly pricing (someone should tell Canon that the south pacific peso got above $US0.50 for a while there) and long lead times. Except when truly weird shit happens, like the 30D going on the shelves in Oz first.

[nito]

I have loss faith in maxwell. Simple.

[MattC]

There is a "Nikon Australia" website which went up a couple of months ago (afaik) which is independent of the Maxwell site.

Maybe (hopefully) it is a sign of things to come. The "Nikon Australia" bit I mean.

http://www.nikon.com.au/

Cheers

[christiand]

Hi Gary,

thanks for the info

Cheers,
CD

[birddog114]

There is a "Nikon Australia" website which went up a couple of months ago (afaik) which is independent of the Maxwell site.

Maybe (hopefully) it is a sign of things to come. The "Nikon Australia" bit I mean.

http://www.nikon.com.au/

Cheers

MattC,
Gary posted here few days ago:

http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?t=15586

[petermmc]

I am working in Melbourne today and took the time to look at all the central photoshops. The ticketed prices on many of thier items are extortion. Even some of the second hand prices are higher than new prices in Sydney.

This is a good topic. Prices in Australia are crazy and have caused may of us over the years to purchase overseas and today to go grey or to other brands. A question I would like to add is about Warranties. US seems to get 5 yr warranties on New Nikon gear. I may be wrong. Seeing as we are paying top world prices we should get 10 yr warranties.

In short, "When are we going to get 5 yr warranties for Nikon in Australia?"

Regards

Peter Mc

[MattC]

MattC,
Gary posted here few days ago:

http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?t=15586

Aha, found it. That is a strange way for Maxwell to link to the Nikon Australia site.
I guess it was wishful thinking to hope that Maxwell would be outed.

Cheers

[birddog114]

MattC,
Gary posted here few days ago:

http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?t=15586

Aha, found it. That is a strange way for Maxwell to link to the Nikon Australia site.
I guess it was wishful thinking to hope that Maxwell would be outed.

Cheers

No, their strategies for us to blame Nikon not Maxwell.
It could be happened as you said but not instantly. Times will tell.

[MattC]

No, their strategies for us to blame Nikon not Maxwell.

Well, those in charge at Maxwell must have their heads jammed in very dark places.
That sort of strategy makes no sense at all. It does no good to blame the company that manufactures a product they try to sell. Classical case of butt covering and buck passing. Kinda like cutting off your nose to spite your face. I would have thought that it would have been in their interest to make Nikon (and themselves as the local distributor) look good.

If a good list of question is asked, it would be interesting to see the answers, and whether or not they pass blame in a manner that undermines Nikon.

It could be happened as you said but not instantly. Times will tell.

So I can continue hoping?

Cheers

[gstark]

A question I would like to add is about Warranties. US seems to get 5 yr warranties on New Nikon gear. I may be wrong. Seeing as we are paying top world prices we should get 10 yr warranties.

In short, "When are we going to get 5 yr warranties for Nikon in Australia?"

Peter,

Can you point me to some URLs for this? Great question, but I'd like to see the products involved so that we can back this up with fact.

[birddog114]

A question I would like to add is about Warranties. US seems to get 5 yr warranties on New Nikon gear. I may be wrong. Seeing as we are paying top world prices we should get 10 yr warranties.

In short, "When are we going to get 5 yr warranties for Nikon in Australia?"

Peter,

Can you point me to some URLs for this? Great question, but I'd like to see the products involved so that we can back this up with fact.

Gary,
It's Nikon USA offers 5 years warranty after buyer of Nikon lenses returned their warranty card within 30 days of purchase with the bar code printed on the box + cash back.

[gstark]

Well, those in charge at Maxwell must have their heads jammed in very dark places.

Which probably explains why sitting feels so uncomfortable lately.

If a good list of question is asked, it would be interesting to see the answers, and whether or not they pass blame in a manner that undermines Nikon.

That's not the real goal. I don't think we want excuses or finger pointing.

Rather, I think that real solutions to the problems we see would be a more preferable outcome. Realistic pricing, professional service and attitude, better supply channels, and to not treat as us - their customers - as fools.

[gstark]

Gary,
It's Nikon USA offers 5 years warranty after buyer of Nikon lenses returned their warranty card within 30 days of purchase with the bar code printed on the box + cash back.

I can't find anything on the nikonusa site.

Could somebody please give me a specific URL?

[MattC]

Whoops, poorly worded.
Gary, I was thinking in terms of answers to the issues that are relavent. Pricing, service, attitude.... and whether or not Maxwell tries to pass the blame.

Cheers

[birddog114]

Gary,
It's Nikon USA offers 5 years warranty after buyer of Nikon lenses returned their warranty card within 30 days of purchase with the bar code printed on the box + cash back.

I can't find anything on the nikonusa site.

Could somebody please give me a specific URL?

I'll find it for you, and with the round yellow sticker " 5 Years Extended Warranty" on its box.

[gstark]

Whoops, poorly worded.
Gary, I was thinking in terms of answers to the issues that are relavent. Pricing, service, attitude.... and whether or not Maxwell tries to pass the blame.

Cheers

No worries Matt. It certainly doesn't hurt to be clear about this, from all sides.

[gstark]

I'll find it for you, and with the round yellow sticker " 5 Years Extended Warranty" on its box.

That would be great; thanx Thanh.