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Post by drako on Dec 3, 2009 15:48:53 GMT -5
There are some business models I just don't understand. Like, stores that sell collectible cameras at retail. For example: www.collectiblecameras.com. They have great cameras, a great website, nice retail store here in Phoenix, and a couple people woking in repair. At any given time there's four or five employees in the store. But they sell at retail, which seems to be something like 1/3 higher than eBay prices. How can they continue doing this? Is there really such a demand for the obscure items we on this board cherish so much? I truly value that this business exists and that they are apparently continuing to be able to make a go of it. But I really don't understand how they can stay in business. Thoughts? |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2009 16:07:19 GMT -5
The problem with store like that is most collectors aren't going to pay that sort of price unless it's a camera they absolutely have to have to complete a collection. And the general public certainly isn't going to spend that kind of money for a FILM camera when they can get a really nice digital p&s for less than $200. I don't think they will be in business much longer. In the past six months what little value most film models had had plummeted.
Wayne
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Post by nikonbob on Dec 3, 2009 20:45:35 GMT -5
Good to see that they are still in bussiness but it must be a tough go for them. Hard to compete with sellers that have no overhead like a real live brick and mortar store does.
Bob
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Post by drako on Dec 3, 2009 23:47:14 GMT -5
Wayne & Bob -- exactly my point. I don't get it!
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Dec 5, 2009 2:19:50 GMT -5
There are some business models I just don't understand. Like, stores that sell collectible cameras at retail. For example: www.collectiblecameras.com. They have great cameras, a great website, nice retail store here in Phoenix, and a couple people woking in repair. At any given time there's four or five employees in the store. But they sell at retail, which seems to be something like 1/3 higher than eBay prices. Thoughts? Johnny, Thanks for that site. It is interesting, quite comprehensive and well laid out. I don't think their prices are so exorbitant if, indeed, the items can be rated as 9 as many of theirs are. I have no cause to doubt those ratings particularly as they are still in business. If a listed item does not sell I am sure that they are sensible enough to reduce it's price rather than hold it in stock indefinitely. "selling at retail"? It is a retail establishment and must support the overhead of such an operation to stay in business. A customer or looker always has the option of trying to find a desired item elsewhere. When I worked in a camera store we used to call those people Mr. Beeback. Much of the stuff on eBay is overrated and one almost always gambles when purchasing through that revered site. Some of the vendors show prices that are astronomical. Most of their listings do not get a bid but they keep on doing it. Far too many eBay listings sell for considerably more than their value. One has to wonder. So good for Collectible Cameras. They are providing a service that is extremely rare today. Long may they continue. Mickey |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2009 9:13:32 GMT -5
Mickey:
I agree. Their prices on some items aren't bad--looked like some pretty good bargains on screw mount Leica (unless you want a IIIG
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Post by Randy on Dec 5, 2009 13:55:46 GMT -5
I've bought a few from B&H Camera at great prices. I got a Minolta SRT Super in great condition for $55.00 with 50mm lens. Supers are hard to come by.  |
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photax
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Post by photax on Dec 5, 2009 14:12:30 GMT -5
Hi Johnny ! There is a also a international retailer for (mostly) expensive rare cameras and accessories in Vienna: www.leicashop.com/If you click on "Vintage Shop", or "Photographica Auction" on top right and have a look at todays hammer-prices, you`ll know what i mean. The most expensive vintage camera has been sold there two years ago: A Daguerrotype from 1839 sold for 590.000.- EUR ( 876.740.- USD ). Here is the former newspaper cutting:  MIK |
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Post by herron on Dec 7, 2009 20:44:27 GMT -5
Good to see that they are still in bussiness but it must be a tough go for them. Hard to compete with sellers that have no overhead like a real live brick and mortar store does. Bob Interesting. I tried a few years ago to get Mamiya to let me sell their medium-format film and digital cameras on my collector site ... but they replied that they didn't do that for anyone who didn't have a "storefront presence." I think the real reason was my traffic is good for a hobby site, but not so fabulous for a commercial concern. Hmmmmm. Maybe I should contact them again.  |
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