They're not listed on ResellerRatings. I've contacted them once a few weeks ago and never heard back from them. Their website is practically nothing...no product info, just About, Contact and Directions.
Reason I ask...a friend of mine just bought a 40D kit with 17-85mm, a second battery and a 200DG bag...for $275 less than B&H Photo!
North Tampa Photography is a local standby to anyone who lives in the Tampa Bay area. They have a well-stocked store (although it's a small storefront, compared to B&H and the other monster NY area stores), great prices on used equipment, knowledgeable staff and great customer service. And no, I don't work there.
I was not aware that they are doing any on-line selling now, but if they are I would trust them to give you a great deal. I don't know how or why they would be able to offer such a deal on the 40D, but I would not be surprised if they are offering deals at this time of the year (inventory, etc.).
From what you say, they sound reputable...I just can't believe that price!
The B&H kit doesn't include a second battery or the 200DG bag...and yet North Tampa Photography's price is $275 cheaper! You know that old saying, "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
They're not selling on-line...perhaps they take phone orders. Like I said, their site is practically non-existent (no product info/pricing). And the one time I e-mailed them they never responded.
My friend lives the North side of Tampa (Carrolwood) and visited the shop for this great deal. He swears that it's US Warranty, not an open-box special or customer return. I find it very hard to believe.
NTP is a nice, small brick and mortar, but unfortunately, I've never been offered any real price breaks off list, and the 7% local sales tax doesn't help matters. I would have gladly spent $10K+ in the last 2 years there, so it's a shame (for me and them) I couldn't get any compromises on list prices. Perhaps things have changed since the last time I stopped in, which was probably 18-20 months ago. The staff there are knowledgeable and nice to talk to, and this surely isn't a transplanted Brooklyn operation in any way. Forrest, I'd suggest giving them another call, and I may do the same the next time I need some gear.
Thanks, Dean. I'm starting to feel a little better for my friend.
Me, I've got no reason to call them...I'm on the opposite coast, in Daytona, so I order most of my stuff from B&H, or purchase through FM Buy & Sell. But it's good to know fellow FM members feel this is a reputable shop.
Maybe they received a ton more than they expected and need to reduce inventory before the end of the year (seems like a stretch, but you never know)? I seriously doubt they would be selling any gray market product at their shop, and if it was open-box I'm sure they would say so.
For me (since I live locally and am in the general area of the store at least once a week), I find that for many items it is close to the same cost for me to buy at NTP as it is for me to order through B&H and pay the cost of shipping.
DCains, they have a program for professional and student discounts, in case you're in the area as well.
