No, you can't. Not on new equipment. There can be some flexibility with the used inventory, especially at Adorama with items that don't move frequently.
At Adorama I've occasionally received small accessories thrown in for free with a large purchase, but you're talking about things like a free camera strap or UV filter. And don't expect them to knock the price down on an expensive item just because you'd like them to...just because the price is high doesn't mean they're making much margin on it. I'd really be surprised if the mail-order CSRs even have the authority to do it.
Sure you can haggle; you can haggle on anything. Whether or not the seller is willing to play along is the key.
Actually, I would prefer to use the word "ask". Can you ask them if they will give you a discount or throw something into the deal? I'm not sure why not. I guess I would rather ask and be told no, then to not ask at all and never have the chance to save a little or get a better deal.
Scott Sewell wrote:
Sure you can haggle; you can haggle on anything. Whether or not the seller is willing to play along is the key.
Actually, I would prefer to use the word "ask". Can you ask them if they will give you a discount or throw something into the deal? I'm not sure why not. I guess I would rather ask and be told no, then to not ask at all and never have the chance to save a little or get a better deal.
The only way I have had success with places such as the evil Samys, is to have a bona fide price from another store like Canoga or BH and they will match it, usually, sometimes, maybe.
Just asking for a better price? Haven't had much luck with that technique.
Samy's always gives me the web price in store, plus 10 bucks, which they figure is about what the shipping would be. I bought my 70-200 2.8L IS at their Pasadena store. I only use the LA store if Pasadena doesn't have it in stock.
Well I've been dealing with the same person at Samy's for twenty some odd years and I seldom have to ask specifically for the best price, but even so, I try to do my research and at least know what the east coast stores are selling it for. While B&H is known for low prices, they're not always the lowest, and sometimes, rather than asking a store to match B&H, but just asking for their best price, can yield some surprising results. At the time I bought my 24-70, it was actually $200 less from Samy's than what B&H was getting. That differential might not be there today on that lens, but it was then. I'd also much rather buy locally where there is a real Samy who supports local artists than deal with people I've never met and probably never will. I'd also rather buy locally and pay the sales tax at the time of the sale rather than remember to declare out of state purchases on my next sales tax return. My preference is the Fairfax store.
Call up a place like Allen's camera and ask if they'll beat B&H's price. They've done this for me in the past, and they are a great place to work with.
EA6B wrote:
Samy's always gives me the web price in store, plus 10 bucks, which they figure is about what the shipping would be. I bought my 70-200 2.8L IS at their Pasadena store. I only use the LA store if Pasadena doesn't have it in stock.
E
I'll have to remember that. I use the Santa Ana store & they've been great.
I'm a shopper. I have to admit it. My wife likens it to a hunt. When ever I'm online shopping she'll say that I'm on the hunt again. Rather than haggle I just shop till I find the right price from a reputable source. I have found on several ocassions that Canoga Camera had the best price. The service was very professional and quick.
(faster than B&H). Even when there was a glitch, Canoga took my word and shipped same day a 4gig lexar card that was missing from a shipment, even though the shipping documents said it was shipped. You can't beat service like that. Price and service is what its all about.
I recently put in a LARGE, I mean LARGE order from BHphoto since i am starting a lens rental business and the best they did for me was about 5-10 bucks off per lens. like everyone else said on this board, their prices are already rock bottom so its tough to get anymore out of them.
but their service and reputation is top notch so why risk it with anyone else?
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