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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> DC/MD/VA Folks - Penn Camera Declared Bankruptcy
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Showing posts 1 - 5 of 5, (reverse)
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Nikon Z8
Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8
 01/05/2012 07:23:34 PM · #1
That's the bad news. Although I admit to buying most of my big equipment online, so I certainly didn't help them stay in business. I did like to pop by and get filters and diffusers and things there. Not clear yet whether they're going completely out of business or just shuttering a bunch of stores.

The good news is that they're having a clearance sale on Monday (9 January) at their E Street (DC), Rockville and Tyson's locations. If you're in the market for some new toys, it might be worth stopping by.

Link for more info.
Sony SLT-A33
Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM
01/06/2012 11:12:13 AM · #2
Too bad. I've gotten a few things from my local store.

These days, you just can't compete with the stock or prices online.

You used to be able to depend on small shops/chains like that for professional opinions, but now you can get even more specific and detailed information through sites like dpreview.
Canon EOS-5D Mark II
Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount
01/06/2012 11:32:19 AM · #3
Originally posted by JamesDowning:
Too bad. I've gotten a few things from my local store.

These days, you just can't compete with the stock or prices online.

You used to be able to depend on small shops/chains like that for professional opinions, but now you can get even more specific and detailed information through sites like dpreview.


actually i've found my local camera does compete with online prices. i however buy my stuff online for the one reason they can't. Taxes.

The camera shop had my 60D for the same price it was online (i got free shipping) and I bought it online to save the $70 in tax.

this isn't related to camera gear but my biggest complaint about local shops and the internet is the internet has much better stock and inventory, i know i can always find it online, my local shops, not so much.

Message edited by author 2012-01-06 11:32:49.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS
 01/06/2012 12:24:46 PM · #4
This sales tax mess in the US needs to be fixed.... Most state have a use tax where your SUPPOSED to pay the tax from web stuff anyway (yeah look on your state tax forms - it's there and has been for decades or more in most cases)..... just that it's unenforceable and most people don't remit the tax. Some states are getting more aggressive in enforcement but even so what can they do on the expense side short of an audit (some are going after the B&H, amazon types with some success) - tax really only works on the income side in this type of environment.

It's a big issue for local stores because even if they price match - which is hard with preferred pricing from suppliers - your behind the eight ball from the start. Even B&H is noncompetitive if you try and buy something locally from them or have a NY (maybe some others like NJ - not sure) address..... and they have a huge advantage over the local camera shop.

On the other hand, some should go out of business..... I have a local pro type shop and you will never meet a more snooty set of salespeople if you try.... In some ways I understand because a lot of people go and play with stuff and order online anyway. I would prefer to buy locally and pay a little more - but these guys prices are way too much to do that even without the tax issues.... so I buy online from places with a good return policy instead :shrug: This specific place does not sound like that as seems to be a decent local from what I see on the web but don't know.
Canon EOS-1D X
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM
 01/06/2012 03:15:46 PM · #5
i could probably save quite a bit of money buying online, but i'm doing everything i can to support my local shop. i need them to be there. my business doesn't always give me the luxury of time to wait for something to get shipped. it's nice to have planned purchases, but most of the stuff i buy is things that i need at that moment...and usually the price i pay is less than the online price + expedited shipping.

it's also nice to have a relationship with a shop that i can call 5 minutes before closing and have somebody wait around another 15 minutes for me to make an emergency purchase. you can't put a price on that.
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