WARNING - Camera Express

[K4LGB]

Don't know the forum rules on negative feedback but I was in a Camera Express shop next to the Edwin Watts at 8330 South I-Drive and they had very pressurised selling techniques. Everything was behind a counter so you had to engage a salesman before you could get a look at the equipment/prices.
Knew I was in trouble when the salesman offered me something which wasn't Smartmedia despite asking specifically for the correct product. When he eventually got the correct product the price for non-Fuji media was labeled at $299.99 and then it was suddenly around $90 purely by my look of abject horror at their overpricing. I was then put upon by two of them with the hard sell about not needing Fuji as this make (which I had never heard of) had a lifetime worldwide gaurantee!
Don't like to appear racist but they were Middle Eastern salemen who obviously thought bartering was the way to go but it wasn't for me and even at 6'4' and 14.5st I felt very wary of my surroundings ad was very relieved when I got out of the door body&wallet in one piece.

Just thought I would share this experience as I eventually got an original Fuji SmartMedia 128Mb card for $64.99 at Ritz Camera at lot.320 in the Florida Malls - the saleman was very helpful and I got exactly what I wanted at a very good price (£60 at Heathrow Tax Free).

If this breaks any forum rules could someone let me know and I will adjust/delete accordingly.

Cheers
Les

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

I had the same experience when buying a digital camcorder at the JVC Outlet at Lake Buena Vista. They were very keen to sell me a camera about 2 models up from the one I wanted so I said "are you trying to tell me I have not thought this through properly before coming here" which seemed to shut them up somewhat .

The same line works well at the car hire desk on arrival in Orlando when they try and talk you into upgrading your car .

[caroline]

What a brilliant "put down" John - I'm going to add that to my list

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

I enjoy playing the 'blunt northerner' with people like this in the US as they really don't know what to make of you being so direct with them and you usually get what you want very quickly after that !

[Daniel Ramsey]

Being direct is the best approach, also what works for me is that I mention various inflections that I have just researched this item on the internet (camera or other devices) on CNET or BestBuy or MPSuperstore and that this is the item I want and even though I am paying more standing here in a store its what I need. Then if a salesman tries to push an older pricier item on to me I tell them a newer model item is availabe at a better price. It works everytime. Here is a link to CNET, I use it a lot for comparing prices and getting the best deal.
http://www.cnet.com

[mikewj]

I've had a few problems with pushy salesmen, why do camera/electronics shops seem to specialise in them ?

I find the best way to get around them is to state up front that you're buying it for someone back home (it may even be true).

It gives you an easy get out when they try to force a different, more expensive model on you, as you're after a specific model on instructions from your "friend".