It Is A Mistake Buying A Digital Camera – Unless You Know These Buying Tips

December 6, 2008

At last, you’re ready to buy that digital camera. At this point, many consumers think the rest of the process will be easy; but wouldn’t you like to REALLY FIND THE BEST OVERALL PRICE before purchasing it?

To do so involves two key things: determining the true TOTAL cost, and not being a victim of “Package Deal” gouging.

What is The Real Cost?

Let’s say that the retail price on your dream camera is $700. Begin by searching the internet for the best price (just “Google” the phrase “price-comparison site” to find hundreds). After 5 minutes, you determine the best price for your specific camera is between $570 – $590.

At this point, many consumers buy it from the place selling it for the lowest price ($570, in this example). However, that could be a big mistake - unless you know these buying tips.

To determine why, you need to familiarize yourself with a few ON-LINE BUYING FACTS…

Shipping prices vary significantly for the same item (due to geography and merchant policies)
Tax may or may not be charged (buying from a merchant in your state will likely result in sales tax)
When determining price, ONLY CONSIDER the TOTAL cost of your purchase (digital camera + tax + shipping & handling)

Using this approach, you realize the REAL TOTAL COST of your digital camera is between $587 – $629, as opposed to the original $570 – $590. So what do you do… immediately order from the $587 merchant? If you do, you will be using “retail store” mentality to buy on the internet.

When looking for the best digital camera prices on the internet, consider these key issues:

1. Is the digital camera in stock? There is often a correlation between the cheapest price and the product being out of stock.

2. If ordering from the USA, make sure your camera comes with a USA warranty and is not considered “gray goods.” You don’t want to send it to Asia for service, do you?

3. What is the “Reputation” or customer service level of the seller? There are several websites you can “Google” to check the experience other buyers have had with different merchants.

4. The last “test” to use before purchasing is “your gut.” After speaking to the sales person, you might get a bad feeling about them. If you do, forget this merchant and contact the next seller on your list.

OK. You’ve done it! You’re about to congratulate yourself on finding the best digital camera price, from the best vendor, with great delivery, etc. There’s just one more pitfall to watch out for… THE INSIDIOUS “PACKAGE DEAL.” Find out how to avoid this trap.