Local camera stores are on a steady decline. There are just fewer of them around and we as photographers need to take responsibility for this. We all run local businesses and try to be advocates against the large corporate chains that supply low-quality work.
So why is it that we as photographers are not supporting other local businesses as we should? I am not just talking about camera stores, but all businesses. I think it’s time that we start to take a stand and show our support more.
There are plenty of reasons to support your local camera store over a corporate chain. One big reason is that the people who work in your local store are passionate about photography and will be able to help you in a way that the larger stores can’t. They will take the time to get to know you and your photography needs.
They Carry Quality Products
Another reason to support your local store is that they are more likely to carry products from small, independent brands. These brands often offer products that are of a higher quality than the mass-produced products from the bigger brands.
The People Who Work There Are Passionate About Photography
The people who work at your local camera store are passionate about photography. They will take the time to get to know you and your photography needs. This is something that you won’t find at a large corporate store. The employees at your local store will be able to help you in a way that the larger stores can’t.
They Are Usually More Knowledgeable About the Products
Local camera store employees are usually more knowledgeable about the products they sell. They can answer your questions and help you find the right gear for your needs.
It Supports our Local Community
Local camera stores employ our fellow citizens and often pay decent livable wages. When we support our community social problems decrease. Which of course, increases the standard of living in the community. So buy your camera locally.
It Increases Our Bottom Line
The more money that is in our community the more our clients have to spend. This might seem weird, but local businesses spend a great deal more of their income in the community. When other businesses are successful they have larger budgets to spend on things like, you guessed it, photography.
Strong Businesses Breed Strong Business Communities
The great thing about local business communities is that they support each other. We all help each other out, donate our time to charity and promote our city.
Your Local Camera Store Will Stand Behind You
Ever have a problem with a piece of gear? I know I have. How great is it when you have to ship a defective item away and wait for a replacement? It sucks. The store I deal with backs their customers and always does a great job. In return, I promote them as much as I can. This is how business works.
They Can Provide Expertise and Advice
Local stores typically have knowledgeable staff that is passionate about photography. They can offer you firsthand experience and knowledge about the products they sell.
You, Will, Be Dealing With People Who Care About You
When you buy from a local store, you will be dealing with people who care about you and your photography. They will go out of their way to make sure you are happy with your purchase and that you have everything you need to be a successful photographer.
They usually Offer Better Prices than the Big Box Stores
When you shop at a local store, you will often be able to find better prices on cameras and gear than you would at a large corporate store. This is because they don’t have the same overhead costs that the big stores do.
Supports a Sustainable Environment
When we are shipping everything hundreds or even thousands of kilometers we are causing so much waste it is astounding. Now I’m not against commerce, and I understand this is what drives our economy to some extent, but if we continue at this rate there will not be much of this planet left in 100 years (as we know it anyway).
Great economies need businesses of all sizes, the key is moderation. So next time when we are looking to save 5 – 10 percent on an item we could have bought locally we need to stop and think: What is it Costing Us?
Conclusion
There are many reasons to buy from your local camera store. They usually offer better prices than the big box stores, the people who work there are passionate about photography, and they are usually more knowledgeable about the products. It also supports our local community and increases our bottom line. So next time you need to buy some new gear, consider buying it from your local camera store.
I also did a review of these great pocket wizard triggers.
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