What I bought?
Pentax Optio S10 - 10MP Digital Camera, 3 year extended warranty, 4gig memory card, Camera case
Place: Camera Action Camera House, 217 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

The service
I must admit, customer service was too much to ask with all of the camera shops. My first stop was Ted’s Camera Store, and it took me a while before I could attract some attention. I left Ted’s because they did not have a silver coloured model, but what surprised me was that the gentleman did not give me a time frame as to when the silver coloured model would be available. It was a “take it or leave it” attitude.

I made my way to Elizabeth Camera, right next door. The salesman was friendly but at times very arrogant. I really do hate it when they don’t pay attention to the customer. This chap was looking behind me when talking to me, as if he had to watch for shop lifters at the same time (there were 3 other staff in the shop doing nothing). I unleashed my haggling skills, and it worked like a charm. It was disappointing to find (after 15 minutes of haggling) that they had no stock. WHAT!

Then he tried to sell me the shelf model, which had many scratches on the LCD display. I wonder if this was his strategy all along. Even worse, he wouldn’t reduce the price for the demo model. No way mate! I left the store in a jiffy.

My next stop was Camera House. It was a cramped store, but clean, with plenty of helpers about. But again, I waited and waited for someone to approach me. It took a whole 15 minutes. The price here was much cheaper, and then the sales woman tried to put the whole “get a warranty otherwise you’re doomed” story on me. I was going to get the warranty anyway. Once again, I sensed a great deal of arrogance with the staff member but none the less she was helpful and answered my questions appropriately.

I always find that electronic shops are the worst for customer service. I just don’t understand this. If anything, electronic shops should be the most customer friendly considering a lot of people do not have clue what to buy. Perhaps its the demand for electronics that somehow elevates these shop keepers to a “know it all” status, thus prompting them to display that touch of arrogance.

The camera
I must admit, I am very impressed with this camera. I have very basic knowledge of digital cameras, but I am able to use this camera based on its merits, rather than flicking through the manual. I used the manual just to set it up, but from then on its been beautiful. Some of the shots have been amazing. The look, feel and use of the camera flows through nicely.

Inside tips
* Always do your research on the product you are buying. CNET and eBay buying guides are a good start
* Don’t be afraid to bargain down the prices, and quote the prices offered by competitors to encourage a cheaper price
* A good way to bargain is to ask them to “throw in a case, or an extended warranty”.
* Always ask for a tax invoice, and if you’re traveling overseas with the product you may be eligible to get your GST back under the TRS (Australia). Check here for more details.

Suggestions
* Customer service seriously lost big today. Guys, less arrogance and more attention to your customers will be great start.

Rating
I was happy with the product I bought, but I had to work hard to chase down the best price. Unfortunately customer service was the loser in all three stores I visited.

* Camera House: 5/10 (Pass), Ted’s Camera Store: 5/10 (Pass), Elizabeth Camera: 5/10 (Pass)

The Shops
Teds Camera Store
235 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
P:(03) 9602 3733
E: melbourne@teds.com.au

Camera Action Camera House
217 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
P: (03) 9670 6901
E: sales@cameraaction.com.au

Elizabeth Camera
219 Elizabeth St
Melbourne, VIC 3000
P: (03) 9642 2460
E: sales@elizabethcamera.com.au