Ritzcamera.com??

[Marty Moose]

Thanks again...

Well, I'm more undecided and confused than ever! I swear I'm more nervous/excited/stressed about my first dslr than I was about my first born!!

I cancelled my order with Ritz.com, mostly because they still have no idea when they will be in-stock and other stores are shipping already. I was going to order from Circuit City (it would actually end up being about $45 cheaper than my Ritz order). I've always had pretty good luck with them, even when returning items, etc. But I know others swear against them!

I called my local Ritz store and they can order it for me. It would be the same price as the online Ritz order (the store is across the bridge in DE - tax free shopping) and they offer free photography classes. But the guy said when the cameras are in stock they usually offer some sort of incentive (gift card, etc.)...can I wait that long??

And then there's the warranty... Do I get one? Or do I risk it?? Should I see what my insurance company (USAA) offers?

Whew...I think I need to lay down. Good grief, if I ever decide to upgrade after this I'll probably need a valium prescription!

Maybe I should just take up macrame...

 

[mom2mykids]

Thanks again...

Well, I'm more undecided and confused than ever! I swear I'm more nervous/excited/stressed about my first dslr than I was about my first born!!

I cancelled my order with Ritz.com, mostly because they still have no idea when they will be in-stock and other stores are shipping already. I was going to order from Circuit City (it would actually end up being about $45 cheaper than my Ritz order). I've always had pretty good luck with them, even when returning items, etc. But I know others swear against them!

I called my local Ritz store and they can order it for me. It would be the same price as the online Ritz order (the store is across the bridge in DE - tax free shopping) and they offer free photography classes. But the guy said when the cameras are in stock they usually offer some sort of incentive (gift card, etc.)...can I wait that long??

And then there's the warranty... Do I get one? Or do I risk it?? Should I see what my insurance company (USAA) offers?

Whew...I think I need to lay down. Good grief, if I ever decide to upgrade after this I'll probably need a valium prescription!

Maybe I should just take up macrame...

I'm in MD and our stupid Gov. just raised tax to 6% so I don't know if I want to buy at the the actual store, especially when online its free shipping and no tax. I saw Sony offering free shipping, something like Tues thru Thurs. I won't have much time this week to research as we have the kids sports and a ton of other activities so that might be a good thing, I can clear my head

 

[cmwade77]

I would agree with this if you are looking to get an extended warranty only, but a quick search shows that the price you pay for a camera at Ritz is significantly more than at Amazon for example. I looked at the Canon 5D body only and at Ritz it is $2500, but at Amazon it is $2145. That is a $355 difference! I'd probably deal with Ritz more if this wasn't the case with most of their pricing. They are a major player in the market, I think, and they really need to fall in line with their pricing a bit more.

The last time that I bought from Rtiz camera they matched prices (their stores even match online prices, but you do have to pay sales tax and the price that they match for must include the price of Shipping & Handling if it is from an online store).

 

[cmwade77]

I'm in MD and our stupid Gov. just raised tax to 6% so I don't know if I want to buy at the the actual store, especially when online its free shipping and no tax. I saw Sony offering free shipping, something like Tues thru Thurs. I won't have much time this week to research as we have the kids sports and a ton of other activities so that might be a good thing, I can clear my head

Remind me to by from MD more often, our sales tax is 8.25% and they are talking about raising it again.

 

[AndrewWG]

The last time that I bought from Rtiz camera they matched prices (their stores even match online prices, but you do have to pay sales tax and the price that they match for must include the price of Shipping & Handling if it is from an online store).

Really? I'll have to look into that! Thanks for the info. That would make camera buying MUCH easier for me even with the tax.

 

[DizzyV6P]

Most of the pros on the Canon photography board I frequent prefer the following Adorama, Beachcamera and BHphoto.

I've made numerous purchases from all three w/ no problems. Amazon sometimes has good deals as well.

Ritz is overpriced compared to those three who have very high ratings as well. Avoid any places that sell below those three....most likely that internet shop will sell you a camera then charge you hundreds for a battery that should come w/ it in the first place.

Ritz warranty covers the most, however, its pricing is also the most expensive by far. The cost of a 4 year extended warranty costs almost as much as a camera itself! I picked up Best Buy's warranty for my wife's Olympus SW800 so I don't know how good their extended warranty until this one gets broken...lol.

I guess it all depends on what you prefer. Do you like to go into a store the play w/ the camera? Do you like to pay extra for that convenience? Many people do....I used to be one of them for certain purchases. What kind of camera are you getting? If its a P&S and you want an extended warranty, then check out the other stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, etc... as well. IF you want to get a DSLR, then I suggest looking at the 3 stores I posted. That's where almost all the Canon and Nikon pros get their supplies if they can't get it from their forums used section That's also another great place to grab that lense or flash you've been craving for, but can't quite afford the premium for a new one.

Good luck with your purchase.