Bel Air Camera in LA -- 11 Left

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What outrage? All I said is that they use, to my mind, "cheap and shady tactics". No outrage whatsoever. Still, given a choice, I would buy from B&H online, and I would not buy from these guys unless I walked in and picked up the item right there.

As to finding their listings, try this: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/pho/ Key in 310-208-5150. You will get 23 records (was 24). Only three of the listings have the store name. I don't like that. I am not outraged. I am not saying this is illegal. I just don't like that.
 
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I know nothing about this store, good or bad, but on Craig's List most users are looking for personal deals and get very upset with companies using the service as a free billboard, so this kind of advertising is usually flagged as spam.

It kind of abuses the CL terms of use, and the reason these Bel Air Camera ads don't include a link to their website is because it would result in a ban. So (like some other stores) they just post manufacturer's press releases about the products they sell instead, and do not include prices. They may be a fine camera shop, but this not how CL is supposed to work. I personally stay away from businesses that do this - YMMV.
 
Cranky said:
What outrage? All I said is that they use, to my mind, "cheap and shady tactics". No outrage whatsoever. Still, given a choice, I would buy from B&H online, and I would not buy from these guys unless I walked in and picked up the item right there.

As to finding their listings, try this: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/pho/ Key in 310-208-5150. You will get 23 records (was 24). Only three of the listings have the store name. I don't like that. I am not outraged. I am not saying this is illegal. I just don't like that.
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okay, cool. and I was simply responding to the claim that they were hiding the fact that they were a store when clearly they were not. I got lucky and the three links I randomly opened said "Bel Air Camera" but i see now that only four of them do. still, I can't help but recognize that all of their CL ads say...

Over 50 years in Westwood Village, FREE parking, open 7 days a week with an on site full service photo lab and Rental department at your service. Hundreds of used (and NEW) film, digital and video cameras and lenses in stock at low competitive prices. Before you buy online or from someone in a parking lot, give us a call, you may be surprised! Credit cards accepted, prices are plus tax, picture is a stock image. Search our phone number on Craigslist for more deals. 310-208-5150 . No E-mails please.
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its very possible that this store like many other brick and mortar stores are just trying to survive amidst the "buying online" only world.

although advertising like this might be considered "sleazy and unethical" by many (and im not endorsing it)...it may just be a matter of survival by using every resource possible to sell some gear to keep their doors open.

a little eye opener i read last night from Thom Hogan (nikon guy for those of you who dont know & possibly the most respected nikonian) a very smart man with deep insight and excellent analysis of the state of affairs in the world economy as it relates to digital camera etc.

http://www.bythom.com/2009 Nikon News.htm
scroll down and read the section titled..."Something's Gotta Give"

david
www.davidprobst.com
 
JoeC, chill out Mr. 12 posts... Everyone here is conversing about the CL deal in a mature manner. Both Zak and Kholi have been around here forever. Eat some chocolate or drink some herbal tea. Or find an other forum to freak out on.
 
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