Today I saw another example of the these predatory business practices in action. A lens purchased from a member here on the forum for $250, is now for sale on their website and ebay for $1978. A 691.2% markup. Now if you choose to sell the lens for $500, a 100% markup, you would still be considered a champion capitalist. If that is your goal with these rare tools, that the few of us practicing these traditional methods of photography still cherish.
Now this next bit is purly speculative, but I would think that if you decide to start a business that caters to this niche market, you likely have similar photographic passions and think kindly of our community, especially since that is whom you hope will patronize your business. If you sell photographic tools then your goal is literally to put those tools in the hands of individuals that make photographs (exceptions always exist - collectors, etc.). Since it is indeed a relatively small community, word about these practices will get around and hopefully there will be some accountability. Ultimately that is what I'm hoping for by sharing this observation.
This way of doing business effectively takes the few of these remaining tools that are still in working order out of circulation. Now I'm not here to tell anyone how to run their business, what I'm putting forth is the notion that, although you can markup your product 10,000% if that pleases you, by doing so you will put yourself out of business because no one will be willing to pay your asking price. There are checks and balances on what can and can't be done. In short, at the end of the day the prospective customers are the ones who determine the price.
What do you folks think about these ways of doing business, particularly in our niche little neck of the photographic woods? I know that I've aready made this choice, but would you discontinue patronage to a company that does these things on account of the fact that if enough of us do so, we will be able to make the change that effectively puts these tools back in our hands so that we can do the work we love to do?
Bookmarks