Conns Cameras - bad experience

swingking

I feel I have to write this post about my bad experience in Conns Cameras. I really felt let down today and I think they have really shot themselves in the foot with trying to get people to buy local.

Today I was in getting photographs ordered for printing as I get them for a good price (members of Trinity College society get the 100+rate).

After I ordered the photos, I was looking at a particular light stand they were selling. I eventually found someone to ask about the stands. This was after waiting quite about 10 minutes to get served.

The salesman looked disinterested, spoke in a very patronising manner and took a while to come back to me with a price.

He then informed me that the light stand they had on display did not include the flash mount on it. I said "fine, I have a umbrella and flash mount I use with a tripod," so it didn't bother me.

He then proceeded to tell me that the top part of the stand was over-tightened and this had broken it. I actually felt he was putting the blame on me at one point. I asked if he could give me any discount on it as it was a display model and it had a small bit of damage to it, (not to mention the fact that I usually buy most of my equipment and prints from them). He didn't give any discount on it and made no effort to try to sell to me.

I have had good experiences with this store but I do think they aren't as bothered about trying to sell to the general public anymore. They are very overpriced and I can see now why people are choosing to shop online or in the UK.

Sorry for the long post but I really had to get this off my chest.

PS. Anyone know where I can get a good light stand

MartMax

Sorry to hear about that. In general, I've never had bad experience with Conns. There were times the shop gets busy, I normally avoid those hours. Truly, I haven't bought anything off them.

Regarding light stands, I am looking for few of them myself. Gunns have Manfrotto and few others but I have not yet given the shop a visit for this. If you are buying online, maybe Warehouse Express and Jessops worth looking at.

I was looking at Lastolite 4 Section Heavy Duty costs about 45 pound each. To be honest I am not sure how much should one be spending on light stands. I'd say find something sturdy and strong enough especially if it will be holding flash guns.

M.

ValueInIreland

Most of the Dublin stores do a set of two Elinchrom stands in a padded bag at a fairly deecent price. The same kit is also available with two Brollies (one translucent and one Silver) a a bit extra.

DK32

Warehouse express would be my first choice these days. Decent prices and good reliable delivery service.

Paddy@CIRL

Speed Graphic in the UK do a kit with the flash / umbrella bracket and a flash / softbox kit. Always found them decent to deal with.

I stopped going into Conn's after the salesman tried to tell me that I shouldn't buy Canon Matte photopaper as it's terrible for printing on. I had to explain to him that the Canon Matte has two sides and you need to print on the whitest side. He thought I was taking the piss. I wasn't.

One guy in there is very sound, but I always get that feeling I'm being patronised when I go in there by the others as well.

Dara Robinson

Personally I would not buy anything there cause I simply would not buy any photographic equipment in Ireland anymore. For me its either the north or HK now as its much much cheaper.

But I have to say, over the years I have dealt with them a lot. My first DSLR was bought there (Olympus E1) and they were great with me. Since then I have made a number of purchases over the years and also simply gone in to pick some brains and they have always been attentive, fast and willing to haggle.

tbh mate, I think you got there on an off day. Not the experience I have ever seen, heard of or experienced myself.
I'd give them another chance.

DaireQuinlan

The few times I've been in conns I've never had anything other than a positive experience. Sales guys were engaged and interested. Never felt patronised or condescended. Thats after buying some second hand stuff and some new stuff aswell.

pete4130

DK32 wrote: »

Warehouse express would be my first choice these days. Decent prices and good reliable delivery service.

£52 to ship an 85mm 1.8 lens to Belfast as it isn't mainland UK....as opposed to £12 with Grays of Westminster. Warehouseexpress are a bit like an online jessops tbh.

Conns are condescending though. Don't think they've ever convinced me to buy from them.

Sebzy

I'm in Conns quite often picking up bits and pieces and have always had good experiences. I guess you got a bad day.

For me the choice to buy local is based on
- Local support
- Trusted advice (from most of the staff they have fanboys too)
- Instant purchase
- Discounts

swingking if you still feel hard done by conns please get in contact with Michael the owner in the shop and explain to him.

bullpost

Only bought from them once, a lens, and they were sound.

Ended up returning the lens as I thought it was missing a bit. It wasn't and I could have ended up looking embarrassed but the salesguy was sound and not at all condescending.

thefizz

So you had one bad experience after many good ones? I wouldn't have thought that was enough to bad mouth them on the web.

nonsequitir

Overpriced in almost every category of equipment - a quick compare on google shows the differences to be extreme in some cases. Someone who likes them should introduce them to the Web!

DaireQuinlan

nonsequitir wrote: »

Overpriced in almost every category of equipment - a quick compare on google shows the differences to be extreme in some cases. Someone who likes them should introduce them to the Web!

-sigh-

tororosso

nonsequitir wrote: »

Overpriced in almost every category of equipment - a quick compare on google shows the differences to be extreme in some cases. Someone who likes them should introduce them to the Web!

I would say that they are expensive enough. Certainly not a place to go for a bargain anyway. However most places in Ireland are pretty expensive to buy decent photographic gear. They have a good few Canon 1D mark 3s for sale second hand for 1,999.99 euros and, while not cheap, they are the same roughly as the 2nd hand ones I saw for sale in a pretty big camera shop in Prague..I guess they are standard really.
Regarding the staff I just go in and look the odd time but, except when very busy, I have always had a member of staff come over looking to help me. As I am just looking I dont know about their attitude but they seemed helpful enough!

nonsequitir

DaireQuinlan wrote: »

-sigh-

Sigh?

Overpricing is part of a bad experience. It beggars belief that people shop here - unless there's some secret "I'm in your club, wink" handshake that's not published anywhere.

Case in point - 2nd hand light meter (6mth old) 129,99. Price new 149.99

Terrific service can only attract a certain level of premium pricing!

DaireQuinlan

nonsequitir wrote: »

Sigh?

Overpricing is part of a bad experience. It beggars belief that people shop here - unless there's some secret "I'm in your club, wink" handshake that's not published anywhere.

Case in point - 2nd hand light meter (6mth old) 129,99. Price new 149.99

Terrific service can only attract a certain level of premium pricing!

-sigh- because we've had this exact same conversation about 1000 times.
TEH INTERNETS IS CHEAPER THAN SHOPS ! THIS COUNTRY IS A RIP OFF !
Compounded by some inane comparison to camerabox.co.uk or something equally stupid.

Yes. Yes we know that products can be bought cheaper on the internet. We know this already. This is not a revelation. There are many reasons for this. Most of them have been propounded at length in the many many previous threads on the topic.

nonsequitir

DaireQuinlan wrote: »

-sigh- because we've had this exact same conversation about 1000 times.
TEH INTERNETS IS CHEAPER THAN SHOPS ! THIS COUNTRY IS A RIP OFF !
Compounded by some inane comparison to camerabox.co.uk or something equally stupid.

Yes. Yes we know that products can be bought cheaper on the internet. We know this already. This is not a revelation. There are many reasons for this. Most of them have been propounded at length in the many many previous threads on the topic.

Oh right, of course, I forgot to consume every thread ever discussed on this topic before responding. Doh, silly me. Pfft!

LeoB

I found Conn's very expensive but I got realy good service from Mike and assistant called John.

Unfortunatley I cant afford to shop for gear in Dublin

sineadw

(waiting to be censored like the last time I posted about this, and was never told why...) - Conns are generally more pricey than the other bricks and mortar shops in Dublin - nothing to do with the internet Daire. IMHO. Every time I've checked. And I've had some very negative experiences in there too, with all their sales staff.

Seb, it's good to see you

melekalikimaka

sineadw wrote: »

And I've had some very negative experiences in there too, with all their sales staff.

i second this

DK32

I think it speaks volumes when people on here care enough to share their experiences with Conns. (Good or bad)

It's funny, you don't see many negative comments about the other Dublin shops.
I looked through many threads on the topic over the past year and it still pushed me to shop online.

If I had to pick anything up in Dublin I'd go to Gunns

Cicero

Have always had good experiences with Conns, even going back to the Grafton St days

...I think the thing with Conns, (that has been always the case,) is that they know how to sell and they do SELL...it's not like some of the other camera shops where you might get a more 'friendly advice' approach...my own opinion is that the people behind the counter are first and foremost -Sales people (but with good knowledge also)

...I think you have to be if you're paying the sort of rents they are probably subjected to....their style (and possibly prices), are not therefore to everyones taste...but they have survived this long, so they must be doing something right from a business model perspective...

(OP- therefore surprised with your experience- would have thought they wouldn't have let you go without getting some sort of sale from you- as other posters have said, maybe it was an off day)

DaireQuinlan

DK32 wrote: »

It's funny, you don't see many negative comments about the other Dublin shops.

I dunno, conns does seem to attract a fair amount of comment. Berminghams certainly aren't immune though, and no-one even bothers talking about that place at the top of grafton street. Most places have their ups and downs.

Except of course for ...

If I had to pick anything up in Dublin I'd go to Gunns

Thats for sure. The problem with gunns is tryin to leave :-)

Hugh_C

DK32 wrote: »

If I had to pick anything up in Dublin I'd go to Gunns

seconded

LeoB

My preference has always been for Hall Cameras. Philip and John have always been most helpful and now a chap called Marcus. They are mannerly, helpful and informative. Bought my first camera there about 20years ago. What I really like about it is you are never feel under pressure to buy anything. When I do purchase anything in Dublin its usually there.

swingking

One camera shop that i'd like to give my thumbs up to is MacSweeney cameras in Dawson St.

Very sound guy in there, Ronan. He let me try out a 17-40l lens in there for a weekend and didn't mind me not buying it.

Great service and I will definitely be going back there again

decsramble

I have to say almost 100% of the time I've been in Conns browsing or shopping I've been happy. The 2 occasions I've had a bad experience there it's been with the same shop assistant. Similar to you one time he tried to blame me for damaging a new piece of equipment that didn't work out of the box, the manager took over realized there was a fault with the gear in the box and not me and did an on the spot exchange. Since then I just avoid that assistant and deal with others who are always knowledgeable and friendly. Dont let one bad guy ruin your long term experience with a shop.

sineadw

swingking wrote: »

One camera shop that i'd like to give my thumbs up to is MacSweeney cameras in Dawson St.

Very sound guy in there, Ronan. He let me try out a 17-40l lens in there for a weekend and didn't mind me not buying it.

Great service and I will definitely be going back there again

I've often wondered what that place is like! Will have to check it out - thanks

gandalf

The only time I have bought major kit in Ireland was in Conn's. It was 2 Sigma lens (and yes I was aware I could get them cheaper online, but I was impatient!). At the time they were the best price in Dublin for what I was looking for and the sales man I dealt with in there was good, didn't rush me and allowed me try out several lens on my camera. Now at the time the shop wasn't busy so that was probably a factor. Have bought bits and pieces since then. Compared to some of the other shops around I felt most comfortable in there tbh.

kknikon

Cicero wrote: »

...I think the thing with Conns, (that has been always the case,) is that they know how to sell and they do SELL...it's not like some of the other camera shops where you might get a more 'friendly advice' approach...my own opinion is that the people behind the counter are first and foremost -Sales people (but with good knowledge also)

...I think you have to be if you're paying the sort of rents they are probably subjected to....their style (and possibly prices), are not therefore to everyones taste...but they have survived this long, so they must be doing something right from a business model perspective...

I shop in Conns regularly as I like their attitude to putting their customers first. I bought a Nikon D700 from them last year. While on a job I let the camera fall by accident and damaged the on/off switch. When I brought the camera in to them to get it fixed, they immediately turned around and handed me a replacement D700 until I got mine back from repair. This is why I shop in Conns. I know I can buy on the internet and save lots of money, but as a working professional backup service like that is priceless.

Conns is a business and they take it seriously. I've noticed over the past year that several shops have closed, Pixels, Spectra, MacSweeneys, Jessops, Dublin Camera exchange (the small one!). They probably weren't selling enough to cover the rent, and the margins on cameras are probably small like all electronic equipment. The difference with Conns is that they provide service along with the sale which makes them different. Also they seem to have a very slow turn over of staff, and employ a large amount of staff which makes them a good employer.

extratime

I too have only have positive feedback on Conns. I purchased my D3 there for a little more than I might have paid elsewhere, however I have found the back-up service is excellent.

On a similar experience to kknikon, when I had a problem with the camera they straight away lent me a new D3s until repair was done. Had the same thing happened had I bought elsewhere, I might have been left without a camera for a considerable length of time.

Slidinginfinity

kknikon wrote: »

I shop in Conns regularly as I like their attitude to putting their customers first.

Ya know that for a first post this screams of an employee or manager trying to spin a bit bad press.

Slidinginfinity

extratime wrote: »

Had the same thing happened had I bought elsewhere, I might have been left without a camera for a considerable length of time.

Don't be too sure of that as I know berminghams have a similar service and would be surprised if most other camera shop don't have a similar policy.

extratime

Slidinginfinity wrote: »

Don't be too sure of that as I know berminghams have a similar service and would be surprised if most other camera shop don't have a similar policy.

I may not have explained it well - I could have bought much cheaper from the UK, but not been able to get the same service. I actually got a much better deal on the camera from Conns than Berminghams (who were the first I tried).

Effects

kknikon wrote: »

I shop in Conns regularly as I like their attitude to putting their customers first. I bought a Nikon D700 from them last year. While on a job I let the camera fall by accident and damaged the on/off switch. When I brought the camera in to them to get it fixed, they immediately turned around and handed me a replacement D700 until I got mine back from repair. This is why I shop in Conns. I know I can buy on the internet and save lots of money, but as a working professional backup service like that is priceless.

Conns is a business and they take it seriously. I've noticed over the past year that several shops have closed, Pixels, Spectra, MacSweeneys, Jessops, Dublin Camera exchange (the small one!). They probably weren't selling enough to cover the rent, and the margins on cameras are probably small like all electronic equipment. The difference with Conns is that they provide service along with the sale which makes them different. Also they seem to have a very slow turn over of staff, and employ a large amount of staff which makes them a good employer.

Yeah, that ultra condescending midget has been there for years. He alone puts me off wanting to buy anything from them.

hoganpoly

Originally Posted by sineadw
And I've had some very negative experiences in there too, with all their sales staff.
In general in Ireland ,salespersons generally look after the regulars ,also most dont really know the products they are selling

_sparkie_

really? i have had nothing but good experiences in there. every time i go in there there is somebody right over to me asking if i need any help (i usually dont because i am just browsing) but it is nice to know there are people there to help.
i have always gotten a discount too, just ask and they are more then happy to give it to you. maybe you just caught somebody on a bad day?

mrboswell

kknikon wrote: »

I shop in Conns regularly as I like their attitude to putting their customers first.

hoganpoly wrote: »

Originally Posted by sineadw
And I've had some very negative experiences in there too, with all their sales staff.
In general in Ireland ,salespersons generally look after the regulars ,also most dont really know the products they are selling

It seem that unless you are regular or they see you with a wad of cash in your hand they can leave you there standing waiting for service.

I suppose if you are a regular and they look after you then why change?

However I think they are lucky to drum up any new business

Dublin_Gunner

Hmm, I've never had a bad experience with them.

They are a tad on the expensive side - but knowing you can just bring the item back if its faulty etc is a huge bonus over buying on the net.

I've always found the staff friendly and helpful, and I wouldn't exactly call myself a 'regular'.

I've also rented various video equipment off them, and they were always helpful in that regard, and always knocked a few quid off the price.

I guess every shop is going to have good and bad experiences.

VisionaryP

Conns have become much, much more competitive on price in recent months. I used to buy the majority of my equipment from Belfast, but for the last few purchases I've got some fantastic deals in Conns.

Thecageyone

I went in there for the first time the other day. I was left standing at the counter for about 5 minutes while 2 of them chatted away over to one side. I inquired about sensor cleaning pads and got pretty much a 'meh' response, and told I should leave the camera in for a wet clean ...€100 ... I told the guy I'd only just bought it, o no thanks. I just wanted the pads to have put by for when I actually need it cleaned. I bought a blower for €11 ... and I did feel like the guy serving me couldn't care less if I bought it or not. I think it's true shops like this only fall over themselves to help people with a big wad. If I'd showed interest in buying a full frame camera I bet he'd have been a lot nicer.

Loads of people seem to highly rate them, but it might be because thy were spending loads on each visit.

Slidinginfinity

I have been in a few times. Only ever bought a 52mm UV filter (that I never use any more) off the, but I have never left feeling anything less than taken care of. Sometimes a bit too much.

Their prices are getting better but still not great. I still prefer to pop in to gunns.

Kintarō Hattori

Thecageyone wrote: »

Loads of people seem to highly rate them, but it might be because thy were spending loads on each visit.

Ah I think it's a hit and miss thing really reading this thread. I've dealt with them on two occasions, once to buy a lens for €199 and another time when I bought a bag for €50. Not huge purchases but the young chap I dealt with was helpful and friendly, so I can't complain.

Thecageyone

It was probably close to their lunch when I went it. Having the camera around my neck would have told them I wasn't after one, but I might have been afte lenses And I did buy something. I wouldn't say they were ignorant or anything like it, but I did feel invisible for the first couple of minutes.

Bluessucker

@swingking
I am not surprised by what you experienced! I didn't bought nothing in that shop yet and I think I will not! I've been searching for some lens some time ago and expected to ask some questions. Well,yes-i waited for some 10 min or so and when His Holiness Mr. Seller afforded to hear my questions,all what I've got was traditional long drawn: Well... Sooo... Try this or that! Or-maybe try at another shop!
But I have to admit that such a stile does exist in nearly all shops around the Dublin! Total ignorance towards customers and have no understanding of what stuff does they are selling! You always get this traditional 'Try there' or 'Try this'!
It is time to understand that on-line shopping is more reliable and saving a nerves and money as well,by the way! In Conns they offer,for instance HD Digital Circular Polariser for over 200 EU which on Amazon cost not more not less,but 100 EU cheaper!
This is greedy and ignorant city - Dublin!

condra

I've been buying most of my stuff online, but the few times I've been in Conns, they've been very helpful and friendly. It's kinda pricey, but hey, it's a nice shop, in a nice part of town.

Bluessucker

@condra
Well,yes! Nice shop,nice part of town... Can't oppose! But story is about quality service first of all and yes-about prices as well.
You were lucky in your case (especially if you are a lady). Probably I am not lucky with shopping,but I somehow always getting into situations when sellers f*** down my mood and the rest of the day... Probably my Karma is working out,I guess.:)
In time when I was in Conns,customers right beside me asked for a photo paper (size and brand was called). Sellers instant reply was:Yes! No probs! He've got to the shelf where the photo paper was placed and started to rummage there... My intuition told me: He'll fail! Yess! He did! After some 5 min.(!) of sweating he got up from his knees and heard one more time so classical phrase in this city:Sorry about that!...
C'mon! This is not a stile of how business has to be run! Shame! Normaly the first turn after request could be towards computer where all data is stored,isn't it? Ah,c'mon! These are barren talks! If one is happy with shopping in Dublin - go ahead! I am buying on-line!
Sorry for this add,but any service in Dub is primitive! Any! People just living among illusions created by themselves that they enjoy modern civilisation in its full! Bull***! Just get to continent,America or -Yes! - even to Asia and you will see what does real competence and care of customers does mean!
Ah!...

condra

Welcome to boards by the way.

Bluessucker

Thanks! I am here for about couple of years already,by the way! I just kept my mouth shut...
Just don't be crusty,please and be honest to yourself and reality we are living in! To see a real state of things is such a great gift!

Thecageyone

usually I don't really care how shop assistants come across when I'm buying, I already know most times before I go in what I want. You're not there to find a lover, you're just buying. No different than getting your week's worth of shopping in Tesco ... which can often rise above the price of a prime lens!

Unless they get really sharp, then the guns come out. But for me, most important thing is the end price. What they'll throw in for free, if anything. Will they be as friendly if I have to come back in a few weeks because the gear failed? Have they half a clue at least about what they're selling? [end of the day, they're shop assistants, they don't have to know everything about every item, a loose idea will do]

Ever bought anything in a Game shop? That's where you'll find clueless.

Bluessucker

@Thecageyone
...Well,good for you! I grew up in society where people respected such a meaning like Ethics of Business. Accordingly on this the seller HAS TO KNOW as much as possible about all items in the shop. Maybe not in details,but in general mean definitely yes! The problem is that people in this country didn't experience a real capitalism- just so called 'wild' one. In real capitalism competition is ve-e-ery harsh and every one involved in certain business knows almost everything about all items company sells! That's why the competition in job market there is so harsh. In Eire? Ha! 'Hey,Bud! We have some vacant position of shop assistant. Don't you wanna take it?' And Bud who've been probably working just on building sites whole the life agree! Problems? What problems?! Bud is friend of mine! What's wrong with him?! And so it goes.... Just put a hair gel on the top of your brainless head - and you are on the pig's back! Customers? These fools will come one more time if something will go wrong!
So,yes! Nobody do not search for lovers when in shops (just mentaly sick probably do!)! But it is a shame when seller have no idea even of how pixels camera is! Isn't it? And they are get payed for this,by the way and happily enjoy their week ends in the pubs or where else! I call it a Shame! Though I do respect your opinion as well!:)