why CP's price is more expensive than B&H?

[kiwiginger]

well, as i am actively looking to by lenses. I check out B&H's website for reference.

BH:

EF 200 f2.8L US$609.95/shipping (express) US$45

EF 50 f1.4 US$284.95/shipping (express) US$40

but it is still alot more cheaper than what CP quotes !?

[vince123123]

maybe cos by B&H u may not get international warranty? no idea better check out warranty issues first :P'

Originally Posted by kiwiginger well, as i am actively looking to by lenses. I check out B&H's website for reference. BH: EF 200 f2.8L US$609.95/shipping (express) US$45 EF 50 f1.4 US$284.95/shipping (express) US$40 but it is still alot more cheaper than what CP quotes !?

[ST1100]

You can order from overseas, but you run a few risks. Your lens may come with dust inside, or some anomaly. Or it may be knocked or damaged during transit. No doubt it may be insured, and can be returned, but there is a certain amount of waiting and hassle. i'm not sure if BH will absorb the postage and handling in these cases.

From a local shop, you can inspect the item you're buying - in fact, you can ask for 3 or 4 copies of the lens, take your time scutinizing them, and walk out with (what you think is) the best one. There's also a seven day one-to-one exchange for peace of mind. Not to mention local warranty.

Of course, the savings can vary from tens to thousands of dollars, so at some point, the savings can justify the risks and waiting. Where that point is depends on the individual.

[kiwiginger]

well, it is still very expensive for CP's price...lack of competition...

[kiwiginger]

Originally Posted by kiwiginger well, as i am actively looking to by lenses. I check out B&H's website for reference. BH: EF 200 f2.8L US$609.95/shipping (express) US$45 EF 50 f1.4 US$284.95/shipping (express) US$40 but it is still alot more cheaper than what CP quotes !?

btw
CP quote
EF 200 f2.8 L S$1450 w/gst
EF 50 f1.4 S$650 w/gst

[kingpin]

If u are comfortable order from B&H. They are reputable. Don't forget to add shipping cost. If enough do this, CP will drop price.

[offspring]

kiwiginger

if you are buying stuff from bhphoto, do PM me

[kiwiginger]

Originally Posted by kingpin If u are comfortable order from B&H. They are reputable. Don't forget to add shipping cost. If enough do this, CP will drop price.

well, if u check out the i-quote of CP, most of their products are expensive even after adding the shipping cost on top of B&H's price..

i prefer B&H's stylye..the price is transparent....yet in CP, it depends on each individual's luck..

[mpenza]

Thinks it's the local prices for Canon lenses (price control?). other items (e.g. Sigma and Tamron lenses are usually much cheaper in Singapore)

[Xiao_shin]

Why not order from there and let us know the good news? If enough people is doing it, price here will surely follow.

[kiwiginger]

well, for example, 70 - 200 F2.8 is not worthwhile ordering from B&H. As the price comes very near when you add in the shipping charge..

but for EF 100 f2, EF 135 F2, EF 200 F2.8 EF 85 etc..even taking acc into shipping charge, it is certainly cheaper to order from B&H..
but once again, this is my own personal opinion

[gremlin]

Originally Posted by kiwiginger well, for example, 70 - 200 F2.8 is not worthwhile ordering from B&H. As the price comes very near when you add in the shipping charge.. but for EF 100 f2, EF 135 F2, EF 200 F2.8 EF 85 etc..even taking acc into shipping charge, it is certainly cheaper to order from B&H.. but once again, this is my own personal opinion

Don't forget you have to pay 4% GST at the customs if your item(s) declared value is > SGD400.

[Altezza]

Can still find cheaper locally. Try either E quote from Bargaincity.com, TCW, or Alan Photo....or just go to CP and haggle. They're flexible sometimes. But some things are still cheaper in BH, or USA (eg. Canon 1D bodies, Nikon D2H bodies). Singapore prices are getting expensive.....

[HelmetBox]

I have a qn:

Are the shipping charges for per item? Or is it a trip thing? Like I buy 5 items then still pay for only one shipping charge?

I shipped some bike parts from Thailand on various occasions before. The tax was scary, I can't remember how much it was but I was shocked.

What are the chances of them declaring a lower price on the shipping slip?

There's been alot of talk about B&H and I may just try them out the next time I get some stuff.

[kiwiginger]

Originally Posted by HelmetBox I have a qn: Are the shipping charges for per item? Or is it a trip thing? Like I buy 5 items then still pay for only one shipping charge? I shipped some bike parts from Thailand on various occasions before. The tax was scary, I can't remember how much it was but I was shocked. What are the chances of them declaring a lower price on the shipping slip? There's been alot of talk about B&H and I may just try them out the next time I get some stuff.

i just used live chat with BH last night. they said if buying more than one items, the shipping charge would be lesser than the cost of sending two items.

personally, lack of competition in this field has resulted in some kind of monopoly. hence, local consumers have no choice but to buy expensive items.

[frisky]

Originally Posted by HelmetBox I have a qn: Are the shipping charges for per item? Or is it a trip thing? Like I buy 5 items then still pay for only one shipping charge? I shipped some bike parts from Thailand on various occasions before. The tax was scary, I can't remember how much it was but I was shocked. What are the chances of them declaring a lower price on the shipping slip? There's been alot of talk about B&H and I may just try them out the next time I get some stuff.

Generally for shipping, the 1st item will be the most costly, and the more you ship, the lower the cost per item it will be. The reason is simple, how much more effort does it takes to ship a 2kg package vs shipping a 1kg package? Not much.
So if you can ship a few hundred items, shipping is relatively cheap.