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(Complete
responses to lengthy emails from the FAQ page...)
A. US$29.95 is somewhat of a bargain to many peoples' minds. There are guide books available which cost significantly more, and are not (IMHO) as useful, given their "written in stone" prices and information. Being online allows me complete control of the database for immediate additions and modifications
Here's an example of the latest and best "book" type guide:
McKeown's
Price Guide. An excellent book, but the (discounted) price of US$108.95
plus shipping makes it a bit more expensive than what I offer.
Here's a link one of the books I have written.:
,Spy Cameras
It costs more than a Camprice.com subscription, but people still buy it.
I suppose that you are a camera collecting neophyte, therefore are not aware of what goes on in the hobby. I'll try to take a minute to explain to you what happens.
Pawn shops, Antique stores and true hobbyists are all willing to pay something to have up to date information. I spend a lot of money working to get the information that I use. This is my job. For example, I am flying to Miami on the 8th of February in order to attend two camera shows (One in Miami and another in Largo) Since I live in Hong Kong, the trip will cost be more than US$1000 in transportation costs alone. Add to that the cost of lodging and car rental. and the US$215 for table rental, you might begin to understand that Camprice.com is not something which I can do for free.
Please visit the Show report page to get an idea of where I go and try to imagine what it might cost me to get there.
Another example of cost/effort is the Christies Auction which took place
in London on the 16th of January. I did not attend, but the day before
yesterday I spent over two hours online examining the Lots sold. One of
them set a new record for the price of a camera.
Here's a part of the camera Lot description for that camera (Please
note that 146,000 GBP is over US$230,000 or = to about 7600 subscriptions
to Camprice.com :
London, South Kensington
Sale Date Jan 16, 2001
Lot Number 454
Sale Number 9002
Lot Title Phantom photographic unit
Estimate 8,000 - 12,000 British pounds
Price Realized 146,750 British pounds
As far as free or cheaper, bone fide members of the online
forum IDCC and members of collecting clubs receive 18 months subscription
instead of 12. I offer a money back 30 day guarantee, which is available
to anyone signing up using a credit card. I do a lot of "pro bono" camera research, from little old ladies asking
about cameras their dead husbands left in the attic, to 10 year old kids
asking about their Grandmother's camera for a homework assignment. I answer
these emails when time permits.
A search of the eBay auction site might give
some hints as to the value of the cameras you are looking for, and it's
free.
I hope that this addresses your concerns to your satisfaction. I am
not out to rip anyone off. More to the point, I can help people AVOID being
ripped off.
I am sincere and hard working, and believe in what I do. Camprice.com
is not a joke, or a weekend web site. It is serious and if you don't think
it is, you are badly mistaken.
BTW, people do pay the money and seem to be happy with my service. If
they didn't I'd pack up, move away and find another line of work.
What do you do for a living? Would you do it for free?
A. Sign-up is easy. Please visit http://www.camprice.com home page where
you can use the secure server and your Credit card to receive an instant
PIN which you then exchange for a user name and password. You can also
use "PayPal" and receive a PIN by email within 24 hours.
There is no guarantee but for my word, my experience, my passion, and
the confidence shown in Camprice.com by satisfied subscribers. You get
a 30 day MBG when you sign-up with a credit card. No book will do that
for you.
One advantage Camprice has over written guides is that I respond personally
to every inquiry. The speed and ease of the Internet allow me to make contact
with every one of my subscribers and offer a sort of personal service not
permitted by written guides.
Before you do anything, may I suggest that you visit these pages and
reads what I have to say about Net Philosophy and Pricing? I look at camera
collecting a bit differently from other "editors."
The "rant" at the end of the show report might give you some insight
into my feelings about prices too....
I am also open to suggestion. If I have a price you don't agree with
or that you question, tell me. I'll either convince you I'm right, or you'll
convince me. In either case we both win. Recently I made a mistake on Polaroid
180 (I messed up and priced it as a 110 A/B. My fault, just a silly mistake...)
A subscriber caught it and told me about it me. The amendment to the database
was made in a few minutes. With a book it would have taken years.
If I can be of any other help, please feel free to email me anytime,
whether you subscribe or not.
sincerely,
Douglas St. Denny
sincerely, Douglas St. Denny
Q. I would like to sign-up for the online camera price
guide. Is there any more information regarding this guide. How do I know
the prices reflect what is current in the market place? Rich O.