Friend of a friend just got a job as a camera expert

[iced_jacob]

In that high street big electronics store chain that everyone loves to hate in here

So they sent her on "special training" to become a camera expert. Sees me lugging my DLSR around:

Her: Oh big camera, what brand is it?
Me: Sony
H: You got a Sony? Why?
M: Cause I like those
H: Canon and Nikon are better. Panasonic and Olympus also. but not sony (!). What sensor does it have?
M: APS-C 24mp
H: Hm...I prefer CMOS

 

[Soda Farl]

So instead of offering to help your friend as she has obviously misunderstood the training given to her, you decide to belittle her online instead. :thumbsdown:

 

[Jayst84]

So instead of offering to help your friend as she has obviously misunderstood the training given to her, you decide to belittle her online instead. :thumbsdown:

Friend of a friend, not friend. Not really belittling her, because nobody knows who she is. And it's not obvious that she misunderstood the training, it may also be, from the information we have, that the training was crap.

 

[ernesto]

And my experience on ever entering one of the big electronics stores is that the level of training and knowledge is pretty typical. It is rare that I know less than the people in the store on any item that I am buying because I have more interest in the item than they do.

 

[Soda Farl]

Friend of a friend, not friend. Not really belittling her, because nobody knows who she is. And it's not obvious that she misunderstood the training, it may also be, from the information we have, that the training was crap.

I work for a large electrical retailer I suspect it is likely the same one the o.p has not mentioned and have completed the expert level imaging training course. The training while I thought was basic was certainly not crap and there is no way in the world the wrong information was given.

And my experience on ever entering one of the big electronics stores is that the level of training and knowledge is pretty typical. It is rare that I know less than the people in the store on any item that I am buying because I have more interest in the item than they do.

You may have an interest and be more knowledgeable on a certain product line however bear in mind that the staff in these shops have to gain a working knowledge on over 40,000 product lines.

In photographic terms in the store I work in, there is a part time wedding photographer, a guy who has just finished his photography degree, and another two guys who like me who just take photographs for pleasure in the main. In the store closest to us there is a guy with over 30 years experience working in the photo and video industry, one full time professional photographer who works there part time, and another who has also undertaken paid photographic work at a reasonable level.

That tends to be a theme throughout the company in my experience, I have worked there for over 15 years in one capacity or another. In fact one of the guys that just does deliveries and installation has just set up his own studio and has been shooting weddings and portraits for many years and also has worked on a freelance basis for several national and local newspapers, this guy for example has had his images used by the Sun, The Daily Mirror, The Times etc. In fact some of his images have even been used by the american press.

 

[Pookeyhead]

Those that can, do... those that can't, work in retail

 

[Soda Farl]

Those that can, do... those that can't, teach

:shrug:

How very true.

 

[Pookeyhead]

Thank you for missing the irony.. and whole point of my post.

 

[Soda Farl]

Thank you for missing the irony.. and whole point of my post.

Cool story bro, thanks for sharing, would read again.

 

[ernesto]

You may have an interest and be more knowledgeable on a certain product line however bear in mind that the staff in these shops have to gain a working knowledge on over 40,000 product lines.

So what, that is their problem not mine. I am after help with a product and they cannot offer it, or worse still give duff advice.

 

[kendo1]

Those that can, do... those that can't, work in retail

Nice misquote, David, especially coming from you!

The OP's topic always comes up at sometime. People like to put the 'Large Retailer' down, probably through their experience so there must be something to it. Personally, I've never come across a problem the few times I've used them.

 

[Cyclops]

I dont see the problem if you need advice pop on to any photography forum, they are awash with "experts"

 

[johnb]

So Pookeyhead you have managed to insult one of my daughters who is a teacher & one who works in retail!
Their opinion of you- looser!

 

[ernesto]

The OP's topic always comes up at sometime. People like to put the 'Large Retailer' down, probably through their experience so there must be something to it.

It ultimately comes down to the same issue in most shops. Working in a shop is not the persons dream job and the wages are nothing special. What would you expect to get out of that combination?

I know A LOT about bicycles as I have been very interested in them for almost 40 years. Would someone like me work in a bike shop, no as the wages wouldn't even start to cover me and the job would be completely unchallenging.

 

[ernesto]

So Pookeyhead you have managed to insult one of my daughters who is a teacher & one who works in retail!
Their opinion of you- looser!

I hope it isn't the teacher that can't spell loser.

 

[johnb]

Fair comment!

 

[Soda Farl]

So what, that is their problem not mine. I am after help with a product and they cannot offer it, or worse still give duff advice.

Nice attitude you have their Chris.

At the end of the day you have the choice to shop were ever you like, if you don't like the service you have received you always have the option of shopping elsewere. It would seem strange that you continue to spend your money in a shop that you have had a bad experience in.

 

[Soda Farl]

It ultimately comes down to the same issue in most shops. Working in a shop is not the persons dream job and the wages are nothing special. What would you expect to get out of that combination?

I know A LOT about bicycles as I have been very interested in them for almost 40 years. Would someone like me work in a bike shop, no as the wages wouldn't even start to cover me and the job would be completely unchallenging.

What a inane blanket statement to make and in my case untrue.

In my case I work in a shop and I for the most part enjoy it. I get paid a reasonable wage and while yes more is always nice my wage more than covers my living expenses.

I work with a good group of people and get paid for talking to people all day, whats not to like?

 

[ernesto]

Nice attitude you have their Chris.

At the end of the day you have the choice to shop were ever you like, if you don't like the service you have received you always have the option of shopping elsewere. It would seem strange that you continue to spend your money in a shop that you have had a bad experience in.

It is nothing about having an attitude. The shop is offering a service and they are not doing it well. Excuses around number of products and so on really doesn't matter to me and why should it.

Why would I continue to spend money in the shop? Almost all of my purchases are online and have been for a long time. People seem saddened when they see the shops go under but it is all the shops deserve if they are not offering anything.
They can't better online prices so they need to offer something, is it that difficult for them to work that out?

 

[John Mc]

So what, that is their problem not mine. I am after help with a product and they cannot offer it, or worse still give duff advice.

Just before Christmas I rang a customer who ordered a canon 17-55 2.8. Great! Can have a wee 5 mins to chat about photography. Asked if it was for himself whilst I was arranging delivery. Got talking about what type of work he did etc, was it a gift to himself. "No, I'm starting my own business and its going to be my portrait lens in the studio" Cool, thought that would be a good segway into stating my love for landscapes and said I wanted a 5D of some sort. He told me it was his main camera and the lens was going on it. I paused, had to explain it was an Ef-S lens and whilst it would fit, it wouldn't work. I sold him the lens after being told I was wrong. Few days later I get a call from one of our branch, look at the name on the order. Asked why I sold the customer the incorrect lens and got an ear full. The customer told the shop floor manager I had assured him it was the correct lens. Luckily I managed to get the manger to read the notes and to listen to me when I said what lens he needed,and how could that come off my head if I didn't know what I was talking about. I got an apology and the customer got the right lens. He still asked for a "discount" for my mix up, got told where to go.

It's not always the sale rep with duff information.

 

[ernesto]

What a inane blanket statement to make and in my case untrue.

In my case I work in a shop and I for the most part enjoy it. I get paid a reasonable wage and while yes more is always nice my wage more than covers my living expenses.

I work with a good group of people and get paid for talking to people all day, whats not to like?

What is not to like? A reasonable wage doesn't cover my living expenses and getting paid for talking to people all day is hardly challenging me. I don't work just to make up the numbers.

 

[Soda Farl]

What is not to like? A reasonable wage doesn't cover my living expenses and getting paid for talking to people all day is hardly challenging me. I don't work just to make up the numbers.

Sounds like your work life is more important to you than mine is to me.

My wage covers all of my living expenses and more, allows me to stand and chat to people all day, hardly hard work is it?

When I finish my shift I get to go home with no hassles and forget about work again until the next day. It takes me 5 minutes to get home at night time and I get to go home at lunch time every day and play with my youngest for an hour. What more could I possibly want.

 

[Soda Farl]

It is nothing about having an attitude. The shop is offering a service and they are not doing it well. Excuses around number of products and so on really doesn't matter to me and why should it.

Why would I continue to spend money in the shop? Almost all of my purchases are online and have been for a long time. People seem saddened when they see the shops go under but it is all the shops deserve if they are not offering anything.
They can't better online prices so they need to offer something, is it that difficult for them to work that out?

I really don't get your point to be honest. A few posts ago you said you visit these shops yet in this post now you don't.

 

[ernesto]

Sounds like your work life is more important to you than mine is to me.

Maybe. I am spending 8 hours a day at work 5 days a week for 40+ years so doesn't it make sense to actually get something from it, challenge myself, feel rewarded etc,. if it makes up such a large part of my life?

If I worked in a camera shop it wouldn't be long until I was running the shop and then owning a shop and then having more than one shop etc,.
Like I said, I don't plan on spending almost half my waking hours making up the numbers.

 

[Soda Farl]

Just before Christmas I rang a customer who ordered a canon 17-55 2.8. Great! Can have a wee 5 mins to chat about photography. Asked if it was for himself whilst I was arranging delivery. Got talking about what type of work he did etc, was it a gift to himself. "No, I'm starting my own business and its going to be my portrait lens in the studio" Cool, thought that would be a good segway into stating my love for landscapes and said I wanted a 5D of some sort. He told me it was his main camera and the lens was going on it. I paused, had to explain it was an Ef-S lens and whilst it would fit, it wouldn't work. I sold him the lens after being told I was wrong. Few days later I get a call from one of our branch, look at the name on the order. Asked why I sold the customer the incorrect lens and got an ear full. The customer told the shop floor manager I had assured him it was the correct lens. Luckily I managed to get the manger to read the notes and to listen to me when I said what lens he needed,and how could that come off my head if I didn't know what I was talking about. I got an apology and the customer got the right lens. He still asked for a "discount" for my mix up, got told where to go.

It's not always the sale rep with duff information.

I am sure that anyone working in retail John could give you hundreds of examples of the same sort of thing.

 

[ernesto]

I really don't get your point to be honest. A few posts ago you said you visit these shops yet in this post now you don't.

Where have I said I don't visit shops. I am saying I don't purchase from shops, a clear difference.

 

[Soda Farl]

Maybe. I am spending 8 hours a day at work 5 days a week for 40+ years so doesn't it make sense to actually get something from it, challenge myself, feel rewarded etc,. if it makes up such a large part of my life?

If I worked in a camera shop it wouldn't be long until I was running the shop and then owning a shop and then having more than one shop etc,.
Like I said, I don't plan on spending almost half my waking hours making up the numbers.

Spending time with my kids and enjoying them growing up is all the reward I need everything else is secondary to that.

While someone like you is doing extra hours, sucking up to management, challenging yourself I will be at the park playing with my kids.

 

[Soda Farl]

Where have I said I don't visit shops. I am saying I don't purchase from shops, a clear difference.

How boring. So you spend your free time window shopping in retail stores?

I would rather be at the pub to be honest.

 

[Cyclops]

What is not to like? A reasonable wage doesn't cover my living expenses and getting paid for talking to people all day is hardly challenging me. I don't work just to make up the numbers.

Get paid for arseing around on forums do we ? Nice work.

 

[Steve]

So Pookeyhead you have managed to insult one of my daughters who is a teacher & one who works in retail!
Their opinion of you- looser!

John,

Pookey is a lecturer. I have lost count of the number of times I have seen him be unfairly criticised in these forums for issues related to teaching and for the so often used 'those who can't, teach' moronic mantra.

His post is obviously ironic, so please give the poor guy a chance.

 

[ajax_andy]

And once again a thread gets derailed with petty arguments about nothing.

How long before this one gets locked just like all the rest that went before?

 

[Ed Sutton]

If I worked in a camera shop it wouldn't be long until I was running the shop and then owning a shop and then having more than one shop etc,.

And then spend more than 8 hours a day working...

Work to live, live to (insert pastime of your preference).

I've worked in retail and the pressure is often on staff to sell whatever the shop has a lot of in stock or makes the best deal on. Fact of life in the profit is king capitalist system.

 

[John Mc]

I am sure that anyone working in retail John could give you hundreds of examples of the same sort of thing.

Too true, I also know a fair few people like the Op. Unfortunately I work with these people.

 

[ernesto]

Spending time with my kids and enjoying them growing up is all the reward I need everything else is secondary to that.

While someone like you is doing extra hours, sucking up to management, challenging yourself I will be at the park playing with my kids.

Assuming you work full time we both do the same amount of hours so I get teh same free time as you do

 

[Soda Farl]

Assuming you work full time we both do the same amount of hours so I get teh same free time as you do

I think you will find that you would not be able to get away with working a normal week if you are trying to start the photographic retail empire you alluded too in your previous post.

And sure you spend your free time looking but not buying in retail shops. I enjoy my free time a lot more.

 

[ZoneV]

Maybe. I am spending 8 hours a day at work 5 days a week for 40+ years so doesn't it make sense to actually get something from it, challenge myself, feel rewarded etc,. if it makes up such a large part of my life?

If I worked in a camera shop it wouldn't be long until I was running the shop and then owning a shop and then having more than one shop etc,.
Like I said, I don't plan on spending almost half my waking hours making up the numbers.

What's your job?

2.3k posts in under 18 months, why aren't you running the forum yet?

 

[ernesto]

I think you will find that you would not be able to get away with working a normal week if you are trying to start the photographic retail empire you alluded too in your previous post.

And sure you spend your free time looking but not buying in retail shops. I enjoy my free time a lot more.

But I am not starting a retail empire am I so I do the same number of hours you do. And it is not for you to say whether you enjoy your free time more than I enjoy mine is it?

You are coming across as someone who does the minimum to get by at work with no real interest and just works because they have to. The exact reason why I find shop experiences so poor.

 

[ernesto]

why aren't you running the forum yet?

I don't know, what does it pay per hour?

 

[ZoneV]

I don't know

No ambition. :shake:

 

[Soda Farl]

But I am not starting a retail empire am I so I do the same number of hours you do. And it is not for you to say whether you enjoy your free time more than I enjoy mine is it?

You are coming across as someone who does the minimum to get by at work with no real interest and just works because they have to. The exact reason why I find shop experiences so poor.

That is the second assumption you have made in this thread that is completely incorrect.

While in work I do my my job to the best of my abilities and this is recognised by the company I work for. The department I run is the most successful in Northern Ireland and one of the most successful in the U.K within our company.

What exactly is your job Ernesto?

No ambition. :shake:

Lolz