Nikon coolpix

[Lynton]

Looking at buying mum a point and shoot for her birthday as she's been on about it for a little while now..a bit of research and whitled it down to 2 - the 3000 or 4000, ......... and unable to temporarily easily access my preferred local retailer of choice, I popped into a local high street chain, whose name I shall not mention in this thread - purely for the purposes of getting my grubby mitts on them and comparing one against t'other.......

Found them in the shop - 10 mins in no sign of staff, no sign of any help, talking to an Asian family who were asking my advice once I mentioned I normally use a DSLR...... "Oh, you mean a big proper camera?"

Transpires aforementioned Asian family were looking to purchase for daughters 18th Birthday present (not a bad pressie!)... anyhow no staff to be seen......

So I "accidentally" set off the alarm on the camera......... 10 seconds later - we had service........ I pointed out that help the others first as was in no particularly hurry.....

Father: "We would like to know the difference between these 2 models please" - (the 3000 and 4000)
Assistant: "Who's it for?"
Father: "Our daughter as a birthday present."
Assistant: "Well in that case you need this one (3000) as it comes in red and pink as well."

Me: (Interjecting) "I'm sorry, but that has to be the crappest ever piece of advice I have ever heard from anyone in this store."
Assistant: "Well the 3000 and 4000 are identical"
Me & Father: "They can't be, otherwise they would have the same model no. For a start one is touchscreen and has a larger screen."
Assistant: "Well other than that they are identical."

I left mentioning was going to a store where staff were knowledgeable. The father said to his wife, "Let's go to John Lewis. They will be more helpful and will price match."


:shrug::shrug::shrug::shrug:

 

[mastertrinity]

Looking at buying mum a point and shoot for her birthday as she's been on about it for a little while now..a bit of research and whitled it down to 2 - the 3000 or 4000, ......... and unable to temporarily easily access my preferred local retailer of choice, I popped into a local high street chain, whose name I shall not mention in this thread - purely for the purposes of getting my grubby mitts on them and comparing one against t'other.......

Found them in the shop - 10 mins in no sign of staff, no sign of any help, talking to an Asian family who were asking my advice once I mentioned I normally use a DSLR...... "Oh, you mean a big proper camera?"

Transpires aforementioned Asian family were looking to purchase for daughters 18th Birthday present (not a bad pressie!)... anyhow no staff to be seen......

So I "accidentally" set off the alarm on the camera......... 10 seconds later - we had service........ I pointed out that help the others first as was in no particularly hurry.....

Father: "We would like to know the difference between these 2 models please" - (the 3000 and 4000)
Assistant: "Who's it for?"
Father: "Our daughter as a birthday present."
Assistant: "Well in that case you need this one (3000) as it comes in red and pink as well."

Me: (Interjecting) "I'm sorry, but that has to be the crappest ever piece of advice I have ever heard from anyone in this store."
Assistant: "Well the 3000 and 4000 are identical"
Me & Father: "They can't be, otherwise they would have the same model no. For a start one is touchscreen and has a larger screen."
Assistant: "Well other than that they are identical."

I left mentioning was going to a store where staff were knowledgeable. The father said to his wife, "Let's go to John Lewis. They will be more helpful and will price match."


:shrug::shrug::shrug::shrug:

lol I know exactly how you feel I've had the same thing in curry's and I've interjected the assistant and told the couple what they really need, and its happened on multiple occasions. I have had couples come and ask me what they need because they didn't want to listen to the shop staff.

 

[mrtoad]

its the same in music shops

 

[HopefulM]

what a shame you experienced bad service (something I REALLY hate!) However - I've had a Nikon Coolpix, and it really is a fab little P&S

The one I've got has A, P, S & M modes, as well as Auto, preset landscape, indoor, party, portrait, etc, etc priorities and a built in flash.

hard wearing, big screen, eye hole , and I've loved it since I've had it - and I still take it out with me

I don't think you'll go wrong if you get one for your family - they'll be delighted as it's such a versatile and functional little camera.

 

[cowasaki]

Lynton,

If you are thinking of the coolpix ask Stuart from Digital Depot - see the Nikon Deals thread. He had some top prices on them for TPers.

 

[Lynton]

Cheers Darren,

Never really had any intention of buying one from the high street chain who i will not mention............ just wanted to get my grubby mitts on them........

Maria,

Can I ask what coolpix you have as the latest ones seem to be fully auto only.........

 

[Flash In The Pan]

I seem to remember aa similar experience at PCWorld, there were two laptops I was interested in, with about £150 difference in price, but other than that they looked and were speced identically, so I asked one of the trained monkeys staff...

"Could you tell me the difference between the 5000 here and that 5100, please?"

"100"

"Pardon?"

"The difference is 100"

"Yes, I can see that, but what is the actual difference between the laptops"

"Sir" the assistant replies in an exasperated tone...........







"the difference is £150"



:shrug:

 

[Rough Edges]

Sounds like you got the muppets today Lynton... I despair at places like this... the differences are pretty small, but if you worked with them you would know what they are...

Comparison of the specs.. http://www.camera-catalog.com/compares/popular/nikon_coolpix_s4000_vs_nikon_coolpix_s3000

 

[mich66]

I have a coolpix P5100 and love it.. fully manual as Maria mentions with hers..

 

[slimboy fat]

On the flip side, I went into the "J" shop just to have a look at the point and shoots as a "can't be arsed to take the 40D but I can chuck this in my pocket" camera, and the young kiddie who helped was very knowledgeable and friendly.

He knew his stuff and we ended up chatting for quite a while. As I was the only person in there the store manager came over as well and he knew his stuff as well.

I know they get a bad rap sometimes but to purely get a feel for a lens/camera and get some advice, I will definitely be going back down to this particular branch. And to be honest, when they have deals on, the prices aren't that bad either.

 

[Canonite]

Jessops really have gone downhill. Last time I was in there I was looking to buy the Canon SX1. Manager refused to give me it at the online price, saying I had to go back home, go on the internet and reserve the camera at the online price before returning to the store.

The difference was only £30, he could've done it if he'd wanted. Never even came from behind the desk, stood behind his desk shouting across the store at me instead of actually coming up to me.

Then I ask if they have a sealed SX1, thinking if it's spanking new i'll pay the extra £30 anyway. "nope, thats the only one we've got" pointing to the one in the cabinet that's been handled by everyone. When I suggested it's a bit cheeky charging me full price for a shop demo model he said "it's all we've got, try another store".

I've got absolutely no problems naming and shaming the store. My mate has been sold a camcorder by the same store which wasn't fit for what he'd asked for, assistant said it was. Then they wouldn't accept it in return as it had been opened.

Jessops of Wakefield, you're all incompetent, and don't deserve to have your jobs. Your store used employ knowledgable photographers who were keen to help. Now it's a mish mash of part time dead heads who haven't got the faintest idea about anything they're selling.

 

[HopefulM]

On the flip side, I went into the "J" shop just to have a look at the point and shoots as a "can't be arsed to take the 40D but I can chuck this in my pocket" camera, and the young kiddie who helped was very knowledgeable and friendly.

He knew his stuff and we ended up chatting for quite a while. As I was the only person in there the store manager came over as well and he knew his stuff as well.

I know they get a bad rap sometimes but to purely get a feel for a lens/camera and get some advice, I will definitely be going back down to this particular branch. And to be honest, when they have deals on, the prices aren't that bad either.

 

[chip]

I am sure a Jessops employee will come on and prove me wrong, but I get the impression, on some of the more expensive cameras, they only stock ONE camera in each store.

A few months ago I was desperate for a Nikon D300s on a Sunday (needed to replace a broken camera for a 7.30am shoot on Monday) and all of the stores that had any in stock ONLY HAD THE DISPLAY MODEL available. Presumably the stores that were out of stock had already sold their 'one and only' D300s over the weekend.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

I am sure a Jessops employee will come on and prove me wrong, but I get the impression, on some of the more expensive cameras, they only stock ONE camera in each store.

A few months ago I was desperate for a Nikon D300s on a Sunday (needed to replace a broken camera for a 7.30am shoot on Monday) and all of the stores that had any in stock ONLY HAD THE DISPLAY MODEL available. Presumably the stores that were out of stock had already sold their 'one and only' D300s over the weekend.

That's probably fairly accurate nowadays, as many suppliers withdrew their credit line when it looked as if they were about to go to the wall.

 

[Lynton]

i am sure there are good and bad employees of pretty much every company and every store, photographic and otherwise and yes, "J" has been battered to hell on here and elsewhere, and has also received a fair amount of praise where due as well...........

this was not an attempt to give them another kicking - just amazement at the lack of knowledge.......... / attitude "ah a girl therefore ...pink......"
I was also getting to the point of "can i be arsed to lug all this stuff with me today" - so was also considering a P&S........ so would want one with manual overrides for me...... will check out Stuart at DD tomorrow.......

 

[18-270]

That's probably fairly accurate nowadays, as many suppliers withdrew their credit line when it looked as if they were about to go to the wall.

Yawn :shrug:

Another Jessops bashing always makes me smile for many reasons. But I'm sure you get much better service and technical expertise from Currys, PC world, Argos, John Lewis etc. And to be honest if you want advice about what the differences are between the 3000 and 4000 coolpix are then you might be better off going there. The difference is one has touch screen the other does not. I'll let the price dictate what one

As for the lack of stock on certain lines over the last few weeks, lets take a look at the national profile of stock and understand that the suppliers are the ones out of stock, not simply the retailers. Anyone trying to buy a 5D mkii over the last 8 weeks will back that up. As for the D300s and D3s, until about 13 days ago I have not seen one anywhere that was not the display model.

Touching on Jessops in Wakefield they should have known better. They should have done a walk through with you on how collect at store works and about 30 seconds later it would have appeared on their till for you to collect. I will talk to them and make sure they are aware of this wonderful extension to their service

If in any store, Jessops, Jacobs, LCE, you're unhappy with the advice you're getting ask to speak to someone who can answer your questions

 

[Lynton]

Chris,

If you read my first post, yesterday was just a speculative visit to touch feel and try......... as we were in the city and I had 30 mins to kill.

My original point was the appalling (but amusing) logic of the "assistant" i.e. "well, it's for a girl, come, look at the pink cameras............."

Personally, any purchase will be more than likely be made by through of the people on here............. for personal use, I would also want something that allows Av / Sv or Manual, so both those ideas are out of the window............:shrug:

 

[ki_user]

Yawn :shrug:

Another Jessops bashing always makes me smile for many reasons. But I'm sure you get much better service and technical expertise from Currys, PC world, Argos, John Lewis etc. And to be honest if you want advice about what the differences are between the 3000 and 4000 coolpix are then you might be better off going there. The difference is one has touch screen the other does not. I'll let the price dictate what one

As for the lack of stock on certain lines over the last few weeks, lets take a look at the national profile of stock and understand that the suppliers are the ones out of stock, not simply the retailers. Anyone trying to buy a 5D mkii over the last 8 weeks will back that up. As for the D300s and D3s, until about 13 days ago I have not seen one anywhere that was not the display model.

Touching on Jessops in Wakefield they should have known better. They should have done a walk through with you on how collect at store works and about 30 seconds later it would have appeared on their till for you to collect. I will talk to them and make sure they are aware of this wonderful extension to their service

If in any store, Jessops, Jacobs, LCE, you're unhappy with the advice you're getting ask to speak to someone who can answer your questions

 

[On the Huh]

All my major purchases have been with Jessops or WHEx. I sometimes don't mind spending a little more at Jessops if it means I can go into a local store and look and handle the good before hand.

My major complaint with my local Jessops is inconsistency. Somedays they're the greatest store you've walked into and others they''re the worst. Always depend on what staff is on I suppose.

 

[18-270]

Chris,

If you read my first post, yesterday was just a speculative visit to touch feel and try......... as we were in the city and I had 30 mins to kill.

My original point was the appalling (but amusing) logic of the "assistant" i.e. "well, it's for a girl, come, look at the pink cameras............."

Personally, any purchase will be more than likely be made by through of the people on here............. for personal use, I would also want something that allows Av / Sv or Manual, so both those ideas are out of the window............:shrug:

"yesterday was just a speculative visit to touch feel and try" As are most that visit a high street store these days. But unless the person selling to you can convince you to buy there and then with the prospect of having it in your hands inside 5 mins then the high street retailer is a dying breed as none can compete with the internet with no overheads.

Good advice would have told you that the features of effective aperture and shutter control can not be achieved well under £100. Depending on the user budget an exiting powershot SX200 is normally one of the best bets as they can be gotten for less than £200 in most places.

Chris

Cheers

All my major purchases have been with Jessops or WHEx. I sometimes don't mind spending a little more at Jessops if it means I can go into a local store and look and handle the good before hand.

My major complaint with my local Jessops is inconsistency. Somedays they're the greatest store you've walked into and others they''re the worst. Always depend on what staff is on I suppose.

I hear that, really I do, most of my staff are now very new to the shop but I ask them to understand when they are out of their depth and politely point out that they will get someone to answer their question if they don't know the answer.

Even in this difficult time when staff change over there will always be someone who you can deal with. I have countless number of customers that will only deal with me or select members of staff, it's no reflection on the shop it's just some customers require a higher level of service and expertise and to assume that every member of staff in a Jessops store will know all you need to know is a pointless frame of mind to walk in with. Those people that do in my store are often just simply picking for a fight and have no interest in good service or knowledge they simply just wish to point out how ill informed some younger or new members of staff are.

 

[Lynton]

Fair points chris and I think we can all accept that service from store a can be different from store b. But recommending model x as it's available in pink???? That is indefensible!

 

[On the Huh]

Chris, I assume you are an Area Manager of Jessops?

My complaint of inconsistency with my local store is not down to technical knowledge, but customer service. I understand that a large retailer has to train their staff on techcnial stuff as well as customer service. If I am dealt with by a member of staff who hasn't the technical knowledge of the gear I wish to purchase I expect them to say something on the lines of "Sorry sir, I am unable to advise, but I will get my Manager/Collegue to help". Rather than giving me a don't care kind of reply, just so they can save face through lack of knowledge. As I say, this is not always the case, but has happened on several occaissions in the past ten years.

 

[18-270]

Fair points chris and I think we can all accept that service from store a can be different from store b. But recommending model x as it's available in pink???? That is indefensible!

Indeed and if it was me I'd find it almost patronising, did you speak to the store manager? I would have!

Chris, I assume you are an Area Manager of Jessops?

My complaint of inconsistency with my local store is not down to technical knowledge, but customer service. I understand that a large retailer has to train their staff on techcnial stuff as well as customer service. If I am dealt with by a member of staff who hasn't the technical knowledge of the gear I wish to purchase I expect them to say something on the lines of "Sorry sir, I am unable to advise, but I will get my Manager/Collegue to help". Rather than giving me a don't care kind of reply, just so they can save face through lack of knowledge. As I say, this is not always the case, but has happened on several occaissions in the past ten years.

Yes I am a Jessops Manager and your experience of inconsistency with regards customer service is not acceptable. The store manager has a responsibility to make sure that all new members of staff are aware that being out of your depth is better dealt with by a little humility and diversion to someone that knows. Genuine customers will understand, only a bully or time waster would make things difficult from that point on. I can't defend all store standards of practice I can only assure that as a lager majority, my store in particular we intend to give the best service.

 

[On the Huh]

I know one thing that would Pee me off is not to have a Jessops store in my own town. So I am grateful to have one.

I really appreciate that Jessops have a manager like you to come on a forum and add their point of view. I am selling up my business next year and will be looking for a job probably in the retail market, but despite my experience in customer service, or because it has not been in the retail trade, (more the hospitality trade), I bet I will get rejected at any application in any type of job of this nature. Shame really, although I don't pretend to know everything, and probably made a few mistakes in the past myself, I see so many retailers fail on customer service. If I point these out, I will probably be accused as becoming a grumpy old man now that I'm approaching 49.