Tip #3996 - Buying a Camera: Money Saving Tips
Printer Friendly Version | E-Mail This Tip
Buying
a Camera: Money Saving Tips
A penny saved is a
penny earned. So, before you head out to buy a new digital camera, take
a look at the following handy money saving tips that can really do you
a world of good!
Tip 1: Buy
Only If You Need To
If you already own
a digital camera and realize the newer version won’t do much to
either expand your portfolio or get you more money, it’s best to
hold off on your purchase until you really need it. When you do decide
to buy that camera, be sure not to go on a spending binge and buy things
you don't really need, such as a new camera bag, a memory card or another
lens.
Tip 2: Go
for Second Hand Cameras
Technology changes
every minute and cameras aren’t excluded. There are newer versions
coming out every day and this can be used to your advantage. Since the
basic technology in all the digital cameras is long lasting, it’s
just one feature, less or more, that makes all the difference. Last year's
top of the line camera will most likely be replaced by a newer version,
but the basic specifications of the new model will stay, more or less,
the same. So, what better way is there than buying last year's stock,
since buying the new items won’t make a world of difference. Buying
second hand equipment won't hurt you either, particularly when it comes
to electronics. Most electronic items keep getting upgraded every now
and then, resulting in an exodus of old models and an influx of newer
ones. This helps in two ways: You can upgrade just as quickly, either
by buying a newer model or buying a second hand one, which is almost new
and yet available at bargain prices. You win!
Tip 3: Some
Homework Goes a Long Way
With the Internet
allowing you to compare prices and discount shops offering a killer deal,
it’s best to make the most of these avenues before making a new
camera purchase. Keep a list of various quotes on hand so that when you
are ready to make a new purchase, you can ask for a price match or a discount.
Most shops would be happy to give you a discount and gain a customer,
as opposed to losing business to a competitor. If your local camera shop
is too expensive, try BHPhoto.com or Adorama.com. If you have more time
on your hands, you can check out Ebay as well, where there is a good chance
of getting a good bargain. Some online shops even offer free shipping
on purchases over a certain dollar amount, so be sure to keep that in
mind as well.
Tip 4: Try
It Before You Buy It
Shopping can make
you crazy, particularly when you hear of steal deals. No matter how discounted
the rate might be, it’s best to try out any equipment before you
buy it. Most times, we buy in a hurry and regret it later. The easiest
way to burn your money is to buy the wrong camera equipment. You can find
the best deal on the planet, but if you buy the wrong equipment, you're
going nowhere. Once you know what you want, use these tips to get the
best deals on camera equipment.
Tip 5: Sell
Redundant Cameras Immediately
If you are the kind
who goes for newer versions just because of that new low light feature
added to your camera or because of that anti-shake feature, you should
go for it immediately. Why, you ask? Well, because it’s best to
upgrade more frequently so that you can sell your second hand camera at
a better price. Also, make sure you sell your camera before a new model
comes out.
Tip 6: Make
Sure Your Camera Has a Good Resale Value
Always remember your
camera’s resale value when you are buying one. This means that it’s
best if you stick to known and tested brands, rather than the unknown
and unpredictable. Also, it can be difficult to find prospective buyers
if your camera is not a popular brand. This way, not only will you have
made an enduring purchase, but you also have the option of selling it
at a good price and going for the next upgrade later on.
Tip 7: Cash
Transactions Offer More Bargaining Power
This is a basic, yet
largely neglected rule. When you are shopping, it’s best not to
be tempted and buy just one item. It’s best to accumulate your resources
and buy one big thing, rather than several items. This way, you can negotiate
a bigger discount.
Tip 8: Have
Your Own Favorite Store
This is the best way
to get what you want and at a good discount. Again, this is one rule of
thumb that most of us seem to have forgotten with the onslaught of newer
and newer stores and multiplexes. But the old rule of supporting individual
stores never dies. If you support your local camera shop on a regular
basis, you'll more than likely get better discounts. Most camera shops
give discounts to their regular customers.
Now, go out and put
these tips to good use and get the best digital camera you can buy for
your money!
~ Zahid H. Javali
Want To Comment On This Tip? Click Here! We'd love to hear from you :-)
Like These Tips? Get 'Em Free In Your E-mail
