Gray market. An anathema to any legit camera shop, but a magnet to self interest. B&H and their ilk became giants as gray market pioneers. If you read comments about them you see the passion they inspire, pro and con. Legal, gray marketeers include those who buy goods at Costco and resell them at a local shop. But B&H operate on a scale unmatched anywhere else. I traveled to their NYC store recently to see what they are all about.
The location, as you would expect, is on a less than attractive street on the north end of Hell's Kitchen. The door is a maze of customer-cattle processing designed to vet as many bodies in as possible, and let no one out. That is done in an even more elaborately designed labyrinth through checkouts and security.
Once inside, the size of the place astounds. Everything electronics is here. And people. So many people that anything you want requires getting in line. There is no browsing permitted. If you want to compare things, do so fast. If you have a question, find the line and get in it. This is a place to go if you seek no pleasure from buying gear. Of course, the Internet provides the same function without the jostling, smelly, surly, crowded surroundings.
I left feeling a bit repulsed and dirty. Not because of the business ethic, but because of the seemingly palpable disdain B&H had for me and my type of mark. and for my own lack of scruples as a customer.
It seems you did not enjoy your visit and we're very sorry to read this. We're proud of our store, our pristine reputation and the high regard our customers have for us. Perhaps as you visit more frequently and become more familiar with our store, your opinion will improve.
ReplyDeleteHenry Posner
B&H Photo-Video