Owen Evans believes that the extra 15% he spends at his local camera shop is a worthwhile investment. He is absolutely right. Pardee's (Sacramento, CA, USA) is the same way. I know I can get better prices elsewhere, but I have never been in a camera store that has offered me more or better service. They will spend as much time as I need to answer my questions, they have been more than generous in their trade-in policy and they have taken time to constructively critique my work and offer suggestions on alternatives and improvements. On, yes, about their taking time to talk to me like a human being instead of a quick sale - I have seen them take the same amount to time and offer the same friendly advice to a teenager just starting in photography and buying an inexpensive used point-and-shoot as they spend with a pro buying thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Their orientation toward service could serve as a model for any business. Yes, the extra 15% is a GOOD investment! Bill Cassing
