We talk about cameras for paddling and tripping, so I thought I'd post my very favorable experience with a new and unique buying site, greentoe.com, through which I got 20% off the lowest internet price on a new model camera.
It's sort of like Priceline, but it handles cameras, electronics, appliances, musical instruments and baby products. You post an offer price for the product you want, and it is sent out to a network of retailers, who may accept your offer on a first come basis.
If your offer is accepted there's no tax, no shipping charge, and you have a guaranteed minimum two week return period. Products are guaranteed to be new.
I've been after a new model Nikon camera (the P7800) for two months, but the price hasn't budged more than $2 off the retail of $549 anywhere.
I first posted a lowball offer of $385 (30% off) for a five day period. No acceptances the first day. On the second day greentoe emailed me, trying to mediate, saying my price is too low but it would probably be accepted almost instantly if I raised it to $490. I refused, and the offer expired with no acceptances.
I then placed a new offer of $460. That, plus a $20 first time buyer coupon from greentoe, would give me a $440 price (20% off). This offer was accepted within 35 minutes by Unique Photo in New Jersey, and the camera was delivered by UPS to my house 18 hours later. Brand new, full US warranty.
The $20 coupon rebate is supposed to arrive from greentoe within two weeks after the return period, as a check or deposit into PayPal. We'll see if that happens.
I have the feeling that I could have squeezed another $10 off the price.
http://www.greentoe.com/
It's sort of like Priceline, but it handles cameras, electronics, appliances, musical instruments and baby products. You post an offer price for the product you want, and it is sent out to a network of retailers, who may accept your offer on a first come basis.
If your offer is accepted there's no tax, no shipping charge, and you have a guaranteed minimum two week return period. Products are guaranteed to be new.
I've been after a new model Nikon camera (the P7800) for two months, but the price hasn't budged more than $2 off the retail of $549 anywhere.
I first posted a lowball offer of $385 (30% off) for a five day period. No acceptances the first day. On the second day greentoe emailed me, trying to mediate, saying my price is too low but it would probably be accepted almost instantly if I raised it to $490. I refused, and the offer expired with no acceptances.
I then placed a new offer of $460. That, plus a $20 first time buyer coupon from greentoe, would give me a $440 price (20% off). This offer was accepted within 35 minutes by Unique Photo in New Jersey, and the camera was delivered by UPS to my house 18 hours later. Brand new, full US warranty.
The $20 coupon rebate is supposed to arrive from greentoe within two weeks after the return period, as a check or deposit into PayPal. We'll see if that happens.
I have the feeling that I could have squeezed another $10 off the price.
http://www.greentoe.com/