Where to buy electronics in the US?

[proskyneo]

Hi everyone,

My parents will be in the US soon and were wondering about where is a good place to buy electronics in the US - or at least digital cameras. Somewhere non-dodgy, easy to get to and somewhere where there's a good deal.

They'll specifically be in LA and Las Vegas, but because they're only there for a short time, they can't order things online to be delivered to their hotel.

I'm assuming that there are places similar to Myer/David Jones with electronic sections, but I personally find these places are always RRP or very close to it.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

[Katie]

Fry's is pretty much a geek mecca for assorted electronics items. Not sure how their prices compare, or if there will be close locations to where our parents are going. Even RRP in the US should be decent compared to Aus, given the current exchange rate. Thw one thing to watch is sales tax, which varies by county. Some establishments may offer a tourist tax refund.

 

[TonyHancock]

I have used Best Buy, both as a resident and visitor to the US.

They are a bit like D1ck Smith.

 

[Mal]

Target or walmart. Prob around rrp but plenty around. Best buy decent choice also.
As commented add tax.

A few issues...
Check warranty
Australian charger
Poor range in some stores.

You may be a able to find on web and reserve for pickup.

 

[odysseus]

Best Buy's the primary one that comes to mind for me although the others will have some too.

Regarding the two destinations, it depends how they're getting around, but you won't find much in the main area of Vegas - you have to go to the outskirts for the more general malls or shopping, so would need a car (or take a taxi). There's only the fashion mall on the strip which as its name suggests is more about clothes and some souvenirs. There's a Macy's in it but I don't think it has cameras.

LA will have more choices, but it's so massive that it depends where they are and again how they're getting around. If they're only going point to point with shuttles for example, your request may be harder to fulfil than if they're hiring a car and going different places.

 

[dot]

I would recommend Frys, they have a number of stores in LA and one in LV (south of the airport) - prices may not be the best always, but they are competitive and will price match. the thing they have going for them is range. you'll struggle to find as large a range within a single shop anywhere else in the world.

 

[jpolakowski]

I would vote for Best Buy (never been to Fry's). I suggest checking both places on the Internet. I am sure they'll be able to comparison shop selections and quantities. Another Option is Ritz Camera. They generally have knowledgeable people and as the name implies, focus on cameras. Before I moved from the US to Sydney last year, I recall talk of them moving into bankruptcy protection. They still operate normally, but that could affect things like returns in the longer term.

 

[Blackadder]

Of the options that haven't been mentioned Radio Shack for electronics (not sure if they do digital cameras), or the larger chains like JPenney etc.

 

[FlyboyAl]

I just got back from LA today, and I've spent lots of time in Fry's - they are great stores and the dig camera range is good.
Best Buy have a fair range but very little customer service, and their prices are fair.
Believe it or not, Target have a good range, as do Staples, OfficeMax and Office Depot.

Having said all that, and as a photo shop owner myself, the prices in the US are not much cheaper than here in Oz. Plus buying locally, you have a warranty, the electrics are approved and you should be able to find a store where the staff can help you, plus you have the "benefit" of the TRS scheme.

Depending on where you live, check out Teds, JB hiFi or a local Camera House store, then check on the web at stores like Frys and Best Buy.

PM me if you want more info.

alan

 

[proskyneo]

Wooh!

Thanks for all the replies. I think the biggest thing was the range in most stores (had a quick online look at most of the suggestions) were quite limited and I had a fairly specific product in mind. Also the suggestions about checking warranty, bonuses and power adaptors etc got me thinking a bit more, so I'll probably hold up on buying it at least for a little while. Might even start looking at Asia for it (should have some similar problems, but less problems overall).

Australia is unfortunately a massive rip-off =( So I might have to forego the warranty in favour of a half-priced camera.. I can always buy a new one right

Thanks for all your help everyone!

 

[drron]

You can check prices on line.We come to NYC frequently and usually buy from B&H.You can check their prices on line so you have a guide as to what you should pay in the US and then check out Aussie prices.Just google B&H cameras.
I have just bought a new Sony HX100V here.List price in Aust-$699.Here I got the camera,case,spare battery plus a 2 year international warranty for $580-included all the taxes.
Interestingly I got it at B&H 2 hours after their second delivery of this model,the Sony store in NYC hasn't yet had a delivery though are expecting it in days.

 

[trooper]

And a big +1 for B&H....

 

[proskyneo]

Woooh, I'm looking at the Panasonic Lumix LX5 and it's $400 on B&H (which is pretty good!) unfortunately, no one I know is going there soon , but will be in California for a good 3 weeks. Is it a lot better to go in person to NYC or will an online purchase (with free delivery) be alright, anyone have any experience with their online shopping?

(Of course I could just buy it online and ship it to Australia.. but that would involve shipping costs and I love to avoid those hahaha)

 

[drron]

I would think online with B&H would be fine.Not done it with them but I bought my last laptop on line through Sony US and had it delivered to my son in NYC with absolutely no problems.
B&H have an incredible turnover,hence ability to have lower prices.Last week the 15 checkouts were always going with a long line to get to one.

 

[Mal]

will an online purchase (with free delivery) be alright,

Keep in mind (if staying in a hotel) that many have implemented "package" fees or other restrictions around receiving packages... I think the rise of online shopping (and shipping to hotels for tourists arriving) has caused this to occur.

 

[proskyneo]

Keep in mind (if staying in a hotel) that many have implemented "package" fees or other restrictions around receiving packages... I think the rise of online shopping (and shipping to hotels for tourists arriving) has caused this to occur.

I had no idea about that.. fortunately I don't think that will be an issue for my pick up point. Will confirm though, thanks!

 

[trooper]

I have (very) recently bought a new vid camera online from them... and had it delivered to a friend in Las Vegas.

The whole proces could NOT have been smoother or faster, hence my big "+1" above!!

 

[tuppaware]

Where Fry's are great for range , their service is cough and you feel like you have been outsourced to india.

Best buy had better prices when I last checked.

 

[awilcockson]

Interesting thread, just came back from 1.5 weeks in the US. I have been cough over a Fender Squier guitar, and with no Australian release date in site, and a BestBuy just down the road from my hotel, the time was right to strike. Sales Tax caught me out, and 8.25% in California to boot , but extremely happy with my purchase.

I had a look around the store while I was there, and was surprised to see the Canon EF 70-300mm lense that I've also been cough over on sale for $499, so about $540 with taxes. I would have bought it on the spot, but I would have been over my $900 duty free allowance, so I'll have to make do with buying it from ddp for $620.