Re: Reel-3D prices, etc.

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Does anyone know why (Reel 3-D's) mark-up is so high?  

So they can make a living? :-)

You are touching a hot issue here Peter... You realize that Reel 3-D is a
specialty company run by only two people (David and Susan).  B&H on the
other hand is a totally different operation.  It is not fair to compare B&H
prices with Reel 3-D's prices.  You should be comparing Reel 3-D's prices
with local stores.  (I have heard that some of B&H prices are so low that
local stores would actually be losing money if they were selling at these
prices, or they might get a better price buying from B&H, than directly
from the representative!!!)

I assume that David and Susan have done their homework and have decided
that these prices are OK and the markup is reasonable and necessary for
them to continue to run their business.

>It might actually be detrimental to 3D if 
>newcomers get the impression that all the equipment is so expensive.

If they have an interest in photography, they will soon realize that there
are other places that can get some of the more common photographic items
for less.  However, they might still decide to support Reel 3-D by buying
their screen and light meter from them, together with other items that are
unique and are sold only by Reel 3-D.  Reel 3-D is much more than a mail
order company.  David and Susan will offer free advice to anyone who calls.
You will notice that even their write ups regarding these common items
(lightmeter, flash) are always oriented towards stereo photography.  It is
good to deal with people who share the same passion like you.

Your concern about turning off newcomers is valid.  In England, the
Stereoscopic Society, a non-for-profit organization, carries and
distributes the basic supplies to its members for lower prices.  Here is
America, the land of the free, etc. :-)  If Reel 3-D's prices were
unreasonably inflated and profits high, then competition would have tried
to take a bite out of their sales.  But I don't see anything like that
happening in any serious scale. 

-- George Themelis  (for more discussion on this subject, I'll have to
refer you to an older posting titled "DrT on Stereo Economics", or
something like that...)


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