[sbtm]

I went, yet again, to our Nikon dealer, which by the way is the only one here in Oman. And the only one who sells Nikon stuff.

Anyways, I went to have a look at the D50, which I am planning to buy soon. I asked for the price of that camera, which the sales person didn't know and had to check his computer. While he was doing that, I had my eyes on the screen so I know what he tells me... anyways, he quoted me US $ 1,722.00 Yes one thousand seven hundred and twenty two dollars. I though that was out rageous.

I looked shocked, so he said that there is 40% discount, which brings it down to about US $ 1034.00, which I still though it was too much. He though a little more and said that the final price he would give me would be US $ 958.00

I checked the prices in our next door country, Dubai , and they quoted my a flat rate of US $ 775.00 (Thats the price I like ).

Both of them throw in a 1GB memory card and a camera case.

How are deals at your end? I imagine better than what I can get down here

[stepheno]

So...you've got crooks over there just like here Cheapest I can find here is Nikon D50 at Fotosense at a price of £320 for the body only. That equates to US$598. Maybe they will ship to Oman?

[Dave]

That's a great price Stepheno, as OneStop frmo HK are £30 more than that

[sbtm]

Originally Posted by stepheno

That equates to US$598.

That is still cheaper than the second hand one that I have found here...

[Dave]

Do you get hit for any kind of taxes if you import one sbtm ?

[sbtm]

Nope. Nothing.

Thankfully, I live in a virtually tax free country

[Dave]

So what stops you importing cameras from say Britian & selling on for a profit back home ? Either way seems cheapest way to get a camere for your good self

[sbtm]

Of course I can import camers and sell it at a profit... only if I find people to buy.

Since I have started showing intrest for advanced photography, I have been looking for local groups, events, anyone knows this stuff or who is intrested, but i have found very very very few I mean its sad.

So importing the camers is not a problem, finding people who will buy is the issue Moreover, the camera market over here focuses on PAS.

[Steve]

I thought the UK was the rip off market but it seems to have it even worse in oman

Maybe the market is focused on P&S because at those prices that is all that most can afford? If you where to advertise online at sensible prices, you may be suprised at the amount of people that would be interested, a saving of over $1000 dollars would certainly be more appealing than an $1800 D50 and you may end up with buyer battering down your dorr trying to get their hands on them.

Could be an excellent buisness oppotunity?

[sbtm]

Don't know how good of a business oppertunity it would be. I have been visiting the Nikon and Canon dealers a lot lately trying to get to know their camers well, and in the process I found out that none of the dealers are happy with the market here... they simply say that there are no customers.

Even with a 40% discount and bringing the price down they haven't seen a big rush that they would like.

I rememeber trying to put together my home theater system about a year and a half back. I wanted to build my own. Choose the speakers of my liking, the subwoofer I want, the DVD player I want, the amplifier I want. I kept going in and out of stores here, and no one had a decent amplifier or speakers, All were ready to order for me but none had it on display. All all kept saying that no one is intrested in buying individual components and all opt for package deals!

What I am trying to say is, people here look for low end, simple devices and above all CHEAP! If they don't find what they are looking for in their budget, then will go to Dubai for a better deal!

Anybody in this forum from the Middle East will confirm that

[Steve]

It sounds like a tough market but there must be some demand, just as you wanted specialist home cinema equipment and the D50, I am sure that there are others interested as well.

With inporting seeming realtively easy and fast for you would it not be possible to supply with a wekk lead time? That would give you a risk free business opening?

[sbtm]

Yes... hmmm.... Steve, you just gave me something to think about

But not before I get MY camera

[RichB]

How about this supplier:

* Digital Cameras, Camcorders and Accessories from cameras2u.com

have had a couple of cameras from them, they're based in Leicester, UK. Good quick service.