Sensitive question about dealers

[Bobonli]

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This might be out of bound for public response. If so, PM me. 
I’m seriously considering a new digital M in the near future. I’ve read the forum posts about QC issues etc. For that reason I will buy from a reputable dealer. By that I mean an authorized dealer that’s pleasant to work with and stands behind the product. For example, I’ve read that some dealers, when trying to do right by someone who has purchased a clunker, will simply replace it while others send it in for repair leaving you stranded. I won’t tolerate shelling out money and having a repair slip to show for it. I’m not looking for a problem but better to be prepared. 

 

So…in terms of US dealers are there standouts in terms of customer service and/ or those I should avoid? I’ve read that some dealers will let you demo a camera for a few hours and I’d like to do that. I’m in the suburbs of NYC and the big shop in NYC that comes to mind I know won’t let you leave the store without purchasing. 
 

Should I expect to be able to negotiate price?

Thanks in advance 

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[GFW2-SCUSA]

Since you want to demo the camera for a bit, and unless you are willing to travel way out of NY, I think your choices are few. B&H with whom I have done business for many, many years is an excellent source. They have a super return policy also. Will they let you amble outside with a camera and lens? I doubt it, but it's a huge store and they might let you play in house. As for Lecia Store New York, I have not done business with them, but suspect they are ver fine.

Boston isn't that far away and the Lecia store there might be a choice. They all want to sell cameras and create repeat customers.

 

As for negotiating, that would be which credit card you want to destroy. I have never heard of Leica prices being flexible. I maybe wrong and if so I have been an idiot for not trying!  

I have done a lot of business with Leica Store Miami and give them A++ on all counts. 

Last thought you could rent one, see if its what you really want then take the plunge either a new or used one. 

 

[Bobonli]

I just returned from vacation in your lovely state and hoped there’d be a Leica store in Myrtle Beach. No luck!!

[AlanT]

I’ve worked with both Leica Boston and Leica Miami.  Both are top notch   Their used prices, considering the quality of their offerings and the peace of mind dealing with such reputable dealers, I’ve found quite reasonable.  I wouldn’t hesitate  working with either location.

[250swb]

7 hours ago, Bobonli said:

I’ve read that some dealers, when trying to do right by someone who has purchased a clunker, will simply replace it while others send it in for repair leaving you stranded. I won’t tolerate shelling out money and having a repair slip to show for it.

You do hear those stories, but I don't think you are entitled to a replacement by any dealer (no matter how good) because if they don't have another in stock and unallocated they've got nothing to give you. And given dealers receive cameras and lenses in batches from Leica you have to hope you are both first in the queue and nobody else has one on order from them. And if nobody else has one on order from them are they a good dealer........? In essence you are creating your own rules for dealers and there are a million ways for them to fail. Asking for a discount when a dealer can sell the same camera within hours to somebody else I'd say was unlikely, but I've known it happen if you are a regular customer and a relationship developed over years. But do try.

It's not like buying a Nikon (or a toaster, etc.) where the dealer has a stockroom full of them and they can re-order as the stock goes down and it comes in days later. But buy a new car and if you want a replacement the manufacturer has to build it for you, and the supply of Leica cameras hovers somewhere in between.

[stuny]

Leica Miami, Bergan County Camera in NJ.

[dkmoore]

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If you want no hassle return and likely to have a replacement in stock, BH Photo. 
 

If you want top class customer service/ experience:

Leica store Miami & Bergen. 
 

There are also sellers on Leica Classifieds on Facebook that sell new and used and test all used equipment before shipping. If you are open to this send me a PM and I can let you know who is 100% safe to buy from.