Often when out and about either DH or I will see something that we might like to buy. So we will take a picture and send it. Sometimes there will be a yes buy it, or no. Saves us going back, missing out and also lets us compare items (like when we were bunk shopping).
I got told off today in a major store for taking a photo. I explained it was so I could make a decision with my husband about the purchase and she told me to take a catalogue. It annoyed me so much I walked out and bought nothing. Silly thing is, DH was in there the other and took a photo no problem.
So, if it is ok to view the item and the price in a catalogue, what is the difference to me taking a photo in store? Not everything is in the catalogue, also I just don't want to be taking junk mail stuff home.
** Will clarify, I was not scanning barcodes to compare pricing between stores.
I have been more discreet in the past, just this morning the place was swarming with staff and I was pretty blatant In other stores, the sales person has stood with me whilst I took the photo, sent it and then called DH to discuss.
Personally i don't see the issue - if you have a picture in catalogue whats wrong with someone taking their own.
A catalogue doesn't always show you how big it looks in perspective to something else.... oh well they loose a sale.
I went shopping for single beds & the lady actually told me to take a photo so I could think about. When I was younger I worked in retail and they were strict policies about not allowing customers to take photos... And it was a supermarket. Really what would you want to take photos of some dodgy broccoli!!
I understand some smaller stores may have issues with it, but really they are just shooting themselves in the foot if they do. I know I have taken photos whilst fridge shopping to keep clear in my mind prices and models at different stores, and some of the stores were fine to use the photos for price match purposes (although I never ended up using the price match as I bought a seconds model instead) - so maybe that is why they have the issue??? They are afraid you will just price match elsewhere??
I'm pretty sure I don't walk past a no photography allowed sign at the door, so tough tits. I often take a photo of the label with the price and the name of the thing as I'm taking it into consideration. It's called shopping around. As far as I'm concerned, retailers should be bloody well glad that I'm even standing in their store because recently they are overcharging more, discounting less, and not getting stock in that they have advertised. If I want to take a photo so I can think about my decision I will do so.
I've taken pics before, also to show DH things before I make a decision on buying it. I think her telling you off is a bit OTT really. Does she want the sale or not?
I am another one who has actually been told by a staff member to take a photo and send it to my DH, when I was umming and ahhing.
I think if you are in a very small boutique of rare or handmade items then sure, but not in a normal store.
Next time ask them where there policy is for the public to view.
i'd understand if it was a dress shop or something, where you could be taking a photo of an item to then go away and have it made/sew it cheaper.... i'm thinking more like bridal shops where they need to protect their products etc
however, just a run of the mill shop ie a camping or major furniture shop, well i just click away! we do it to show each other like you and also to compare prices, check the pic when we get home to see if it suits etc.
I would have challenged the staff member why you couldn't take a pic? and what difference was between the product on display and catalogue. and if they weren't helpful I would have said, Okay, I'll buy online/elsewhere then. I don't think taking a pic is really different that writing down the details on a piece of paper so bah.
I agree that it's probably a copyright issue, although weird to take issue if the item's already in a catalogue! Perhaps they are worried you will advertise the product as your own in some way?
Either way, I think it's not really keeping up with the times. We're a visual society now and photos are an increasingly large part of our language.
If they want a sale then they are going to let me take a damn photo! DH and I often do this if either one of us are shopping and we come across something we are specifically looking to buy or even if we just see a bargain. If I was ever told not to take a pic I'd be saying something to them about it!
The big dept stores don't like it - it's a big business thing, and Myer has had this rule for a while - there used to be signs, but not enough and in small print. It's more about stock loss and people mapping a way to get stock out. Well, it was in my day, before phones had cameras and before everyone had mobiles, so I suspect it's even more about that than ever before.
I don't shop there when I'm not an employee, and I actively avoid shopping centres, so taking photos where I shop now isn't an issue
Where I work I encourage people to take photos because of our stupidly strict return policy.
But yes, I have been told off for doing it in other stores
Phew good to know I am not the only photo taker. Been many a debate instore about which Barbie to buy after photos have been sent
I also use photos to get the details of dimensions. Much quicker and more accurate than scribbling on a piece of paper, plus I can then go back in and easily grab the same item after I have measured up at home.
Hmm - now I wonder if I should say something on their FB page
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Taking photos in shops
In other stores, the sales person has stood with me whilst I took the photo, sent it and then called DH to discuss.
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