The Shutterbug

I saw a light stand reflector set in the window display as I walked by, looked on the box to check out the price through the window. No price on any sides of the box. I walked into the store, said hello to the younger chap behind the counter looking bored clicking a mouse, and asked if he knew the price of the item.
He responded, not with a hello, or welcome, but with just «It doesn’t have the price on it?» His attitude was the SYMBOLIC EQUIVALENT of seeing him sitting at his computer desk in flannel boxer briefs, with his skinny legs propped up against his can of Dr. Pepper and bag of Cheetos.
I said, «no, no price. I just looked.»
With a classic look of puzzlement attempting to disguise the daze of laziness he responded with a brilliant «Are you sure?
I said «Yes. I looked on all sides.»
He managed another squinty, and rather boorish «hmmm» face and came around the corner, not in the best of moods – clearly this request had bothered him and disrupted his expert mouse clicking engagement.
He lankily bent over and looked on all sides of the box in the window display.
I had to laugh slightly, an inside chuckle, I mean, because you know, I had already looked and advised him of my findings.
He acted surprised when he didn’t find the price.
Didn’t I just mention that fact to him?
He grabbed the big box, took it to the counter to scan it. I felt a minute disturbance in the force. Poor Princess Leia.
I casually smiled with my voice and said «it’s too bad you don’t have a scanner app on your phone, huh? That’d be nice.»
This brilliant conversationalist and clearly top-​notch salesman of a lad mumbled «yah, I guess.»
He looked up the price – at this point, I knew even if it was a good price, I didn’t want to give this place my business, or money. Well, it wasn’t looking that way anyway.
Funny how we know sometimes.
«Ok, well, thank you for looking that up!»
Yet, for some reason, I didn’t want to just give up on this store just yet.
I decided to give it another shot. I continued…
«I just moved into town, and am picking up a bit of business shooting promotional videos for life coaches and other small businesses. Do you rent camera lenses and camera kits?»
He said, «We don’t. But I think our Salem store does.» He looked at me with a vacant stare.
I thought, hmm, interesting how he doesn’t offer to find out for me, or go another direction, like tell me they have good prices on lenses, or that that might be better than renting one.
This could be a great time for inquiring into what I do, or what glass/​lenses I like, or even «hey, come check out our lens selection over here.» Anything. Something. But, nope.
I said, «Hmm, maybe I can find out on their website yeah?» I was hoping this prodding would get this stiff fish of a «salesman» motivated to look the phone number up for me, or HEY maybe, you know, offer to call them for me!
Again. Nothing.
3^rd try: «Ok, well what other services do you have here for someone like me who shoots videos and photos. I just moved here from Kauai, so it’s a luxury to have a brick and mortar photo store. Whatcha got?!»
«We clean lenses.» He stopped.
Now I knew that it wasn’t just this job he hated. It was any kind of job, like being a person who can talk to people.
I said, «How much?»
«$ 79.»
He had nothing else. Shifted his feet. I heard a cricket chirp.
A cloud farted.
I paused. Our eyes locked. Time stood still. I was the rogue samurai, finally met with the enemy, the man who had killed my master: Would I pull out my katana and meet his sword to defend my honor?
Nope. I just gave up. There would be no bloodshed.
«Ok, thanks! See ya.»
I left.
Wow. So much potential to get my business. But, nope.
He «looked» sharp in his nice shiny pressed shirt, combed hair and slacks. That was the extent of his professionalism.
Good luck, Shutterbug. I’m doing Eugene Dot Dotson’s and online B&H again.

Very helpful staff, was able to educate me on every product I needed. Get all your camera supplies here.

I bought my camera from Shutterbug and have gone in since buying it for advice. Dave and the other staff are always helpful and courteous. I even got some added advice about using my iPhone and how to store photos! I am glad the store is so close and they are so helpful!

I found Dave very helpful and knowledgeable. He was very willing to order whatever gear not on hand at the store. Dave was willing to work with me in regards to matching price with other stores.
I would highly recommend visiting either store in Eugene
Greg R
Eugene Oregon

Family owned business with a great and friendly staff and good prices.

Dave (manager) went out of his way to make sure I had a fresh battery for a wedding I was shooting. When my spare couldn’t take a charge, he had a new one charged up and waiting for me on the way to the rehearsal and ordered a replacement for the battery that failed. When I came in to exchange batteries a week later, he remembered me on sight and asked about the wedding and how the new camera worked out for me. I could add paragraphs about his willingness to work with me when I came in to first purchase my Sony NEX-​6, but this customer service experience with the battery really zoomed my admiration to a new height.

These guys are great, they have two really convenient locations in Eugene alone. Their stores are nice and new and the employees are both friendly and knowledgeable. They also match any competitor’s prices in Oregon, including Costco!

Very informed and helpful man just gave me the lowdown on connecting my camcorder to my computer… phone conversation kept me from making an extra trip. He was concise and articulate and polite.