How do you shop? (for an item, rather than clothes)

[Curlewwoohoo]

Dd age 9 wants a camera for Christmas. I went to an online retailer, looked at the spec and then read reviews. Dh went on a camera review site. He wants to go to a shop to physically see some. He wants to get a known brand rather than what he calls cheap Chinese. I commented that I don't think the majority of people shop like this anymore. Am I right or wrong?

I just go onto Amazon and type in what I need.

We’re very lacking in shops where we are and any time I actually shop I get the feeling I’m an inconvenience.

Yes. Amazon first. AO for appliances. I only take reviews seriously when there are thousands though. Too many fake reviews these days.
I sometimes end up on other forums if it’s a big purchase. For a camel - Amazon or John Lewis. JL tend to stock the most popular and highest rated products so it can be quicker!

Camel = camera 😁
Nit sure where I’d start buying a camel

I expect mileage would be a consideration?

Having been stung with faulty and fake electricals, I'm wary of buying them from Amazon these days. But I would Google, look for reviews and then see where I can get it cheapest online.

My kids are 8 and 10. They would probably actually do most of the leg work on research and tell me the spec of what they wanted TBH.

I would Google and compare reviews, check reputable websites and look for the best prices( and any discount codes)
Something like that, see if there are any local shops but with a decent returns policy I wouldn't worry

Something like a camera I'd want to go to a shop and feel/hold them before deciding. After doing all the research on specs etc online. Price would be a consideration but not the only one.

I do all of the things you mention - Amazon reviews and spec comparisons etc, and camera review sites. And I would go to a shop if at all possible as well. Even if I don’t buy the ones they have in stock, it can help to resolve the endless internet searching I otherwise end up doing. (I do buy the physical one if I see it and like it, even if it’s £20 cheaper online, as I’ve benefited from the shop and wouldn’t want it to close).

If I was buying a £500+ camera for me, I’d be more inclined to go for a “trusted brand”. If I’m looking at a £50-£100 for a 9 year old who, in my personal experience of my own ex-9-year olds, is likely to be ditching the camera as soon as they get a smartphone at some point in early high school, I’d be very open to brands I’d not heard of, after having cross checked them on camera review sites. Trusted camera brands are likely to focus on the experienced user market, but lesser known brands may be much better value in the cheaper end if that’s where you’re looking.

I have no idea what the majority of people do - but this is what I do.

Depends on the price and how far you are from the shops.

With electrical stuff I usually look at hybrid stores were you can buy online but take it into a store if anything goes wrong or get a store to price match online.

Currys price matches online stores but there's no issues with parcels being left in the wrong location.

John Lewis usually have extra warranties which is also worth considering.

Where I live the local groups are full of postings about trunk to find where a parcel has been left as its not their house in delivery picture.

I live in a city so I'd go into a shop and have a look and ask someone about them

I'd buy a canon or a Leica

Only because we have those and they work well and are simple to use

You can Get one with WiFi so it prints directly to a printer or sends photos to a PC

I would never buy a camera off Amazon

I'd buy one online from John Lewis, Argos or Curry's

A DSLR type camera or just a clicky camera?

For a "proper camera" I would ask someone who new about cameras about what a good entry level for small hands would be. If you don't have one of those people, a shop would be a good place to start, so you can hold some, feel how easy they are to focus etc. It doesn't mean that you have to buy it there, on the spot, immediately, but you may get a better idea what you are looking for.

It may also be worth seeing what the recommended cameras for things like A level photography are nowadays - I think this would be my starting point as these would be cameras that are easy to use for beginners but have all of the things that you would want and need to learn about if you wanted to get really "into" photography.

Buying a named brand will likely make it easier to replace parts or resell in the future depending on whether this becomes a lifetime or a flash in the pan sort of hobby, and a decent even entry level camera can last decades, so it is worth putting in some research.

If you’ve only got 50 then cheap Chinese is what you can afford

I've really gone off online shopping. Been sent cheap versions of what should have been a decent item one two many times. Plus descriptions have been lies as well. Then you have the hassle of either keeping the cheap crap or fighting with the seller for a refund - and you still often have to keep the cheap crap after your refund. I feel bad throwing out unused items because it's a waste, but it's crap so I can't donate it or give it away.

Much safer to shop in person for stuff like a camera, where what you see is what you get.

It depends on the budget. If your budget is tight, research for the best cheap option. Don't risk wasting money.
If you have a wide open budget, go for a reliable, popular and well rated camera. From JL, Amazon or a camera shop.

For a camera for a child my first thought would be to do a bit of research online and then go to Argos - but they don't seem to have anything good, so actually I might go to CEX - there's a load of second hand bargains and she's unlikely to be keen on it for long.