Grand Opening of the FCCP Gear & More Store on Amazon

Do you the know the questions Jeff gets asked the most? It's not a how to question, but rather a question like this:

What camera should I get? What lens should I get next? What filter will protect my lens and will it degrade the images? Where can I buy the equipment you use or recommend?

Jeff has spent many hours responding to emails and phone requests for help with cameras, lenses, filters, tripods, batteries and much more. After years of helping members with their camera gear decisions it was decided that perhaps the best way to approach this would be start our own camera store, The FCCP Gear Store & More (http://astore.amazon.com/fccp-20), on Amazon.com

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/b/6/4/event_332987972.jpegOne of the stores Jeff managed in Cincinnati

FCCP Gear Store & More (http://astore.amazon.com/fccp-20)

Jeff and his brother Lew have over 80 years combined experience in photography. This experience ranges from managing photo retail stores in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Tampa to teaching to shooting at the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame (Lew is one of only a handful of photographers ever allowed to photograph inside the museum). So, with this much experience and knowledge it was decided to create a store (http://astore.amazon.com/fccp-20) for our members (but it's open to everyone, so invite your friends).

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/b/e/6/event_332988102.jpeg

But not just any store, a store that puts all those years of experience to good use. Jeff & Lew have poured over the filters, tripods, cameras, lenses and all the photo gadgets and put together the best products, from the best manufactures and supplied by a world class retailer, Amazon.com.

The products are organized by equipment type and brand so they're easier to find. The vast majority of the products have been tested or used by either Jeff or Lew or been recommended by FCCP members. In other word, the gear will last. You can buy with confidence that you'll get years of service out of your purchase.

What if I have a problem with my purchase? Your purchase is backed by the world class service team at Amazon.com, one of the largest retailers in the world. The vast majority of the items in the store are sold and fulfilled by Amazon. If there is a problem their support team can resend an item, authorize returns and refunds and much more with just a simple phone call. It couldn't be any safer or easier.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/c/1/8/event_332988152.jpegPurchases made through the store help support FCCP. Approximately 2% of every purchase (some items are only 1% and a few items are more) is sent back to FCCP. This money is used to pay instructors, rent meeting space and much more. Purchase through the store does not increase your cost.

What brands can I find in the store? The store is selling only USA warranty items, no Grey Market products. Inside you'll find items from Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Leica, Manfrotto, Gitzo, B+W and hundreds of other brands you'll recognize.

What are the prices like? The prices are competitive with other national camera retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama. In some cases The Gear Store (http://astore.amazon.com/fccp-20) will be a little lower and in other cases it may be a few dollars higher. In almost all cases the products are priced lower than local dealers. Most items will qualify for FREE shipping and currently Amazon does not collect Florida sales tax.

Do the items have a warranty? Yes, these are the same cameras, lenses, flashes etc. that you'd find at any other retailer. They carry the USA warranty and are eligible for the rebates frequently offered by manufactures. Purchases made with some credit cards may extend the manufacture's warranty period.

What if the product I receive is defective or I just don't like it? Almost all products have a 30 day, no questions asked return period. A few products may be shorter like, video camcorders. A simple toll free phone call starts the return process and in most cases free return shipping is included.

What happens after 30 days? The product can be returned to the manufacture in the US for warranty service. Shipping to the manufacture is usually not covered under the warranty and will be at the owners expense.

Are extended warranties available? Most of the items have extended warranties available. You'll be offered the warranties as an optional add-on during the online checkout process.

Is financing available for major purchases? Amazon offers extended financing on many of the individual items and even entire purchases when they reach a certain dollar threshold. Details on financing is available at checkout.

Do Jeff & Lew really have 80 plus years of photography experience? Yup, we're afraid so. Jeff started taking photos when he was 13 and Lew started when he was 15. Jeff started working in camera stores in 1979 and has been continuously employed in a photography related field since then (except for a few years when he worked for Apple). Lew has worked as a professional photographer doing studio photography, portraiture, and even a few weddings most of his life. He stated in camera retail in the early '90's. That's the 1990's, not the 1890's.