Buying film in Canada

[Andrew O'Neill]

...and then slap GST and PST on top of that!

 

[skorpiius]

Maybe Canada needs a cooperative to buy photographic consumables as close to cost as possible.
Like Mountain Equipment Co-op.

 

[Dennis S]

Maybe Canada needs a cooperative to buy photographic consumables as close to cost as possible.
Like Mountain Equipment Co-op.

Good idea.

 

[Kevin Harding]

Maybe Canada needs a cooperative to buy photographic consumables as close to cost as possible.
Like Mountain Equipment Co-op.

Interesting. My professional background is in developing co-ops and I've worked with credit unions and cooperatives across Canada. If there's actually interest in this, I'd be happy to help.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

When I was a teen, I used to pedal around a Dickie Dee ice cream cart but would always end up eating too much and owing money at the end of the day...All that ice cream on such a hot summer day... Someone else will have to organize a film co-op. I can't be trusted.

 

[adelorenzo]

I just did the math and my order from Beau Photo two weeks ago I paid somewhere between 10-15% higher price compared to ordering from the US when you factor in exchange rates and shipping and that includes the GST/PST I paid in Canada.

That seems pretty reasonable to me, especially since one of the things I ordered is an E-6 kit that cannot be shipped from the USA. Plus I would have needed to order from two different places to get all the items I needed.

I also believe in buying local and, even though they are 2000 km away, they are the closest film store to me. So I am happy to support them.

 

[adelorenzo]

I usually get my HP5 sheet film from Beau Photo in Vancouver. I just about had a stroke when I saw how much a box of 8x10 costs! $179! She gave me an educator discount, so I ended up paying $165.

From B&H it's $140 per box at the current exchange rate, higher at places like Freestyle. More expensive, yes, but I don't think that's a stroke-inducing difference in price. Plus you can actually walk into the store and buy it when you need it which is worth something, I think.

 

[sportster44]

Do you have a preference for one over the other? I've been buying film at Galaxy but thought I'd try GPC next time. Do they stock different film?

Dont really have a preference. Seems that Galaxy has more selection . I see more Ilford at GPC this week while I was in picking up negatives, Galaxy has Kodak, Ilford, and Fuji. Seems like they have a good inventory as well.

 

[Julie McLeod]

Dont really have a preference. Seems that Galaxy has more selection . I see more Ilford at GPC this week while I was in picking up negatives, Galaxy has Kodak, Ilford, and Fuji. Seems like they have a good inventory as well.

Thank you.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

From B&H it's $140 per box at the current exchange rate, higher at places like Freestyle. More expensive, yes, but I don't think that's a stroke-inducing difference in price. Plus you can actually walk into the store and buy it when you need it which is worth something, I think.

Yes but, have you seen Beau's hours of operation? They close at 5 and not open weekends. I live in Coquitlam. Very difficult to get there unless it's a holiday for me. AND navigating Vancouver traffic is a nightmare and parking ain't cheap!

 

[mooseontheloose]

Yes but, have you seen Beau's hours of operation? They close at 5 and not open weekends. I live in Coquitlam. Very difficult to get there unless it's a holiday for me. AND navigating Vancouver traffic is a nightmare and parking ain't cheap!

That always bothered me about Beau's too. I used to live in Kamloops and would always try to go to Beau's if I could when visiting Vancouver, but it wasn't always possible because of their limited store hours.

 

[Dennis S]

That always bothered me about Beau's too. I used to live in Kamloops and would always try to go to Beau's if I could when visiting Vancouver, but it wasn't always possible because of their limited store hours.

I brought that to their attention many times when I was there but they explained to me that most of their business was through orders placed during the week. The drop in crowd is minimal but they were looking in to a change. Maybe they just said that to entertain me as it has been over 10yrs?

 

[mooseontheloose]

I brought that to there attention many times when I was there but they explained to me that most of their business was through orders placed during the week. The drop in crowd is minimal but they were looking in to a change. Maybe they just said that to entertain me. ?

That does make sense considering their location.

 

[MattKing]

Beau is staying open until 7:00 pm now on Thursdays.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Yes, I always pestered them about their hours of operation. The only straight answer I could get a few years back was that everyone there is full time and they would have to hire part timers if they opened on Saturday.

That's great to hear, Matt. No more pulling sickies to get down there to buy film!

 

[Dennis S]

Beau is staying open until 7:00 pm now on Thursdays.

That helps a bit but I am usually down in that area for work on Saturdays.