What's happened to Jessops
Discussion
Used to use this place years ago before Peter Jones took over. It's now a faceless outfit run by fulfillment companies and customer service in India. I ordered an item never turned up. No response off them
Finally turns up 2 weeks later and wrong item sent. No response again. It's a shame as when I was a kid this was the place my dad went and was considered a decent shop.
Finally turns up 2 weeks later and wrong item sent. No response again. It's a shame as when I was a kid this was the place my dad went and was considered a decent shop.
About 5 years ago I worked for a company that provided "sales analytics" bullshine to Jessops, and they wouldn't pay the fee we wanted because they considered themselves a startup company. From the dealings I've had with them since, as in the brick and mortar, they were filled by people with an interest in photography. Although the last time I used them to process some colour film, they weren't that bothered about the fact their machine had chewed the film.
One instance, where I sent off black and white film for processing, it took it about 3 weeks to get the negatives back because they changed who they sent them to.
After those two instances I decided to just do what I can by myself, and use more independent/non-Dragons Den photographic places for what I need. I've found Wex to be alright for the odd time I've needed to use them, and AG Photographic for everything else.
Jessops as a brand, like you said, had gravitas. But the clowns running it are doing it on a shoestring to maximise the revenue. That's it really.
One instance, where I sent off black and white film for processing, it took it about 3 weeks to get the negatives back because they changed who they sent them to.
After those two instances I decided to just do what I can by myself, and use more independent/non-Dragons Den photographic places for what I need. I've found Wex to be alright for the odd time I've needed to use them, and AG Photographic for everything else.
Jessops as a brand, like you said, had gravitas. But the clowns running it are doing it on a shoestring to maximise the revenue. That's it really.
I ordered my Sony RX from them a few months ago and they were spot on! Slight delay due to it being out of stock but they told me quickly and it was here a few days before they thought it would.
I got my first DSLR from them years ago and they were great, shame to see they've gone downhill.
I got my first DSLR from them years ago and they were great, shame to see they've gone downhill.
I remember going into one when they went into administration before Peter Jones took over but it felt quite old fashioned. The staff seemed put out by the fact I wanted to browse and not immediately buy It was also sodding expensive. Since Peter Jones, the in store experience has been great. Online has been different story. I ordered a DJI Osmo Action which was on an offer and it took an age to arrive. In the end I had to ask for the camera to be sent separately from the accessory kit. Ordered 29th November, received the camera a week or so before Christmas and the accessory kit at the end of Jan IIRC. It didn't help that it as sent via DHL who took 4 "attempts" to deliver it before I insisted on collecting it from the depot.
I'll still buy from there, but only in store.
I'll still buy from there, but only in store.
As has been said, they used to be staffed by people who were actually very knowledgable on cameras and photography, but that all ended when they went bust and were then 'resurrected' in 2013.
I haven't bought from them since then, and instead do all my photography shopping at WEX, or MPB if I want something used. Both of which I have found to be excellent.
I haven't bought from them since then, and instead do all my photography shopping at WEX, or MPB if I want something used. Both of which I have found to be excellent.
Lord Marylebone said:
As has been said, they used to be staffed by people who were actually very knowledgable on cameras and photography, but that all ended when they went bust and were then 'resurrected' in 2013.
I haven't bought from them since then, and instead do all my photography shopping at WEX, or MPB if I want something used. Both of which I have found to be excellent.
I used to drool over their adverts in Amateur Photographer. As you say, very knowledgeable staff. I was taking video at my rugby club, and when we were promoted, I had to send a copy of the match to the RFU. I went to Jessops with the make and model that a nearby club, higher up the table, were using. It was about £1,250. The chap at Jessops talked me out of it, saying that a £280 one, that came with accessories, was more than adequate. He was right.I haven't bought from them since then, and instead do all my photography shopping at WEX, or MPB if I want something used. Both of which I have found to be excellent.
In those days, I didn't buy from any other photographers. Shame it closed.
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