Five Stars for Hong Kong Supplies

Shopping for high-end electronics can be a challenge. You scuttle from store to store, checking prices against models, the prices against features, and judge the competence of the staff attempting to help you. In today's big-box world, for those of us looking for a bargain, shopping can be a chore. Living in China, I sometimes have to go to Hong Kong to purchase items unavailable on the mainland.

Several months ago I purchased the new Canon EOS Rebel XTi camera. This DSLR camera is a 10 mega-pixel wonder. It offers intelligent automatic settings or complete control should I need to make adjustments. I've used film SLR cameras for more than 20 years. In my youth I purchased additional lens from the used counter at the local camera shop. I spent many a Saturday, half-crouched with my face pressed against dirty glass, daydreaming about the captures I could make if I only had that lens.

We all grow up. Given the chance I would return to that used counter, for financial (and nostalgic) reasons. I currently reside in a country that's main language isn't English. Shopping can be extremely trying. The bargaining process can suck the life out of you faster than the noon sun on a summer day. I wanted some extra lenses and flash unit for my Canon DSLR and shopping in the local markets was only leading to frustration.

I'll preface the rest of this by saying I had done my research. I knew what I wanted, a Canon 70-300 IS USM zoom lens, and the new 580 EX II flash unit. I read good and bad reviews on digital photography sites. I felt I had educated myself enough to make an informed purchase.

So, I turned to the internet, and EBay.

I was an EBay virgin. I know many who have used this auction site to purchase memorabilia, and odds and ends. For some reason I had never knocked at EBay's virtual door. It's probably the concept of safety, or lack there of, that many internet users have.

I found Hong Kong Supplies, on EBay. They were rated very high on a photography site I frequent. After searching for the equipment I wanted I sent an email inquiring about shipping. They didn't ship to the Chinese mainland but would be willing to meet me in Hong Kong and take me back to their office to complete the transaction.

It's not an easy trip for me to get to Hong Kong. It involves two hours, a taxi, a ferry, and a train ride. I met Jean Lo of Hong Kong Supplies in a subway station. She led me back to their office. It was a Saturday and the office was closed. She opened up and showed me my waiting gear. Everything was in order. I paid and left, thanking her profusely.

Hong Kong Supplies is fast and professional. They are rated well on their EBay feedback page. Had I completed a traditional EBay purchase I would have rated them as high as possible. They were friendly, accommodating, and went the extra mile by opening on a Saturday, the only day I had available. When I need more gear they will be the first company I contact. They ship worldwide and were a joy to work with.

Shopping can be difficult, but I learned a valuable lesson: Sometimes you need to turn to your computer for help.