Smile For The Camera! (Jessops)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Jessops
Date:	21/01/09 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to navigate the site, good range of services and products, good discount codes available

Disadvantages: Staff not always as knowledgable as you need to be

I'm not huge on photography but since getting a digi cam a while ago I've taken to snapping more, uploading to the computer and getting them printed off. My mother, who uses both a regular camera and digital, has used Jessops on several occasions for camera lenses, accessories etc so it's good to have a service provider that deals in the different areas of technology. From my experience, Jessops have been good all around, though my review will be mainly of their website.

If you know what it is you're looking for you can skip straight to it by using the search box at the top, or if not you can choose from a clearly organised set of options across the main toolbar. These include:

Camera selector - compact, digital slr, hi-zoom
Cameras & lenses
Camcorders
Memory cards
Accessories - a wide range of things for your camera/camcorder/photos such as bags, albums, paper for a darkroom, tripods, gift vouchers etc
A-Z - alphabetical listing of their products to help make it easier to find what you're looking for
Canon shop - specialises in cannon products
Jessops JPICS - online uploads of your photos which takes you to their JPICS site
Clearance - items currently discounted

There are banners around the site highlighting offers they have on, for example they currently have 20% off all photobooks (Jan '09)

I think that when you're dealing with expensive items like cameras that can be quite complicated and diverse it's important to be able to get the help & advice you need. Jessops seem to be quite good at this with a help section with FAQs, buyers guide, glossary & contact information (located on the links at the bottom of the homepage).

When you've found something you're interested in the specification is usually quite detailed with a good photograph and often consumer reviews to help you make an informed decision (very useful for someone as indecisive as me!). It'll tell you whether the item is in stock for home delivery and their p&p charge is £4.95 for standard items (free for orders over £50 & cheaper for prints etc). It's a great idea that they give you the choice of seeing whether it's available for same-day collection at your nearest store (or arrange for instore collection) as you can save yourself paying to get it delivered to you.

When you add a product to your cart it gives you a list of related accessories you may need. It seems that at first these additional items are unticked, so you can skip this bit if you're not interested but it's a good reminder incase you'll be needing batteries for example.

I'm not into photography a great deal so I can't comment so much on the prices of various cameras & camcorders, though they seem average to me. I bought a digital camera from Jessops when it was on offer and it was cheaper than elsewhere at the time. The delivery was free as cost around £70 and arrived within 2 days so I was very happy! The great thing about using their website it knowing that it's a popular retail outlet with knowledge and experience, plus if you have any queries you can visit the shop which is far better than relying on email correspondence with many websites.

If you wish to order online and get it home delivered then the website it easy to use and process your order. You can see your account, what order you've placed, and track it. Payment is secure and can be made via UK credit/debit cards (though not via paypal, cheques or bank transfers). I've found the process to be straightforward and quick so I can't complain. The best bit I've found with Jessops and JPICS has been their promotional codes. Having signed up their website I've received discount codes (these can also be found on discount code websites). For example, I've used a code found on the internet for 40 free prints. You simply enter your code in the box and and choose whether to pay the small p&p charge or get them delivered to a store and you can pick them up youself for free. I ordered mine, received the email to say they'd be ready in a few days time, went to the store and collected my packet of 40 photos - great quality, simple and no problems in the store (just take a printed copy of your email confirmation).

Overall, their service seems to account for all the things and services you could need. The site is easy to use and straightforward, but there's help there if you need it. If you want extra assistance or need to go to the store to collect, the staff seem to know what they're talking about. On a few occasions though I find they're a little sketchy, so you may need to do some research of you own online rather than just relying on the staff to give you all the information you need. Because of this I'm giving them 4/5 and although I would still recommend them, it's still a good idea to shop around to see where you can find the best deals.

Summary: Recommended for a range of products/services, especially online digital printing