Your Guide to B&H Photo

Okay, here’s a very detailed article about B&H Photo, aiming for the 5000-word mark. This will cover a broad range of topics related to the store, its history, services, and customer experience.

Your Ultimate Guide to B&H Photo Video: More Than Just a Store

B&H Photo Video, often simply referred to as B&H, is more than just a retail store; it’s an institution. For photographers, videographers, audio professionals, and technology enthusiasts, it’s a pilgrimage site, a wonderland of gear, and a trusted source of expertise. Located in the heart of New York City (and with a robust online presence), B&H has built a reputation for unparalleled selection, competitive pricing, knowledgeable staff, and a unique customer experience. This guide dives deep into everything B&H offers, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global leader in the imaging and technology industry.

I. A History of Excellence: From Family Business to Industry Giant

B&H’s story is a classic American success story. It began in 1973 as a small, family-owned film shop in Tribeca, Manhattan. Founded by Blimie Schreiber and her husband Herman (the “B” and “H”), the store initially focused on selling film and basic photographic supplies. The early days were characterized by a strong commitment to customer service and a deep understanding of the products they sold. This personal touch, combined with competitive pricing, quickly earned them a loyal following among local photographers.

Several key factors contributed to B&H’s growth:

• Early Adoption of Technology: B&H was an early adopter of computerization, using technology to manage inventory and streamline operations long before many of its competitors. This allowed them to handle a larger volume of sales and offer a wider selection of products.
• Expansion into Video and Audio: As technology evolved, B&H expanded its offerings beyond photography to include video equipment, audio gear, and eventually a vast array of consumer electronics. This diversification allowed them to tap into new markets and cater to a broader range of creative professionals.
• The Move to Midtown: In the late 1990s, B&H made a strategic move to its current location on 9th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets, near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. This larger, more accessible location allowed them to create the massive “SuperStore” that is now famous.
• Embracing E-commerce: B&H was one of the first major photography retailers to embrace e-commerce, launching its website in the late 1990s. This online presence expanded their reach far beyond New York City, allowing them to serve customers worldwide.
• Commitment to Orthodox Jewish Values: B&H is owned and operated by members of the Satmar Hasidic Jewish community. The store is closed on Saturdays (the Jewish Sabbath) and all Jewish holidays. This commitment to religious observance is a defining characteristic of the company and is reflected in its business practices and employee relations. This has also led to some unique aspects of the customer experience, which will be discussed later.

II. The SuperStore Experience: A Sensory Overload (in a Good Way!)

Walking into the B&H SuperStore is an experience unlike any other in the retail world. It’s a vast, multi-level space filled with seemingly endless rows of cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, computers, audio gear, and much more. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• The Scale: The sheer size of the store is overwhelming at first. It’s easy to get lost, but that’s part of the fun. There are multiple departments spread across two floors, each dedicated to a specific category of products.
• The Overhead Conveyor System: One of the most iconic features of the B&H SuperStore is its elaborate overhead conveyor belt system. When you purchase an item, it’s placed in a bin and whisked away on this system to a central checkout area. This is not only efficient but also a fascinating spectacle to watch.

• The Departments:

  • Photography: This is the heart of the store, with a massive selection of cameras (DSLRs, mirrorless, medium format, point-and-shoots), lenses (from every major manufacturer), tripods, bags, filters, lighting equipment, and darkroom supplies.
  • Video: The video department caters to professionals and enthusiasts alike, with camcorders, cinema cameras, drones, gimbals, monitors, recorders, microphones, and all the accessories needed for video production.
  • Audio: From headphones and microphones to mixing consoles and studio monitors, the audio department offers a comprehensive range of equipment for musicians, podcasters, and audio engineers.
  • Computers & Technology: B&H sells a wide variety of computers (desktops, laptops, tablets), peripherals (monitors, printers, keyboards, mice), software, networking equipment, and storage solutions.
  • Pro Lighting: Dedicated to professional lighting, with strobes, continuous lights, modifiers, light stands, and grip equipment.
  • Used Department: A treasure trove for bargain hunters, the used department offers a wide selection of pre-owned equipment in good condition, often at significantly reduced prices.
  • Darkroom Supplies: While digital photography dominates, B&H still caters to film enthusiasts with a dedicated darkroom section offering film, chemicals, paper, enlargers, and other traditional photography supplies.
  • Presentation & Event Space: B&H hosts regular workshops, seminars, and product demonstrations in its dedicated event space. These events are often free and provide valuable learning opportunities for customers.

• The Staff: The B&H sales staff is renowned for their product knowledge. Many are working professionals in their respective fields (photography, video, audio) and can offer expert advice and recommendations. They are generally not pushy and are happy to answer questions even if you’re not planning to make a purchase. However, due to the high volume of customers, especially during peak hours, you may need to be patient and wait your turn to speak with a salesperson.

• The Checkout Process: Because of the conveyor system, the checkout process is unique. You don’t take your items to a traditional checkout counter. Instead, you receive a ticket with a number, and your items are delivered to a designated pickup area. You then pay at a separate cashier station. This system is designed to handle a large number of transactions efficiently.

III. The Online Experience: bhphotovideo.com

B&H’s website, bhphotovideo.com, is an extension of the SuperStore experience, offering the same vast selection and competitive pricing to customers worldwide. Here’s what makes the website stand out:

• Comprehensive Product Listings: Each product listing is incredibly detailed, with comprehensive specifications, high-resolution images, customer reviews, and often, videos demonstrating the product’s features.
• Advanced Search and Filtering: The website’s search and filtering options are incredibly powerful, allowing you to narrow down your choices based on a wide range of criteria (price, brand, features, specifications, etc.). This is essential given the sheer volume of products available.
• “Explora” Blog and Educational Content: B&H’s “Explora” blog is a valuable resource for photographers, videographers, and audio professionals. It features articles, tutorials, buying guides, and product reviews written by industry experts.
• Live Chat and Customer Support: The website offers live chat support with knowledgeable representatives who can answer questions and assist with orders. They also have a comprehensive FAQ section and detailed contact information for phone and email support.
• Order Tracking and Management: The website provides detailed order tracking information and allows customers to manage their orders, view their order history, and create wish lists.
• International Shipping: B&H ships to most countries around the world, with various shipping options available to suit different needs and budgets.
• Deals and Promotions: The website regularly features special deals, promotions, and discounts on a wide range of products.
• B&H EDU Advantage: A program specifically for students and educators, offering discounts on a variety of products.
• Payboo Credit Card: B&H offers its own credit card, Payboo, which instantly refunds the equivalent of the sales tax on purchases made at B&H. This can be a significant saving, especially on expensive items. This is especially helpful for customers outside of New York, where sales tax would normally be charged.

IV. The B&H Ethos: Customer Service, Expertise, and Community

B&H’s success is not just about its vast selection and competitive pricing; it’s also about its commitment to customer service, expertise, and building a community around its products.

• Knowledgeable Staff: As mentioned earlier, the B&H sales staff is a key differentiator. Their expertise is a major draw for customers, especially those who are new to a particular field or need help choosing the right equipment.
• Customer-Centric Policies: B&H has a reputation for having fair and customer-friendly policies, including a generous return policy and price matching.
• Educational Resources: B&H invests heavily in educational resources, including its Explora blog, in-store workshops, and online tutorials. This commitment to education helps customers make informed purchasing decisions and get the most out of their equipment.
• Community Building: B&H fosters a sense of community among its customers through its events, online forums, and social media presence.
• Respect for Religious Observance: The store’s closure on Saturdays and Jewish holidays is a testament to its commitment to religious values. While this may be inconvenient for some customers, it is a defining characteristic of the company and is generally respected by its clientele.

V. Navigating the B&H Experience: Tips and Tricks

To make the most of your B&H experience, whether in-store or online, consider these tips:

• Do Your Research: Before visiting the store or browsing the website, it’s helpful to have a good idea of what you’re looking for. The sheer volume of products can be overwhelming, so having a starting point will make the process more manageable.
• Utilize the Website: Even if you plan to visit the store, the website is an invaluable resource for researching products, comparing prices, and reading customer reviews.
• Take Advantage of the Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask the sales staff for help. They are there to assist you and can offer valuable insights and recommendations.
• Be Prepared to Wait: The store can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Be prepared to wait your turn to speak with a salesperson or to check out.
• Check the Used Department: If you’re on a budget, the used department is a great place to find deals on pre-owned equipment.
• Attend Events and Workshops: B&H regularly hosts events and workshops that can help you learn new skills and stay up-to-date on the latest technology.
• Sign Up for Email Notifications: B&H sends out regular emails with information about new products, special deals, and upcoming events.
• Be Aware of the Store’s Hours: Remember that B&H is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Check the website for the most up-to-date hours of operation.
• Consider the Payboo Card: If you’re a frequent B&H customer, the Payboo credit card can save you a significant amount of money on sales tax.
• Shipping Considerations (Online): Factor in shipping costs and time, especially for international orders. B&H offers various shipping options, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
• Understand the Return Policy: While B&H has a generous return policy, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions, especially for items like software and opened consumables.

VI. Addressing Common Criticisms and Concerns

While B&H is generally highly regarded, there are some common criticisms and concerns that are worth addressing:

• Crowds and Wait Times: The SuperStore can get extremely crowded, leading to long wait times for assistance and checkout. This is a common complaint, especially during peak hours.
• Limited Interaction with Gear: While the selection is vast, you often can’t extensively test out gear in the same way you might in a smaller, more specialized store. This is due to the high volume of customers and the need to protect the merchandise.
• The “No-Frills” Atmosphere: B&H is not a fancy, boutique-style store. The focus is on efficiency and functionality rather than aesthetics. Some customers may find the atmosphere to be somewhat impersonal.
• Religious Observance: The store’s closure on Saturdays and Jewish holidays can be inconvenient for some customers.
• Past Labor Disputes: B&H has faced labor disputes and legal challenges in the past related to working conditions and wages. While the company has taken steps to address these issues, it’s something to be aware of. It’s crucial to research current conditions.

VII. B&H Beyond the Store: Services and Divisions

B&H offers more than just retail sales. They have several divisions and services that cater to specific needs:

• B&H EDU: As mentioned, this program provides discounts and resources for students and educators.
• B&H Government, Education & Corporate: This division caters to the needs of government agencies, educational institutions, and corporations, offering volume discounts and specialized services.
• B&H Used Department: A significant part of their business, offering a wide range of inspected and graded used equipment.
• B&H Event Space: Hosts workshops, seminars, and product demonstrations.
• B&H Photo Video Pro Audio Podcast: A podcast featuring interviews with industry professionals and discussions about the latest gear and techniques.

VIII. The Future of B&H

B&H Photo Video continues to adapt and evolve in the ever-changing landscape of the technology and retail industries. Key areas of focus for the future likely include:

• Continued E-commerce Growth: Expanding their online presence and enhancing the online shopping experience.
• Focus on Content Creation: Investing in educational content and resources to support their customers.
• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying ahead of the curve in emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence.
• Strengthening Community Engagement: Building stronger relationships with their customer base through online and offline initiatives.
• Maintaining Competitive Pricing: Continuing to offer competitive prices and value for money.
• Sustainability: As with many businesses, B&H will likely face increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices in its operations and supply chain.

IX. Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

B&H Photo Video has earned its place as a leader in the imaging and technology industry through a combination of factors: a vast selection, competitive pricing, knowledgeable staff, a commitment to customer service, and a unique business model rooted in its founders’ values. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner just starting out, B&H offers something for everyone. It’s more than just a store; it’s a resource, a community, and a testament to the enduring power of passion, expertise, and dedication. The B&H experience, whether in person at the iconic SuperStore or online, is one that continues to draw customers back, time and time again. While navigating the sheer scale of their offerings can be a challenge, the rewards – in terms of product selection, expert advice, and competitive prices – are well worth the effort. B&H is a true landmark in the world of photography, video, and technology, and its legacy is sure to endure for years to come.