The Disabled Photographers' Society

Calumet Photographic

The truth is: you don't stay in business for over 75 years unless you're doing something right.

Providing a solution. Filling a need. Underlining the given that the customer is always king. Professionals and serious amateurs look to the UK market leader in professional imaging retailing to provide outstanding levels of service both before and after the sale. And of course they look for the best possible price.

They seek free access to an unrivalled product knowledge base that's permanently resident in our expert and easily accessible staff and they want to connect with our industry-leading seminar and events programmes.

Says Calumet Photographic UK MD Michele Channer: 'With us you don't just get the box. You get all our thinking outside it too. Our commercial strategy has always been to remain competitive with warehouses, online players and single location specialists - but also to add real value to our sales proposition. Alongside an unrivalled range of top brand cameras, lenses, filters, lighting equipment, camera bags and cases, video equipment, printers, ink, paper and software we've developed a compelling and very successful Own Brand range. And of course our customers have the options of buying over the counter, online or via a call centre - whichever option suits best.'

And if you are unsure about buying - why not rent first? Calumet has invested heavily in the development of a comprehensive nationwide rental inventory of capture, lighting and output equipment - all readily available at highly competitive rates - and easily accessible from all stores.

Adds Channer: 'Our rental business has been growing at almost 30% a year as increasing numbers of photographers choose this option both to reduce capital outlay and simplify workflow challenges on their shoots. And with our 'Try before you buy' option, customers can test drive brand new high value new units before they make a purchase decision.'

Sally Kettle, a former Miss World contestant and now a successful photographer, loves the Calumet rental option:
She says: 'The 'try before you buy' deal is just brilliant. It provides a perfect opportunity to test drive high-end kit before you decide to purchase - and then if you do decide to buy within a month of the rental Calumet gives you a substantial rebate on the initial rental cost. That's really a no-brainer.'

It's not just about selling the right equipment to the right people though, Calumet also assigns a proportion of its Marketing budget each year to sponsorship and charity requests. Natasha Hatwell, Marketing Executive explains "It's very important to us that we help the photographic community of enthusiastic amateurs and professionals alike, it can be difficult for these groups, associations and colleges to get funding and or prizes but we are committed that Calumet should be able to help out where possible. It gives us a great sense of pride when we see something that we've contributed too - either monetary wise or with specific help or guidance."