No photography for display?

You went to a toy shop and you saw the beautiful displays of the toys at their window outside their shop. You like the display and decided to take some photos of the figures composition outside their shop. The shop owner came out and point to a "No photography" sign at the side of the display. You asked why and they kept insisting no photography.


That make you wonder what is wrong with taking display toy photos outside their shop.

Why have such a nice toy collection outside their toy shop and not allow anyone to take photograph of it? Is there a privacy issue as it is outside the shop on the display window which was intended for public viewing? You are running a business and those products not your design. The same toy can be taken by anyone at anywhere too! I thought it should be an honor if someone take photos about the lovely display? It can increase exposure too! Some more the photos taken are not to use to sell toys either. So what the purpose of your display if you forbid photograph of it? It just doesn't seems to make sense right?

What do you think?

Anyway here are some nice looking toy display for your viewing pleasure after all the ranting. >D



Comments

desmond said…
I think we should ask permission first before we take pictures on their window display as the people and culture in Hong Kong is different from Singapore.
LEon said…
desmond, it is not about any region. The topic is to find out what is the reason behind the contraction of the issue of display for public and photography.

Anyone can have a say on this and please do. :)
desmond said…
May be the owners don't want you to copy the way they display the toys..Scare you are a toy retailers too..
LEon said…
Hey that was one of the reason that come to my mind too.

On that note, if I am a toy retailers either I have the same amount of space and toys to replicate it but do you think by doing this will increase the sales much?
[SK] said…
OMG!! i love that photos, so many toys, no wonder you insisted to take photos of them!! i can see doraemon and lots of kubrik, love them~~ where is that shop??
LEon said…
It is somewhere in Mongkok. I been to many toy shops there and that impression I got there doesn't leave me a good taste and thus not much of an impression if you know what I mean.

However the topic still up for discussion. :)
u took it despite the sign? hahaha
desmond said…
Yes, I personally think that the reference we got from other retail shops can improve in decorating our own shop (if we are retailer). I don't guarantee our sales will increase but at least the crowd will grow. It's very natural, if i am a customer, I will go to the shop with creative window display and internal decoration first. Only if I found nothing I want, then to other normal toy shops..
Snark said…
Oh shit thats a hell of a collection in those photos!
cosmicbaby said…
Superman Toys is not known to put a resonable price to their product... I wonder who ever buys from them when there are so many other retailers in HK. I just go to their display for the toy porn, always resulting a nasty mass on the clear glass...
LEon said…
@Willie
It was taken before I know there is a sign there.

@desmond
Nice display does help but ultimately is the pricing and user experiences for business growth.

@Snark
Yes it is but keep in mind it is a shop and it is not shocking to see so many collections on display for a business as you always stock keeping.

If it is a collectors, then I guess many of us will be more impress indeed. Rich collector that will be.

@comicbaby
That maybe another way of putting it. Pricing is a deciding factor if the customer service is not at play. :)
I think seeking permission to take pics of the toys like what Desmond is a courteous way. But I don't toyshop should stop anyone from taking photos of their shop. It's our way of appreciating the toys and sharing information to others of what the shop has. I usually just discreetly take pics of the shop from the entrance. Won't dare to take pics inside. Ha! Ha! Anyway thx for the pics. There are tons of toys on display.
I think seeking permission to take pics of the toys like what Desmond is a courteous way. But I don't toyshop should stop anyone from taking photos of their shop. It's our way of appreciating the toys and sharing information to others of what the shop has. I usually just discreetly take pics of the shop from the entrance. Won't dare to take pics inside. Ha! Ha! Anyway thx for the pics. There are tons of toys on display.
Joshua said…
i understand where you are coming from Leon! haha but yeah its part of their paronoid delusions seriously....i think most retailers will be afraid you'd copy their arrangement of toy products or indoor decor hence refrain you from taking pictures of em'.

which kinda contradicts even having A FREAKIN' DISPLAY!!!!! good lord.

even restaurants do the same thing. no pictures of their food?! i'm not kidding. afraid pple copy the presentation of the food etc...


ah well. while i say i understand their paranoia. best and only way is to seek permission...than can go SNIPPITY SNAPPITY SNAP! lol!
LEon said…
@Dennis
I did try to be discreet but they keeping an eye out. I think the copy thingy maybe something happen often there. But I dun see how it really affect their business. Someone pointed out the reputation so that should speak louder than picture.

@Jousha
You see the contradiction like I did. Paranoia indeed.
RiP666 said…
wooow,,,,what a great collection...

I saw limited ichigo statue there...cool
LEon said…
@Rip666
you really look into details. LOL
Jcee said…
Wowowow look at all those toys!!!

About the photographing issue. Like others have said, I think it's best if you tell them your intentions and ask them for permission first. After they know that you are from somewhere else and just want to show other toy collectors of their store, they might be more willing to even let you talk pictures of inside the store since it's really advertising for them.
Anonymous said…
I dont get the no photography thing either?

It would be interesting to know if this guy puts customer purchases in a "plain unmarked bag", or does it have logo/branding shop/web details so that others can see on the way home?

Most shopkeepers are only too happy to raise the profile of their shops so that even more people come and purchase items?

Many shops will spend good money promoting their name, with advertisements in magazines or blogs etc....

The final point for some, price is not the only issue. Customer Service and product knowledge can be vital. Of course if your exspensive and rude then its not good for business.

There used to be a music shop in my town, everyone wondered how it made money as they guys behind the counter were music geeks/nerds and everytime you went in to buy anything it appeared a big hassle for them to take your money, or be pleasent. Often, they would look down their noses or tut, as they are having so serve some uncool person!!?
LEon said…
@Anonymous
I think the music shop might be ran by some Rich geek which to them business could be a past time. Anyway it is a sunset business thanks to MP3 and internet.

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