A once great company ruined by an always irrational owner - Retail Sales Associate National Camera Exchange Employee Review

For being a basic retail job, it's pretty decent. It's a supportive work environment with a family vibe, the co-workers are interesting - a fun mix of earnest and eccentric old folks and artsy young folks, the hours are flexible, you can learn more about cameras, and you can rent equipment and buy equipment at a discount. It's great for an artist looking for a part time job ob the side. Plus there is some room for upward mobility without having to take on too much responsibility.

It's a retail job...luckily most customers are chill and want to be supportive, since it's family owned and not some big box corporation.

-Great coworkers -Great insight into the imaging industry -Some good training opportunities (fewer official trainings than were offered five years ago) -Access to equipment and employee purchase programs -Benefits for f/t staff, though the medical is just ok -Relatively flexible schedule -Most of the higher ups try to be flexible and reasonable -work environment is better than sitting behind a desk all day: you can move around a lot -relaxed atmosphere at most locations -culture allows for self-motivated individuals to earn more and learn more -the company resisted layoffs in 2008 -supportive of women -supportive of minorities in theory, though the staff is very white. Management is at least aware of the need for ethnic and racial diversity -a culture that values creativity -though many people leave bc of the low wages, they often come back bc of the other perks -many people on staff have been around for a decade or more, including those in their 30s

-Fluctuating, relatively low wages (mainly commission-based for sales and photofinishing staff) is barely liveable wage. -No raises since circa 2009-ish. -some communication issues from main offices and across locations (consistency problems). This may be due in part to the fact that, with retail, not everyone works 9-5 M-F, but could still be better addressed. -many different vendors require submission of receipts for spiff payment. This is part of the industry at large and not just Natl camera, but it's annoying. -some training inconsistencies -the owner is generally just tolerated -some locations have been known to breed toxic environments if a few negative personalities dominate, or the staff isn't mixing well, or morale is low for other reasons -rather than apply positive solutions, issues with profitability are solved by spending less and making cuts, sometimes in a manner that seems shortsighted or illogical -lacking in financial transparency. The staff knows times are hard, but doesn't have a complete view. -lack of investment in operational technology -younger staff often leave to find better opportunities -working retail means you work with the public, which has its ups and downs