How Much Should you Pay For Spy Camera Equipment

I run into investigators quite frequently that in my opinion pay too much for spy camera equipment.  Now whether you are a seasoned investigator, a new private investigator, someone who is considering the occupation or someone who needs spy cameras for non-private investigation reasons, I hope what I share serves you well.

If you want to skip down here are the topics I am going to cover

The Spy Camera Equipment Scam

THE SPY CAMERA EQUIPMENT SCAM (THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED)

About 6 months ago I was at a fair with my family.The fair was one of the bigger ones in the state and this is something we do annually.  My wife and I enjoy walking through the convention center where vendors set up booths and try to sell and promote their products.  The booths are really hit and miss when it comes to the quality of the product but we enjoy doing it none the less.

There was one vendor, in particular, this year that caught my eye.  The vendor was selling a covert/spy camera that I was very familiar with.  The camera is a keychain camera that resembles a keychain vehicle remote.  The company had a big banner and a television with a video that demonstrated the product.  I took a closer look at the product and realized that I had the same exact one.  In fact, I actually have about 6 of them.  I asked how much the covert camera was selling for.  He indicated a price close to $100.00.   Let me assure you that I have not paid $100.00 for each of the covert cameras that I own.  In fact, the price I paid for them was not even close.

I had to inquire more about the product.  I imagined there had to be more associated with the camera to justify the price they were selling it for.   The man provided a demonstration of the product. He explained that there was a wall charger and USB cables that came with it along with instructions and a nice little box.

At the end of the demonstration, I was certain this was a huge rip off as he was selling the exact camera I purchased on EBAY for around $10.00 which included shipping.  The only thing he added to the deal was a pretty box and a wall charger adapter.    I was disappointed in the ridiculous markup of this product I had to say something.  I told him the same camera he was selling is for sale on EBAY for less than $10.00.  He replied, “No, not this camera”.  I insisted that it was the same camera. I informed him that I used the camera almost every day because I was a private investigator.  I could tell he was a bit flustered and he asked that I show him the camera.  I didn’t have my camera with me but I sure wish I had.  I walked away from the booth extremely irritated.

Where to Buy Spy Cameras (Covert Cameras)

Although I never expected someone to be selling these cameras in a booth at a fair, I do see ridiculous markups on private investigation equipment far too often.

I purchase the majority of my spy camera equipment on Amazon these days.  And while I love covert keychain cameras I have been using spy pens recently which have worked out very well when videotaping in stores.  Currently, I use the Penrecorder Pro Spy Pen  and the iSpyPen Pro.  I have used the Penrecorder Pro Spy camera for over 2 years and it is still working just fine.

I am very pro-business and pro-profit. I just don’t like feeling as if I am getting ripped off or that someone else is getting ripped off when purchasing private investigator equipment, especially spy cameras. I highly recommend following this website via Facebook (connect on the sidebar), the P.I. Advice Youtube page, or the Private Investigator Advice Newsletter.  I am always reviewing products and giving you my honest opinion.

So that is my two cents on covert camera purchasing.   I hope this helps you find the right covert camera for your investigative needs.  Good Luck in your investigations.

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR MARKETING TIP 

When meeting with a client don’t be afraid to show them the covert equipment you use.  Whether it be for insurance investigations or domestic investigations, proving that you can get the video inside businesses may help you get the case.

Please note that some links are affiliate links and I will recieve a small commission should you purchase an item through those links.

Don’t forget to read: Must have P.I. Equipment for Surveillance