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| Thread ID: 120150 | 2011-08-27 05:28:00 | Parallel Imports - Camera Lens | Zippity (58) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 1226396 | 2011-08-27 05:28:00 | I have just been comparing prices on PriceSpy for an additional lens for my Canon digital camera. The prices vary greatly for what appears to be the same item :( One lens which caught my eye was tagged "Parallel Imported". The specs for this camera are identical to those being sold by other dealers that are many times dearer. What am I missing here? |
Zippity (58) | ||
| 1226397 | 2011-08-27 05:49:00 | I bought a telephoto lens for a camera a few years back from overseas, and when I got it, it wouldnt focus from about 1/3 zoom when applied. Has put me off buying 3rd party DSLR products since (unless its a filter, battery, lens cap or such). At least buying it in NZ you have got the cover of returning it if it doesnt suit your needs. BTW, I have PM'd you. Cheers |
Iantech (16386) | ||
| 1226398 | 2011-08-27 08:17:00 | Thanks - have replied to your PM. | Zippity (58) | ||
| 1226399 | 2011-08-27 08:22:00 | Anywhere in the world, parallel imports, you are at the mercy of the store. Parallel imports don't have manufacturer warranty cards (which are required for warranty purposes). So the store needs to ship it back to where they got it from for service. Sames goes if you bought it in Asia or in the USA. Nikon or Canon Japan or USA won't service it. They may if you want to pay though. But in the USA they are so against it, you need the sales invoice even if you want to pay for service. In NZ they don't, they just want the money :D You could get non parallel imports overseas, they have the warranty cards but then again back in NZ, you need to ship it back overseas for service. More and more stuff don't have international warranties. Also note that some may call worldwide warranty, what that mean is that you can ship it overseas to them like Nikon USA and pay for return postal and they will fix. But you can't fix it in Nikon NZ unless the warranty card have the NZ service centre typed in...... Checkout bhphotovideo.com - the grey and the real stuff are not too much difference. |
Nomad (952) | ||
| 1226400 | 2011-08-27 08:57:00 | Consumer says when comparing apples with apples there is little difference. I went ahead and purchased online from the Auckland supplier :) |
Zippity (58) | ||
| 1226401 | 2011-08-27 10:07:00 | Nikon NZ traced the source of a parallel imported Nikon Camera to a dealer in Hong Kong. Result the Hong Kong dealer lost the right to buy Nikon goods from the official distributor. The major point for the Kiwi purchaser, you have a hi-tec item with no warranty - if it dies you are out of luck, with parallel imported Nikon goods, the official repair agents will not touch them, and the master Agents will not provide parts. a case of "buyer beware." |
KenESmith (6287) | ||
| 1226402 | 2011-08-27 10:45:00 | www.consumer.org.nz There are some genuine bargains available in parallel-imported goods. There is also the opportunity to buy goods that will not be released here for several months. But you need to be aware of what you are getting and be prepared to deal with any after-sales problems that might arise. Do your research first. Be sure of the model number of the item you want. Before leaving the shop, check that the goods are suitable for use in New Zealand, that all accessories are supplied and that you can understand the manual. Most goods are pretty reliable these days. And retailers often replace faulty goods anyway, so the lack of an official repair service is a small risk to take. If you expect expert advice and after-sales backup, then traditional retailers offer them at a price. Your rights You have the same legal rights whether you are buying parallel imports or goods that have come through the official distributor. The Consumer Guarantees Act covers goods bought for personal use, but doesn't cover business equipment. It says that if goods have a substantial fault - they don't work, they are dangerous or they aren't the goods advertised - then you get a replacement, a repair or a refund. The Act also says repairs must be completed in a reasonable time. Business equipment is covered by the Sale of Goods Act. If the goods are faulty you may be entitled to a refund, compensation for loss, and damages for losses caused by the fault. Parallel imports may need to be sent overseas for repair. It's probably realistic to expect this to take longer than it would if the problem was solved by the local agent. Retailers can choose to do the repairs themselves, but the work must be done to a high standard. If faulty goods can't be repaired, either because the local agent won't touch them or the cost of repairs is greater than the value of the item, then you are entitled to a replacement or your money back - the choice is yours. |
Zippity (58) | ||
| 1226403 | 2011-08-27 11:20:00 | Yep you rely on the shop - for whatever - Canon Japan or a independent repairer in HKG or what . . . It may take longer . . . . Overseas you get authorised repair centres and independents . I bought a auth . Nikon D70 camera from Japan, sent it back there to Tokyo, paid return postal via wire transfer and they sent it back to me all within 3 weeks . Nikon Auckland would repair it but for a fee . If I bought it in NZ, the store could send it to Auckland for me and got it fixed and back . I bought a lens from eBay - HK parallel import (some countries call them grey) . Had some focus issues, as it was over a year, no warranty even if I did send it back to HK . So I sent it to Auckland, paid the $50 or so . . for the assessment and was told it was within manufacturer spec' . I subsequently sold the lens :lol: |
Nomad (952) | ||
| 1226404 | 2011-08-29 00:25:00 | I've had some really good lenses for super prices from a Hong Kong outfit. I was nervous as hell before buying, and super careful to get authentic and current model. | Zara Baxter (16260) | ||
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