This is a question for those who have purchased Sachtler products before - what does Sachtler original factory packaging look like?

The reason I'm asking is that I bought a Sachtler DV-6SB head from an allegedly reputable large dealer in NYC (NOT a sponsor of this site), it arrived today but it came in what I would imagine not to be the original factory packaging (the head wrapped into bubblewrap and duct tape and thrown in a box stuffed with crumpled paper) and with very obvious signs of prior use, such as scratches and dents. The box didn't have any Sachtler marking nor was there any Sachtler paperwork (such as a warranty card). The battery for the leveling bubble was already installed, which is also unusual.

This is the first time I am dealing with that dealer. Before I call them and complain, I would like to find out if my claim is substantiated (maybe this is how the manufacturer ships them)...

And I did pay for a new head ;-)

Can anyone help?

Thanks,
Vladimir

I've never bought and received a Sachtler tripod but your experience does not seem right. My Gitzo tripod definitely came in a Gitzo box with Gitzo documentation. I would think something as expensive as a DV-6SB would come in Sachtler packaging. I would suggest calling Sachtler USA directly and just asking them. I've spoken to them before and they're pretty helpful.

Sachtler Corporation of America
709 Executive Blvd.
Valley Cottage, NY 10989
USA

Telefon: +1 845 268 2113

Tim, thanks very much for the suggestion, I will give them a call.

Vladimir

You've been scammed. I hope you can get your money back. And remember that DVINFO hand picks sponsors who won't do this sort of thing to you. Try to do business with our sponsors. Whatever money you saved has been nullified by the fact that you paid for something new which obviously isn't. Could have been a store demo but still, it should have been identified as such and the price adjusted accordingly.

-gb-

Thanks Greg, I do business with B&H almost exclusively, it's just that B&H didn't have the head in stock at the precise moment I wanted it. And the dealer in question is *the other* big store in NY, so I felt rather safe ordering from them. I am returning the head and ordering it from B&H - they do have it in stock now.