Grey Imports! at DVinfo.net

Matthew Chambers · June 16th, 2013, 02:57 PM

What's the problem except from warranty?

Rob Neidig · June 17th, 2013, 09:44 AM

Matthew,

I don't know about grey market dealers in Ireland or elsewhere in Europe, but here in the US there can sometimes be other issues than the warranty. Some dealers will take items that are normally sold as part of a package and not include them for the advertised price. They then try to sell them to you or to someone else to make additional money. So, for example, a camcorder might normally be sold with a power supply, but the dealer will remove it and sell it separately. I would also not discount the importance of getting the manufacturer's warranty either. If something goes wrong, many of these grey market dealers will just tell you "Sorry". Then you go to the manufacturer for help and they have no choice but to tell you "sorry" as well. If you're a gambling man, then you might choose to go for it. Otherwise I say it's not worth the few dollars you save.

Just my two pence.

Have fun!

Rob

Herman J. van Ooijen · June 17th, 2013, 12:36 PM

Outside of warranty issues related to grey imports, is the bait and switch game frequently seen by some of the more notorious discount houses. Rob alluded to that. If something is advertised below the street price [ eg. In the USA, B&H is a good indicator of street price], you can be sure that significant items essential for operation of the camera have been removed from the kit or the camera itself. No viewfinder or no carrying handle etc. If you are the unlucky "life one" they have reeled in, your online order will not be processed until they have spoken to you and have tried to sell you the parts missing from the camera or kit. They may break regular or grey import kits, who knows. That you may find out too late.

Herman

Dave Blackhurst · June 17th, 2013, 01:47 PM

And think about it for a minute... someone selling "grey market" is deliberately going around legitimate channels set up by the manufacturer to protect their reputation, dealers, and customers... so you're going to give them your credit card info??

There are ethical concerns about the shady types who sneak stuff in through questionable means in order to "make a little money", and there are stories out there of them making a little MORE money off of unsuspecting "customers"...

Sure, it might be cheaper if it "just fell off the back of the truck"... but you expose yourself to risks that may not be wise to take.

June 16th, 2013, 02:57 PM	#1
Matthew Chambers Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Belfast Posts: 25	Grey Imports! What's the problem except from warranty? Last edited by Matthew Chambers; June 17th, 2013 at 09:34 AM.

June 17th, 2013, 09:44 AM	#2
Rob Neidig Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 222	Re: Grey Imports! Matthew, I don't know about grey market dealers in Ireland or elsewhere in Europe, but here in the US there can sometimes be other issues than the warranty. Some dealers will take items that are normally sold as part of a package and not include them for the advertised price. They then try to sell them to you or to someone else to make additional money. So, for example, a camcorder might normally be sold with a power supply, but the dealer will remove it and sell it separately. I would also not discount the importance of getting the manufacturer's warranty either. If something goes wrong, many of these grey market dealers will just tell you "Sorry". Then you go to the manufacturer for help and they have no choice but to tell you "sorry" as well. If you're a gambling man, then you might choose to go for it. Otherwise I say it's not worth the few dollars you save. Just my two pence. Have fun! Rob

June 17th, 2013, 12:36 PM	#3
Herman J. van Ooijen New Boot Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Utica, NY 13501 Posts: 5	Re: Grey Imports! Outside of warranty issues related to grey imports, is the bait and switch game frequently seen by some of the more notorious discount houses. Rob alluded to that. If something is advertised below the street price [ eg. In the USA, B&H is a good indicator of street price], you can be sure that significant items essential for operation of the camera have been removed from the kit or the camera itself. No viewfinder or no carrying handle etc. If you are the unlucky "life one" they have reeled in, your online order will not be processed until they have spoken to you and have tried to sell you the parts missing from the camera or kit. They may break regular or grey import kits, who knows. That you may find out too late. Herman

June 17th, 2013, 01:47 PM	#4
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	Re: Grey Imports! And think about it for a minute... someone selling "grey market" is deliberately going around legitimate channels set up by the manufacturer to protect their reputation, dealers, and customers... so you're going to give them your credit card info?? There are ethical concerns about the shady types who sneak stuff in through questionable means in order to "make a little money", and there are stories out there of them making a little MORE money off of unsuspecting "customers"... Sure, it might be cheaper if it "just fell off the back of the truck"... but you expose yourself to risks that may not be wise to take.