Experiences with buying grey imports and opinions regarding warranties

Raspberet on 09/07/2014 - 10:21
Last edited 09/07/2014 - 10:22

Hello!

Would anyone like to share their past experiences in purchasing grey import items (especially electronics)?

Personally, I only buy grey import items amounting $100< such as earbuds, mice, keyboards, UV filters etc. For lower priced items, I'm not too concerned regarding warranties, but for more expensive items like DSLRS, laptops, TVs etc; I'd prefer to be able to contact local support when problems arise.

Grey imports are usually/almost always cheaper than local AU stock. However, they do not have local warranties; which poses as a 'no-buy' zone for some.

E.g. Nikon D7100 body only Grey Import from Camera Paradise - $841

Compared to

Nikon D7100 body only with 2 years Nikon AU warranty, local AU stock from Camera Store - $1198

Thank you =)

Poll Options

  • 5
    Grey Imports (No local warranty, cheaper)
  • 1
    AU stock (Local warranty, higher prices)
General Discussion

Comments

  • CyberMurning on 09/07/2014 - 10:31

    camera paradise might not the cheapest one, check dwi, citiwide, or others. make sure take account shipping some local put cheap price but high shipping.

    my experience, all good. i will get overseas stock even if the price is only 15% cheaper than local!

  • ynot1985 on 09/07/2014 - 10:40

    some grey imports offer local warranty. as in 3rd party repairer

  • mskeggs on 09/07/2014 - 11:09

    I have bought lots of grey market laptops and camera gear. Most gear is made to a standard and a price that a warranty claim destroys the vendors profit anyway, so they aim to make that very rare. And since the branded stuff is the same gear, I normally take the savings.
    Mind you, I replace my own broken laptop screens and am happy to do a lot of repair stuff myself.
    I have also made international warranty claims on:
    - a china phone
    - a Seiko watch
    Both successfully. Obviously, a costlier item to post would be problematic, and the warranty process literally took several months.
    Mind you, a local ASUS warranty claim took over 8 weeks, so horses for courses.

  • Davo1111 on 09/07/2014 - 13:36

    i just weigh up the actual saving, the urgency of replacement if it did break, and the chance of it breaking

  • Luminary on 09/07/2014 - 14:24

    I bought a Note 2 from Kogan. Stop charging a week before warranty. Contacted customer service. Got credited with the original value of the phone (thought they would try credit the current value) and got a Note 3 for $90. This was probably the best customer service I've experienced. Everything happened very smooth and fast.

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