interesting discussion on prices here vs overseas. A couple of things,
technically if you import from overseas you are the importer and
therefore responsible for warranty. I suspect they are tightening
policies because sales volumes in general are down and pressure has come
from importers to head office for some relief.
Australia will generally be more expensive for a number of reasons,
including market volume, higher costs locally (people in retail get paid
a living wage here, in the US, generally not or at least not as well
paid). The importer also provides warranty service and often needs to
pay for that from their margin here, they hold stock of spares and to a
greater or lesser degree maintain service divisions with trained
staff. Some of it is also tradition, importers of some optical
equipment used to behave like fiefdoms with royal privileges, the worst
have gone by the wayside these days, for example Nikon cut off
arrangements with their distributor and setup on their own as
importers. The warranty arrangements vary depending on the importer, a
lot of Chinese imports the suppliers just replace, no attempt at repair,
other provides parts or an allowance. Bintel I know sends staff on
training overseas to learn how to service some equipment they import.
Recently JB HiFi started direct imports (Grey) of selected Canon items.
Canon Australia was apparently quite concerned at that, issuing a press
release as I recall. Ultimately it could lead to local divisions
shutting down and service only being available from the factory.
Direct imports have really taken off since the $1000 limit was
introduced, used to be that anything over $250 would require
GST/duties. I've seen indirect evidence that some of the dodgier
overseas suppliers and even some that sell in Oz but direct ship from
China will understate value leaving you open to prosecution/fines. Also
less than totally honest disclosure on warranty, generally it's hidden
deep in FAQs or T&Cs where they will state that warranty is available
from the local agent for items for example from Nikon which in Australia
which will definitely not provide warranty cover on grey imports. At
least it's better than Nikon USA which will not even service grey items
for payment.
Also you will find Hong Kong sites or Australian based sites that ship
direct from Hong Kong based that have the statement that the buyer is
responsible for import charges , GST etc. buried deep in terms and
conditions. Then you will have grey importers that hold stock here and
are quite upfront about warranty arrangements. What's the saying;
"caveat emptor?" I would suggest digging into the T&Cs and also
googling for reviews before buying items from such sources. Or if you
want local service, support and like to try stuff out before buying, buy
from local stores.
Chris Ross
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