Price Difference between US and International Models (Page 4): :sm23: :sm23:...

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Charles 46277 wrote:

Ah, but I use the law firm of Dewy, Cheatum & Howe.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

MDI Mainer wrote:

You know I can see refusing to make warranty repairs to an international model not intended for sale in the US, but refusing all repairs or to provide parts is simply commercial terrorism against US consumers. Every consumer has to decide whether to patronize such a company or take their custom elsewhere.

I agree with you about not servicing grey market at all. Yes it is each person's personal choice. So in my advanced stage of life I look at things like this. It's your company run it the way you care to. The quality of your products service and strength of your marketing plan will decide your future. They are your toys play with them the way you want to. In the end the consumer will decide. My opinions or thoughts on how a company is run and their policies only have merit as a consumer. I may add I shoot Nikon and will not change. My consumer preference.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Life is like photography, if you don't read the fine print, you don't know what the warranty doesn't cover.

Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

MDI Mainer wrote:

You know I can see refusing to make warranty repairs to an international model not intended for sale in the US, but refusing all repairs or to provide parts is simply commercial terrorism against US consumers. Every consumer has to decide whether to patronize such a company or take their custom elsewhere.

My sentiments exactly. I remember long ago when Kmart broke the custom where manufacturers could set prices by selling only to dealers who charged the high price (Manufacturer's Suggested Price"). You could not carry Levis except at MSP. It took a long trip though the courts, but it changed everything for the better--true competition became free and open, or more so.

There is also a monopoly system on cars, where manufacturers sell only to their own franchised dealers. This was justified by saying that their dealers are trained to repair their cars, but anybody can get the same training at the local community college (where job training is free in many states). And notice that restaurants only sell Coke or Pepsi--not both. They only sell to you if you agree not to offer other brands (or they make it more expensive if you do).

pblanche1 Loc: Lansdale, Pennsylvania

Grey market Canon equipment cannot be serviced directly by Canon and is not covered by Canon warrantees.
You cannot even register these items on the Canon site.
The price differential for US market vs grey market equipment is item and vendor dependent.
Some vendors provide third party warrantees for less than the price differential.

Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

CHG_CANON wrote:

Life is like photography, if you don't read the fine print, you don't know what the warranty doesn't cover.

The rule of thumb is that if something goes wrong, it is not covered by warranty.

In days of yore, we could buy from a store and we could bring it back if it broke--they had a repair department to fix it. They also fitted your clothes on the spot with a tailor in the back. And they delivered anything for free--even a pair of gloves. What became of all those hundreds of thousands of workers who operated the elevators? (Or pumped the gas?) Where did all the Luddites go?

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

MDI Mainer wrote:

You know I can see refusing to make warranty repairs to an international model not intended for sale in the US, but refusing all repairs or to provide parts is simply commercial terrorism against US consumers. Every consumer has to decide whether to patronize such a company or take their custom elsewhere.

I agree... however, all the major camera manufacturers seem to have similar policies. What's a customer to do but play the game?

pblanche1 Loc: Lansdale, Pennsylvania

It all depends on how risk averse you are. I bought the grey market Canon 17-55 lens when I couldn’t afford the US market one. My son is still using it on my old 7d. Used it on a trip to Italy in 2018 where I took hundreds of amazing pics with it.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

If you can afford the risk then spend the few extra dollars and buy USA version. Look carefully at the real cost. Most grey market strip down anything in orginal box and sell it separately and in the end close to same price and no protection

pendennis

Charles 46277 wrote:

My sentiments exactly. I remember long ago when Km... (show quote)

Automobiles are a somewhat different animal. States have long legislated franchise laws for auto dealers doing business in their respective states. The reasoning was/is, the capital-intensive nature of the business. Manufacturers are bound by the various state franchising laws, and I agree that it creates monopolistic practices within the particular state.

That a restaurant only carries Coke or Pepsi, is usually the result of contracts between the franchise or chain owner and the soft drink maker. McDonald's corporate contracted with Coke, and Yum Brands has generally contracted with Pepsico. And soft drinks aren't the only contractual limits. Meat, bread/buns, potatoes, any number of items are mandated by the contracts between corporate owners and the franchise owner.

This isn't only limited to soft drinks, it also applies to geographical locations, signage, menus, landscaping, etc.