Gray market purchase
Aug 15, 2016 17:35:06 #
I have recently sold all of my old photographic equipment and have ideas to purchase a new SLR body and lenses. There are many sites out of New York that report cheaper prices that are ànxious to sell the desired items but as I review the sites like 42 street I discover that there are a lot of complaints. Does anybody have any experience with organization/sites like these. The savings are in the range of 40% for these sites. I also believe that there is value in buying from an local authorized dealer and if risks are high I will skip the potential savings.
Thanks from a new member.
Scott
Thanks from a new member.
Scott
Aug 15, 2016 17:41:52 #
Scott Hompland wrote:
I have recently sold all of my old photographic eq... (show quote)
You will, no doubt, get many comments regarding 42nd Street Photo. Most will tell you they are good at either bait and switch or hardcore upselling. I would not purchase a lens cap from them just because of the overwhelming negative reviews.
Stick with known and trusted sellers like B & H, Adorama Camera, and Cameta. There are others but if the discount is too good to be true, there is generally a reason.
Aug 15, 2016 18:14:36 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
Scott Hompland wrote:
I have recently sold all of my old photographic eq... (show quote)
Stay away from 42nd Street Photo. Those satisfied with the business are very low compared to the the majority.
Aug 15, 2016 18:27:28 #
Scott, Places like 42nd street besides their bait and switch, they do not sell equipment with the manufacturers warranty. What that means if you buy a Nikon product from them for example, Nikon will not repair it. That is because they sell Gray Market Products. Stay with B&H, Adorama as they only sell USA warranty product. If they are selling Gray Market Product, they indicate it as imported.
Scott Hompland wrote:
I have recently sold all of my old photographic eq... (show quote)
Aug 15, 2016 19:28:53 #
Scott Hompland wrote:
I have recently sold all of my old photographic eq... (show quote)
Look. You must decide on whether to purchase grey market. Except for certain Nikon cameras, authorized repair stations will not touch the stuff. On the other hand, cameras from name brand manufacturers have a long history of reliable performance. You pays your money and takes your chances.
Aug 15, 2016 20:20:05 #
There's another current thread on 42nd st. That plus the comments here and the search function will tell you all you need to know.
Aug 16, 2016 05:45:01 #
Scott Hompland wrote:
I have recently sold all of my old photographic eq... (show quote)
I buy only from my local camera store. Built up a good friendship with them and they treat me right. Good people and good help when needed. Stay away from Gray market items.
Aug 16, 2016 06:19:30 #
Scott Hompland wrote:
I have recently sold all of my old photographic eq... (show quote)
Stick to B & H, Adorama Camera, Cameta, and KEH for both new and used. And true manufacturer factory refurbished equipment can be better than new.
Aug 16, 2016 06:22:42 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
Mike D. wrote:
You will, no doubt, get many comments regarding 42nd Street Photo. Most will tell you they are good at either bait and switch or hardcore upselling. I would not purchase a lens cap from them just because of the overwhelming negative reviews.
Stick with known and trusted sellers like B & H, Adorama Camera, and Cameta. There are others but if the discount is too good to be true, there is generally a reason.
Stick with known and trusted sellers like B & H, Adorama Camera, and Cameta. There are others but if the discount is too good to be true, there is generally a reason.
Buy used from KEH or B&H to save.
Aug 16, 2016 06:26:13 #
Aug 16, 2016 06:30:46 #
Scott Hompland wrote:
I have recently sold all of my old photographic eq... (show quote)
Welcome to our forum!
Yes, there are risks associated with gray market gear, but Nikon now allows authorized repairs on certain items. 42nd is not a good place to buy, although some people have had good experiences with them. You you say, "There are many sites out of New York..." do you mean in NY or out of NY? Online dealers all over the world sell gray market, so you have to be sure what you're getting. Buying out of state can save you sales tax.
Aug 16, 2016 06:34:27 #
Ron SS
Loc: Silver Spring, MD
What warranty do you get?
Is it good in the US? Only in the US? (Do you travel outside the US?)
Return policy?
Reputation of the firm?
Then decide if risks are worth savings.
Is it good in the US? Only in the US? (Do you travel outside the US?)
Return policy?
Reputation of the firm?
Then decide if risks are worth savings.
Aug 16, 2016 06:45:09 #
Scott,
I buy from KEH in Atlanta GA. and have done so for several years, All their equipment is used but graded (LN, EX+ EX etc.) They have a great return policy
and are great people to deal with. I've never been disappointed buying from them.
Captain Al
I buy from KEH in Atlanta GA. and have done so for several years, All their equipment is used but graded (LN, EX+ EX etc.) They have a great return policy
and are great people to deal with. I've never been disappointed buying from them.
Captain Al
Aug 16, 2016 06:48:40 #
How much of a risk taker are you? Gray market can save you money up front, but cost you as much or more if your gear needs repairs during the normal warranty period. Getting Canon gear repaired is no problem, but you pay the going rate. Nikon makes it a bit more difficult, but it too can be repaired. For a price. Otherwise, the gear is identical as far as quality and build. The other way it could cost you is if you ever decide to sell your gear. Gray market will sell for less.
As far as 42nd St, the biggest complaint is their bait & switch tactics. I don't believe I have ever read of them actually cheating people. Still, there are a lot of other stores with better reputations that sell gray market.
So, do you want to gamble that your gear won't need repairs, which odds are it won't, or would you prefer the security of a USA warranty? Myself, I've never bought gray market, but then, I've never made use of any of my warranties either.
Welcome to the Hog!
As far as 42nd St, the biggest complaint is their bait & switch tactics. I don't believe I have ever read of them actually cheating people. Still, there are a lot of other stores with better reputations that sell gray market.
So, do you want to gamble that your gear won't need repairs, which odds are it won't, or would you prefer the security of a USA warranty? Myself, I've never bought gray market, but then, I've never made use of any of my warranties either.
Welcome to the Hog!
Aug 16, 2016 07:29:48 #
Welcome. I have had excellent luck and have saved hundreds of dollars by going, in my case, to the Canon Refurbished site. I have also used Amazon on occasion. It is tough around where I live because we don't have any camera stores within 75 miles. Good luck.
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