- Joined
- Jan 7, 2007
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Buying from Overseas
Since there is an interest in this area, I have started a thread here, and a similar one in the HT section.
Keywords for easy searching: import; importing ; parallel ; shipping ; GST ; authorised dealer ; agent ;
Firstly, the pro of a local dealer:
- service
- warranty
- technical expertise
- product less likely to run the risk of being damaged, and if it is DOA, an exchange is easily sorted out
The cons:
- the local dealer may charge a much higher price
- service may be only half decent
The pros of doing it yourself, or via a professional shipper:
- price = the difference in price can be quite significant (will list some examples later and others can chip in)
- better features
- not available locally
Cons:
- the risk of damage
- voltage issues (more on this later)
- claiming warranty or this may be non-exisitent
- the product may not work locally (tuner channels, NTSC TV sets only)
- complicated shipping
- non-existent shipping
- high tax / cost of shipping
- lousy shipping (more on the choices of shipping)
I think we all know the main reason is COST, and the key is how much we can save, and is it worthwhile?
Since there is an interest in this area, I have started a thread here, and a similar one in the HT section.
Keywords for easy searching: import; importing ; parallel ; shipping ; GST ; authorised dealer ; agent ;
Firstly, the pro of a local dealer:
- service
- warranty
- technical expertise
- product less likely to run the risk of being damaged, and if it is DOA, an exchange is easily sorted out
The cons:
- the local dealer may charge a much higher price
- service may be only half decent
The pros of doing it yourself, or via a professional shipper:
- price = the difference in price can be quite significant (will list some examples later and others can chip in)
- better features
- not available locally
Cons:
- the risk of damage
- voltage issues (more on this later)
- claiming warranty or this may be non-exisitent
- the product may not work locally (tuner channels, NTSC TV sets only)
- complicated shipping
- non-existent shipping
- high tax / cost of shipping
- lousy shipping (more on the choices of shipping)
I think we all know the main reason is COST, and the key is how much we can save, and is it worthwhile?