Parallel Import / Second Hand or Local Store WWYD?

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lissie

447 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 248255 16-Mar-2019 17:48

I have a dilemma. I am pretty sure I've decided to buy a Panasonic Lumix GX85 . I've been taking photos since the 80s - but I've never owned a changeable lens camera- my current one is a super-zoom

The body owner can be bought on Trademe for about $500 (2nd hand) - body only

Supero - who I think are a HK-based parallel importer is $588 inc gst and duty https://supero.co.nz/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gx85-body-black/?ref=pricespy

Or the photowarehouse (local to me in Wgtn) have it for $798 inc GST

So basically I can buy new parallel imported for the same price as 2nd hand in NZ. Whats the pot-hole of using a parallel importer? They claim to offer a 12 month guarantee (PW has a 3 year warranty). The Lumix's seem to be pretty reliable with a good build quality - my experience of electronics is that if they are going to fail they fail early.

They claim their prices include GST and import duties. I can use a CC to protect against non-delivery of goods.

Supero is looking like the cost-effective solution - am I missing something?

I help authors publish their books - DIYPublishing.co.nz

Linux

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# 2199678 16-Mar-2019 17:57

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Get it local for warranty reasons

lissie

447 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2199896 17-Mar-2019 00:17

Supero has a 12 month warranty - I assume the CGA wouldn't apply to them though?

I help authors publish their books - DIYPublishing.co.nz

Inaho

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

# 2202286 20-Mar-2019 10:38

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Hi Lissie,

Low price always come with compromises. As far as I know, the parallel importers tend to source their goods all around the world to lower the cost, which will lead to some possible problem.

1. You may not get the "Original" accessories.

As the camera may be sourced anywhere, it is possible that the original accessories (paperworks, chargers etc.) cannot be used in NZ for some reason (different language, different current and/or voltage requirement, different plug standard etc.). To lower the cost, the shop MAY choose to give you a third party accessories instead. IF the 3rd party ones are not quality product, it may affect your using experience or even damage your camera.

2. The warranty they provide may not be as professional as you think they are.

Normally manufacturer and service center will not service the product which are not supposed to be sold in their own region, you can refer to the warranty page of your manufacturer's website for more information. But if this is ture, the importer will likey do the repairing themselves or outsource to someone else, normally who won't have access to the geniune parts and professional technic.

I'm not saying that paralell Import stuff are not worth buying, but please keep these shortcomes in mind when you make your decision. I normally will to buy P/I stuff when the value of the product is not too high, for me, <$300, for more valueble equipment I won't take the risk, I'll either choose qualified local dealer and enjoy the original accessories, warranty and peace of mind, or pick a used one from someone reliable and enjoy the lower price.

By the way I'm pretty sure that CGA will cover parallel imported goods, as per https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/guide-to-buying-smart/parallel-imports/

Just my personal opinion, Thanks.

lissie

447 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2202293 20-Mar-2019 10:51

I tend to agree with you - that were pretty much the limitations I came across too.

I'm now seriously looking at https://www.bhphotovideo.com/- they ship to NZ - even adding on GST at the border it still looks like an awesome deal - cheaper than the parallel importers - US$540 for Panasonic GX85 plus 2 lenss inc shipping plus NZ$170 for GST - compared to $1200 in NZ with one lens - it would be more like $1500 with 2 lens

They seem to have an excellent reputation amongst the American camera community.

Interesting the price of lenses seem to be consistent in NZ and the US - its the cameras themselves which appear to be very expensive.

I also have relatives who live in the US who are visiting later in the year so I could get them to bring the item with them - thus avoiding the GST - but I'm not sure I want to wait that long!

I help authors publish their books - DIYPublishing.co.nz

BlinkyBill

429 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2202294 20-Mar-2019 10:55

To me it’s worth supporting local - you can get advice, have a conversation, warranty support that isn’t a hassle etc. if we don’t support local shops, we’ll have no shops, and to me that’s worth a couple of hundred for a camera body. They might do you a cash deal also.

BlinkyBill

Handsomedan

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# 2202300 20-Mar-2019 11:02

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lissie:

I tend to agree with you - that were pretty much the limitations I came across too.

I'm now seriously looking at https://www.bhphotovideo.com/- they ship to NZ - even adding on GST at the border it still looks like an awesome deal - cheaper than the parallel importers - US$540 for Panasonic GX85 plus 2 lenss inc shipping plus NZ$170 for GST - compared to $1200 in NZ with one lens - it would be more like $1500 with 2 lens

They seem to have an excellent reputation amongst the American camera community.

Interesting the price of lenses seem to be consistent in NZ and the US - its the cameras themselves which appear to be very expensive.

I also have relatives who live in the US who are visiting later in the year so I could get them to bring the item with them - thus avoiding the GST - but I'm not sure I want to wait that long!

BHP globally have a great reputation and I have seen a lot of really positive feedback and almost no negative feedback for them.

Like others have said though, you need to think about whether the hassle of a return to base or overseas warranty is worth the price difference (with BHP, it may well be).

Handsome Dan Has Spoken.

dt

471 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2202317 20-Mar-2019 11:27

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Taken from the Panasonic NZ website

Please Note: Parallel imported products will not be covered by a Panasonic New Zealand warranty.

You'll likely get support from the PA if you should need a repair but it might be from an unofficial repair agent and possibly sent back to country of origin..

200 bannas is quite a bit to save but personally for me wouldn't be worth the stress if something did go wrong

lissie

447 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2202353 20-Mar-2019 12:06

dt:

Taken from the Panasonic NZ website

Please Note: Parallel imported products will not be covered by a Panasonic New Zealand warranty.

You'll likely get support from the PA if you should need a repair but it might be from an unofficial repair agent and possibly sent back to country of origin..

200 bannas is quite a bit to save but personally for me wouldn't be worth the stress if something did go wrong

Well I jumped on B&H's chat - and they pointed me to their protection plan offered by a 3rd party - Square Trade - and even includes damage from accidents https://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/jsp/warranty-square-trade.jsp - and the $80 option covers NZ - cnfirmed by both B&H and square trade have to return to them but cover international shippng.

So oddly initial warranty repairs maybe awkard - but after that should be fine

I help authors publish their books - DIYPublishing.co.nz

Batman

Mad Scientist
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# 2202361 20-Mar-2019 12:25

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It's all a risk. Depends on your risk appetite.

PImport - risk of not arriving, if issues, retailer not helpful, lost package trying to return. Vs no problem.
2nd hand - abused and near end of life vs not abused but lemon vs no problem
Local - least risk but still risk of retailer being difficult but Panasonic should step in as last resort

I would buy 2nd hand from someone who has kept it in the drawer. Not from someone who used it heavily.

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.