Views on dropshipping firms (BecexTech, Mobile Station, Just Wow)?

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jonathan18

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#157157 21-Nov-2014 13:00

Hey there

I'm planning on ordering a G3 from one of the various dropshipping companies offering the best rates at the moment; yes, I understand the risks attached to purchasing from these companies (and can cope with these given my desire to keep the price down), but wondered on the relative quality between firms, especially given an interesting 'feature' of the feedback on one of these firms on Pricespy.

I'm referring here to BecexTech (Aus-based, I believe), whose store page on Pricespy has a suspicious number of recent feedback reports listed as being "under investigation". (see http://pricespy.co.nz/shop.php?f=19220 ). Other than the possibility that they're gaming the system by hiding feedback they'd rather not share, is there a legitimate reason for this? Have any members have experience (good or bad) ordering from this store?

I also looked at Just Wow, but have been put off by the six days (and three emails) it took to get a response to a simple question (apparently my message was in the 'spam folder'!) and their draconian policy of dealing with repairs ("Prior to sending the phone to us we would require a bond of $199 + GST").

The one I'm most likely to order from at the moment is Mobile Station: http://pricespy.co.nz/shop.php?f=19220 - any particular views on this firm either way?

Many thanks in advance.

Batman

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#1180731 21-Nov-2014 13:45

views are only views.

if you were a gambling man, and don't care about spending hours and days of time and no phone; or don't believe it's actually going to break within 1 yr, you would get it.
if you were a gambling man but place importance easy warranty process you won't get it.
if you were not a gambling man you wouldn't get it.

if I were you, and you save more than 20% off the nearest local shop (parallel important or not) I'd get it.
if less than 10% difference it's not worth it.

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

Hammerer

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#1180774 21-Nov-2014 14:15

Just recently spent over $400 for a phone at Mobile Station. The phone itself works perfectly and arrived correctly configured for English despite the Swedish documentation and an added travel adapter for the charger.

We saved 10% but we weren't happy with the lack of communication about the status of our order when we were waiting beyond the usual 10 working days. We much prefer to get emails updating on the situation if it is outside the stated delivery standards.

Our experience with NZ online traders is much better so we'll continue with them: better communication, easier to contact, regular updates on the order, and most important fast delivery times whether we pay by credit card or bank transfer.

timmmay

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#1180780 21-Nov-2014 14:22

I looked at buying my S4 overseas. When I did the numbers including shipping, the potential to pay GST, delivery time, lack of an effective warranty, lack of local support, and a price difference of about $100 I just bought locally. It helped that I got my GST back as it was for my business.

jonathan18

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#1180800 21-Nov-2014 14:39

joker97: views are only views.

I think it's more than that, in that if my suspicions are correct and the site is blocking a high proportion of its feedback because it is negative this not only indicates a trend of problems but also raises questions about the business practices of the firm. A few isolated negative and/or deleted comments is one thing, but I'm comfortable assuming there's something more meaningful when it's en masse - especially without the company putting up an explanation to the contrary. I wouldn't trade with someone on TM with a poor or dodgy-looking history, and similarly I'm happy to put some credence in such feedback systems on sites like Pricespy.

joker97: if I were you, and you save more than 20% off the nearest local shop (parallel important or not) I'd get it.
if less than 10% difference it's not worth it.

Does Expert Infotech dropship its phones, and is it a trust-worthy company? They have the G3 for $662 including shipping, which is just $10 more than Mobile Station, so perhaps that's a sounder choice?

jonathan18

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#1180807 21-Nov-2014 14:48

timmmay: I looked at buying my S4 overseas. When I did the numbers including shipping, the potential to pay GST, delivery time, lack of an effective warranty, lack of local support, and a price difference of about $100 I just bought locally. It helped that I got my GST back as it was for my business.

I've no plans to buy from overseas - I agree it's just not worth it (indeed for the G3 it looks like it'll always be more costly to purchase o/s). But I'm looking at firms based in NZ that therefore must provide CGA coverage. Firms like Mobile Station are based here in NZ but operate via dropshipping, where they order the goods only on receipt of your money therefore 1. there's a delay to delivery (as it has to be sent from o/s) and 2. there's a greater risk of losing your money should the firm go under (which has happened in NZ before).

Given BecexTech is an Australian firm, even if operating a .nz domain, am I right in assuming customers won't have CGA coverage, and so will be reliant on the firm's own "one year warranty"?

Aredwood

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#1180820 21-Nov-2014 15:08

jonathan18:
joker97: views are only views.

Does Expert Infotech dropship its phones, and is it a trust-worthy company? They have the G3 for $662 including shipping, which is just $10 more than Mobile Station, so perhaps that's a sounder choice?

Expert Infotech have a retail shop on the North Shore in Auckland. I have only bought software and networking stuff from their shop. But am happy with their prices / service. And would happily buy a phone from them if they have what I want for a good price. (Not currently looking for a new phone though) The shop is always busy so they seem to have a good customer base. Haven't had to return anything to them so can't comment on that side of things.

KrazyKid

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#1180866 21-Nov-2014 15:56

Given BecexTech is an Australian firm, even if operating a .nz domain, am I right in assuming customers won't have CGA coverage, and so will be reliant on the firm's own "one year warranty"?

My understanding is unless there are a NZ registered company you have no rights under the CGA

The domain address will have no effect on the CGA

luckysurprise

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#1181258 22-Nov-2014 14:04

My sister ordered a tablet for me to use on a 2-week hospital stay. I had wanted her to use Mighty Ape because they are famous for next day delivery, but unfortunately their search function is faulty and she couldn't find the one I wanted. So for some strange reason she used Becextech. Long story short, they mucked us around and the tablet only arrived as I was leaving hospital so no use to me. If quick delivery is important to you do not use this company.

ubernoob

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#1181285 22-Nov-2014 15:01

I bought a Sony Xperia Z1 Compact from BecexTech quite a few months ago prior to reading the reviews on TradeMe. Was a bit nervous after having paid and then seeing the reviews, but there was absolutely no problem. It did take a while and I did get a couple of email updates re the "Delivery Status".
The TradeMe site shows a Chinese flag next to their Name so I thought they were based in China, not Australia and I guessed it would take a while .
The phone works perfectly so I have had no experience with CGA or otherwise