Thoughts on Parallel Imported

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potatoface

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#130935 3-Oct-2013 00:55

I'm a poor student wanting to purchase a Sony Xperia SP for the cheapest price possible - but obviously I want a flaw free phone. I was thinking of purchasing from Parallel Imported but was wanting some opinions from people who have previously used the store. How was the product itself and if you have had to go back due to problems how have the staff been?

Thanks

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#906828 3-Oct-2013 01:15

1st up welcome to geekzone.
Over the years ive managed to get good deals myself via overseas websites. Example Clove & Expansys but others are available. PB Tech now locally.
The secret is certainly doing the research.
Consider the GST impact.
Id have to say so far I havnt been stung by GST on imports ( so far) Ive been lucky.

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kiwitrc

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#906841 3-Oct-2013 06:05

I think he is talking about Parallel Imported, the company.

Inphinity

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#906859 3-Oct-2013 08:03

potatoface:
cheapest price possible
Parallel Imported

I'm confused. I've never seen Parallel Imported be the cheapest for any phone. That said, the experiences I've had with them have been positive.

stevenz

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#906871 3-Oct-2013 08:40

Their phone prices often not great. You're better off buying from Clove or Handtec and either shipping directly or via YouShop.

I consistently get hit up for GST when I import anything, and it's not just the 15%, there's usually a fair bit more for mysterious "customs fees". Given the price of the Xperia SP, it'd be luck of the draw.

That said, Parallel have it for $499 which gets you a local warranty & CGA protection, so you've gotta make the call. Plus it's $100 less than Vodafone. Looks like importing it would be only around $50 cheaper assuming you don't get hit with GST. I don't think I'd be risking it.

As long as you don't have problems, they're fine. They have a history of being rather difficult when honoring warranties at times, usually involving significant delays. They are legally bound to get things sorted out though.

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#906876 3-Oct-2013 08:48

Never used Parallel Imported for phones. I have however bought some good car audio through them (last items were a set of JBL 6x9's).
Had no problems whatsoever.

Inphinity

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#906877 3-Oct-2013 08:49

stevenz:
That said, Parallel have it for $499 which gets you a local warranty & CGA protection, so you've gotta make the call. Plus it's $100 less than Vodafone. Looks like importing it would be only around $50 cheaper assuming you don't get hit with GST. I don't think I'd be risking it.

einfo have it for $425.

stevenz

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#906880 3-Oct-2013 08:52

Bear in mind that eInfo have a bad habit of not having items in stock but saying that they do. Good price though.

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#906881 3-Oct-2013 08:53

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#906916 3-Oct-2013 09:33

I've bought 2 phones and 2 car stereos through parallel imported.

No issues, helpful on the phone. Factor in the waiting + duty + shipping if you are comparing with other shops.

dickytim

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#907023 3-Oct-2013 12:43

Used Parallel Imported quite a few years ago for a high end head unit for my car. Seemed OK but I never tried to claim warranty, nor do I know anyone that personally has.

That is where the risk is, I have heard of people saying that their item was returned to Asia and they had to wait for ages, but that is really just heresay.

For an extra $100 on a $500 phone I would be waiting for Noel Leeming etc to have them on special, or forking out the full amount to have peace of mind.

xpd

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#907040 3-Oct-2013 12:57

Use PI years ago for a phone, never again - hopefully theyve changed their attitude towards repairs/refunds etc since then but personally, as DickyTim said, fork out for peace of mind.

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mattwnz

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#907051 3-Oct-2013 13:19

There are many stores now parallel importing products, they don't have to have PI in their name.Also some maybe priced higher than a special price at a local retailer, I have found. I personally have had very good experiences buying products off ebay and amazon. For example a watch that wasn't sold locally, but was over $400 in Oz, I got for less than $200. You do have to be careful with duty and GST though, that you don't go over the amounts. Although for a phone, you will probably find it cheaper and less hassle in NZ, especially for warranty and potential technical issues with networks, and you should be able to find the cheapest price on pricespy.

mattwnz

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#907244 3-Oct-2013 16:00

Just replying to your other thread. WIth any paralell imported shop, it is likely that the manufacturer in NZ won't help you if there is a problem. So the shop has to handle all the warranty stuff for you, which may mean sending it back to the country it was purchased from for repair. They all may work in a similar way. You have to weigh up the risks yourself.

Inphinity

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#907248 3-Oct-2013 16:04

From your duplicate thread:

*shrug* I buy heaps of stuff from einfo, never had an issue with them or their warranty service. I'd be interested in where you found they import from Nigeria, though.

Stu

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#907250 3-Oct-2013 16:05

I have locked the other thread. There is no reason the discussion cannot continue here.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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