Direct Imports

[Dudes]

The 2011 29'er dual suspension I would like is fresh out of stock (XL frame), even though it is only April. No more shipments by that company are expected during 2011. Due to the nature of my business, I have contacts all around the world and could easily have one of my contacts buy the bike in the states or UK and have it posted across to ZA. It would also be about R10 000 cheaper. However, some suggest that it would be impossible to service here (detailed service like a shock)or have any warranty. I am a casual XC type rider and doubt whether I would need too many intensive services or replacements in the first 5 years anyway. Any opinions out there.

[ETXEONDO]

Sorry, what??

[splat]

What brand is the frame?

[mark ellis]

if its a specialized the warranty will not be valid in SA as far as I understand and might be a mission to have shocks serviced, I am looking at the same thing at the moment, will let you know what

I find.

[Dudes]

What brand is the frame?

Specialized. I am talking in general though.

[splat]

Any Specialized dealer should be able to have the shocks and bearings serviced, same as any other Specialized bike in SA.

You just wont have any warrantee on the frame in SA (that applies to most things that are imported).

[mike xtreme]

do not inport beleve me hehe made a few mistakes lost alot of money...

the warranty is worth more than what you save

[wchampion]

wow seems the world has gone crazy over these 29ers. great time to go and buy a 26er

[gummibear]

Surely if you buy from a authorized dealer and you have problems Specialized must honour the warranty.

 

What happens if you buy while living/training in another country and then move?

[Bums]

If you insure the bike and you have trouble with the frame then you can claim the frame through insurance and just claim that it is crash damage. This negates the warrantee issue. I have imported bikes and it is well worth it.

 

I found that Ubag was the cheapest people to ship bikes in to SA with.

[bontie]

Surely if you buy from a authorized dealer and you have problems Specialized must honour the warranty.

 

What happens if you buy while living/training in another country and then move?

The International company will honour the warranty, but expect the local distributors to have it somewhere in the fineprint that they need not honour such warranties. I recently made an enquiry to Bianchi on exactly that and received the following response :

 

"thanks for choosing Bianchi brand!

 

Yes, in case of warranty you can contact the Bianchi distributor in South Africa.

Please keep the sales receipt (invoice of purchase): it is usually required in case of any problem with the bike.

 

Best regards"

 

I wonder what would have happened if Burry&Sauser or Multivan Merida or Milka Trek or even Trek WR broke a frame during the Epic - surely their frames weren't sold by the local guys?

Edited April 13, 2011 by bontie

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Hmm, I wonder how the new consumer protection act might impact this, I'll check and see.

 

Things are changing though and many distributors will cover any imported warranty claims, its good for business and the products name to do so. Of course there are still many dinosaurs who wont, but their cocoon is shrinking, this is a global world, people are mobile and move around buying goods everywhere, sticking to habits of 50 years ago is counterproductive.

[Zipp stripper]

Being involved in warranties for the marine industry for many years, we lost virtually every case we would not warranty that should have been covered under normal situations that at the time was given the name 'Grey' import, the law in SA states clearly that any product imported into SA by a Dist. must be covered by Int. warranty if all duties and taxes were paid.

 

The only problem I see is that you dont always get what you paid for when importing from certain Int. retailers.

[Dudes]

Thanks for your replies. I would not know how to buy from Specialized Int as they seem to keep a tight reign. That is, they always refer you back to ZA. So I would have a friend buy what I want, keep the invoice and then ship to me using the package company mentioned earlier. I would expect to pay VAT, however I am not a recognized importer or distributor so I doubt whether the frame would be covered under warranty, unless I post it back to the shop where it was purchased. I suppose this is the chance you take for R10 000 less. What are the chances of breaking a frame? Pretty unlikely with my rel. sedate riding: 50+ and ride for enjoyment not racing!

[Tumbleweed]

Hmm, I wonder how the new consumer protection act might impact this, I'll check and see.

 

I doubt the CPA would compel a local distributer to honour a warranty on a product not bought through it, or one of its dealers. But will check. Just mailed my consumer columnist friend.

[Handlebar]

wow seems the world has gone crazy over these 29ers. great time to go and buy a 26er

Nah, there's a lot of them about too. You're better off with a 24er. You don't have the cons of the 29er and all the pro's of a 26er but just awesomer.