Imports and warranties

[Guest Big H]

why dont you phone the factory directly and get it from them?

 

By wie werk jy perd dat jy so suurtiet is????????

[markStockton]

 

why dont you phone the factory directly and get it from them?

 

I'm not wanting to start a 20 page flame session here, but, the retail model being used by most LBS is antiquated and no longer competitive. Now some stores like CWC, Solomons and Westdene have found away to be competitive in this market. The rest need to wake up, or go out of business. Plain economics.

 

[Decado]

So, if i want to get a set of wheels from crc for example all i need to factor in is 15% vat to bring it over?

[Slowbee]

 

why dont you phone the factory directly and get it from them?

 

By wie werk jy perd dat jy so suurtiet is????????

 

 

The BigH has spoken ... somehow that sentence just doesnt cut it into inglish.

 

[Cornelis]

Agreed, I spoke to two importers of bikes ( no names ) both admitted they would actually love to see a online retailer selling, but agreements with lbs restrict them from allowing this, for obvious reasons.

Derek don't be silly a factory will never sell directly to me! LOL

Realities people, we all work hard for our cash and SA Randt is not exactly currency of choice, so heck if you can get bits and pieces you need for your addiction at a grand less, then I for one am not going to cry myself to sleep at night over guilt.

[AndreZA]

So' date=' if i want to get a set of wheels from crc for example all i need to factor in is 15% vat to bring it over? [/quote']

 

Yip. It's the price you see in pounds x exchange rate (don't use their converted prices) + the handling fee + 14% Vat this side, that's it.

 

 

[Joe Low]

I think that if you by-pass the local suppliers to import, then you can't expect them to help on warranty issues - it's one reason why it's cheaper to import.

 

That said, and as Widget pointed out, some local companies will still give brand support regardless.

 

One e.g. is Polar - I bought mine from ORT duty-free & when it had a problem they recognised it was not a South African import but treated it just the same & fixed it up under warranty.

 

Point is, I didn't have the right to insist - just asked nicely.

 

 

 

 

[Cornelis]

this topic has been dealt with before, and honesty I am probaly not the best person to ask, shipping is free for purchase above 250 pounds ( weight restrictions apply )

as for the tax,,, I'm am still in the dark there, when I look on their site, the price stated is the price asked all inclusive, South Africa falls outside the EU and is tax exempt. When it arrives on SA shores I have no idea how it's dealt with, seeing that it falls under sporting goods, which is tax exempt as well!! double wammy it would seem.

Hopefully someone with first hand experience will enlighten us.

[Cornelis]

Joe point taken, would be great to have actual response from the importers on this topic.

Again, the fine print of the warrantee states International warrantee. It onlym points out that the product need to bought from a registered dealer, if that dealer was in Hong Kong or Boksburg shouldn't make any difference, ultimately the defective part goes back to producer not the importer or distributor.

[widget]

Joe point taken' date=' would be great to have actual response from the importers on this topic.

Again, the fine print of the warrantee states International warrantee. It onlym points out that the product need to bought from a registered dealer, if that dealer was in Hong Kong or Boksburg shouldn't make any difference, ultimately the defective part goes back to producer not the importer or distributor.

[/quote']

 

Basically, Yes, thats it.............and that its still within the warranty period.

 

Generally, I have found manufacturers are willing to compromise, even if the unit is out of warranty period, if the failure is accepted by the manufacturer as legit and the product is not user damaged, they may still be willing to assist, even if they ask a small pro-rata payment.

 

As I said, warranty issues are usually 100% locally decided by the importer / retail network.

 

Just as an aside, I bought a Sony camera in New York, about three years later I had a LED issue, took it to a Sony dealer who sent it to Sony SA.

 

I knew the unit was out of warranty and I was quite prepared to pay for the repair.

 

Sony didnt even ask where I bought it, how old it was, nothing, they said the LED fault was common one, it had been sorted out now and they replaced the unit free of charge.

 

Try that at your local bike importer.

        

[intern]

 

Man nothing like taking the food of the local bike shops table.

 

Dude like any business, it is about adding value. If any LBS adds value, or has a sound value proposition (which may include expertise, product availability, customer care etc) they can charge what they like. Fact is, it is a globalised environment, cycling stuff is expensive, people travel - these are market realities which necessitate that the LBS examine its role and value proposition and amend as necessary if it is to remain relevant.

 

[Delgado]

Man nothing like taking the food of the local bike shops table.

Not the food!! Just the caviar they believe their cartel is entitled to!?

[NotSoBigBen]

Man nothing like taking the food of the local bike shops table.

Not the food!! Just the caviar they believe their cartel is entitled to!?

 

Hey Dellboy, I know my LBS owner personally (very ....) and trust me there aint no caviar there mate ........ ! Don't deny that there are those riding Porche Cayene's and stuff though.

[GIRR]

I believe the local importers such as cool heat are likely to tell you to get lost if you want to warranty something that you imported yourself.  Which may be the reason why they always insist on proof of puchase when something is sent in for warranty issues.

 

Next thing, nothing ticks off bike shops more than someone who imports a bike they sell then bring the bike and ask the lbs to assemble it for them.  If you are going to buy online I hope you can install these things yourself.  Remember its not yout lbs that sets the prices, its the distributer.

 

But all in all IMHO prices here do need to become a bit more competitive.

[Delgado]

I believe the local importers such as cool heat are likely to tell you to get lost if you want to warranty something that you imported yourself.  Which may be the reason why they always insist on proof of puchase when something is sent in for warranty issues.

 

Next thing' date=' nothing ticks off bike shops more than someone who imports a bike they sell then bring the bike and ask the lbs to assemble it for them.  If you are going to buy online I hope you can install these things yourself.  Remember its not yout lbs that sets the prices, its the distributer.

 

But all in all IMHO prices here do need to become a bit more competitive.

[/quote'] They shouldn't be ticked off ........rather charge an equitable price and do some business they otherwise may not have had???

[stringbean]

 

Go ahead and import what you want and don't worry about warranties.Coolheat don't even warranty goods bought locally.CRC will help you if you have a problem.Just bought a new XTR crank from cost R2800.Your LBS can't even get it from Coolheat for that price,shows you how Coolheat are ripping the public off.2 years ago i bought a set of dura ace carbon tubbies(from local shopR10000).had a crash while racing and cracked the rear rim.Asked Coolheat if i could purchase a rear rim to rebuild my wheelset-answer don't keep stock of rims

Can i purchase a new rear wheel-don't keep stock

All they could offer was to sell me a complete new set of wheels.WTF COOLHEAT =NO BACKUP,LOUSY SERVICE

I buy all my shimano overseas. 

stringbean2008-09-16 12:33:28