Trustworthy Online Sellers...

[Al_in_Melbourne]

Hi all,

I hope this isn't going to break any rules on here regarding commercial businesses, but I have a quick question... I am seriously considering buying a Konica Minolta 7D, as I have a raft of KM lenses, and have recently discovered that the 7D can be picked up pretty cheap online. I was thinking of going down the Canon path, but since I can get a 7D and have lenses that fit it, I think that has to be the answer... The problem is, I live in Melbourne, Australia!! Here, 7D's are still up around the AU$2000 mark, which is just a bit out of my reach, especially as I can get one for approx half that on eBay or through 'Adorama' or those sorts of sites...

Basically my question is, what are those sites like? Has anyone had particularly good/bad experiences with any of them, and do the cameras that you buy from them usually still carry a manufacturer's warranty?

I look forward to hearing any ideas that anyone may have to help me out with this one, thanks in advance!!:)

[ReF]

pardon me if i'm not understanding you correctly, but you're talking about dealers in the states right? canoga, adorama, bhphotovideo are all reputable dealers. check resellerratings.com before buying from an unfamiliar site, and remember to actually read the reviews, as some places actually add in their own fake reviews. if you see lots of negative reviews along side positive ones or an overall decent rating, then somethings probably wrong

oh, i forgot to add that i've had very good experiences with bhphotovideo.com. good service when you run into a problem. i don't think warranties apply internationally.

[Rhys]

Don't forget the slime-dripping, horned, evil taxman either. He'll see a nice juicy parcel coming in from abroad and will want his fistfull of cash.

[cwphoto]

I've ordered online from the following Stateside resellers:

B&H
Adorama
MyDigitalDiscount.com
Really Right Stuff


All have been fair and reputable. My last order with Adorama was around USD5500.

[aparmley]

How about . . . .

Try the "Where should I buy my camera" forum?


Hmmmmmm genius! ;)

LOL :D

[jeisner]

I am also in Melbourne..

I have ordered many times from bhphoto and Adorama without issue..

[jeisner]

Don't forget the slime-dripping, horned, evil taxman either. He'll see a nice juicy parcel coming in from abroad and will want his fistfull of cash.

No customs charge on goods under $1000...

Otherwise a $60 customs charge and 10% GST..

[Al_in_Melbourne]

Thanks for all the advice guys, and yes I'm sorry, I only spotted the 'Where should I buy my camera' thread a few minutes after posting...

I have just been into a local shop where they sell second hand cameras, and they have warned me off going down the KM path, as have so many others, so now I'm struggling with the decision between Nikon or Canon. I know its a hot debate, but I'm going to think on it for a week or so and see what happens. Yes, I have gone back to the old Bricks and Mortar afterall, maybe I am just a sucker for a good salesman!!

Again thanks for all the advice, happy shooting, Al...:)

[Rhys]

No customs charge on goods under $1000...

Otherwise a $60 customs charge and 10% GST..

In the UK, no customs duty unless the item (including postage) costs more than GBP 50
Anything over GBP 18 has 17.5% VAT

Customs duty is 15%

So we end up with (for an item costing GBP 500 or USD 1000)

$1000 (plus postage - say $30) x 1.175 x 1.15 which comes out as $1391. Then you get the Post Office demanding money for collecting the tax money. Last I heard that was about GBP 8 ($16). Therefore a $1000 item ends up costing $1407 or about 50% more than it did in the first place.

However, if you fly to America and buy your item, toss the packaging (which you'd do anyway) and bring it home on the plane then you don't get whacked by customs and tax - especially if the item looks used. And you get a free holiday out of the savings!