Has anyone bought stuff from any NYC electronic stores?

[mercutio11]

Hey guys,
I traveled to NYC last week, and I went to one of the electronic stores. I was looking for a camcorder and i asked one of sales person for a price. Their price is really low.. very tempting.. can't beat the price.. it's like 300 bucks cheaper than any other the cheapest on-line stores... BUT, I heard really bad rumors about these NYC stores... Do you guys think it's worthy to try it or not?
What do you guys think?
Thanks for your time.

 

[NogginBoink]

Originally posted by: mercutio11
Hey guys,
I traveled to NYC last week, and I went to one of the electronic stores. I was looking for a camcorder and i asked one of sales person for a price. Their price is really low.. very tempting.. can't beat the price.. it's like 300 bucks cheaper than any other the cheapest on-line stores... BUT, I heard really bad rumors about these NYC stores... Do you guys think it's worthy to try it or not?
What do you guys think?
Thanks for your time.

It if seems to good to be true...

 

[everman]

Could be grey market. At least make sure it works perfectly but the manufacturer may say the warrenty is not valid if not bought from licensed retailers (depends on the companies involved and their policies).

 

[mercutio11]

Thanks for the reply.. Do you mind if I ask you a question? What exactly grey market is?

 

[loup garou]

Make sure its NTSC and not PAL!!!

 

[LiLxJohnny]

It sounds like an item from a grey market like everman said. I live in NYC and if you walk about certain area of Manhattan you'll find lots of these electronic stores that sell stuff for prices that are very cheap. Often or not, they work but you can forget warranty as the manufacturer will more or less not honor them as they are not "authorized" resellers. Your best bet is the warranty policy (if any, check the receipt) that the store offers.

Often as you'll realize, its a risk. The products are the actual things (not bootleg) but where they got them are not exactly "legal".

Johnny

 

[NogginBoink]

"Grey market" goods are items that are not intended to be sold in the united states.

They can represent a good value if you know what you're buying.

A manufacturer will make a product and market in several regions, with different prices. As an electronics retailer in NYC, I might be able to buy a camera in Japan, ship it to the states, and sell it in my store cheaper than I can sell the same camera from the same manufacturer that was intended for the U.S. market.

It's not illegal. But the manufacturers don't like it.

The one big drawback is that the manufacturer typically offers absolutely no warranty service whatsoever on grey market goods.

If that's a risk you can live with, there's nothing wrong with grey market goods. Simply ask the seller if it's grey market. The warranty card in the box will usually let you know as well. Examine the warranty card before making the purchase if you're not sure, or if the seller says it's not grey market and is giving you a $300 discount.

Still, be *very* wary of $300 off. Like I said, if it sounds too good to be true...

 

[GizmoFreak]

Where exactly was the store?

 

[teckmaster]

I bought my Sony Home Theater Receiver from a company in NYC area. It was a little bit cheaper than the rest, but it came in a timely fashion and was all packaged in the retail box. Whether or not it was black market or grey market I can not say. I don't dwell on those details too much. I did a quick little search and can't find who I bought it from. If I find them, I'll reply with a name.

 

[yoda291]

one word of advice, don't get caught in the salesman's accent and pace, go slow and think things through. Also, make sure you test the unit you will be carrying out of the store.

Every year I hear freshman whining how their new digicam or mp3 player cost them 100-200 dollars over sticker price because they couldn't deal with some shady fellow. If you can go in with a clear head, you can come out with some really good deals.

 

[loup garou]

Oh, what's the name of the store, mercutio?

 

[mercutio11]

Thanks a lot guys..
I fogot the name of the store.. It's on 34th street...
They could lie even I ask the seller that the product is grey market or not, right? :Q

 

[mercutio11]

I will find out the name of the store if I can later..

 

[mercutio11]

Funny thing is that Sony camcorder(IP5-MicroMV) was cheaper than Canon's...
I believe sony product is much more expensive than others..

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: mercutio11
Thanks a lot guys..
I fogot the name of the store.. It's on 34th street...
They could lie even I ask the seller that the product is grey market or not, right? :Q

If you remember the name of the store, LMK. I work on 37th b/t 9th&10th. If it's on my walk to/from the subway, I'll see if I can conclusively determine if it's grey market.

 

[mikebb]

Photo/Electronics stores I trust in NYC:

B&H Photo
Adorama
J&R

Stores I don't trust:

Pretty much all the rest of them...