DerProfi
When I called AMEX to use the BVG, I called with information on a retail drive pricematch that I was going to do for $149.99 at circuit city. The AMEX rep asked me why I was using the BVG this way, when he has seen people using it to PM the drive for lower than $120.:Q
HIS suggestion to me was that I search the internet and find the lowest price on this drive that I could, print out the page, making sure that it was dated, and then call him back. I asked him about OEM vs Retail, and he specifically told me it does not matter. As long as the part number contained WD800BB, I was all set. When I called back, I asked for him, and he took care of me wonderfully.
And btw, the oem & the retail drive were the same drive, just no box & cable on the oem. Both with 3 year warranty. Grey market items DO NOT have to be the same item as those meant for our market. I did not read the thread on the camera, but I used to sell auto parts and that gives me my own perspective on "What is Grey market"?
At least as concerns automobiles, a grey market model vs a US market model can be like night & day! When the guy comes in looking for parts for his grey market Mercedes, you automatically know that it may bear almost no resemblence to the corresponding US model. Different body, engine, exhaust, etc. etc. etc......... Plus, Grey market autos must usually have extensive work performed on them just in order to meet emission requirements for the US market! I remember ordering a fender for an Audi, only to find out later that it was a grey market vehicle, & the fender was so different, it wouldn't even mount on the car.:disgust:
I do not know if it is the same for a camera. If a part breaks on the grey market model, is it the same as on the US version? Is the warranty the same? Maybe it really is the same as the US market equivalent, I can only relate to my experience with cars. As I said, I did not read the thread on the camera. But I did notice that it got locked! :Q
And a special thanks to the nice AMEX csr who helped me save an extra $44.99.