Buying on eBay from Hong Kong
Discussion
I've recently ordered a couple of lenses from them, and while one turned up after 3 days, the other is still AWOL. I've not had any mail from them confirming shipping (which they state that they send), and they haven't yet replied to a mail asking for an update on where my lens is, as they claim shipping will take 2 days.
They do provide a UK phone number to call, however I spent about 1 1/2 hours on hold today, and didn't get an answer.
The lens I did get is fine, however the box was a bit tatty, had been opened, and is missing the warranty card. It does look brand new though. It was also shipped from Colchester, and not HK!
They are very cheap, however I'm a bit dubious as to how they get their prices so low, and in my experience so far, their customer service is not great.
They do provide a UK phone number to call, however I spent about 1 1/2 hours on hold today, and didn't get an answer.
The lens I did get is fine, however the box was a bit tatty, had been opened, and is missing the warranty card. It does look brand new though. It was also shipped from Colchester, and not HK!
They are very cheap, however I'm a bit dubious as to how they get their prices so low, and in my experience so far, their customer service is not great.
simpo two said:I just got a 50mm macro from Speedlevin too - things must've changed 'cos he does indeed accept PayPal. It was marked as a "test" unit (I didn't subsequently receive any Custom/VAT duties) and it came in three days. Item was brand new, the box was perfect and everything was in it.
I got my SB800 from Speedlevin, also in HK. They don't take PayPal so I had to open an account with Money bookers, but the goods arrived on time and the box was marked 'A gift for my friend' - hence no duty
stringer_m said:
I've brought from Digital-Rev; 1 Canon 1d Mk II - arrived in 24 hours, 1 Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS arrived in 10 days and I had to pay VAT which I was expecting.
Personally I can't fault them, communication was good although bear in mind they are something like 9 hours ahead.
I would never buy kit like that off eBay. The two biggest expenditures in my kit (my D70 and my 70-200 VR) were bought locally from UK shops. What if it went wrong? Wouldn't fancy having to return it to HK and then deal with those guys.
As it happens, my 70-200 DID go wrong, and all I had to do was take it back to Jessops for an instant no-questions-asked straight swap.
Small things life CF cards, filters and minor lenses I'd buy off eBay with no reservations, but I'll leave the big stuff to you folks with more balls than me.
I tried calling again this morning, and got through to them straight away, plus they also replied to my mail today too so communication is OK once you take into account that even though they offer support during UK business hours, you'll get more joy if you call during HK working hours. It turns out that the lens is still at East Midlands airport due to a UPS cockup 
I didn't even consider ordering my 1Ds body from abroad due to warranty issues, but as the lenses are covered by an international warranty, it's not so much of an problem if they develop a fault.
I didn't even consider ordering my 1Ds body from abroad due to warranty issues, but as the lenses are covered by an international warranty, it's not so much of an problem if they develop a fault.
ehasler said:
but as the lenses are covered by an international warranty, it's not so much of an problem if they develop a fault.
Although I've heard that 'international warranty' can mean that you have to return it to the country of sale... which isn't very helpful! Worth checking the small print.
simpo two said:Not in Canon's case, but I don't know about other manufacturers. Canon bodies have a US, European or Far East warranty, which means that if you buy one with a US warranty for example, you will have to return it to the US.
but as the lenses are covered by an international warranty, it's not so much of an problem if they develop a fault.
Although I've heard that 'international warranty' can mean that you have to return it to the country of sale... which isn't very helpful! Worth checking the small print.
The international warranties with their lenses mean you can return it to a repair centre in your own country regardless of where you purchased the lens.
ehasler said:
...which means that if you buy one with a US warranty for example, you will have to return it to the US.
ehasler said:Eh?
The international warranties with their lenses mean you can return it to a repair centre in your own country regardless of where you purchased the lens.
Which one is it (and I'm not trying to be rude/funny).
-DeaDLocK- said:I shall repeat myself
...which means that if you buy one with a US warranty for example, you will have to return it to the US.
ehasler said:
The international warranties with their lenses mean you can return it to a repair centre in your own country regardless of where you purchased the lens.
Eh?
Which one is it (and I'm not trying to be rude/funny).
Not in Canon's case, but I don't know about other manufacturers. Canon bodies have a US, European or Far East warranty, which means that if you buy one with a US warranty for example, you will have to return it to the US.
The international warranties with their lenses mean you can return it to a repair centre in your own country regardless of where you purchased the lens.
I've always bought my lenses from the US with
www.adorama.com
They ship UPS and the savings are considerable, memory cards are roughly 50% of the UK price.
I bought my bodies here in the UK as the warranties are not worldwide.
www.adorama.com
They ship UPS and the savings are considerable, memory cards are roughly 50% of the UK price.
I bought my bodies here in the UK as the warranties are not worldwide.
www.17photo.com/support.asp
always look good, yet to try them tho so anyone who has, feedback please
they look to be cheaper than digital rev too, even with the duty added.
always look good, yet to try them tho so anyone who has, feedback please
they look to be cheaper than digital rev too, even with the duty added.
HankScorpio said:
This scares me...
"Upon completion of your order online, please email or fax us a copy of both sides of your credit card, along with photo ID. We must receive your identification documents within 24 hours to avoid cancellation of your order."
If that's Digital-rev, run, don't walk, away.
A friend of mine ordered a lens and flash from them, only got the lens. They were adament both had been shipped together, even though he took photos of the packing materials proving this couldn't be true. Eventually he got refunded by his CC company, after 4 months.
Ordered my Canon EF 75-300mm IS USM lens from eBay/Hong Kong Friday night, email Monday to say been shipped via DHL, arrived today, with no VAT or Duty to pay - they use a clever idea on the packaging to negate customs payment
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7508810148&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1
Not much chance when I got home to take pics, but here's one of the 6 I did get - superb lens
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7508810148&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1
Not much chance when I got home to take pics, but here's one of the 6 I did get - superb lens
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff