HDEW stopped stocking Nikon
Discussion
I recently brought a new DSLR Nikon and new lens from HDEW off the back of some reviews I read on PH of their prices and service, was now just going to look at another lens and they are no longer listing any Nikon items on their website, any ideas why?
Also, my new lens, a fixed 35mm, came with the 'security' seal already cut, the box had obviously been opened, should I be concerned it's not a brand new lens from the factory?
They say they do this to check the contents. I bought a D500 body from them; they said the box would be opened and it was. Shutter count zero so I'm happy and I got a great deal. The manual was a photocopy but they sent me a proper one later on. I think sometimes they buy cameras as kits with lenses and split them up which would also explain opened boxes. But a great seller IMHO.
As to why no Nikons, call and ask. Maybe Nikon are tightening their supply chain?
As to why no Nikons, call and ask. Maybe Nikon are tightening their supply chain?
At a guess it's Nikon tightening down on whoever their supplier is. They've always intrigued me, prices nearer those of HK suppliers (i.e. pre-VAT), they sell grey items (and hide that fact pretty well) yet a genuine UK presence and store. Knowing the margins of UK based retailers on cameras it's hard to see how it adds up.
I'm not sure how they manage it but it seems very manufacturer dependent, they've never stocked Fuji or Sony but stock Pentax, for example
I'm not sure how they manage it but it seems very manufacturer dependent, they've never stocked Fuji or Sony but stock Pentax, for example
Vintage Racer said:
Worth calling them though, as they had stopped listing the Nikon 200-500 a couple of months ago, but still found one for me.
When I wanted to buy a D500 it wasn't shown on their website. They said it was out of stock but more were expected in a week, and would I like to reserve one. I said yes; they warned me that the price might go up if the exchange rate changed. It did change - but down. I saved another £30. Now that's an honest seller.The answer I got from them:
"Our Nikon suppliers no longer sell any Nikon products, this is why they are no longer available on our website at the moment.
Unfortunately at this stage we do not have any information regarding future availability, but if we do get any Nikon stock it will go straight back onto the website.
All of the items we sell are brand new, however there are rare occasions when our lenses come through customs and they will be inspected and the seals broken, however the lenses would never have been used - this unfortunately is something that is out of our control.
We do import our stock from outside of the UK, however all of the products we sell are UK specification.
You will get a one year warranty which covers you for mechanical faults, breakdown, parts and labour and this will be repaired in the UK through a Nikon Repair agent."
ukaskew said:
They've always intrigued me, prices nearer those of HK suppliers (i.e. pre-VAT), they sell grey items (and hide that fact pretty well) yet a genuine UK presence and store. Knowing the margins of UK based retailers on cameras it's hard to see how it adds up.
Agreed. They provide a seemingly proper VAT receipt, but I simply can't see how they make any money.EDIT: I had to specifically ask for a VAT receipt (in 2015) - Not sure if they still do this .
Edited by silentbrown on Wednesday 13th June 10:09
Simpo Two said:
It seems a bit harsh to want what's effectively a non-VAT price, then ask for a VAT receipt so you can get another 20% off, then wonder how they make any money!
I might be misunderstanding your post, but surely if they're a business in the U.K. and selling product to U.K. customers, then surely they're VAT registered (I imagine they've a large turnover) so would be legally obliged to always provide a VAT receipt?Simpo Two said:
Not necessarily; supermarkets and department stores are VAT registered but don't give you a VAT receipt.
I don't reclaim VAT any more so it makes no difference to me!
Maybe you don't understand how VAT works? Department stores etc have no choice about charging you VAT, and passing that on to HMRC. Standard till receipts may not show VAT but you can always ask for one that does. Asking for a VAT receipt shouldn't affect how the business handles VAT (although I seem to recall PC world doing something pretty shonky with this)I don't reclaim VAT any more so it makes no difference to me!
Lexual said:
The answer I got from them:
"We do import our stock from outside of the UK, however all of the products we sell are UK specification."
I know that bit isn't true at all. I had to return a d500 I bought from them as the GPS function was disabled in the camera just like on the Chinese models."We do import our stock from outside of the UK, however all of the products we sell are UK specification."
silentbrown said:
Maybe you don't understand how VAT works? Department stores etc have no choice about charging you VAT, and passing that on to HMRC. Standard till receipts may not show VAT but you can always ask for one that does. Asking for a VAT receipt shouldn't affect how the business handles VAT (although I seem to recall PC world doing something pretty shonky with this)
I was VAT-registered for 20 years. The question was not about charging VAT but about issuing VAT receipts, and that is the point I made.If HDEW are pulling fast ones that's for them to worry about, not the customers.
Simpo Two said:
If HDEW are pulling fast ones that's for them to worry about, not the customers.
Well, not quite. Buried in the T&Cs they make it quite clear that you (the individual buyer) are the importer. HDEW just act as an import agent. It's very, very unlikely to be an issue but at the same time their prices are l at least 20% lower than any fully UK based supplier of genuine UK products, so make of that what you will.The waters are really muddied by them appearing to be a fully UK based operation, but the T&Cs are essentially no different to that of one of the HK suppliers such as Panamoz.
ukaskew said:
Well, not quite. Buried in the T&Cs they make it quite clear that you (the individual buyer) are the importer. HDEW just act as an import agent. It's very, very unlikely to be an issue but at the same time their prices are l at least 20% lower than any fully UK based supplier of genuine UK products, so make of that what you will.
The waters are really muddied by them appearing to be a fully UK based operation, but the T&Cs are essentially no different to that of one of the HK suppliers such as Panamoz.
That makes it sound as if any VAT/import duty is down to the buyer. Interesting. Not sure how that would hold up if HMRC had a mind to look, but if it gets us cheap camera gear with great service let's not look the gift horse too closely in the mouth.The waters are really muddied by them appearing to be a fully UK based operation, but the T&Cs are essentially no different to that of one of the HK suppliers such as Panamoz.
Simpo Two said:
ukaskew said:
Well, not quite. Buried in the T&Cs they make it quite clear that you (the individual buyer) are the importer. HDEW just act as an import agent. It's very, very unlikely to be an issue but at the same time their prices are l at least 20% lower than any fully UK based supplier of genuine UK products, so make of that what you will.
The waters are really muddied by them appearing to be a fully UK based operation, but the T&Cs are essentially no different to that of one of the HK suppliers such as Panamoz.
That makes it sound as if any VAT/import duty is down to the buyer. Interesting. Not sure how that would hold up if HMRC had a mind to look, but if it gets us cheap camera gear with great service let's not look the gift horse too closely in the mouth.The waters are really muddied by them appearing to be a fully UK based operation, but the T&Cs are essentially no different to that of one of the HK suppliers such as Panamoz.
Please note that by making a purchase on this website you will be acting as the importer of the product for all purposes including all customs regulations,copyright and trademark laws.You accept that the role of HDEW Cameras is limited to sourcing products and making them available for you to import directly from the country of origin.By purchasing a product through this website you authorise us to make arrangements for clearance of customs on your behalf for the products you have ordered
See here https://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/terms.asp
Probably have to be tested in a court to know who is actually liable for VAT/Duty etc (assuming it has not been paid on your behalf by HDEW at time of importation)
DavidY said:
Probably have to be tested in a court to know who is actually liable for VAT/Duty etc (assuming it has not been paid on your behalf by HDEW at time of importation)
That's my guess. Perhaps we had better stop posting about it just in case HMRC can use Google...And if HDEW has paid it it rather rips apart their T&Cs!
I never spotted it, but then, who reads the small print? I send money, I get a camera. Simples.
I've purchased quite a bit of Canon stuff from HDEW and have never had a problem with packaging being opened inside the box, always got a great deal, and always found the service (both on the phone asking questions as well as turnaround for orders) to be just excellent. I find the OP's comments a bit strange given my experiences with them.
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