Hong Kong dealers on Ebay, Any good ?
Discussion
Having just returned to Motor sport photography after 40 years, I have bought a load of kit of different sites on E Bay. These were all UK based and have been great.
But there are many HK sites with very cheap gear, All add the proviso that they will be sent as gifts for customs sake.
Have any of you had any success with these HK companies?
But there are many HK sites with very cheap gear, All add the proviso that they will be sent as gifts for customs sake.
Have any of you had any success with these HK companies?
Several of us have used them, and in every case to my knowledge the lens turned up with appropriate 'dodgy' reciept and we've all saved some money. I guess there is always the chance that there will be a problem, and that's when being HK bassed you might end up 'without a paddle'.
Tis a gamble, but not as risky as one might think.
Tis a gamble, but not as risky as one might think.
Good idea.
I was generally set against HK purchase risk but desperately wanted to try a fisheye on a recent trip. Choices included:
Buying secondhand (my usual route)
Buying new in GB
Waiting and buying in the US (although I had noted a general low stock in major stores and expected that the little local stores might not stock it)
....or going HK, which I did. Second cheapest option (to s/hand) but I was surprised that it turned up so quickly and has performed as well as expected. I probably wouldn't risk it for a £000's item, but for a circa £300 punt.....
I was generally set against HK purchase risk but desperately wanted to try a fisheye on a recent trip. Choices included:
Buying secondhand (my usual route)
Buying new in GB
Waiting and buying in the US (although I had noted a general low stock in major stores and expected that the little local stores might not stock it)
....or going HK, which I did. Second cheapest option (to s/hand) but I was surprised that it turned up so quickly and has performed as well as expected. I probably wouldn't risk it for a £000's item, but for a circa £300 punt.....
I've used a few HK peeps on ebay for camera gear over the years, main one from memory was something like kea-photo or something similar - I've picked up lenses, speedlight flash, batteries, filters, grip etc from them and hand on heart have never had a problem with them at all, but I always weigh up the price saving V chances of a problem before choosing to go for it.
You also have the possibility of import tax but most of the main HK outfits try their best to get it through customs at no cost to you by using the old "gift" box and putting the value as next to nothing on the customs declaration...
You also have the possibility of import tax but most of the main HK outfits try their best to get it through customs at no cost to you by using the old "gift" box and putting the value as next to nothing on the customs declaration...
Edited by baz7175 on Tuesday 8th January 14:52
bramley said:
I spent a grand with eBay shop "urgalaxy" and could not fault the service. I've used a couple of others for smaller purchases too and never had a problem.
Search comes up with nowt...you sure?Edit...cancel that, ebay search is crap
Edited by mybrainhurts on Tuesday 8th January 17:07
Just to keep the balance, there is also the possibility that goods will not arrive once paid for.
This could be down to dubious sellers, but far more likely to be down to dodgy delivery agents (I'll leave exactly who to your imagination!).
I had a problem with non-delivery of items from HK and unfortunately I had to give the seller negative feedback to get their attention.
In the end i did get my money back but it was painful and for the amount I would have saved - I certainly won't be bothering again.
This could be down to dubious sellers, but far more likely to be down to dodgy delivery agents (I'll leave exactly who to your imagination!).
I had a problem with non-delivery of items from HK and unfortunately I had to give the seller negative feedback to get their attention.
In the end i did get my money back but it was painful and for the amount I would have saved - I certainly won't be bothering again.
just buy from kerso. Save yourself the hassle of
a) wondering whether it will disappear in the 4000 miles it has to travel to you
b) you get hit with import tax (6%) and VAT on top of that!
c) know that it's already in the UK
d) Know that it's almost as cheap as NY/HK
e) are able to claim a rebate in the applicable periods.
Up to you, but I'd rather give the money to a reputable guy who is a known quantity!
Though it's not my money!
Whichever way, you should get a bargain!
Cheers
Andy
a) wondering whether it will disappear in the 4000 miles it has to travel to you
b) you get hit with import tax (6%) and VAT on top of that!
c) know that it's already in the UK
d) Know that it's almost as cheap as NY/HK
e) are able to claim a rebate in the applicable periods.
Up to you, but I'd rather give the money to a reputable guy who is a known quantity!
Though it's not my money!
Whichever way, you should get a bargain!
Cheers
Andy
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff