warranty question

[zwdb08]

what is a gray market warranty ? How is it different from a normal US warranty? I was thinking of buying my camera from the web and saving some money but wasnt sure about the different warranties etc...Is a gray market camera ,like an imitation? Thanks Bill B

[ratcheer]

No, it is not an imitation.

But, it was not intended to be sold in the country or region where it was sold. Certain distributors have contractual rights (and obligations) to sell a company's products in a given geographical area. If a retailer finds another wholesaler who will sell him cameras outside of the agreements, that merchandise is "gray market".

So, the merchandise does not have a decent waranty, because to a large degree, it is the authorized distributor who provides the warranty. You pay less for the same item, but you don't get the normal warranty because it came through the wrong sales channel.

I'm sure this is an over simplification, but I hope you get my drift.

Tim

[zwdb08]

would the mother company ,lets say nikon for example honor the warranty ? If not then gray market might not be a good way to go then. It seems to be my experience that most products survive past the warranty most of the time . Consumer reprots once said that products were designed to pass the warranty date ,and they dont beleive in extended warranties. Well maybe it isnt worth the savings to take the chance ,thanks for the info ..Bill B