Online retailers, non UK sourced goods?

[silverhouse]

Hi all

I'm almost there in deciding to go for a Panasonic GS400 or GS250 but really need some help as to where to buy it from, this will then finalise my decision owing to my budget.

There seems to be a few online retailers who openly advertise the source of their stock is from europe, "grey market" I think the term is? Although they do state models as being UK spec, with the possible exception of 2 pin euro style plugs.
I would be interested to hear from anyone who may have purchased from one of these stores (ebuyer, purelygadgets, pixmania, to mention a few) as to whether there are any differences compared to the UK sourced models (technically or quality), any concerns with guarentees (the companies do say they offer a full 12month manufacturers guarenty) or any other problems that may have arisen.

I look forward to hearing of any of your experiences. Best wishes for 2005.

Simon

[silverhouse]

Best wishes for 2006 that should have been.
Simon

[lankor]

hi,

bought goods from purelygadgets.co.uk, from both their amazon marketplace platform and websites for a professional camcorder (sony FX1) to compact cameras (Pentax Optio Wpi)

In both cases, they are very good, the products is full UK specs with british plugs. The products are identical to British goods.

You will also receive a free 18 months extended warranty.

Great services on the phone and email. The order process was very smooth and was updated with the progress at all times.

One key point to take note is they used UPS for delivery and they are very reliable, as compared to citilink or parcelforce!
You can also pick up from their office in London.

Beware of piximania though as for RMA, you have to send it to France yourself and they don't come with any english manuals.

As for ebuyer, i always use them for computer equipments and they are very competitive priced for computer products. However, if you have any problems with your order, you may then be hopeless frustrated! They quoted 7 working days to reply to an email!


I would recommend Purelygadgets, for their great services and pricings.

[Bearded_Malc]

I've used pixmania and generally found them ok, if somewhat slow to respond. I was glad of their free 2yr waranty when my olympus developed a minor fault at just over 1yr old. Sending to France is not that expensive. Check out royalmail web site for airsure. AFAIR I paid under a tenner.

BTW another tip is to get a Nationwide Credit Card. Using that gives you an additional year's waranty for free (as long as you remember to register the purchase).