There was recently a forum topic that dealt with an apparant non-paying forum member that inspired me to share my story of trying to purchase a new grey import TV through a Gumtree advertiser with all of you so that you may make better choices than what I have made in attempting this transaction...
Two months ago I was propositioned to buy a TV via a (professional-looking) ad. I responded with an enquiry that was met with sufficient info including references. I didn't mind buying grey, as the model was serviceable by local repair agents. Markups by local retailers and the middlemen are large (they have to pay for those large shiny showrooms, infrastructure and ofcourse the salesmen that in my experience know less than most tech-savvy purchasers that have done a bit of homework) and thought to avoid them alltogether as I don't mind the repair cost if that arises...
The first email stated that stock of the item would be available in the next week. I paid the required deposit.
Fast forward 2 (two) months and I count a total of sixteen emails and I recall at least twice as many phonecalls in this time - most of which I had made.
Apparantly the shipment went missing, i was then quoted a higher price. Then the first shipment was found, but it was sent by ship and not plane. The latest is that the shipment was fake. This guy has now decided not to bring in TV's in any longer after being very successful and having brought in more than 300 sets.
I just recieved Payment notification of the returned deposit amount (that I paid to secure the purchase initially).
Point is, I knew what I was letting myself in for and took a calculated risk. In the end it was not worth it and I strongly urge you not to fall for the promises of garage-importers. Please do not read this as "all of them are bad"... The consumer protection act also (in a practical manner) does not apply to them - how do you take on a one man band? Even the good ones have little or no backup and use people's money to complete the transactions. When things go wrong, they go wrong in a big way.
I dealt with a company called ElectronicsDirect based in Fourways, run by a chap called Craig Weldhagen. I contemplated for a long time whether I should in fact post this here, but have decided to do so for your benefit. The idea is not to name and shame, but to inform and warn.
Two months ago I was propositioned to buy a TV via a (professional-looking) ad. I responded with an enquiry that was met with sufficient info including references. I didn't mind buying grey, as the model was serviceable by local repair agents. Markups by local retailers and the middlemen are large (they have to pay for those large shiny showrooms, infrastructure and ofcourse the salesmen that in my experience know less than most tech-savvy purchasers that have done a bit of homework) and thought to avoid them alltogether as I don't mind the repair cost if that arises...
The first email stated that stock of the item would be available in the next week. I paid the required deposit.
Fast forward 2 (two) months and I count a total of sixteen emails and I recall at least twice as many phonecalls in this time - most of which I had made.
Apparantly the shipment went missing, i was then quoted a higher price. Then the first shipment was found, but it was sent by ship and not plane. The latest is that the shipment was fake. This guy has now decided not to bring in TV's in any longer after being very successful and having brought in more than 300 sets.
I just recieved Payment notification of the returned deposit amount (that I paid to secure the purchase initially).
Point is, I knew what I was letting myself in for and took a calculated risk. In the end it was not worth it and I strongly urge you not to fall for the promises of garage-importers. Please do not read this as "all of them are bad"... The consumer protection act also (in a practical manner) does not apply to them - how do you take on a one man band? Even the good ones have little or no backup and use people's money to complete the transactions. When things go wrong, they go wrong in a big way.
I dealt with a company called ElectronicsDirect based in Fourways, run by a chap called Craig Weldhagen. I contemplated for a long time whether I should in fact post this here, but have decided to do so for your benefit. The idea is not to name and shame, but to inform and warn.
