Imported 'Grey' Nikon Equipment

[mikeng]

Was recently approached by someone who was offering Nikon equipment, body and lens at good prices, at least 20-30% discount from the best offers from CP, AP, Lords, TCW etc. What's the catch? These sets are imported from overseas.
Would appreicate if any bros have any experience buying these 'grey' sets and if they have encountered problems with servicing locally. I understand that Nikon lens have international warranty.
Any comments or stories to share?

 

[Jed]

Grey items are basically parallel imports, and therefore will not be under warranty anywhere in the world. Unless it was pre-purchased in the country of original and the warranty sent in at the time, before being sold on to you. In which case in theory the warranty is non-transferrable so you wouldn't be covered either.

As to whether the company will service the item in question, it depends on the company's policy. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and country to country.

Also in situations like these you need to make sure that you are purchasing from a trustworthy source. Arriving grey and not from an official source you could be purchasing stolen goods, second hand goods masquerading as brand new grey, etc.