Parallel Import from TCW

[acidbyte]

I've bought a Sigma 70-300 from TCW on 17-July-2004, recently i has some problems with the lens so i brought it back to SIGMA for servicing. But when i got there with the receipt and warranty card, the SIGMA staff told me that my lens is a parallel import. I didn't purchase any grey set because it was off the shelf kind of purchase and i wasn't informed that it was a parallel import during that time. SIGMA said that if i continue with the servicing, it will be S$100.00. I called TCW and the sales lady told me that I SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM instead of SIGMA. And she said ALL their customers know that should be the way. I told her that i can't assume and am very unhappy to know that i've been holding to a parallel imported lens.

ANy advice on this issue or has anyone faced this problem with TCW. They assumed that i know that their SIGMA lenses have to be brought back to them for servicing.

 

[2100]

Actually, i don't see any problem with that. It's quite well known for stuff (esp if its Sigma) bought from TCW. It's like you bought a Toyota Altis from any dealer and bring it to Borneo Motors for warranty claim?

 

[John Teoh]

Maybe because I'm new to DSLR and I have heard about parallel import, I will ask the shop about the warrantry. This includes when I check with them about the SB800.

Cheers
John

 

[Teddman]

Well you still did the right step.
I would much rather the original people repaired the lens for me... and give me a fresh warranty at the end of the repair (which you pay for) than have TCW, which with all due respect, is not properly authorised by Sigma to repair it.

 

[acidbyte]

The sale person on the phone sounded like i was at fault and ask me how come i brought it SIGMA and not back to TCW. Looks like i have to make another trip down to TCW and it won't be pleasant. Guess i won't dare to buy anything from them after this experience, who knows, all their other stuff could even be parallel imports.

 

[RossChang]

TCW is reknown to do parallel imports. Generally these stuff are *Slightly* cheaper than those with full warranty. I guess next time you should ask before buying?... never assume.

 

[acidbyte]

TCW is reknown to do parallel imports. Generally these stuff are *Slightly* cheaper than those with full warranty. I guess next time you should ask before buying?... never assume.

Well, it was my first time getting a lens from a shop, which happens to be TCW. You mean i have to check with the shop if their stock is parallel import before i purchase them? I think that is unfair for consumers. Regarding the *slightly* cheaper, so what happen to those who don't check prices and make their first purchase from TCW, does that mean they have to go around comparing prices and discover that TCW is *slightly* cheaper. This is just my opinion to this issue. No hard feelings.

 

[Helbreath]

The sale person on the phone sounded like i was at fault and ask me how come i brought it SIGMA and not back to TCW. Looks like i have to make another trip down to TCW and it won't be pleasant. Guess i won't dare to buy anything from them after this experience, who knows, all their other stuff could even be parallel imports.

Yes you are right, most if not all stuff there are parallel import(gray). But they do provide a 1 year 'shop' warranty on all new purchases.

 

[scud]

is parallel import = grey set?
if yes, how come there is a warranty card?
if i have a warranty card for my goods, can i safely say that my goods are original?

as based on what AB highlighted, i will also be thinking that i'm holding an original goods if warranty card is available. so, it is normal for me to go back to their service center.

 

[billpepsi]

I've bought a Sigma 70-300 from TCW on 17-July-2004, recently i has some problems with the lens so i brought it back to SIGMA for servicing. But when i got there with the receipt and warranty card, the SIGMA staff told me that my lens is a parallel import.

Since it comes with the warranty, be it camera or lenses, how can we tell it is a gray set?

 

[billpepsi]

Yes you are right, most if not all stuff there are parallel import(gray). But they do provide a 1 year 'shop' warranty on all new purchases.

But for faulty lenses, where do they send to for repair???

 

[acidbyte]

According to TCW, they claimed that they have their own "technician" to service the lens. That's why they are asking me to send it back to them instead of SIGMA.

 

[arttl]

From what I understand (and as an owner of a grey lens), GREY SETS DO NOT COME WITH WARRENTY CARD. So I do not know where your warrenty card comes from. :think:

If you are member of Nikon Professional Service (NPS), they don't bother whether your equipment is grey or not, as long as they are registered with them.

 

[sumball]

Please could someone be kind enuff to let me know that what does it mean by parallel import? Does it mean parallel import good is imported by someone parallelly but not the authorised agent? Isn't this consider as grey set? ME really CONFUSED.

 

[acidbyte]

So since mine has a warranty card, can i ASSUME or SAY, my lens is not a grey set? Which means i have to go back to Sigma for servicing and not TCW.

 

[Restless]

hmm.. how do u be a member of NPS?

don't see anything on the nikon website about it..

does it cost much a year?

 

[acidbyte]

WHen i had to bring my Nikon D70 for servicing, i went back to Nikon so naturally if there is a HQ here in Singapore like SIGMA, i would bring my SIGMA lens back to them for servicing, why would i bring it back to a reseller? Unless they have a CERTIFIED/QUALIFIED SIGMA technician sitting in TCW.

 

[billpepsi]

According to TCW, they claimed that they have their own "technician" to service the lens. That's why they are asking me to send it back to them instead of SIGMA.

BTW, what is the address of TCW? I want to check out from them who services their camera and lenses. And also be a little more kepo and check out their warranty cards.

 

[billpepsi]

According to TCW, they claimed that they have their own "technician" to service the lens. That's why they are asking me to send it back to them instead of SIGMA.

BTW, what is the address of TCW? I want to check out from them who services their camera and lenses. And also be a little more kepo and check out their warranty cards. Normally grey set doesn't have warranty cards so I'm surprise here.

 

[Helbreath]

Having the warranty card alone is not enough. It must have the local dealer's stamp on it to verify that it is a local set.