Gray market

[schwagger]

How does a camera buyer know if they have purchased a "gray market" product? I thank all who posted about buying from places like Broadway and Prestige. But, how do you know if it's not the real deal?

[EOSThree]

It won't have a USA warranty card. The manual may be printed in something other than English.

[schwagger]

Thanks, EOS, for the reply. I did buy a camera from Broadway.........without knowing about their reputation. It came with a warranty card, and an English manual.........go figure.

[Frog]

The dealer will have an 'authorized dealer' tag somewhere on the site and if you can't find it, ask. If they come up with something like it has a usa warranty, that means it does not have a manufacturer warranty and the one they give is iffy at best.
Some good dealers will sell grey market but they tell you up front that that's what it is.

[Grandpaw]

When you try to register the camera with the manufacturer you won;t be able to complete registration if it is grey market, Jeff

[mtbbrian]

The manual may be printed in something other than English.

That or the manual will be a copy of the USA version, which is likely the case if you buy the item on EBay, etc...
Brian

[another view]

The dealer will have an 'authorized dealer' tag somewhere on the site and if you can't find it, ask.

Personally, I think I'd ask the manufacturer instead. I hope this transaction worked out well, and I have no experience with this seller - but in the future that would be my advice.

After reading some of the horror stories in the Camera Dealer Feedback forum on this site, I wouldn't put it past some of these places to say "oh, sure - we're an authorized dealer!". Authorized by who...? :idea:

I'm happy to report that my good local shop is now carrying Nikon. There's another one that's always had the line but I have no interest in dealing with that place. Support the (good) locals!