Gray market

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?

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

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.

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.

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

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Originally Posted by EOSThree

The manual may be printed in something other than English.

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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

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Originally Posted by Frog

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

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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! :)