Why such discrepencies between prices on various sites?

snapsnap1973 · Jan 25, 2013

How can some sites afford to sell Nikon 18-105 for $239 while others are selling for $399, is there a catch? Can all sites be trusted? The lens for $239 says, it has ED AF-S VR etc.

Thanks

Derrel · Jan 25, 2013

"If it sounds too good to be true...rest assured, if it's an internet-era camera/electronics seller-IT IS A SCAM!"

amolitor · Jan 25, 2013

There are so-called grey-market products, which typically have a lame warranty for some technical reasons.

There are refurbished products.

There are places which make up for a somewhat lower price with somewhat higher shipping and handling.

Probably another dozen reasons for variability, but these are some major ones.

rexbobcat · Jan 25, 2013

If you're referring to the amazing deals on EBay...look at where the item is coming from.

I'll bet you $100 that it's coming from Hong Kong.

jake337 · Jan 25, 2013

At $399 you can get a 80-200mm f2.8 push/pull in E condition. You can get a used 18-105 for around $200 used.

KmH · Jan 25, 2013

snapsnap1973 said:
The lens for $239 says, it has ED AF-S VR etc.

Says where?
New? Used? Refurbished? Stolen?

SCraig · Jan 25, 2013

Take note of whether or not it is a USA model or a "Grey Market" model. Grey Market is perfectly legal, however they are not sold through Nikon USA but rather Nikon Europe or Nikon Asia or some other regional Nikon facility and then imported to the USA. They normally cost quite a bit less, however Nikon USA will NOT repair them under warranty. In most cases (many cases? some cases?) the seller will provide a warranty equal to the manufacturer's warranty, but you need to verify that before purchasing.

jrizal · Jan 25, 2013

Derrel said:
"If it sounds too good to be true...rest assured, if it's an internet-era camera/electronics seller-IT IS A SCAM!"

I would emphasize on this one. I too was amazed by the amazing deals that can be found on the net. But upon doing a check on the sites, my findings on these sellers had unfavorable reviews. And that it's best to shop elsewhere.

Also, to add to what amolitor mentioned these can also be grey market or factory refurbs. There's nothing wrong with them except for the warranty concerns. In the case of refurbs, there is usually only 90 days warranty (and not only for cameras and lenses). Grey market lenses often have a one year store warranty. This is a far cry from the five year total (extended) warranty Nikon USA offers. Also, AFAIK Nikon is supposed offer only one year for grey market lenses globally. My European grey market Nikkor lens has a warranty slip that states I can avail of warranty service with Nikon USA listed as one of the service centers. But I have read somewhere that Nikon USA does not even accept grey market items even if the customer is willing to pay at full price for repair. (Somebody may want to further elaborate on this though.)

The general catch when finding a good deal on the net (for all items) is still caveat emptor. Always do your homework before buying anything.

PS It seems SCraig already confirmed Nikon USA's policy about grey market items even before I made this post.

oldhippy · Jan 25, 2013

Wanted to buy a camera. Found a excessily low price. Several hundred lower from a New York store, When I called because they restricted online purchases,
Well they said the camera was correct price. but the battery ect would be a few hundred more. Well I said then just sell me the camera, at which they said.
Sorry out of stock, we'll call you in a few weeks to a month.. Thats why I buy from only a few well trusted sites..Ed

KmH · Jan 25, 2013

U.S. & Grey Market Products | B&H Photo Video

In most of the rest of the world Nikon warranties a Nikon lens for 1 year.

Here in the US for Nikon lenses that have a US serial number, if you register your new lens with Nikon, Nikon adds 4 additional years to the warranty.

Patrice · Jan 25, 2013

KmH said:
5 years up here in Canuck Land

jrizal · Jan 25, 2013

oldhippy said:
Wanted to buy a camera. Found a excessily low price. Several hundred lower from a New York store, When I called because they restricted online purchases,
Well they said the camera was correct price. but the battery ect would be a few hundred more. Well I said then just sell me the camera, at which they said.
Sorry out of stock, we'll call you in a few weeks to a month.. Thats why I buy from only a few well trusted sites..Ed

This is what I've noticed firsthand. Personally I'd stick to the "usual" camera sites such as B&H, Adorama, Cameta, even Amazon and KEH for used gear. eBay I've noticed is a hit or miss though camera vendors such as Cameta have an eBay store. Also it doesn't hurt to look for deals from the usual B&M stores such as BestBuy, Walmart, Costco, Fry's, etc. But often they usually sell bundled packages. Lastly, Newegg also comes out with deals from time to time. Again, do you homework before actually buying. Wishing you the best in whatever you plan to purchase.

Josh66 · Jan 25, 2013

snapsnap1973 said:
Can all sites be trusted?

Not just no, but **** no.

There are a ton of sites that exist for the sole purpose of separating you from your money. Shop at reputable sites (B&H, Adorama, etc), and check Reseller Ratings for any sites you're not familiar with.

Josh66 · Jan 25, 2013

oldhippy said:
Wanted to buy a camera. Found a excessily low price. Several hundred lower from a New York store, When I called because they restricted online purchases,
Well they said the camera was correct price. but the battery ect would be a few hundred more. Well I said then just sell me the camera, at which they said.
Sorry out of stock, we'll call you in a few weeks to a month.. Thats why I buy from only a few well trusted sites..Ed

Classic bait & switch scam. If the price is too good to believe, this is exactly what you can expect.

jrizal · Jan 26, 2013

snapsnap1973 said:
How can some sites afford to sell Nikon 18-105 for $239 while others are selling for $399, is there a catch? Can all sites be trusted? The lens for $239 says, it has ED AF-S VR etc.

Thanks