Why The Price Difference?

[Phernamar]

A local dealer is offering the Denon DRA 697CI Receiver for $540.00, which is better than most online places, which offer it for $599.00. There is, however, an online dealer offering the identical piece for $399.00. They claim it's factory packaged, etc. Should I go for it? Any red flags waving out there? Seems strange to find it for 200 bucks less. I'm new at this and don't want to make a big mistake with my first gear purchase. Thanks for your help.

 

[Adam]

If it's important to you, be sure to check if they are an authorized dealer. Denon won't warranty anything that isn't bought through an authorized dealer. You can check on Denon's website for a list of authorized dealers.

FYI, some places may buy from an authorized dealer and have the product drop-shipped to you. This does not mean that they are an authorized dealer, however, and if they aren't - no manufacturer warranty. They may warranty the item themselves, though.

 

[rnatalli]

Which online dealer is it? People here have loads of experience with various online sellers.

 

[Phernamar]

It's called TheNerds.net. Ever heard of them?

I didn't know if I was allowed to mention the name.

 

[j_garcia]

If it's important to you, be sure to check if they are an authorized dealer. Denon won't warranty anything that isn't bought through an authorized dealer. You can check on Denon's website for a list of authorized dealers.

FYI, some places may buy from an authorized dealer and have the product drop-shipped to you. This does not mean that they are an authorized dealer, however, and if they aren't - no manufacturer warranty. They may warranty the item themselves, though.

This isn't true anymore:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33057&highlight=authorized+dealer

 

[rnatalli]

Never heard of thenerds.net Sorry... Here's the link from Denon's page:

http://www.usa.denon.com/OnlineETailers.asp

 

[jonnythan]

This isn't true anymore:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33057&highlight=authorized+dealer

I'm not sure you understand the decision there.

The manufacturers are now allowed to set minimum prices. The implication is that they can now go after the "unauthorized dealers" and enforce minimum pricing.

 

[GlocksRock]

did you check them out at resellerratings.com?

 

[j_garcia]

I'm not sure you understand the decision there.

The manufacturers are now allowed to set minimum prices. The implication is that they can now go after the "unauthorized dealers" and enforce minimum pricing.

It also means there is no such thing as restricting whether or not your product gets a warranty based on where you buy it though.

 

[Phernamar]

Wow - more confused than before. I asked the local authorized dealer about the price difference. He said there existed a real problem with gray market items and that it was conceivable I might be purchasing something counterfeit, perhaps made in Latin America. Geez.

 

[AbyssalLoris]

I went through that othe thread completely and it was very interesting. I've had many views/arguments for both sides and felt strongly about it too.

Anyway, what is the conclusion here? Will the manufacturer honor warranty from unauthorized dealers or not? Where is the minimum advertised price advertised?

So if I find this seller on ebay selling some AV product that he claims is new (in box and all with manufacturer warranty), what does that mean? I'm sure you are aware this price is usually lower than you can find in any big box store. Is the claim about the warranty true?

Sorry I just saw your last post j_garcia: if you're saying that manufacturer has to honor warranty regardless of dealer based upon a new ruling, then why do so many manufacturer websites (can't remember which ones, but true of many speaker makers) post the warning that products bought outside of authorized dealers will not have a valid warranty. Are they wrong or have they just not updated their sites?

 

[jonnythan]

Anyway, what is the conclusion here? Will the manufacturer honor warranty from unauthorized dealers or not?

Definitely not.

Where is the minimum advertised price advertised?[p

So if I find this seller on ebay selling some AV product that he claims is new (in box and all with manufacturer warranty), what does that mean? I'm sure you are aware this price is usually lower than you can find in any big box store. Is the claim about the warranty true?

The manufacturer will not give you a warranty. Whether you trust the seller to warranty the product is up to you.

Sorry I just saw your last post j_garcia: if you're saying that manufacturer has to honor warranty regardless of dealer based upon a new ruling,

Absolutely not the case.

 

[AbyssalLoris]

Well thanks, good to know. I'll keep an eye open for unauthorized vs authorized dealers. That is, if at all I decide I care about warranty. Normally I wouldn't worry much, but with electronics it is wiser to be cautious.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Wow - more confused than before. I asked the local authorized dealer about the price difference. He said there existed a real problem with gray market items and that it was conceivable I might be purchasing something counterfeit, perhaps made in Latin America. Geez.

What else would he tell you? A gray market item from Latin America? If anything, China.