Question about marketing?

jmg257 · 05-10-2012, 06:54 AM

Originally posted by twilhelm

Also, I've yet to confirm that a "30" minute battery exists packaged with a camera.

Of course 30 minute batteries aren't packaged with cameras...not by the manufacturer anyway. The very notion that they are building their own "packages" where they can pick and choose what to send you is mind-boggling. Wonder if it will even come with a factory box, manual, CD, US AC charger, etc.? Also makes me curious about where they are getting those spare Pentax Li90 batteries (and kit lenses) to sell separately.

Last edited by jmg257; 05-10-2012 at 08:05 AM.

bobmaxja · 05-10-2012, 07:37 AM

No warranty card in the box anymore but if you ahave an international warranty in the box , it's a grey market

TaoMaas · 05-10-2012, 07:56 AM

Originally posted by Tatume

Back to my question, when it comes, how can I tell if it is an "authorized" camera, and not a "grey market" camera? For example, will a legitimate camera have a warranty card with a U.S. address?

Save yourself a lot of trouble and buy from B&H. They don't pull the "bait & switch" stuff. As you're finding out, even if you're able to pin down some of these shady dealers to a price, it usually ends up higher than B&H.

Rupert · 05-10-2012, 08:30 AM

When they mention that your camera or lens comes with an order of chips and tartar sauce....you know something is fishy.

Regards!

riff · 05-10-2012, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by Tatume

how can I tell if it is an "authorized" camera, and not a "grey market" camera?

I don't know, I've never bought a gray market camera. Back in the day gray market satellite tv receivers came will all the paper work in unopened boxes. I'd phone Pentax US and ask them.

Today is Thursday, still time to send that email, if this goes to dispute you will be very glad you did. Without the email its your word against theirs, not the position you want to be in.

Tatume · 05-10-2012, 12:55 PM

Hello Folks,

Today I received a UPS tracking number, and the camera is scheduled for delivery tomorrow, Friday 5/11/2012. Further, I called Pentax, and was told I should not be concerned. If it is a new camera, they said it will almost certainly be covered by the Pentax warranty. The fellow (Matt) said the only thing he would worry about if whether the literature is in English. If it's in English, it will be alright. Further, he said people can buy cameras overseas and ship them here for resale, and they will still carry the Pentax warranty.

At this time I asked if I could verify the camera is legitimate by registering it on the Pentax web site. He said no, that the product registration is only for marketing purposes.

I asked if he could verify the camera is legitimate if I call customer service with the serial number, and he said no, they don't keep a record of where cameras are shipped by serial numbers. He reassured me that I will receive a legitimate camera.

I asked about Ajrichies.com, and he said he didn't recognize the name, but it didn't raise any red flags.

He went on to say that if I have a problem, to call Pentax customer service and they will help me to resolve it.

Overall, I feel a lot better about the whole deal. Tomorrow when the package arrives I'll report my findings when I open the box. I'm still worried. Please wish me good fortune.

Thanks, Tom

jmg257 · 05-10-2012, 01:08 PM

Wow - that's surprisingly good news! That's the 1st I heard Pentax would warranty a grey market camera (NOT saying yours is, but Matt saying they wouldn't distinguish between them).

Also 1st time I heard that Pentax Imaging is just fine with other people shipping Pentax cameras they buy overseas here for resale (the very definition of "Grey Market"), or that they changed the warranty policy as listed on their web-site "...This warranty only applies to PENTAX photographic equipment originally distributed in the United States by PENTAX Imaging Company, 633 17th Street, Suite 2600, Denver, Colorado 80202".

Atleast you know you are getting your camera - THAT is what really matters! Enjoy!

Last edited by jmg257; 05-10-2012 at 01:22 PM.

Tatume · 05-10-2012, 01:22 PM

Hi JMG,

Well, he didn't exactly say they would warranty a grey market camera. He said he was nearly certain that it was not a grey market camera. Apparently, if it was sold in an English-speaking country they are alright with it. He said if the literature was in Chinese or French that I should be concerned.

I'm confused by the whole business. Anyway, the guy at Ajrichies was adamant (several times) that the camera carries a full Pentax warranty. And, they do advertise cameras that do not carry the Pentax warranty. BTW, I mentioned that to Matt also. He said he was very surprised that they would disclose that some of the new cameras do not have a warranty.

Matt at Pentax was very reassuring, in that he said he believes I was told the truth about getting a Pentax warranty. I really don't care about all the rest, as long as I get what I bought.

Thanks, Tom

TaoMaas · 05-10-2012, 01:24 PM

When you get your camera, check the packing slip to make sure it shows the price you agreed upon. I once had a dealer up the price by $300 over what we had agreed on at the time I placed my order.

Tatume · 05-10-2012, 01:26 PM

In fact, what Matt said to me is contradicted by information on the Pentax website. So, now I'm doubly confused.

PENTAX products originally distributed by PENTAX Imaging Company, 633 17th Street, Suite 2600, Denver, Colorado 80202, have a limited One-Year Warranty starting from the date of purchase. ... This warranty only applies to PENTAX photographic equipment originally distributed in the United States by PENTAX Imaging Company, 633 17th Street, Suite 2600, Denver, Colorado 80202

Tatume · 05-10-2012, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by TaoMaas

When you get your camera, check the packing slip to make sure it shows the price you agreed upon. I once had a dealer up the price by $300 over what we had agreed on at the time I placed my order.

I will do so immediately. Thank you for the reminder.

jmg257 · 05-10-2012, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by Tatume

Hi JMG,

Well, he didn't exactly say they would warranty a grey market camera. He said he was nearly certain that it was not a grey market camera. Apparently, if it was sold in an English-speaking country they are alright with it. He said if the literature was in Chinese or French that I should be concerned.

I'm confused by the whole business. Anyway, the guy at Ajrichies was adamant (several times) that the camera carries a full Pentax warranty. And, they do advertise cameras that do not carry the Pentax warranty. BTW, I mentioned that to Matt also. He said he was very surprised that they would disclose that some of the new cameras do not have a warranty.

Matt at Pentax was very reassuring, in that he said he believes I was told the truth about getting a Pentax warranty. I really don't care about all the rest, as long as I get what I bought.

Thanks, Tom

Aah - got ya about the manuals. Obviously ajrichies sells both - seems plenty of vendors do (B&H and Adorama freely admit to selling grey market items - it is NOT illegal and some people prefer the lower cost and availability); but you did buy and pay for a legit one so that will be what you get. (Besides - not sure how anyone would know if even Pentax USA doesn't - though surely they keep track of products they distribute? THAT is very strange and so suspect to me!).

Anyway - you'll be fine! Keep your receipt, check the 1st picture's EXIF for shutter count and build date, and then enjoy that K-5!!

Tatume · 05-10-2012, 04:25 PM

Originally posted by jmg257

check the 1st picture's EXIF for shutter count and build date,

How does one go about doing these things?

SuperK5 · 05-10-2012, 05:57 PM

These are the "Authorized" Pentax online retailers.

Find a PENTAX Retailer

jmg257 · 05-10-2012, 07:30 PM

Originally posted by Tatume

How does one go about doing these things?

You can download a program called PhotoMe. Open an image in it and it will display a database of info that gets stored with the image.

PhotoME - Exif, IPTC & ICC Metadata Editor

Exiv2 - Image metadata library and tools. Shows some of the data stored....serial number, build date, camera & exposure & picture info, etc etc

05-10-2012, 01:30 PM	#27
jmg257 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 202	Originally posted by Tatume Hi JMG, Well, he didn't exactly say they would warranty a grey market camera. He said he was nearly certain that it was not a grey market camera. Apparently, if it was sold in an English-speaking country they are alright with it. He said if the literature was in Chinese or French that I should be concerned. I'm confused by the whole business. Anyway, the guy at Ajrichies was adamant (several times) that the camera carries a full Pentax warranty. And, they do advertise cameras that do not carry the Pentax warranty. BTW, I mentioned that to Matt also. He said he was very surprised that they would disclose that some of the new cameras do not have a warranty. Matt at Pentax was very reassuring, in that he said he believes I was told the truth about getting a Pentax warranty. I really don't care about all the rest, as long as I get what I bought. Thanks, Tom Aah - got ya about the manuals. Obviously ajrichies sells both - seems plenty of vendors do (B&H and Adorama freely admit to selling grey market items - it is NOT illegal and some people prefer the lower cost and availability); but you did buy and pay for a legit one so that will be what you get. (Besides - not sure how anyone would know if even Pentax USA doesn't - though surely they keep track of products they distribute? THAT is very strange and so suspect to me!). Anyway - you'll be fine! Keep your receipt, check the 1st picture's EXIF for shutter count and build date, and then enjoy that K-5!! Last edited by jmg257; 05-10-2012 at 01:36 PM.

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05-10-2012, 06:54 AM	#16
jmg257 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 202	Originally posted by twilhelm Also, I've yet to confirm that a "30" minute battery exists packaged with a camera. Of course 30 minute batteries aren't packaged with cameras...not by the manufacturer anyway. The very notion that they are building their own "packages" where they can pick and choose what to send you is mind-boggling. Wonder if it will even come with a factory box, manual, CD, US AC charger, etc.? Also makes me curious about where they are getting those spare Pentax Li90 batteries (and kit lenses) to sell separately. Last edited by jmg257; 05-10-2012 at 08:05 AM.

05-10-2012, 07:37 AM	#17
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	No warranty card in the box anymore but if you ahave an international warranty in the box , it's a grey market

05-10-2012, 07:56 AM	#18
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	Originally posted by Tatume Back to my question, when it comes, how can I tell if it is an "authorized" camera, and not a "grey market" camera? For example, will a legitimate camera have a warranty card with a U.S. address? Save yourself a lot of trouble and buy from B&H. They don't pull the "bait & switch" stuff. As you're finding out, even if you're able to pin down some of these shady dealers to a price, it usually ends up higher than B&H.

05-10-2012, 08:30 AM	#19
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	When they mention that your camera or lens comes with an order of chips and tartar sauce....you know something is fishy. Regards!

05-10-2012, 11:35 AM	#20
riff Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,408	Originally posted by Tatume how can I tell if it is an "authorized" camera, and not a "grey market" camera? I don't know, I've never bought a gray market camera. Back in the day gray market satellite tv receivers came will all the paper work in unopened boxes. I'd phone Pentax US and ask them. Today is Thursday, still time to send that email, if this goes to dispute you will be very glad you did. Without the email its your word against theirs, not the position you want to be in.

05-10-2012, 12:55 PM	#21
Tatume Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Gloucester, Va. Posts: 76 Original Poster	Hello Folks, Today I received a UPS tracking number, and the camera is scheduled for delivery tomorrow, Friday 5/11/2012. Further, I called Pentax, and was told I should not be concerned. If it is a new camera, they said it will almost certainly be covered by the Pentax warranty. The fellow (Matt) said the only thing he would worry about if whether the literature is in English. If it's in English, it will be alright. Further, he said people can buy cameras overseas and ship them here for resale, and they will still carry the Pentax warranty. At this time I asked if I could verify the camera is legitimate by registering it on the Pentax web site. He said no, that the product registration is only for marketing purposes. I asked if he could verify the camera is legitimate if I call customer service with the serial number, and he said no, they don't keep a record of where cameras are shipped by serial numbers. He reassured me that I will receive a legitimate camera. I asked about Ajrichies.com, and he said he didn't recognize the name, but it didn't raise any red flags. He went on to say that if I have a problem, to call Pentax customer service and they will help me to resolve it. Overall, I feel a lot better about the whole deal. Tomorrow when the package arrives I'll report my findings when I open the box. I'm still worried. Please wish me good fortune. Thanks, Tom

05-10-2012, 01:08 PM	#22
jmg257 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 202	Wow - that's surprisingly good news! That's the 1st I heard Pentax would warranty a grey market camera (NOT saying yours is, but Matt saying they wouldn't distinguish between them). Also 1st time I heard that Pentax Imaging is just fine with other people shipping Pentax cameras they buy overseas here for resale (the very definition of "Grey Market"), or that they changed the warranty policy as listed on their web-site "...This warranty only applies to PENTAX photographic equipment originally distributed in the United States by PENTAX Imaging Company, 633 17th Street, Suite 2600, Denver, Colorado 80202". Atleast you know you are getting your camera - THAT is what really matters! Enjoy! Last edited by jmg257; 05-10-2012 at 01:22 PM.

05-10-2012, 01:22 PM	#23
Tatume Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Gloucester, Va. Posts: 76 Original Poster	Hi JMG, Well, he didn't exactly say they would warranty a grey market camera. He said he was nearly certain that it was not a grey market camera. Apparently, if it was sold in an English-speaking country they are alright with it. He said if the literature was in Chinese or French that I should be concerned. I'm confused by the whole business. Anyway, the guy at Ajrichies was adamant (several times) that the camera carries a full Pentax warranty. And, they do advertise cameras that do not carry the Pentax warranty. BTW, I mentioned that to Matt also. He said he was very surprised that they would disclose that some of the new cameras do not have a warranty. Matt at Pentax was very reassuring, in that he said he believes I was told the truth about getting a Pentax warranty. I really don't care about all the rest, as long as I get what I bought. Thanks, Tom

05-10-2012, 01:24 PM	#24
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	When you get your camera, check the packing slip to make sure it shows the price you agreed upon. I once had a dealer up the price by $300 over what we had agreed on at the time I placed my order.

05-10-2012, 01:26 PM	#25
Tatume Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Gloucester, Va. Posts: 76 Original Poster	In fact, what Matt said to me is contradicted by information on the Pentax website. So, now I'm doubly confused. PENTAX products originally distributed by PENTAX Imaging Company, 633 17th Street, Suite 2600, Denver, Colorado 80202, have a limited One-Year Warranty starting from the date of purchase. ... This warranty only applies to PENTAX photographic equipment originally distributed in the United States by PENTAX Imaging Company, 633 17th Street, Suite 2600, Denver, Colorado 80202

05-10-2012, 01:27 PM	#26
Tatume Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Gloucester, Va. Posts: 76 Original Poster	Originally posted by TaoMaas When you get your camera, check the packing slip to make sure it shows the price you agreed upon. I once had a dealer up the price by $300 over what we had agreed on at the time I placed my order. I will do so immediately. Thank you for the reminder.

05-10-2012, 04:25 PM	#28
Tatume Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Gloucester, Va. Posts: 76 Original Poster	Originally posted by jmg257 check the 1st picture's EXIF for shutter count and build date, How does one go about doing these things?

05-10-2012, 05:57 PM	#29
SuperK5 Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 92	These are the "Authorized" Pentax online retailers. Find a PENTAX Retailer

05-10-2012, 07:30 PM	#30
jmg257 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 202	Originally posted by Tatume How does one go about doing these things? You can download a program called PhotoMe. Open an image in it and it will display a database of info that gets stored with the image. PhotoME - Exif, IPTC & ICC Metadata Editor Exiv2 - Image metadata library and tools. Shows some of the data stored....serial number, build date, camera & exposure & picture info, etc etc