Unauthorized resellers

demingm
demingm Posts: 12
edited January 2006 in Electronics
I was wondering what people's thoughts were on authorized resellers. I'm looking to buy a HK AVR 635, and after doing some research online I found a really good deal on a site, but they are not an authorized reseller. It states on the website that the equipment is new and comes with the warranty (I realize that HK has the right to not honor this if purchased from an unauthorized reseller) but I'm a little skeptical. The sight I found it on was etronics.com, I was wondering if anyone had ever purchased from them in the past. The price just seems way too low and that is why I wanted to see everyone's opinion on the matter. Thanks.
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  • Skynut
    Skynut Posts: 2,967
    edited January 2006
    I don't know about them but i have bought from unauthorized sellers before.
    I have got killer deals compared to authorized dealers and so far I have not had to have any work done so no warrenty worries.
    It is kinda nerve wrecking to wait for it to show up and not be some chinese knockoff.
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  • Pablo
    Pablo Posts: 723
    edited January 2006
    I don't know about HK, but Denon states right on there site that they WILL NOT honor warrenties from unauthorized dealers (so you may want to look into if you're going to spend a couple of bucks).
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  • GZ
    GZ Posts: 343
    edited January 2006
    It's a gamble. Sure, you might save some $$ by going the unauthorized reseller route, and whatever you buy might work fine for years never needing any warranty work. It happens all the time. BUT, what if it craps out in a month? Then what do you do? Inexpensive component - maybe ok, but personally I wouldn't shell out say $800 on a reciever from an unauthorized reseller. FWIW, even if it costs a little more, I like the peace of mind that if something goes wrong with a major purchase there will be some place that will offer the service/support to fix it. Just my opinion.
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited January 2006
    I have bought a few items from etronics.com, excellent service, always double boxed, and always arives in two days.

    As far as the warranty, check your state laws. In most states, it is not legal to dishonor a warranty because it was not bought from an authorized seller, as long as it was new, intended for the U.S. market, and you have the reciept.

    How do you suppose etronics gets all that "unauthorized" gear? They buy it direct from the same distributers other dealers do. Sometimes they get it direct from the manufacturer. The manufacturer has no right to tell you where to purchase your gear.
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited January 2006
    I've had good luck with etronics to. Quick ship and a great price.
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited January 2006
    Have you checked www.harmanaudio.com? They sell refurbished HK with warranty and their CS is great also.
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited January 2006
    It's $50 more at Harmon for a refurb, than it is for a new one at etronics.
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited January 2006
    Well, I would pay those $50 more just to have the warranty..but that's just me :)
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited January 2006
    It has a warranty, see description:

    http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=haravr635
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2006
    WilliamM2 wrote:
    It has a warranty, see description:

    http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=haravr635

    Just because Etronics says it has a USA warranty doesn't mean it is a Harman Kardon warranty. I do not believe they are an authorized dealer for ANY of the major brands. Call or e-mail Harman Kardon and they will tell you whether someone is authorized or not.

    http://www.harmankardon.com/online_retailers.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG
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  • StopherJJ1980
    StopherJJ1980 Posts: 267
    edited January 2006
    What happens when you buy Polk gear from unauthorized sellers? I have gotten some off of eBay and the warranty cards and serial numbers do not come with the speakers. Do the sellers open the boxes and remove them?
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  • speakergeek
    speakergeek Posts: 555
    edited January 2006
    StopherJJ1980 wrote:
    What happens when you buy Polk gear from unauthorized sellers? I have gotten some off of eBay and the warranty cards and serial numbers do not come with the speakers. Do the sellers open the boxes and remove them?


    I bet that stuff is hot (stolen).
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited January 2006
    Do the sellers open the boxes and remove them?

    Some dealers will buy larger quantities than they can sell, to get a better price break from Polk. They sell the excess to unauthorized dealers. They remove the serial numbers so that Polk can not trace the speakers back to the authorized dealer.
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  • Toxis
    Toxis Posts: 5,116
    edited January 2006
    WilliamM2 wrote:
    I have bought a few items from etronics.com, excellent service, always double boxed, and always arives in two days.

    As far as the warranty, check your state laws. In most states, it is not legal to dishonor a warranty because it was not bought from an authorized seller, as long as it was new, intended for the U.S. market, and you have the reciept.

    How do you suppose etronics gets all that "unauthorized" gear? They buy it direct from the same distributers other dealers do. Sometimes they get it direct from the manufacturer. The manufacturer has no right to tell you where to purchase your gear.
    really? Thats the first I've ever heard this. Probably because I'm listening to the companies in question and not some joe-blow in the back of a white van. Legally, a company can even turn down a warranty on a product purchased at an authorized dealer if they see fit. You honestly think companies are going to take care of everyone who buys their products? Buy a sony product, have it go bad and tell me your new opinion. I love sony TVs but I hope to god I never have an issue.
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited January 2006
    really? Thats the first I've ever heard this. Probably because I'm listening to the companies in question and not some joe-blow in the back of a white van.

    You go ahead and listen to the manufacturers, or joe-blow for all I care. I will go by my state's laws.

    In every warranty statement I have ever read, for any product, the following statement, or something very similar is included:

    " THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. "

    Why do you suppose that's there? Like I said check your state laws.
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  • minime
    minime Posts: 42
    edited January 2006
    I bought some audio equipment form etronics and just to let you no they won't refund your money if something is wrong with the unit they fix there audio equipment there and in my case i had to send it back 3 times before it was fixed and it took 3 mo's everytime i sent it back. I will never buy nothing from this company and the reason i bought it in the first place was the low price...
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