B&H questions

Hiya,
Can anyone explain to me the whole "import" vs "USA" thing?

What does that really mean? I read in an article over here that imported means the store will only give out their guarantee because the product hasn't been through the US dealer. Is this correct, and what exactly does that mean for me as a customer?

Also, does anyone know how long it takes B&H to ship to San Antonio and Minneapolis? If something is faulty, who pays for the shipping back to B&H, and how long would it take me to get a replacement?

What else? Oh yeah, does one have to pay by card over the Net? Can it be done over phone or something? How does that work?

Thanks a bunch!
/Claire

It is really only really applicable to orders within the US, as all overseas orders could be considered imported.

The definition on the B&H site is where B&H as sourced them from, US means from Canon USA, Imported is from overseas, most probably Asia. There is no physical difference between the two in fact they are probably made in the same factory, just possibly warranty issues for those in the states.

I for one buy the imported ones, they are cheaper and it makes no difference to me as I am not in the US.

Yeah, Yeah, all of what FlyingPete said, plus:

There are some special hurdles for non-US buyers that want to use a credit card. I'm not exactly sure of all the particulars, but I'm sure someone from your side of the pond will chime in soon.

One other small point - B&H usually only handles USA bodies (new, that is), so they do not carry a new 300D or Digital Kiss. Perhaps that's where Canon draws the line.

Have Fun,

'Chime in'

Oh yeah, that, you will have to go through a credit card validation process on your first order, basically they will ask you to send an image of the front and back of the credit card, either by fax of email to them to prove you actually have it, also the delivery address has to be the same as the billing address of your credit card. Not sure if this is the first order only or not. They won't begin processing your order until you have completed this process.

Depends on the shipping option selected. If you opt for the 5-7 days shipping, that's how long it'll take. If you opt for the 2 days one, then it'll be two after after the day you placed the order. Weekend day do not count.

If you need to return an item, you will first need to contact B&H to get a return authorization number. I think you'll be responsible for the shipping and insurance but I'm not positive as I've never had to return anything to them yet.

If you want a replacement sent before they get your return, they can do that but they'll have to charge you for the item again. They'll credit you that amount when they receive the return.

You can call B&H and place the order by phone. That way, you don't have to worry about giving out your CC info over the net.

If you're not in the US get the imported version, because either way they need to be sent back to the states. The first time you order from them with a non-us credit card you have to email or fax a copy of both sides of your credit card - it prevents fraud. I've made several orders from them, and one return, and i've never had a problem with them.

Also, read this.

I hope I understand all this ok. It's late here, I might be misundestanding.

Tim, I should get the imported version because either way I have to send it back to the states? For return you mean? How does the warranty thing work if something goes wrong with the camera?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm considering buying a lens. I'm going to the US in April, and been toying with the idea of letting my friend in Texas place an order for me. He would then probably put the expense on his card and have it shipped to him. Then he can just give it to me when we meet in April. He'd rather not pay by card online, but prefers phone. Do they take cheques or other things btw?

I asked B&H on their live help if either their USA or Imported lenses came with an international warranty, and I was told no they don't. That means you need to return USA lenses to B&H or Canon for repair, and the imported lenses to B&H for repair.

You can order on the phone, i'm sure. I've used my credit card online for years and i've never had a single problem. If you have a card i'd just order using that and have it shipped to you. Alternately, you might consider using a local retailer, or an internet store in the EU, to reduce taxes and duties.

The lens I bought from them had an international warranty, it's a "US" lens eventhough I don't live in the US.

Tim,
Thanks for your reply. I thought of letting my friend do the ordering as I'm going to the US anyway (unless I decide to wait). As I wasn't sure of warranty issues I thought that might be easiest thing to do, as I could let him be the buyer. Also, I figured it might be cheaper for me if I let them ship the lens within the US instead of overseas. Yes, I'm cheap. LOL

He told me on Yahoo when I wrote the post that he'd rather not pay over the net, but prefers over phone. If they take US cheques, he'd probably go with that.

According to the article I read in a Swedish paper, I don't need to worry about taxes/duties if the lens cost under 1700Kr. If it's above that there's apparently a clause saying you can avoid the taxes/duties if you use the product right away.

Actually, I'm not very knowledgeable about warranties in general. What exactly would an international warranty cover? Would it mean I can just go to my local Canon dealer with the stuff? I still can though even if I don't have the international warranty, right? I mean, as soon as the warranty is out I'll have to get it fixed some place anyway...

Yep - international warranty means you can get it serviced for free by Canon in any country.

aam1234 - i'm just repeating what I was told when I asked them.

Oh well, if anything goes wrong within the warranty period I'd probably ship it to my friend and have him send it to B&H/Canon.

Thanks Tim.

You don't have to worry much Claire, I bought all my lenses from the US and all work fine. As a matter of fact I just ordered the 17-40 L yesterday from B&H (just received confirmation of shipment).

This puzzles me. How can you get B&H to take a US check over the phone?

B&H will take personal checks, but they will have to receive that by mail, and then they will have to wait a week for the check to clear the bank, and then they will think about beginning to process the order. Your friend will find that there are certain safeguards built into the credit card system. If you find that some retailer has cheated you, the credit card company can help you recover your money in some cases. With a check, you are on your own.

---Bob Gross---