We check 1000's of prices everyday to try and bring you the best prices on our range of over 6,000 photographic products; sometimes we find a price that seems too good to be true, and oftern that's exactly what it is!
We deal only with stock that has been imported through official channels, and certified under strict EU safety standards. This means that all import duties due have been paid, and warranties are supported by manufacturers through their official european engineers (with whom we deal directly).
There are retailers who will ship products to customers in the Ireland from outside the EU, often while appearing to be based in the UK. If you buy a product from one of these sources you should be aware that there are risks associated with buying a "Grey Import". Grey imported goods are products sourced from outside the normal European distribution channels, usually from America or Asia, either shipped in directly to specific customers or imported in bulk for resale.
The potential pitfalls of buying a Grey Import
There are several potential drawbacks with buying a Grey Import:
- In virtually all cases the manufacturer will not support the standard warranty
- A grey import would not qualify for any additional warranty period offered by some manufacturers upon registration of the equipment.
- As they are not designed to be sold within Europe a grey import may:
- have a charger incompatible with Irish 230V electrical supply
- not have proper english instruction manuals or software disk
- not have an Irish three pin plug
- A grey import will not be eligible for any cashback or other promotions that are run by the manufacturers or official distributors.
- Sometimes manufacturers will not undertake chargeable repairs on grey imports at their official repair centres
- You can be liable for import duty and VAT on your purchase if shipped directly to you
- Some online grey-import retailers may leave you liable, and out of pocket, if the parcel goes missing in transit
- It will be more difficult, and perhaps impossible, to return an item which has a problem.
- You will not be protected by the "cooling off period" of 14 days allowed for under EU law.
Further Information: