People are often tempted to purchase grey imports, thinking that they are saving money by cutting out the authorised dealer. However, apart from the fact that you could be breaching copyright laws, there are many other reasons not to support grey imports. Comtest, official sole authorised distributor for Fluke products in southern Africa, explains further.
1. A grey product does not have a warranty from the authorised dealer.
2. The product you are buying could be reworked or second-hand.
3. Are you getting the latest version firmware?
4. If there is a recall by the manufacturer, will your grey importer recall your product and carry out the required modification?
5. Do you know whether you are buying the latest version/model or discontinued technology?
6. Does your supplier have the technical expertise to provide after-sales support and service?
7. Can your supplier provide operator training?
8. Is the product you are buying suitable to local conditions - many are not.
9. Is your supplier capable of providing effective presales advice?
All of the above is true, regardless of whether you are buying grey market clothing, appliances or, in the case of this article, test tools.
Particularly when it comes to test tools, there are safety implications that have to be considered. For instance, sometimes the manufacturing process is to regional safety specifications, so in order to comply with a different market's safety standards, the product may need to be reworked. Or, to meet your requirement for intrinsically-safe test meters, the meters must be submitted to the SABS with the correct supporting documents supplied only by the authorised dealer for evaluation and certification, but grey products do not come with this testing and documentation procedure to ensure your safety.
All of the above underscores why it is so important to buy all of your Fluke products from Comtest's authorised dealer channel. It is detrimental to support grey marketeers who cannot provide you with warranties; have no access to the Fluke customer programmes; may not be selling you the newest product releases and do not have authorised Fluke service centres to repair your Fluke products.
Comtest and its authorised dealer channel are characterised by highly trained personnel who are always on hand to recommend which instrument best meets your requirements, most cost-effectively, and always with your safety in mind.
For more information contact Comtest Distribution, +27 (0)11 695 9162, [email protected]
| Tel: | +27 10 595 1821 |
| Fax: | +27 11 608 1525 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.comtest.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Comtest |
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