After doing my research for a GoPro, I found that T-Dimension had the best value and they even threw in free shipping for my order. It was easy to find the product I wanted and it was a breeze to register and purchase my product. The delivery was quick and easy as well.
I was a little unsure about buying a just-released lens, online, from a Hong Kong retailer, but was reassured by their returns policy. Apart from the usual warranty, they offered a 7-day refund period if you were unhappy with the quality of the product. Sounds great, right?
So I bought the lens, and it was cheap, arrived quickly, and was well packaged. But I wasn't happy with how it focused, and told them the day I got it. They told me to take some test shots to demonstrate this, so I sent them a bunch. Their tech reviewed the shots and told me it was within normal performance for the lens, so I couldn't get a warranty replacement.
I asked to return it under their returns policy for a refund (minus the 10% restocking fee / delivery charges). They told me I couldn't return it because it had now been used.
This is their returns policy, from their FAQ:
"19.I'm not satisfied with the quality of the product received, how can I return it? Please contact us first, within 7 days after you received the product, you can return it. You can choose to take another model, or you can cancel the order have a refund. In both cases, you'll have to pay for the shipping costs. To have a refund, we'll need to charge a 10% restock fee."
It doesn't mention not being able to *test* the product to assess its quality, it just says if you're not happy with the quality... as soon as you turn it on (and provide test shots at their request to show it's not working as well as you'd expect), you can no longer return it!
Not happy at all.
Since it's not an Australian vendor, the ACCC couldn't back me up against their unwillingness to refund, but I was able to make a complaint to the Hong Kong equivalent after they flat-out refused to return under their policy.
Shortly after letting them know I'd be contacting the HK consumer group, my complaint was responded to by a different person (presumably elevated) and they allowed the refund with 10% restocking fee. Not a great experience, but it seems you can get their policy adhered to if you push hard enough.
Fast Shipping, Good Prodct, Great Service, but damaged boxes
Was eyeing the Panasonic GX1 for a while. Had a look around locally and the stores were all selling the camera overpriced. It is an older camera so would have expected the price of the camera to be very low. Online i saw the camera going for about $280 with free shipping. I compared it to eBay which was a bit more than the estore. I also has a $5 voucher from my precious purchase, but it didn't work. I emailed them about it, and they told me to let them know about the order number and they would refund me the $5. They provided the $5 refund really quick and without a hassle.
Having purchased with them before i knew that they have really quick shipping. When ordering they have a comments box for shipping instructions. Asked to have double bubble wrap to try and protect the box. I like to have a really nice box.
The shipping arrived in 4 days. ordered on a Sunday and got the camera on Thursday. Only grife with the shipping is that the box was still really damaged. Don't know if it was because of the delivery or if it was already damaged. Also, the package was for the body only, where they open the package and remove the lens. I think they should have said something about that before hand. When packing some of their product i think they should put it in another box with some air bags to keep the product in place and free from damage. Guess not everyone is as concerned as myself though.
The Camera is fine, and have used it for about a week without any issues. I did make a purchase with a screen protector, but the protector didn't fit the camera as the cameras LCD size has a extra glass around the touch screen area. So the protector didn't cover all the glass. So it was a waste of about $3-$4. Found a replacement at DX.com for only $1.5, which fit the camera nicely.
I would definitely shop here again as their prices are always really good compared to other stores.
So recently I have been online looking for a new lens for my Panasonic GF1. As I don't currently have a zoom lens I thought it would be a good idea to get a lens that can zoom. I narrowed it down to a couple of lenses and I ended up with my eye set on the Panasonic 12mm-35mm f2.8 Mirco Four Thirds.
Look around for the cheapest price, I found a couple of sites with similar prices. I will comment that most places put the price of the lens cheaper but the shipping price can be a bit pricey. But if we compare it to Aussie retailers it was about 2/3 of the price ($1400 vs $900).
After looking around I found one place that was very cheap and offered free shipping. Whenever I see free shipping, I'm always a bit sceptical about the packing and the time.
Nevertheless, bought the item on a Tuesday night at about 9:00. Paid with Paypal and got the confirmation email of my payment.
Being impatient with my purchase, I sent them an email on Wednesday night to see if the lens had been shipped. I got a reply on Thursday morning saying that it would be shipped that night. Got a tracking number in the afternoon and found out it was already in departing HK heading for Melbourne.
Friday morning 10am... a package from DHL arrived at my door step. The lens was wrapped twice with bubble wrap. The box was only slightly damaged on the corners. Guess you can't do much about that. I really couldn't believe how fast they were. It was essentially 3 business days at my door. They even gave me a $5 gift voucher for my next purchase!
I did have a look at their website again and found out their prices increased for the lens I bought (and another lens I was thinking of purchasing).
Would I shop from here again...? Lets just say I'm eyeing the price, finger ready to purchase...
I ordered a Canon EF 35mm f/2 lens, and it arrived within 48 hours of ordering. Packaging was good with three layers of bubble wrap. I also ordered an extend warranty which was included in the parcel. I would certainly buy from them again
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