The Nigerian scam victim experience – except you get your money back after approximately 7 weeks.
Import Stock Pty Ltd in a nutshell: The Nigerian scam victim experience – except you get your money back after approximately 7 weeks.
I read some good reviews of Import Stock and even called their local number to sus them out before taking the plunge and purchasing a Canon C300 which retails here for $15K - call me crazy for spending so much online but they were selling it for $11K.
Over the 7 weeks I exchanged over 70 emails with Tommy, their Hong Kong dispatch guy/ salesman, to chase up the camera’s whereabouts, that I was told at the time of sale, was meant to take 7 - 10 working days to reach me.
I never realized the process of procurement could be so dramatic. The plots and subplots presented to me by Tommy over the 7 week period narrated the camera’s journey across air and stormy seas (I kid you not) - to get from a Canon factory to the Import Stock warehouse – had a story arch that would make Herman Melville turn in his grave and me turn in my bed, for many, many nights.
So why stick out for 7 weeks?
Well, after you commit 2 to 3 weeks to one shady company who’s to say the other overseas online companies are any better. So what’s another week or two? I thought that if I chose another company, maybe this long arduous process would start over again.
But 7 weeks is a long time. It cost me a month of shooting. In retrospect, I believe my loyalty to Import Stock Pty Ltd (despite the obvious signs) was born out of a mild attachment to the guy who took my money hostage – probably somewhat similar to what Stockholm syndrome sufferers go through.
Tommy, seemed to me to do whatever he could to get me the camera despite the immense shortcomings of Import Stock Pty Ltd. From coming in to work sick, to trying to source my camera from Taiwan to accepting a diverted call from his bed at 4am / 5am HK time to speak to me (without me realizing I was being diverted to him, I must add).
His perseverance despite the insurmountable challenged he faced – with his company promising to sell something they could not realistically obtain.
Tommy’s honesty challenged my customer-is-always-right values and transformed my feeling from anger and frustration to guilt, shame, patience and understanding. So much so, that when Tommy asked me whether I could read any other language, because they couldn't configure the camera menu to English, I contemplated learning another language.
After 6 weeks, when my wife pointed out to me that I was duped, that my money was gone and never to return but that it was ok (she is very understanding) I found myself not defending my ego (which was crushed at this point) but instead defending Tommy – arguing that I knew him and believed in him and that it would be out of character for him to do something like that (and quietly conceding that if he did steal my money, he truly deserved it anyway).
Eventually, Tommy conceded that he could not give me the camera I wanted as I had expected it (with an English menu and proper firmware). I asked for a full refund and it took nearly two weeks to receive it in full!!! (This I felt, added real insult to injury)
Import Stock Pty Ltd. stock took my money, promised to get me something they never could get and after 5.5 weeks of waiting It took nearly 2 weeks receive my full refund.
I think Tommy is wasted talent in Import Stock. Despite all the issues, and lost sleep, he still sends me the occasional email to ask about the Camera I now had ordered from ebay (and received within 2 days in perfect condition).
Maybe others have had good experiences but I wouldn't recommend buying from Import Stock Pty Ltd to my worst enemies.
I should have known better.... I used a price search engine for Cordless Headsets (Sony RF4000F) and then Import Stock came out the winner many times. I decided to go with them but 4 weeks later when nothing had arrived (and no emails) I called their 1300 number to find out it is an IT solutions company that sells consumer items part time. Short summary…lots of promises on dates…eventually the two sets arrived but with UK plugs (which are integrated into the power converter so we have to use plug adapters with the very heavy UK plugs). What a complete waste of time and effort by me. I hope their IT business gets more focus and accuracy around what Customer Service is ! Avoid.
Ordered the 5d Mark III - promised it would be delivered in 1 week...after 6 weeks still did not come in.
In the process of getting a refund, which has been going on for almost 2 weeks now.
Nice people when speaking to on the phone, but as an organisation - horrific, inept and either don't know what they are doing or just blatantly lie (I've assumed the former).
DO NOT USE THEM unless you go to their warehouse in Alexandria and literally see what you want.
How did you solve your problem with Import Stock. Henry (also victim Import Stock)
Muslim_Photographers would not shop at Import Stock again.
Import NO Stock
Do not buy from them!
AUD $9746.00 purchase; no lens no refund and plenty of nonsense.
I purchased a Nikon D4 and lenses from them last year and they delivered after some delay. They created a new website later on without removing the old one first. They must have known people will still order on the old website and they must have known they didn't have most goods in stock but they went on with it.
4 month later and 40+ nonsense emails from Mr Ming nothing happens. I kept getting false refund reference numbers and plenty of fake assertiveness they I will be refunded. Excuses such as public holidays, staff shortage and busy phone number were often used.
What I did: Asked my bank to ask their bank to refund the money. 3 weeks later... nothing apart from an acknowledgement of the bank request of refund.
I keep getting the impression that Ming procrastinates to buy time. I don't know why they bother. My next step is the small claims court. Thank you Import NO Stocks for ruing the reputation of online shopping from Hong Kong!
Hello. No it hasn't. As expected, Import Stock lied to the NSW Fair Trading about refund made Aug. 23rd. Fair Trading provided a list of options for the next step; they all involve some kind of legal action for a fee.
Hi Jessij et al. I am also in the middle of a dispute with Import Stock (i.e. I paid my money and nothing has arrived even after lots emails and calls). Did anyone else work out that Tim and Mr Ming are probably the same person? I did a company search of ITAP Australia Pty Ltd (registered address 7/34-36 Ralph Street Alexandria (location of 'Import Stock) ) and its sole director is Tim Ka Ming Hung. I have emails from Tim and Ming which imply they are different people. I note that 'Import Stock' is not a registered business in Australia according to ASIC. Not good. However, I did a search of the Companies Register in Hong Kong and 'Import Stock Ltd' exists as per the website with Hung, Ka Ming as the director. Did you get the name of the real estate agent locking Import Stock out of the premises in Alexandria? I've lodged a complaint with Fair Trading and I suggest everyone else does as well. I suspect this will be a long and bumpy ride.
Thanks Jen. Very helpful information. I kind of suspected they were the same person. I did lodge a complaint with Fair Trading and Tim/Ming told them I should expect it in my account by end of last week; another fib of course. Contemplating going to small claims court but is t worth it as the man and the company seem to have vanished.
Hi Muslim_Photographers and Jessij. Are you interested in joining a group to take action against 'Import Stock' (ITAP Australia Pty Limited)? If so, please send me an email to genevieveburnett[at]yahoo.com.au and I'll send you more information.
onlinerocker would not shop at Import Stock again.
Just don't do it, and look elsewhere.
Basic facts:
I ordered a canon flash and x2 SD cards. Yes, the prices are great. These items were in stock at my time of purchase. My email trail now sits at 17 (and some phone calls too) due to the fact of constantly chasing up to see what was happening with the order. No, some items were not in stock. I gave it a month before i gave up and requested a refund. No, the funds were not in my account within the specified timeframe and yet i have to waste my time and follow up. Shopping should not be this hard.
Granted, the service representative was great at following up, but if the item isn't in stock, don't say it is. In contrast, i ordered a lens from a different company in HK on late thursday night and received it on monday! Now that's service!
As with the other reviews on here, i would not recommend shopping here, and i won't be coming back to this site in the future.
Are you interested in joining a group that is planning to adopt a coordinated legal strategy against 'Import Stock'? There is another forum on this topic: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1830134. If you check the latest posts by 'scammedBYming' (dated 17.09.13), you will see how you can become involved. A lot of people have been affected. I urge you to join us.
Warning ** Warning **Do Not Shop Here Ordered Headsets April 2013 - Still Waiting After Many Emails And Phone Calls With Ming From Import Stock He Only Delivered Excuses And Tall Stories. Ming I Am Still Awaiting On Refund????
You Never Get The Product You Never Get Any Service You Never Get A Refund Site Should Be Removed From Australian Website Total Scam
Hi, just wondering if your case was resolved? Going through the same thing now.
Hi Jessij, unfortunately not resolved yet. But I'm not one to give up and let them get away with it. I have emailed them another reminder today for them to acknowledge my banking details for a refund. Of course still no answer - tomorrow I will call them up and remind them about fair trading in NSW. Contact for Import Stock is Tim.?
Have just been speaking to fair trading in NSW does not look good for IMPORT STOCK. I suggest everyone out of pocket needs to act now lodge your claim now online.
Well I went to their warehouse in Alexandria. And as I arrived the real estate agent was also there locking them out as they were badly behind with their rent.so you will find you won't be able to contact them at all now....
Thanks for the info, unlucky for me good for them that I am in Perth. Otherwise I would track them all down. I'm waiting to find out a little bit more regarding who and were they are etc. I have also emailed a few sites who still advertise Import Stock and advised them that their scammers.
Hi, I've been stung by these morons too. I purchased a lens from them, and they reckon they've shipped it on the 28th, but I'm currently traveling through Broome and it hasn't arrived. Will try the post office Monday morning as well, but I'm very annoyed and disheartened dealing with them. My lens crapped out on this trip around Australia which is why I bought this lens from them.
Can someone please send a link or instructions how to lodge a fair trading claim? Thanks.
HI lashi , Lodge general complaint asap, as my understanding is they have gone into liquidation http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/. go to the section general complaint and just follow the links. We may get some small amount back in the dollar. Depending how much they owe ATO. Good Luck. On the form it asks for their details which is telephone: 1300 699 890 or 02 80918071 , fax 02 - 83236090 and their address which is 7/34-36 Ralph Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 Gook Luck
I lodged my complaint with Fair Trading last week. I have been trying to get my refund for a month now. I have had all the excuses in the world from these guys. Time will tell.
I contacted my bank (Westpac), and I'm trying to get a refund from them. Maybe you guys could try the same? Of course, I'm only down $334.81, compared to some of you guys who seem to be down thousands! Of course, I'm also lodging the appropriate forms, and went to the cops today and did a stat dec.
Hi Guys did any of you go through shopping.com.au ? because when i have emailed them to advise that import stock are scammers they they said any customer that went through their site they would try and help them out?? - possibly too far gone now.
Has anyone reported these guys to the police? I'm currently in Broome, and the police said that all I can do is a Stat Dec. But it feels to me like this is a criminal matter, but I don't know what to actually report...
Are any of you interested in joining a group so we can organise a coordinated effort against 'Import Stock' (ITAP Australia Pty Limited)? If so, send me an email at genevieveburnett[at]yahoo.com.au and I will send you more details.
i purchased the Canon 5D MK III 5 weeks ago from them and paid by "Direct Deposit" which is i guess this is their little game.
anyway, i was promised that it would be delivered within a week. But obviously it did NOT. they keep saying 'next week, next week, next week' and every time there is an excuse.
and don't be fooled by Mr.Tim, the one with the sweet talking, he is the biggest lair.
however, after reading bunch of negative reviews online which i did not know about before i bought the camera. i just realized that even if i waited ten years the camera wouldn't be delivered.
So i asked for a refund yesterday via email and i did not receive any emails yet, and they would not pick up when i call.
am gonna wait and see what will happen, most reviews i've seen they're saying that they got the refund after a long wait. the least one saying that he/she got it in 2.5 weeks. and some of them are still waiting
If things go worse and they don't fully refund the money by 2-3 week, i may have to proceed a court order or call the police or something.
i am staying at Brisbane but am not Australian, so am not sure how the justice system works here.
if anyone can help please post your comments i will give regular up-dates if anything new happens
If anyone wants to contact me re forming a group so we can organise a coordinated effort against 'Import Stock' (ITAP Australia Pty Limited), then, send me an email (genevieveburnett[at]yahoo.com.au) and I will send you more details.
I read some good reviews of Import Stock and even called their local number to sus them out before taking the plunge and purchasing a Canon C300 which retails here for $15K - call me crazy for spending so much online but they were selling it for $11K.
Over the 7 weeks I exchanged over 70 emails with Tommy, their Hong Kong dispatch guy/ salesman, to chase up the camera’s whereabouts, that I was told at the time of sale, was meant to take 7 - 10 working days to reach me.
I never realized the process of procurement could be so dramatic. The plots and subplots presented to me by Tommy over the 7 week period narrated the camera’s journey across air and stormy seas (I kid you not) - to get from a Canon factory to the Import Stock warehouse – had a story arch that would make Herman Melville turn in his grave and me turn in my bed, for many, many nights.
So why stick out for 7 weeks?
Well, after you commit 2 to 3 weeks to one shady company who’s to say the other overseas online companies are any better. So what’s another week or two? I thought that if I chose another company, maybe this long arduous process would start over again.
But 7 weeks is a long time. It cost me a month of shooting. In retrospect, I believe my loyalty to Import Stock Pty Ltd (despite the obvious signs) was born out of a mild attachment to the guy who took my money hostage – probably somewhat similar to what Stockholm syndrome sufferers go through.
Tommy, seemed to me to do whatever he could to get me the camera despite the immense shortcomings of Import Stock Pty Ltd. From coming in to work sick, to trying to source my camera from Taiwan to accepting a diverted call from his bed at 4am / 5am HK time to speak to me (without me realizing I was being diverted to him, I must add).
His perseverance despite the insurmountable challenged he faced – with his company promising to sell something they could not realistically obtain.
Tommy’s honesty challenged my customer-is-always-right values and transformed my feeling from anger and frustration to guilt, shame, patience and understanding. So much so, that when Tommy asked me whether I could read any other language, because they couldn't configure the camera menu to English, I contemplated learning another language.
After 6 weeks, when my wife pointed out to me that I was duped, that my money was gone and never to return but that it was ok (she is very understanding) I found myself not defending my ego (which was crushed at this point) but instead defending Tommy – arguing that I knew him and believed in him and that it would be out of character for him to do something like that (and quietly conceding that if he did steal my money, he truly deserved it anyway).
Eventually, Tommy conceded that he could not give me the camera I wanted as I had expected it (with an English menu and proper firmware). I asked for a full refund and it took nearly two weeks to receive it in full!!! (This I felt, added real insult to injury)
Import Stock Pty Ltd. stock took my money, promised to get me something they never could get and after 5.5 weeks of waiting It took nearly 2 weeks receive my full refund.
I think Tommy is wasted talent in Import Stock. Despite all the issues, and lost sleep, he still sends me the occasional email to ask about the Camera I now had ordered from ebay (and received within 2 days in perfect condition).
Maybe others have had good experiences but I wouldn't recommend buying from Import Stock Pty Ltd to my worst enemies.