Buying Q3 43 from an overseas dealer and shipped to USA

[discoman5]

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Anyone tried that ? I looked at multiple dealers in Northeast USA region and am on the waiting list. My cousin had hers shipped from a dealer in Europe -and saved substantial amount on taxes as well as VAT. Any thoughts ? 

Edited December 22, 2024 by discoman5

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[ktmrider2]

Saved $1000 last February on my MP from Rangefinder Cameras in Hong Kong.  I think he FedEx’s to USA for a standard $50 and takes two or three business days.  No duties.

[Tseg]

I got my Q3 43 from Leica UK for $1K less than US costs as it was considered a launch demo, and they knocked 5% off MSRP.   It was essentially brand new when received a couple weeks after launch.  I would still be waiting for B&H to make it through their waiting list.

No customs fees, however I recently received a $600+ bill for my state taxes for oversea watch purchases made in 2023... reported to my state by Customs.

[ckern]

My understanding is that Leica-USA won't provide new product warranty service unless the camera was purchased from a United States authorized dealer.

[boojum]

5 hours ago, ckern said:

My understanding is that Leica-USA won't provide new product warranty service unless the camera was purchased from a United States authorized dealer.

 

I have read in another thread on this board that Leica USA has said they honor new cameras bought out of country.  But as you are dealing with the weasel pack at Leica, get it in writing.  The Trolls of Wetzlar build a pretty good camera but I am not at all impressed with their customer service, repair policies or warranty work.  I have not yet had to suffer year long waits for repairs with this crowd.  I only know what is published by reputable professional shooters.  This is heresy, of course, to speak ill of the master.  Also, I can tell you that my experience for repairs with other manufacturers is at the other end of the spectrum.  That's the truth, the ugly truth from my own experience.  I dearly wish I could gush about Leica support.  I really do.  True, I cannot speak from personal experience. 

All I know is what I read posted by other users.  I assume them to be honest and speaking in good faith.  They like the cameras, they use them for hobbies and business.  I like the cameras.  I have four.  They all work fine so far.

But back to the warranty question,  It has been posted that Leica USA will honor new camera warranties for cameras bought off shore.  Call them to make sure.  Better, write them a letter.  I am not sure how solid a legal document an email is.  It would be so disappointing to find that they once said the do honor off shore cameras and then find they do not.  You could also buy the camera in the USA and put all this aside.  Peace of mind is worth something.  You'll sleep better if you do.  ;o)  I recommend it.

[Tseg]

When I bought my demo unit from Leica UK they specifically advised:

Please make sure you register the camera via your Leica Account so that you can benefit from the third-year warranty.

I'm going to take this that I have a warranty on this camera.  I believe I have read elsewhere that there is a relatively short window to register after purchase to get the warranty, but can't remember details.