Grey Market refers to items that are not purchased through an Authorised Dealer channel. Grey market items are predominantly sold on the internet by non authorised resellers and e-Bay where it is difficult for the buyer to inspect the item and then to benefit from after sales service and warranty. Non authorised resellers seldom provide any support and often the customer is left to sort out any problems without assistance.
In contrast buying an item through an Authorised Dealer channel will mean you will get the support of the seller who will:
What is "Grey Market"?
Generally, a manufacturer works with a single importer who can sell and support their products in a given region. The importer usually has local dealers and distributors who resell the imported products; this is called an "authorised distribution channel".
Grey Market refers to merchandise that is imported and sold by methods other than these normal channels. For example the internet, ebay ,local markets and trading publications.
An authorsied dealer channel is regulated by local safety regulations (Standards Australia) and certifications and government requirements (Australian Communications and Media Authority) ACMA, the authorised distributor must provide special packaging (manuals in the appropriate language, standard manufacturers accessories, warranty card etc.) and product engineering is designed to meet local codes as well as EMC/C-Tick labeling. Manufacturers also have service and support agreements with the authorised importer that affords customers access to quick and reliable warranty and back-up service for products that have been purchased through the Authorised Distribution Channels.
Grey Market items are not designed to be sold in a particular market and cannot be supported by the authorised importer because they may not meet mandatory safety and certification codes. Because these items are not designed for a particular market they may not function properly, or the authorised importer may not be equipped to provide warranty service or support.
With the opening of international borders and the use of the Internet to sell goods, Grey Market equipment has become extremely common in the outdoor power equipment markets. Many different types of equipment are brought into the country for sale without the proper documentation and many consumers do not always know what they are purchasing or that the product may not comply with Australian Standards.
Remember that because the non-authorised online resellers' cost is less they can sell Grey Market items for less. Unfortunately this price saving is only on the initial purchase and because service and support is more difficult to obtain it may end up costing the consumer more in the long run.
How do I know if my Outdoor Power Equipment and/or Parts are "Grey Market"?
If the deal was just too good to be true, it probably was. One of the first indicators that a piece of merchandise might be Grey Market is if the price is considerably less than most Authorised Dealers.
Additionally genuine products will include an original Owners' Manual and local Warranty Registration card in English. It will also include the standard manufacturer’s accessories as well as C-Tick labeling (if applicable). Any other language on the printed material or wrong accessories indicates a Grey Market item.
What does owning a "Grey Market" Outdoor Power Equipment product mean to you?
Roy Gripske & Sons trading as Powerup Lawncare Products cannot provide any technical support or warranty service on Grey Market items. Please do not contact Roy Gripske & Sons, Powerup Lawncare Products or any of their Authorised Dealers for help with any Grey Market products. Please contact the reseller or importer of your Grey Market items for warranty and service information.
If you have purchased an item through Powerup Lawncare Product’s authorized dealer channel we and our authorised dealers will do everything in our power to ensure that the recommended manufacturers warranty is honored where the fault is of the manufacturer.
However our Authorised Dealers are still able to perform fee-based repair work on Grey Market items if necessary.