Please suggest an alternative (not downgrade) to AlienBees 1600

NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
edited July 14, 2011 in Accessories
I would really like to get an AB1600. But let me tell you this, in Australia you cannot buy from the company in the US, they force you to buy from the Australian franchise. What does that mean? The price in US with cheapest shipping is US$373. In Australia from the Australian franchise the price is US$604 equivalent.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:huh:dunno:cry

You can imagine what I say to that!

So... I have to find an alternative that is not a downgrade. I think the value for money of the AB1600 in the US is excellent. I would like to get a comparable product for a comparable price. US$360 (without shipping) translates to AU$336. The price ballpark is US$360 to US$400 or so.

I'd be very grateful for suggestions.:thumb

Thanks.

Neil
"Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

http://www.behance.net/brosepix

Comments

  • puzzledpaulpuzzledpaul Registered Users Posts: 1,621 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2011
    NeilL wrote: »
    I'd be very grateful for suggestions.thumb.gif

    See if there's a 'random' :) (US) Dgrinner who's prepared to buy one on your behalf ... and ship it out to you - for a 'slight consideration'

    Ask a Dgrinner who already does (commercial) international transactions how much they'd charge for such an item (Remford comes to mind)

    Contact someone like Ian Kerr who buys stuff in the US to sell to the UK market to see if he'd ship to your neck of the woods.

    If you google the last individual you'll find many satisfied UK based customers (myself being one, a fellow local 'tog being another)

    Whilst he also sells via fleabay, he's prepared to modify prices a little for direct transactions, btw.

    Aren't there any reputable HK / similar area sources for this item?

    Won't B+H / adorama etc ship?

    Move :)

    pp


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  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2011
    puzzledpaul wrote: »
    See if there's a 'random' :) (US) Dgrinner who's prepared to buy one on your behalf ... and ship it out to you - for a 'slight consideration'

    Ask a Dgrinner who already does (commercial) international transactions how much they'd charge for such an item (Remford comes to mind)

    Contact someone like Ian Kerr who buys stuff in the US to sell to the UK market to see if he'd ship to your neck of the woods.

    If you google the last individual you'll find many satisfied UK based customers (myself being one, a fellow local 'tog being another)

    Whilst he also sells via fleabay, he's prepared to modify prices a little for direct transactions, btw.

    Aren't there any reputable HK / similar area sources for this item?

    Won't B+H / adorama etc ship?

    Move :)

    pp

    "Move"! I like it!rolleyes1.gif

    Much appreciate the fruit of your lateral thinking, pp!bowdown.gif Most of those options would not have occurred to me, or only reluctantly!mwink.gif

    AlienBees have arrangements to protect their franchises, so HK, like the US parent, will not trespass on others' territories! Associated with that is the desire of AlienBees to give the best affordable aftersales service to customers, which really and realistically can only be done in a local context. I have no gripe with AB themselves, while I do with the Aus franchise's ripoff prices!:D

    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  • puzzledpaulpuzzledpaul Registered Users Posts: 1,621 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2011
    NeilL wrote: »

    ...I have no gripe with AB themselves, while I do with the Aus franchise's ripoff prices!:D

    Neil

    Yep - point taken.
    After my first post (but before seeing yours) I had a quick look at PCBuff's site and their 'International sales' bit, since I wondered if something like this was going on.

    I know ziltch about the product (although heard of 'em) as no use / need for same (atm) with my interests.

    Whilst I generally only buy used, my first port of call for any new stuff would normally be Ian, since his (UK) prices are almost always closer to HK ones than UK retail - without any hassle.

    pp
    Website

    Flickr
  • ImageX PhotographyImageX Photography Registered Users Posts: 528 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2011
    I have a new black B1600 that I was going to return because I wanted the Einstein instead.... Which is awesome. If you want it, I'll ship it to you instead of back to Buff.

    See end of this thread. http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=201118
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2011
    ImageX Photography wrote: »
    I have a new black B1600 that I was going to return because I wanted the Einstein instead.... Which is awesome. If you want it, I'll ship it to you instead of back to Buff.

    Would certainly consider that, thanks. Could you pm me details?

    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
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