Importing a Macbook Air

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Tacet

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I can get a Macbook Air MJVE2 on Ebay for less than R14k, shipping and import taxes included. The cheapest I can find it locally is R14.7k. Ebay offers the usual buyer's protection, shipping is with their IPS.

Are there any drawbacks to importing it? From Apple's website it seems as though the warranty shouldn't be an issue.
 
Maverick Jester

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How did you work out the import taxes? Don't really see any drawbacks to this, as long as the device is insured while still shipping.
 
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Tacet

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Ebay calculates the import tax upfront if the seller subscribes to the IPS program. I've used it when importing a Garmin VIRB - there were no additional costs on this side.
 
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PostmanPot

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To save about R1k? And then you have to ship it back for warranty if need be? Seems silly to me. Rather buy locally or through FNB.
 
Maverick Jester

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Tacet said:
Ebay calculates the import tax upfront if the seller subscribes to the IPS program. I've used it when importing a Garmin VIRB - there were no additional costs on this side.
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It depends on the product, but if you've done it before with no hassle, that's cool.

PostmanPot said:
To save about R1k? And then you have to ship it back for warranty if need be? Seems silly to me. Rather buy locally or through FNB.
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No you don't, the warranty is international. Even AppleCare allows you to take the device to an authorised reseller for repairs. It's one of the many advantages of buying an Apple product.
 
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PostmanPot

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Maverick Jester said:
No you don't, the warranty is international. Even AppleCare allows you to take the device to an authorised reseller for repairs. It's one of the many advantages of buying an Apple product.
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Thanks, good to know! *facepalm*

In that case, the only downside would be the importing wait...
 
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Shoaybd

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I have heard that only if you have proof that local customs was paid will apple cover the warranty so you should have no problem.
 
Maverick Jester

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mister said:
What are the other advantages?
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Best in class hardware.
One of the best support services around.
Unparalleled vertical integration across hardware and software.
Best in class ecosystem (at least on iOS, OSX is debatable).
Best in class value retention.

PostmanPot said:
Thanks, good to know! *facepalm*

In that case, the only downside would be the importing wait...
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Was surprised that you didn't. Core even allow you to order a BTO device through them, provided you spec it via the US store's Configure page. They know, deep down, that they are ripping us off.
 
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Tacet

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Maverick Jester said:
as long as the device is insured while still shipping.
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This is currently my major concern. I'm not sure whether Ebay's money back guarantee covers damage during shipping.

Maverick Jester said:
No you don't, the warranty is international. Even AppleCare allows you to take the device to an authorised reseller for repairs. It's one of the many advantages of buying an Apple product.
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If it wasn't for that I wouldn't even consider it!
 
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Maverick Jester

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Tacet said:
This is currently my major concern. I'm not sure whether Ebay's money back guarantee covers damage during shipping.
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Hmmm, and even on their site, it's pretty unclear whether you actually can claim back from them or not. Even mail forwarders like PostBox Courier don't insure your devices. I think this might be the biggest risk, but generally, a good shipping service should prevent any damage to the product. UPS does offer Declared Value insurance, perhaps have a look at what that costs to add.
 
Maverick Jester

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PostmanPot said:
Me too. Sorry to disappoint. :(

So few companies offer international warranties, tends to be unexpected. Even Asus seem to be limiting it. Thank goodness for Apple's fantastic support.
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The only company really comparable is Dell, IMO. They have some pretty excellent support.
 
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