Walmart & Gray Market

[TheFantasticG]

I seem to remember reading some time ago on Wal-Mart's web site about their lenses (Nikon specifically) might be gray market. I tried searching a bit, and couldn't find anything on it. I'm looking to buy a lens in the future from wal-mart as I get gift cards from family and work. Within six months I could amass enough to purchase the lens I want, and not have to dip into my normal salary. I'm pretty sure with the Nikon lenses it'll have the USXXXXX serial number. I couldn't find any info on the web site to see if this was still the practice of selling grey market and usa together (since Nikon changed their MSRP policy) at the same price. I bought a Nikon 85mm 3.5G Micro lens from them and it was a USA model. I suppose I'm worrying over nothing, but...

Anyone else buy some lenses from them and received a gray market?

[duronboy]

It may depend on the lens. If you look at the warranty details, some lenses on that site are told to be specifically warranted by Nikon directly, others simply say that they have a one year warranty, with no other info. No matter what retailer, it never hurts to verify what you're getting with them BEFORE you order.

[blue-october-fan]

from the Nikon website...

What is Gray Market?

"What does owning a "Grey Market" Nikon product mean to you?
Nikon Inc. USA cannot provide any technical support or warranty service on Gray Market items. Additionally Nikon Inc. USA cannot perform any fee-based repair work on Gray Market items. Please do not contact Nikon Inc. USA for help with any Gray Market products."

:/

[kenw]

Originally Posted by blue-october-fan

from the Nikon website...

What is Gray Market?

"What does owning a "Grey Market" Nikon product mean to you?
Nikon Inc. USA cannot provide any technical support or warranty service on Gray Market items. Additionally Nikon Inc. USA cannot perform any fee-based repair work on Gray Market items. Please do not contact Nikon Inc. USA for help with any Gray Market products."

:/

Key Words: Nikon Inc. USA

[TheFantasticG]

Yeah.... I already know what gray market items are. Not what I was asking about, but thanks anyway.

[Killjoy]

I have never purchased a Gray Market item.

However, it is my understanding that if you do purchase one of these from B&H or Adorama, they will take care of any warranty issues for you, acting as a middleman.

Buy Grey Market from another vendor, and you take your chances. I understand the fact that you get these gift cards, etc. But you may want to think about spending them on something else that you don't have to worry about your gear.
Buy your groceries at WalMart, and take that cash you didn't spend at the grocery store and put it away towards your lens.

Just a thought.