You're shopping for a new camera lens. Most retailers have it for $899, but one seller lists it for $649. Same brand, same model, brand new. Too good to be true? It might be a grey market product.
What Is Grey Market?
Grey market refers to genuine products sold outside the manufacturer's authorized distribution channels. They're real products intended for sale in a different country or region-like a camera meant for Japan being sold by a U.S. retailer without going through the official U.S. distributor.
Why They're Cheaper
- Currency arbitrage: Product is cheaper in its home market.
- No distributor margin: Skipping official channels cuts out middlemen.
- Tax differences: Different VAT/GST rates between countries.
The Hidden Risks
- No manufacturer warranty: Most manufacturers won't honor warranties on grey market products.
- Incompatible specs: Different voltage, region locks, or incompatible cellular bands.
- No local support: Software updates and customer service may not be available.
- Lower resale value: Buyers know about warranty issues.
Find the Best Deal From Trusted Sources
FindPrices helps you compare prices and find competitive deals from authorized retailers you can trust.
Compare Pricing Now - It's FreeHow to Spot Grey Market
- Price 20-30% below all other sellers
- "International version" in the listing
- "Seller warranty only" or "No manufacturer warranty" disclaimers
- Different model numbers with regional suffixes
Conclusion
The lowest price isn't always the best deal. When you see a dramatically lower price, ask yourself why. If it's grey market, make sure you understand what you're giving up.