RE: [Leica] How can a Leica not come from an "authorized Leica dealer"?

["Austin Franklin" <darkroom@ix.netcom.com>]

Hi John,

> All of the above is to explain the reasons why warrantee work is not
> profitable for the distributor.

That may very well be, but it has nothing to do with the legal status of the
warranty, and what is clearly stated on it.  This is how THEY chose to do
business, and really, isn't of my concern.

> Everything is hunky dory so far but now comes the spanner in the works.
> Leica AG will sell outside its own distribution network if you purchase
> a large enough order. So called "grey" gear has serial numbers that are
> not in the authorized distribution system.

And you are saying Leica has NO idea of these cameras in their corporate
system?  They don't keep track of them at all?  It's just like they never
existed, as far as their records are concerned?  They have an accounting
entry "100 M6 sold for $xxx" and that's it?  I find that hard to believe.

> The dealer cannot claim ANY
> recompense for serial numbers not in the system period.

I don't understand what that means.  What dealer?  Do you mean the repair
facility?

> Remember the
> system keeps track of serial numbers to control warrantee fraud and
> costs. These grey distributors do not maintain any repair or parts
> facilities, have minimal promotion costs, etc. Lower costs = lower
> price.

Right, but the camera comes with a warranty, that is a legally binding
contract, and the terms of the contract are clearly outlined.

> There SEEMS to be another category of grey equipment where an
> authorized dealer "dumps" gear in another distributor's territory.
> Again the serial numbers disappear from the system making it impossible
> for distributors to claim back any warrantee repairs.

I'm finding this impossible to believe, especially since they come with a
warranty card.  I could understand it if they simply didn't come with a
warranty card...but the fact is, they DO!

> That is only speculation on my part.

Even if it were true, it doesn't get Leica off the hook for the warranty.
And, as I've said, if Leica sells a bunch of cameras to someone, they are
CLEARLY authorizing them to sell them.  I believe EVERY camera that has a
warranty card with it, is covered by that warranty, no matter what it's
provenance.

Austin

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