JB Hi-Fi now provides some products acquired from internationally based distributors other than the manufacturer's locally licensed importer. These are referred to as "direct import" products or "grey market" products and will be shipped directly to you from overseas.
Products acquired from the manufacturer's locally licensed importer are referred to as "locally imported" products. These usually come with a warranty from the manufacturer. Direct import products do not have a manufacturer’s warranty but come with a voluntary warranty provided by JB Hi-Fi and the statutory protection of the Australian Consumer Law Act.
All Direct Import prices quoted are in Australian Dollars and are exclusive of any applicable taxes. Tax may be levied with respect to the goods by the tax or customs authorities in Australia and/or the country the goods are shipped from. The end customer is the importer of the product for the purpose of customs and border processing and will be liable for any such taxes.
"Direct Import" is not illegal, not factory seconds, not demo merchandise, or inferior product. In fact in almost every instance a "direct import" product is absolutely identical to its Australian warranted counterpart.
Pricing of “Direct Import” products is very volatile and subject to daily and weekly fluctuations of the Australian Dollar with other international currencies.
Global consumer electronic brands provide lower wholesale prices in emerging markets such as China and India than mature economic countries like Japan, USA, & Australia (mature markets). These emerging markets also have much lower supply chain costs due to lower local wages, consumer protection standards and weaker regulation. This allows wholesalers in those emerging markets to offer these prices to overseas buyers at lower prices than a local importer in a mature market is able to achieve.
Consumer electronics goods imported directly by individuals that are valued under $1,000 are generally not subject to GST.
JB Hi-Fi firmly believes that locally imported products still offer real consumer value due to the following:
Availability is assured when goods are offered for sale and most products are available for immediate purchase.
The local supply chain supports the Australian economy & jobs.
Australian taxation of goods under the GST supports critical infrastructure, economic stability, health and education at both a state and federal level.
Local distributors provide resources that maximise staff knowledge and support in meeting customers needs.
Manufacturers usually provide manufacturer's warranties for locally imported goods but may not do this for Direct Import products. In addition, manufacturer's locally licensed importers usually provide local support in the event of faulty goods such as a network of licensed local repair agents.
Some direct importers neglect to advertise the shipping costs of goods until the final checkout point. Ensure that the price that you are considering is the freight inclusive price. JB Hi-Fi highlights the delivery charge on every direct import item before checkout.
GST Liability
Most retailers selling directly imported goods do not apply any GST to your goods at the time of purchase. In the event that the value of the direct import goods purchased exceeds $1,000, the consumer is usually liable to pay any GST. Consumers who attempt to split-ship multiple items to keep shipments under $1,000 may still be liable for GST on the aggregate shipment value. JB Hi-Fi does not include GST in the pricing of any directly imported goods and any liability has to met by you, the consumer, if applicable.
Often availability is not guaranteed and you cannot be certain when you will receive the goods. JB Hi-Fi will not accept your order until its supplier has guaranteed availability.
Instruction Manuals
Some directly imported goods come with non-English instruction manuals. JB Hi-Fi can guarantee English language instruction manuals.
Electrical Compliance
Electrical goods for use within Australia have strict electrical compliance requirements. Ensure that you understand the electrical compliance policy of any direct importer's goods. JB Hi-Fi directly imported goods meet Australian Compliance Standards.
Please use the "cancel my order" link in your "order acknowledgment" email to cancel your order.
Note: Orders cannot be cancelled after the order has been accepted by JB Hi-Fi.
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