Sony FE lenses cheaper in China than in US

[Shuang]

Hi members. I am visiting mainland China and was shopping yesterday. The official Sony retail store, located in the Oriental Plaza shopping center, was selling the SEL 16-35mm F/4 ZA OSS for RMB 7,700 (approx $1,115 at current exchange rates), much less than the standard US price ($1,348). What is going on? Is the China model some sort of refurbished equipment? Lower grade manufacturing quality out of the factory? Does anybody have any insights or information?

[Dr. Harout]

I am waiting for my Zeiss Batis 1.8/85 from Shanghai at a price ~1050 USD which in the US is around 1200.

That's normal since you can make a deal in China with the seller (that's very humane), as for the US, the seller at the desk is just an employee or you buy it on line (mostly).

[Shuang]

Dr. Harout, thanks for your feedback. This price, however, is the LIST PRICE in the China Sony store, and not at some third-party retailer. I haven't even tried to negotiate the price.

[Guest all8]

Currently that lens is cheaper in Germany, where it is discounted, and _with_ taxes included (19%), than it is in the US. An American could fly to Germany, buy a compete kit, reclaim the 19% tax, and cover the costs of your trip on that refund. And import duty is 3%, hardly discouraging.

 

Basically, all Sony camera gear in US is under much tighter price control than in other parts of the world. I imagine that in the US, if you go to a dealer, you will get a discount ... otherwise the retailers are reluctant to discount for some reason - there is an excuse given sometimes, which falls apart with only minimal investigation. In Germany and most EU the retailers are a little more interesting in selling cameras   

[mttdxb]

if you buy in China just make sure you get all international warranties. Usually chinese retailers only provide a limited warranty for mainland China.