Experience with overseas purchase

[Ovenmitt]

Hello Whatsbest community. I am a longtime lurker but infrequent poster, so I’m hoping that I am posting this question in the right forum and that my question is appropriate here. I am contemplating a pretty expensive purchase from the U.K.; a dealer named Midland Audio Exchange. I wonder if anyone has experience with this dealer that they are willing to share? I was planning to use a credit card for the purchase and DHL for shipping. Are there other/better ways?

I am an overseas buying virgin, so thanks in advance for your sharing of any knowledge or tips....

 

[Number9]

You can always try calling a few of the manufacturers of brands they carry for some feedback.

 

[microstrip]

Buying expensive items from overseas is always a trust and confidence matter. Need to ask references on a public forum doesn't look to me to be good sign ...

 

[Ovenmitt]

Hi Microstrip,

The dealer seems reputable. I'm just trying to get as much info as possible before the possibility of a purchase.... i.e., I wouldn't have gone so far as posting on a public forum if I didn't think the guy was in the ball park.

Thanks

 

[Tango]

@bonzo75 @Audiophile Bill @spiritofmusic
Has this dealer been long established? Maybe you could comment on this.

Kind regards,
Tang

 

[bonzo75]

Hello Whatsbest community. I am a longtime lurker but infrequent poster, so I’m hoping that I am posting this question in the right forum and that my question is appropriate here. I am contemplating a pretty expensive purchase from the U.K.; a dealer named Midland Audio Exchange. I wonder if anyone has experience with this dealer that they are willing to share? I was planning to use a credit card for the purchase and DHL for shipping. Are there other/better ways?

I am an overseas buying virgin, so thanks in advance for your sharing of any knowledge or tips....

Hi he is one of the big official dealers in the UK well established.

 

[Ovenmitt]

Thanks Tang and Bonzo....you guys are super helpful!

 

[Sablon Audio]

Ovenmitt, you can get some competitive shipping quotes from interparcel or transflobalexpress. Their optional insurance policies run upto just £2k but you can also buy separate one off cover elsewhere.

 

[zerostargeneral]

John at Midland Audio is rock solid.

Kind regards, G.

 

[Uk Paul / Z:Axis Audio]

As above, well respected and proffesional.

 

[Audiophile Bill]

Hello Whatsbest community. I am a longtime lurker but infrequent poster, so I’m hoping that I am posting this question in the right forum and that my question is appropriate here. I am contemplating a pretty expensive purchase from the U.K.; a dealer named Midland Audio Exchange. I wonder if anyone has experience with this dealer that they are willing to share? I was planning to use a credit card for the purchase and DHL for shipping. Are there other/better ways?

I am an overseas buying virgin, so thanks in advance for your sharing of any knowledge or tips....

Midland Audio Exchange are reliable and reputable UK dealer.

 

[Gardener]

John is a very good guy.
And good luck with your purchase

 

[XV-1]

Buying expensive items from overseas is always a trust and confidence matter. Need to ask references on a public forum doesn't look to me to be good sign ...

wrong I guess to state dealers don't look good based on nothing.

Even I downunder know that Midland audio is reputable, but better off local UK folks give their opinion based on facts.

 

[Bodhi]

Buying from an established Dealer from o/s would seem to carry less risk than buying used gear. I once bought a pair of used Infinity speakers from a Doctor from Texas named Larry Schwartz ('lwschwartz' on forums). The speakers had 'textor' repairs and a damaged grill with cigarette burns on the grille cloth (not mentioned in the ad). As the grills were unobtanium, I contacted the seller who even had the front to refer me to one of his friends selling Infinity parts (also from Texas) who claimed to pass on the proceeds to charity. This Charity guy also scammed me! I can't say I wasn't warned though...a guy on Audiokarma told me not to deal with a Doctor in Texas selling Infinity speakers. Hands down that was the worst experience I've had in 30 years in this hobby, and turned me off buying 2nd hand gear. (That same guy cautioned me about dealing with an EBay seller 'Magicmarksy').

My advice is just make sure you check the returns policy and read the fine print on shipping Insurance before pulling the trigger.

 

[bonzo75]

Buying from an established Dealer from o/s would seem to carry less risk than buying used gear. I once bought a pair of used Infinity speakers from a Doctor from Texas named Larry Schwartz ('lwschwartz' on forums). The speakers had 'textor' repairs and a damaged grill with cigarette burns on the grille cloth (not mentioned in the ad). As the grills were unobtanium, I contacted the seller who even had the front to refer me to one of his friends selling Infinity parts (also from Texas) who claimed to pass on the proceeds to charity. This Charity guy also scammed me! I can't say I wasn't warned though...a guy on Audiokarma told me not to deal with a Doctor in Texas selling Infinity speakers. Hands down that was the worst experience I've had in 30 years in this hobby, and turned me off buying 2nd hand gear. (That same guy cautioned me about dealing with an EBay seller 'Magicmarksy').

My advice is just make sure you check the returns policy and read the fine print on shipping Insurance before pulling the trigger.

Good point

 

[Tango]

I think Micro was just saying it in general on his personal opinion about buying from overseas, not implying any speculation on Midland Audio.

Kind regards,
Tang

 

[Nemal1]

Your credit card will act as a guarantee if anything goes wrong, but
Midland Audio have been in business a long time in the uk, and whilst I haven’t dealt with him myself, I’ve not come across any disparaging comments, only favourable ones.
Hope this helps

 

[Ovenmitt]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and information.... Greatly appreciated!