Experience with overseas purchase

Ovenmitt

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Nov 21, 2017
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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

Active Member
Oct 15, 2018
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You can always try calling a few of the manufacturers of brands they carry for some feedback.
 

microstrip

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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

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Nov 21, 2017
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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

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bonzo75

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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.
 
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Ovenmitt

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Nov 21, 2017
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Thanks Tang and Bonzo....you guys are super helpful!
 
Last edited:

Sablon Audio

Industry Expert, VIP Donor
May 22, 2015
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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.
 

Uk Paul

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As above, well respected and proffesional.
 
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Audiophile Bill

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Mar 23, 2015
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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.
 

XV-1

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May 24, 2010
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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.
 
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Bodhi

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Apr 20, 2014
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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

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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
 
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Tango

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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

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Dec 9, 2018
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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

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2017
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Thanks everyone for your thoughts and information.... Greatly appreciated!
 

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