Guys, I went to Glorietta yesterday for the appliance exhibit and went to Hitachi booth. While inquiring about the newer models, one the the salesperson approached me and started "Sales talking". I told him I already got my 8900 from Listening room. He then showed me a letter apparently from Hitachi Japan stating that The Listening Group is not an authorized dealer and service center since September 2006. He said that the warranty is not from Hitachi but from Listening Group only and will not accept units sold by Listening room. What gives here? Please enlighten me. Is this true? Where can I have my Hitachi serviced in case it broke down?
Yes, it's true.
Listening Group's TVs are parallel imports. Pero hindi ka naman nila lolokohin. If you ask, they'll tell you that the unit was directly imported and was not sourced from the authorized Philippine distributor. The warranty will not be recognized by the authorized distributor, but it still has a 1-year store warranty, which means that it's the Listening Group that will perform the repairs.
Ok lang yun dahil iyan talaga ang industry practice for appliance sales. Ang masama, kung pareho lang ang presyo nila sa authorized retailers. Pero dahil sobrang baba naman ng presyo, e di OK na rin. Hindi naman fake 'yan, hindi rin reconditioned second hand --- brand new talaga, parallel import nga lang.
At least we have a choice. Overpriced kasi masyado ang SRP ng flat panels sa Philippines, kaya nga maganda ang negosyo ng grey market.
Ang difference lang talaga, warranty by authorized service center vs. store warranty. Siyempre mas maganda ang authorized service center warranty, pero dahil sobrang layo talaga ng presyo, Ok na rin ang parallel import.
Where can I have my Hitachi serviced in case it broke down?
Either sa Listening Room or Hitachi service center.
Sa Listening Room, 1-year warranty. Kung sa Hitachi service center, walang warranty, pero sa tingin ko, they will still accept it for repair --- bayad ka lang ng regular price. I find it hard to believe that Hitachi will refuse to repair it merely because you bought it from the Listening Group.