Maxwell Rant...

[Onyx]

Peter/Jumbuck, I applaud your decision to buy products originating from overseas. Your actions will become part of the solution. Unless and until more consumers in Australia do likewise, very little will change the situation with Australia's Nikon representatives.

Although I feel your letter to Maxwell might be a little harshly worded, I agree 100% with your sentiments.

[Jumbuck]

Jumbuck,
I read few of your posts on DPR since Nov 05, re # D200 and Maxwell thru Fletcher

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... e=15887788

Keep in mind that was posted after the chap on the phone gave me the price and it was before Maxwell had announced anything official. I was so darn happy at what he told me. Of course the truth is Maxwell announced a RRP that was well and truly above this figure. Which in my humble opinion just should not be the case, should it? I know you deal with Maxwell so if I'm wrong here I do apologise.

Jumbuck

[robboh]

T.A. McAlisters are the local Nikon distributers here in NZ and seem to have a bit of a similar policy to Maxwells. Sounds like, from one of Birdy's earlier posts, that TAM is actually an agent of Maxwells??

Anyways, they seem to be a bit into price gouging too, in comparison to RRP in US etc. For example, the first shipment of D200's through NZ were being RRP'd at ~$3500 NZ. Taking an exchange rate of about 0.65 (whereas its presently around 0.72) to $US and GST (12.5% in NZ), that left an extra NZ$500 over top of US retail. Interestingly, the next shipment will be a much more realistic NZ$2950.

Im over in Sydney on business for a week in early Feb and am half tempted to see if I can get a D200 over there, which should drop another $300 off the price due to removal of the Grab Snatch & Take. But it does sound like getting hold of stock could be a problem, so maybe not.

[Onyx]

Robboh, the Grab Snatch and Take is only 10% vs 12.5%, so you won't be saving all too much (assuming $NZ2950).

[robboh]

Robboh, the Grab Snatch and Take is only 10% vs 12.5%, so you won't be saving all too much (assuming $NZ2950).

Damned vampires
Yeah, I figured on 10%, though Im not too sure of street price in Oz(??), so twas only a guesstimate. But at the end of the day, for the sake of NZ$300 I think a local warranty might be worth the savings.
Thanks Oynx.

[ipv6ready]

Does anyone know what the relationship is between Nikon/Mitsubishi and Maxwell.

1. Do Maxwell have a Perpeual Sole Distrubtion License?
2. Or is it a minimun sales?

Does anyone know?

[tasadam]

I was in Melbourne last week looking at D200's.
3 camera stores had one you could actually see - demo models. But as explained by Michaels, they wouldn't sell it for $6000. They reckon because it would cost them sales, not having a demo model.

One camera store told me they had a heap coming in, in "a day or two" but then another salesman came along and said, er, no, Maxwell have just said another couple of weeks, and now he has to go tell all his customers that have placed orders and been given false promises.

Another supplier told me they had 11 D200's coming in "real soon" and 10 are already sold so if I wanted to put a deposit down right then I could guarantee I would get the last one they are "about to get". How stoopid do I look??

I have also put a watch on many of the sales that ebay link has in Brisbane, but I didn't see any feedbacks relating to delivery of D200, and no mention of "not grey stock" or "genuine warranty".

I ordered off birdy, paid my money, and I wait, like anyone else that wants the best price with Aus warranty.

And my thoughts on Maxwell? I think the sooner Nikon Japan make a Nikon Australia instead of a Maxwell the better... and it needs to be a whole lot more than a name change on some building in Lidcombe!

Just my 2 cents.

[tasadam]

I phoned Maxwell today to ask "If I were to purchase a D200 from a store today, how long would it likely take before I got it"?

They are expecting a shipment in on the 1st of February.
They have ordered enough D200's to cover all back-orders, and "a considerable amount more".

The problem is, they don't know how many they will be getting until the shipment arrives. They admit that they are disappointed at the delays at getting them, and that Australia is probably taking a back seat to other countries such as USA.

It surprises me that they cannot find out how many they will be sent until they arrive.

Perhaps time to email Nikon Japan?

[gstark]

It surprises me that they cannot find out how many they will be sent until they arrive.

I wouldn't be too surprised at this occurrence. They will order X, but Nikon will ship Y. This seems to me to be typical, and in fact normal. It's only when it gets to the actual, physical customer level that you might expect orders to match shipments.

[sirhc55]

I believe this sorts out the well run companies from the bad.

If Maxwell order 5,000 units and Nikon Japan (or should I say Nikon Thailand) only send 1,000 then surely this is showing extremely bad communications between Maxwell and Nikon. This beggars the question ”who is the bad communicator?”

[gstark]

I believe this sorts out the well run companies from the bad.

If Maxwell order 5,000 units and Nikon Japan (or should I say Nikon Thailand) only send 1,000 then surely this is showing extremely bad communications between Maxwell and Nikon. This beggars the question ”who is the bad communicator?”

I don't think so, Chris.

I think that this would be a normal part of the manufacturing and delivery process, with the 1000 units being shipped representing a partial fulfillment of the order, and 4000 units remaining outstanding.

As you know, I have no great fondness for Nikon, but I can see some some element of sense in partial shipments such as this, to at least satisfy some of the outstanding demand which would be represented by their backorder list.

I would expect that the full Maxwell order (let's presume your 5000 for the sake of the exercise) might include a provision for them to hold stock on hand to satisfy future, as yet unplaced, orders, whereas the 1000 being shipped probably isn't even adequate to satisfy the current backorder list.

[sirhc55]

We are still presented with the question as to why Maxwell never seem to have a clear idea of the number of units to be delivered.

I fully understand the concept you present Gary but I have been involved with purchasing on a large scale from overseas (for DSE) and in all cases the number of units to be delivered was known. Partial delivery information was controlled by me and not the supplier.

I could order a total of 2,000 units with delivery of 1,000 to be immediate (within reason) and the following 1,000 to be split into two deliveries of 500 units each, at predetermined dates.

This is a very normal practice with new products due to no-sales - you have to work on forward predictions.

This still does not answer the question as to why Maxwell have no clear idea of what is going to be delivered.

As Maxwell is NOT Nikon they would have to pay by letter of credit on forward shipments and do we have any idea of their viability to pay - the simple answer is no.

[johndec]

and it needs to be a whole lot more than a name change on some building in Lidcombe!

Funnily enough, the big sign out the front already says "Nikon" not "Maxwell", so there is a few bob saved already.

[johndec]

The problem is, they don't know how many they will be getting until the shipment arrives.

And that is a problem for them as they are going to start losing sales because of it. Like you Tasadam I have an order in with Birdy, but if Maxwell can't deliver I have 3 options:

1. Wait
2. Go Grey
3. Go in a completely different direction. Not the dark side though

I'm starting to consider option 3 in as much as getting a low milage D2h off US ebay. I can have one in my hands for under $AU2000, GST included. That is a hell of a lot of camera for the price.

[Nicole]

It is frustrating isn't it and I really feel sorry for Birddog having to follow them up etc. I was able to get my hands on the D70 close to the initial shipment. They've forgotten about us down here this time around.

[kipper]

Well it almost sounds as bad as Lowepro, I've been waiting 3months for a backpack that's on backorder

Out of interest, in comparison what is Canon like at delivering products to stores? I haven't really heard if they're equally as bad.

[samester]

We are still presented with the question as to why Maxwell never seem to have a clear idea of the number of units to be delivered.


......

This still does not answer the question as to why Maxwell have no clear idea of what is going to be delivered.

called maxwell today, the shipment of D200's arrived yesterday but they still "don't know" how many are in the shipment - will probably know later this week.

is the invoice or packing slip in swahili ?

amusing but frustrating to say the least.

[sirhc55]

We are still presented with the question as to why Maxwell never seem to have a clear idea of the number of units to be delivered.


......

This still does not answer the question as to why Maxwell have no clear idea of what is going to be delivered.

called maxwell today, the shipment of D200's arrived yesterday but they still "don't know" how many are in the shipment - will probably know later this week.

is the invoice or packing slip in swahili ?

amusing but frustrating to say the least.

Maybe they have not learnt how to read yet

[shutterbug]

Just picked up my 2nd D200+MB200 (maxwell stock) 1hr ago at NOB

Also just sold one of my D70's.

[Alpha_7]

Just picked up my 2nd D200+MB200 (maxwell stock) 1hr ago at NOB

Also just sold one of my D70's.

You must really be loving it! If you mind me asking, how much did you get for the D70s ?

[shutterbug]

I sold the D70 to a friend (assistant) $700.

ps. Just got a call from ECS..they have D200 stock

[samester]

ps. Just got a call from ECS..they have D200 stock

shouldn't be be far off now - really can't handle the wait.

interesting that stock has gone out but maxwell still don't know how many they have

i think they're playing the nikon game - the "let's leak a new camera before the official announcement" game.

i reckon all shops will have them by the time maxwell have read the packing slip/invoice, if they fax me a copy i can read the numbers back to them

[tasadam]

called maxwell today, the shipment of D200's arrived yesterday but they still "don't know" how many are in the shipment - will probably know later this week.

Interesting. I phoned Maxwell this morning just after 9. They said they hadn't received them yet - that is, the warehouse hadn't put anything into the computer yet, but that they were expecting them in today, try calling this afternoon.
So I did, around 4.30, and they still didn't know whether they had them, or how many they are getting.
I think I will just wait, and hope. Really would like it before the end of the month when we go on our big bushwalk for the year.

[Aussie Dave]

This all sounds like an executive decision, from higher up the chain - to me. I'm sure the customer service representatives along with the warehouse staff have been instructed not to disclose any information about quantities or delivery. I can imagine that if everyone found out the cameras were in the warehouse, they would be hit from every direction about receiving immediate delivery.

There is absolutely no way that their Purchasing Manager does not know how many they are getting and what is going on with delivery. Maxwell's would want these cameras to arrive as much as you all do, so they can make a $hit load of money.

Is this good customer service - NO. But surely this comes as no surprise to everyone here. Valued customer does not mean a customer they want to look after because you've been loyal in the past. It means someone who has spent alot of money with them in the past and will continue to do so because they want the "Australian" warranty.

Will Nikon care if Maxwell push their customers to buy grey-market ? I don't see why they would. Their product is still being purchased and used, just from another region of the world. If everyone was to jump to Canon - that may be a different story, but with alot of people having large investments in lenses etc. they know this is an unlikely event for most people.

In the end, the cameras will arrive, their backorders will be filled and everyone will be happy for 6 months until the leak about the D3 comes about...(and the cycle continues)

[Jumbuck]

While I fully agree with your sentiments regarding Maxwell - and I'd suggest a follow-up later this week - I'm just a tad concerned that you're not taking full account of all of the issues regarding grey imports.

Just thought I'd do a follow up as requested. I have just received a refund for the full amount for both cams because they were taking way too long. Perhaps it was/is legitimate deal, at the least they honoured what they said on their ebay site which is good (was a little worried there).

I absolutely don't like the idea of Maxwell touching my cams if there is a warrantee issue - its a personal thing. So I'll be looking to buy 2 x D200 from somewhere where I can send them back to Nikon Japan if any warranttee issues come up. Any ideas?

Jumbuck

[paulvdb1]

I'm sure the customer service representatives along with the warehouse staff have been instructed not to disclose any information about quantities or delivery. I can imagine that if everyone found out the cameras were in the warehouse, they would be hit from every direction about receiving immediate delivery.

Close.. but I reckon I have another idea. Having worked in an IT distributor before I'd say they are not telling anyone when x-million dollars worth of stock lands in their warehouse. The real risk is that someone runs a truck in and strips the place just when it's all sitting on a pallet waiting to be unwrapped. This has happened numerous times in Australian warehouses.

[tasadam]

So I'll be looking to buy 2 x D200 from somewhere where I can send them back to Nikon Japan if any warranttee issues come up. Any ideas? Jumbuck

Doesn't matter what you do, you'll be waiting a while for your cameras.
See here.
Adam.

[gstark]

I absolutely don't like the idea of Maxwell touching my cams if there is a warrantee issue - its a personal thing. So I'll be looking to buy 2 x D200 from somewhere where I can send them back to Nikon Japan if any warranttee issues come up. Any ideas?

First of all, Maxwell don't actually work on your camera themselves. The work is subcontracted out. QUte possibly to the same guy who also fixes cameras for Canon.


But for gery puchase, you simply cannot go past HK supplies. They're reputable, and active members here, with prices and serevice that are second to none.

Keep making legitimate posts (or come to a minimeet or some other event) , and you'll soon also be eligble to buy through Birddog too, which gives you the best of all worlds.

[tasadam]

I just phoned Maxwell to ask if they knew the latest on delivery of D200.
They say the best they can say is early March.
They say they understand it will be "high stock levels" but no guarantees until they see what they get.
So I wait. Like everyone else.

[DaveB]

Maxwell don't actually work on your camera themselves. The work is subcontracted out. QUte possibly to the same guy who also fixes cameras for Canon.

Canon Australia does employ their own technicians in their service centres. They do exist: I've even met one!
I believe places such as Camera Clinic can do work under the Canon warranty, but they sometimes end up sending the cameras off to Canon.
As Canon's Melbourne service centre is in Burwood I just take my cameras there when necessary: if it's a small job they have on occasion done the work on the spot.

[samester]

I just phoned Maxwell to ask if they knew the latest on delivery of D200.
They say the best they can say is early March.
They say they understand it will be "high stock levels" but no guarantees until they see what they get.
So I wait. Like everyone else.

hey mate.

i've spoken to their sales staff on a number of occasions, there's a shipment coming within a week.

as usual numbers will never be disclosed and where the stock goes will be a mystery.

i think the smaller retailers are overlooked by maxwell, ECS and NOB have/had shelf stock during each of the last few shipments.

getting antsy myself because i have a paid photoshoot at the end of the month.