There was once a time that you could only buy a Chinese phone through an online shop, but with the popularity of Chinese phones more local distributors have set up, so which is better for the customer?
When buying a Chinese phone you have a lot of big choices to make. First of all you need to choose the Chinese Android phone which suits your requirements, and then you need to choose where to buy the phone from.
There are generally only 3 choices where to buy your Chinese phone from and they are 1) Through an online shop, 2) Through the manufactures store, 3) Through a local distributor or retailer. Since the manufactures stores are very less we will see about Online shop and the local distributor or retailer .
What is a Online Shop ?
Online shop is what we call an online store which deals in a huge number of Chinese phones, tablets, and accessories. Some resellers will specialise in just a single product or brand, while others will sell everything from phones to wedding dresses. Resellers will usually work with smaller Chinese phone makers, and also buy phones when they go on flash sale in China only, then resell them internationally.
What is a local Distributor or Retailer ?
A local distributor is a company located in your home country (or close) who have an official partnership with a manufacturer to sell their phones.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are advantages and disadvantages with either option you choose, but choose wisely and you will come out with the best deal and phone.
Buying from a Online shop
Advantages
They get the latest phones in stock before distributors.
Phone prices are usually cheaper.
Some online stores work with the manufacturer so you still have a warranty.
A huge choice of phones to choose from.
Convenient online purchase.
Phone prices are usually cheaper.
Some online stores work with the manufacturer so you still have a warranty.
A huge choice of phones to choose from.
Convenient online purchase.
Disadvantages
Hidden costs can significantly increase costs e.g shipping, Cash on delivery charges.
Cost of shipping if you need to return the device for warranty.
Shipping delays
Customs Issues in the past with dishonest online shoppers can make buying a risk.
Cost of shipping if you need to return the device for warranty.
Shipping delays
Customs Issues in the past with dishonest online shoppers can make buying a risk.
Buying from a local distributor
Advantages
Warranty
Low/Free shipping
Fast shipping
Less chance of hidden costs.
Ease of communication through language and also the time difference.
Ease of return for warranty and repair.
Possibility of visiting a physical store and trying before you buy.
Less chance of disappearing over night.
Low/Free shipping
Fast shipping
Less chance of hidden costs.
Ease of communication through language and also the time difference.
Ease of return for warranty and repair.
Possibility of visiting a physical store and trying before you buy.
Less chance of disappearing over night.
Disadvantages
Much higher price
Still a chance of delay if they need to send your phone back for warranty
Still a chance of delay if they need to send your phone back for warranty
Where to buy your Chinese phone from? Resellers or Distributors
There is a lot to take in to consideration here. Although it looks like you can get the most benefit from buying from a local distributor you also have a chance of getting the same service from online store. We know of European Chinese phone fans who are able to buy their phones with free shipping and no customs tax and have no issues with the device, then again there are some customers who have had to pay customs and shipping, and then suffered more time and cost with having to return the phone. Buying from online store is more of a gamble, but if you do your research you can save money and not worry about after sales service.
Buying from a distributor is the less risky option but it also costs a lot more too. For example we have see a mobile phone from online shop at only Rs.6999 while the distributors/ Retailer charge Rs.7499. The Rs.500 difference isn’t all going in the pocket of the store though, it covers VAT, shipping from China, shipping to the customer, initial customs and cost of after sales service, the actual profit is very little.
There really is no simple answer to the question of where to buy. Just remember that putting in as much research on where to buy might save you as much time and money as researching what to buy.
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