Are all M5P's in the US really grey market??

[Spudboy]

I am very confused as to what is being sold/supported in the USA. For starters, the normal DJI website doesn't even show the M5P. Also, every online place I've found is really just a HK-based company with a DJI related name. (on eBay, there's the "DJI Store". Then there's DJIUSA, also really in HK).

So what is the truth? Can you buy an M5P from DJI directly? If you buy from one of these HK-based companies, what recourse do you have if there's a defect?

Likewise, what is the story regarding warranty/service? What are people doing if they have a new, defective M5P? Does DJI do anything to help? Or do you now have to rely on third-party warranty coverage? From what I've read, most of these companies make you jump through hoops for drone repair/replacement.

I have an old Phantom V2 and Mavic 2 Pro. So I thought it's time for an updated model. But shelling out ~$1,400 for a drone that has ZERO warranty and no factory support doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

Any insights would be welcomed.

Thanks

 

[FLDave]

Are your Phantom V2 and Mavic 2 Pro working oK and serving your purpose OK? If so, just enjoy what your have and keep using them. If you really do require a new drone, just look for the best online deal (not from DJI direct) and pay whatever you need to get a new drone; you have no bargaining power now. That time a long past. For a new drone evaluate a new seller, not a marketplace, real carefully.

 

[mavic3usa]

I am very confused as to what is being sold/supported in the USA. For starters, the normal DJI website doesn't even show the M5P. Also, every online place I've found is really just a HK-based company with a DJI related name. (on eBay, there's the "DJI Store". Then there's DJIUSA, also really in HK).

So what is the truth? Can you buy an M5P from DJI directly? If you buy from one of these HK-based companies, what recourse do you have if there's a defect?

Likewise, what is the story regarding warranty/service? What are people doing if they have a new, defective M5P? Does DJI do anything to help? Or do you now have to rely on third-party warranty coverage? From what I've read, most of these companies make you jump through hoops for drone repair/replacement.

I have an old Phantom V2 and Mavic 2 Pro. So I thought it's time for an updated model. But shelling out ~$1,400 for a drone that has ZERO warranty and no factory support doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

Any insights would be welcomed.

Thanks

Hmmm, another question that DJI has failed to officially answer (in fact they dodge the question). But I probably missed it somewhere so someone will be along shortly with a link that will unequivocally provide the answers you are looking for. I know the answer, I don't need an explanation of how it works. I just need someone to point to where DJI officially gives the answer, not a chat screenshot or an email from an employee or a 3rd party website that quotes a DJI "spokesperson."

My point is DJI won't give you the answer...because, it's complicated. They would prefer everyone make up their own mind about it and if you run into a problem or have an issue, they can deal with you independently. Because the bottom line is it only hurts when you are told you have NO warranty. Anything short of that and you should be fine.

Nowhere in any official document or official documentation from DJI is the warranty legally disclaimed. The standard warranty verbiage in effect for many years now does point out conditions in which your warranty may not be honored. Claiming you didn't "launch" there is not legally sufficient. Blocking your website with a 404 Error is not legally sufficient. If you have legal questions (because a manufacturers warranty is a legal issue of sorts and we have consumer protection laws in America) you should consult with an attorney. Because it's hit or miss at this point and ultimately it's DJI on the hook for business decisions with their customers, not the government who created the chaos.

Also just to be clear, DJI manufacturer's warranty is not the same as DJI Care Refresh which is a paid service plan currently not available to US buyers.

 

[Cafguy]

If your warranty is any good is up to the U.S. Customs service not DJI. If they could, they would..

 

[anotherlab]

I am very confused as to what is being sold/supported in the USA. For starters, the normal DJI website doesn't even show the M5P. Also, every online place I've found is really just a HK-based company with a DJI related name. (on eBay, there's the "DJI Store". Then there's DJIUSA, also really in HK).

So what is the truth? Can you buy an M5P from DJI directly? If you buy from one of these HK-based companies, what recourse do you have if there's a defect?

Likewise, what is the story regarding warranty/service? What are people doing if they have a new, defective M5P? Does DJI do anything to help? Or do you now have to rely on third-party warranty coverage? From what I've read, most of these companies make you jump through hoops for drone repair/replacement.

I have an old Phantom V2 and Mavic 2 Pro. So I thought it's time for an updated model. But shelling out ~$1,400 for a drone that has ZERO warranty and no factory support doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

Any insights would be welcomed.

Thanks

When you buy a grey market electronic device, your warranty is typically only good in the country where the device was intended to be sold. This is not a warm and fuzzy situation. Some people are fine with rolling the dice, others not so much.

I have two DJI drones. My Phantom 3S was defective, and I had to return it to the store for another one. My Mavic 2 Pro has never had any issues.

 

[msinger]

Can you buy an M5P from DJI directly?

No. DJI does not sell the Mavic 5 Pro or any other drones in the US.

If you buy from one of these HK-based companies, what recourse do you have if there's a defect?

You'll need to return your purchase to the seller. For that reason, it would make better sense to purchase from a seller in the US, like one of these sellers.

what is the story regarding warranty/service?

DJI is not able to send drones/accessories to the US, so I wouldn't plan on attempting to use the included warranty for that purpose.

What are people doing if they have a new, defective M5P?

They are sending it back to the seller, just like people do when purchasing other items online. Choose your seller wisely in case you run into any trouble.

Any insights would be welcomed

It sounds like you prefer to avoid risk when it comes to buying a drone, so it may be best to wait and see if DJI gets approved to sell in the US again. If that happens, you could purchase directly from DJI at that time. In the meantime, you can continue enjoying the drones you already have, which likely already do everything you need them to do.