jrpoppapump said:
i've been planning on purchasing a new detector, and really gearing for the white's dfx. of course i had to save my money and i'm sure i'm making a good choice. my question is there are so many dealers out there, some small, some very large, how long do you think an unsold metal detector remains on the shelf waiting to be sold? do dealers switch out unsold machines for fresh ones? is the detector i'll be purchasing will have sat on the shelf for four or five years? or does it make a difference until it's finally turned on? if anyone knows let me know.
This is a good question and one I've thought about a lot.
1st off, the amount of time a detector is on the shelf (in a sealed box) means very little as long as it's kept at an acceptable temperature and humidity level.
There are detectors 30 years old that work as good as new. Today's components last a very long time if not abused.
Now, the $64,000 question really is: Does a particular dealer properly care for his stock? I would say in most cases the answer would be yes. However, some unseen sellers (ebay, etc.) may be selling out of a black mold infested damp basement. I mean, if you don't know the person you can be getting most anything.
Whenever I buy a new machine (happens a lot), I buy mostly from dealers who come highly recommend to me by TreasureNet Forum members or other THer friends. I want to deal with someone with a real SERVICE store if possible. By SERVICE store I mean a shop setup to handle (not ignore) any unforeseen probelms that may arise.
Many otherwise "good" dealers refuse to back their merchandise after a sale.
A couple years ago I bought a new Tesoro DeLeon and pinpointer (one of those Sherlocks) from a major online detector dealer out of New York. The detector was fine but the pinpointer was a piece of junk. I contacted him and all I got was the address of the importer. I sent it in to them and never saw a refund or my pinpoint again.
Any good seller will back the products he sells. You shouldn't have to send a brand new detector into the factory on your own. If you just took it out of the box it should work or the dealer should pay for all shipping costs and get a new one to you. You paid for a new machine, not a used one! There are lots of dealers who play this trick on people.
Here's what I do now.
I write to a dealer and ask these questions before I buy:
1) Do you personally guarantee this detector will work properly when I receive it?
2) If it is defective, will you pay all expenses (shipping, etc.) to replace it with another new machine?
3) How long after I receive this detector will you cover it?
4) Do you guarantee that this is a factory new detector and not a demonstrator or refurbished item?
Some times dealers won't even bother to write back. Those that do and agree, ask around about them. Don't be in too much of a hurry. Get several good reports on a seller before you pick him. Some people praise someone they never had to really deal with over some problem (these guys always seem nice).
Best of luck!
Badger
