These are the pitfalls when buying technology abroad

display

Very few manufacturers offer the same range worldwide.

“There are many products from well-known brands that are not officially available in Germany, especially on the Asian market,” says Rainer Schuldt from “Computer Bild”.

Anyone who is interested in a specific amplifier or a special smartphone will still find it, as import dealers or large online marketplaces ship worldwide.

A large part of the imported electrical appliances come from Asia, explains Ralf Diekmann from TÜV Rheinland.

But also from Turkey, Great Britain or the USA.

Before buying, consumers should be aware of where the retailer is, says Christian Wölbert from the specialist magazine “c't”.

On the marketplace pages, for example, this cannot be seen at first glance: "I'm afraid that many do not even know that they are buying from foreign dealers."

display

In shops, customers can have the device removed from the packaging, check the workmanship, smell it, check sharp corners and edges or look at the instructions, as Diekmann explains.

This option does not initially exist with an online purchase.

Check unknown dealers abroad

He therefore recommends checking whether the seller is a reliable source, such as a branded retailer, a well-known retail company or a large discounter.

These companies had their own quality assurance systems and would simply have "a reputation to lose" if major product safety problems occurred.

"If you are buying from someone you do not know for the first time, take a look at the ratings on delivery reliability, the quality and safety of the products and what to do in the event of a complaint online, and use secure payment methods," advises Diekmann.

display

The goods may end up at customs first.

"There may be trouble here even with smaller orders," says Tobias Weidemann from the digital magazine "t3n".

For example, if the device does not have a CE mark.

With this, the manufacturer declares that all EU requirements for the product have been met.

If the CE mark is missing, customs will withhold the order.

The goods may then not be imported.

It will be sent back or destroyed.

As a rule, the buyer bears the costs incurred.

Sales tax and customs when buying technology abroad

Depending on the value and origin of the device, the import sales tax must be paid to customs.

Wölbert warns that you may have to pay fees here that you didn't know about beforehand.

In addition, it could be that a customs value was specified that was too low.

"That is tax evasion, you shouldn't be made an accomplice here." In any case, you should expect long shipping times.

display

The next thing you realize is that an amplifier from Japan cannot be used, says Rainer Schuldt.

In this example, on the one hand, the plug does not fit, and on the other hand, the device does not run in the German power grid.

Unless you get a plug adapter and a transformer that converts the voltage.

Cost: around 30 to 50 euros.

No CE mark?

Then customs destroy the device or send it back

Source: dpa-tmn

Sometimes the tension issue can also be easily resolved, explains Schuldt.

Some devices have a button on the back with which you can switch between 110 volts (e.g. Japan or US) and 230 volts (e.g. Germany and Europe).

Chinese instead of German smartphone menus

“We regularly have the case that the devices are actually safe, but because, for example, labels and warnings are incomplete or incorrectly translated, they may not be used correctly.

Safe devices quickly become insecure, ”reports Ralf Diekmann.

For example, if you use a device that is only suitable for dry conditions out of ignorance in damp rooms or outside.

Short-circuit or electric shock can result.

“There can also be frustration if, for example, an exotic television shows Chinese but no German menus,” says Schuldt.

In addition, these devices may not be fit for German cable or aerial television.

Then additional devices are needed, such as a DVB-C or DVB-T tuner.

A British plug?

That is not ideal.

But an adapter can help

Source: dpa-tmn

When buying a smartphone, it is also important to ensure that the software of the product is intended for use in Europe, advises Wölbert.

Otherwise you will quickly find a device without a Google Play Store in your hands or one without a menu in German or the desired European language.

Similarly, it is worth checking whether the device has a German keyboard layout for laptops.

Trouble with the return

The greatest difficulties with imported devices can arise when it comes to guarantee, warranty or return shipping.

"Many countries do not have the generosity of distance selling law that Germany offers, especially outside the EU," says Tobias Weidemann from the digital magazine "t3n".

Therefore: Inform in advance how high the return shipping fees will be and whether they will be reimbursed.

For example, if you have bought a device such as a robot lawn mower on a Chinese platform and you have problems with the battery, it may be classified as dangerous goods when it is returned.

"Then you have to send it back to the manufacturer in a dangerous goods container," explains Ralf Diekmann from TÜV Rheinland. This transport could be higher than the cost of the device. And it's time to wait again, wait, wait.