I was in the market for a new high end reel and usually purchase my gear from my local shop who always gives me a fair deal. (I should have just bought the reel through him) I came across a deal on ebay that seemed really good, like 200 or so off the list. I took the bait and purchased the reel. (stella 8000 SW)

Well it came and it is "new" never used in the box. However after I put line on it and started using it I noticed clicking sound that I know should not be there. It is probably minor but it should not be there. Also, I noticed there is no registration/warranty card in the box. I contacted the ebay dealer who sold it to me and he offered to take it back and refund me in full. He explained to me that he (and most others on ebay) import the reels in bulk from wholesalers in Japan. They don't come with the warranty card and Shimano USA will NOT perform warranty service on them because the reel is not purchased through an authorized dealer in the US. (and authorized dealers can not discount the reel like the unauthorized do) They will perform the service but you have to pay for it.

For several reasons...I decided to keep the reel learn from my mistake and just send it in at the end of the season with with rest of my stuff and pay for any repairs. I have had excellent luck with factory service with them in the past. But you should know that that attractive pricing you see is there for a reason. Best to buy from your local shop (as I normally have done but strayed this time)

I told the fellow (who had sold thousands of these reels and had a 100% rating with no negatives) that he should say on his listing that the reel will not get USA warranty service, as I explained to him that is sort of expected.

I wished I had the money a couple of times to push the button, but now I'm kind of glad I didn't.

Anyone who wants to can time thier Shimano purchases to change in color and style of the sustain or stella reels by the manufacturer which is when dealers can give a better price. Happens every two years or so in the late fall or winter.

Same thing happens with cameras and many other electronics. You get a new un it but if anything goes wrong you have a problem. In the case of the reel you pay for servic but in the case of some electrionics , the manufacturer will not work on it at all if its from a foreign market.

Overall I think the value is very good doing things this way. Only big issue with electronics is if it totally craps out right away. If it works for 6 months it will probably work for many years but it could crap out in say 2 months and then the ebay guy won't take it back and the manufacturer won't fix it.

Hey Jim - nice Albie you got on the Derby board ! - Great job.