"New" eBay reels at a discount..

[Mr. Sandman]

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.