Buyer Beware!

January 28, 2020

Buy Safe and with Confidence.

It’s no secret that many of the products Sound Garage use and recommend are available through some unauthorised dealers and online auction sites. The prices they offer are sometimes quite attractive, but remember, these merchants may not adhere to our suppliers high standards of quality and accountability.

Our two most important assets are our customers and our reputation, and we value both equally.

 

Before you make your purchase, we believe you should know the facts.

 

Check the full price before you purchase.

We encounter many people who have purchased products on-line, only to find our fully installed price works out to be cheaper, and the risk factor is removed.

Not to forget we also have one of the largest range of car audio and in-car navigation products in demonstration boards, so you can touch, feel and explore before you purchase.

We also have an extensive range of accessories to ensure you have the perfect finish at the end of installation.

You get what you pay for.

 

When you buy from Sound Garage, you’re protected.

To begin with, you get a warranty. But that’s just the start. Equally as important, we are Authorised Australian Dealer for all our products and have a store where you can see, hear, and touch the product before you pay. What’s more, you know where to go if you have a problem. You know that the premises that you visited today will still be there tomorrow, and that you’ll get to deal with local people every time.

The online sales environment, on the other hand, favours the seller. Quite often, online sellers will only list a post office box as their address; contact is through email, making it virtually anonymous. Online sellers don’t have to look you in the eye, so it’s much easier for them to shirk their responsibilities. Once you’ve parted with your hard-earned money, promises can evaporate.

In other words, a low purchase price doesn’t always mean a good deal. You only get what you pay for.

Australia Wide Support (CAMS - Car Audio Masters Member)

At Sound Garage, we pride ourselves on the after-sales support offered by our staff and suppliers. We’re there for you when you need us. When you buy from Sound Garage you can be sure that any questions you have will be answered promptly and professionally. Our installation guarantee is Australia wide via the CAMS network of specialist dealers.

Unfortunately, when you buy online or through an unauthorised dealer, neither Sound Garage or our suppliers are able to provide after sales support.

Premium expertise

A motor vehicle can be a harsh environment, full of noise, movement, vibrations, and obstructions. No matter how much you invest in your mobile media system, expert advice and installation will mean the difference between high quality audio and unsatisfactory racket.

Sound Garage have the specialist products, technical knowledge, and installation techniques to maximise the performance of your car audio and entertainment products. Our team have also undergo intensive and thorough training, and receive regular technical data and product updates, so you can be sure you’re receiving the best and most accurate information available anywhere in the world.

Some online sellers are not so well informed. Their ‘facts’ can be misleading or just plain wrong. It’s important to consider whether you will receive the capable service and accurate advice you’re entitled to.

Warranty

Our suppliers like, Alpine Electronics for example, register the serial number of every product which we purchase from them. The comprehensive Australia warranty on our products ensures that if you have a problem, it will be resolved as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, if there’s a product update or recall, your team at Sound Garage will be there to support your purchase long after your money is handed over.

A lot of our products we support, purchased through unauthorised dealers is NOT covered by Australia Warranty, or for repairs. If you purchase online and have a problem, you’ll need to return the unit to the seller for any warranty repairs. For your own protection, you should research the terms of that warranty, and also learn whether you’ll be liable for any costly freight charges, and likely to experience long periods without your system.

Is the product compatible with Australian standards?

It’s important that you know whether the product you’re buying is made for the Australian market. Even when products have the same or similar model numbers, they can have unique features, specifications, and compatibility requirements.

We guarantee that any product purchased from Sound Garage meets Australian specifications and will perform as described. This is especially important if you’re building up a component system in your car; you need to be sure that all of the components will integrate correctly and give you the optimum result.

In addition, any electronic product sold in Australia must meet stringent national standards. All our products are all tested and fully compliant to these standards, and carry the C-Tick mark. Products purchased online and through unauthorised dealers may not be compliant, and may in fact be illegal.

Buyer Beware

Don’t relinquish your Consumer Protection rights.

Australian consumers enjoy comprehensive rights and protection under the law. If you experience a problem with any product from any Australian supplier and you can’t resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you have the right to seek resolution through various government departments and legal channels.


Unfortunately, if you buy online and the product comes from offshore, you relinquish these rights, leaving you without protection should you experience an unresolvable problem with your supplier.

Are you liable for GST and import duties?

Sound Garage is registered for GST, so all purchases are ‘above-board’ as far as the Australian Taxation Office is concerned. Online sellers, on the other hand, represent an additional risk because if the product comes from overseas, as the importer, you are solely liable for any GST and import duties and taxes on the purchase.

 

Sound Garage, where experience makes the difference!

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