CR Kennedy no longer Hasselblad distributor in Australia.

[Orokaj]

HB support just got back to me and said they are planning on having "D1 Store" as the local Australian dealer. It looks like it is a DJI retail store.

Even better, physical stores who deals directly.

In China they have these DJI X Hasselblad brand stores and its been very helpful.

[MSuser]

HB support just got back to me and said they are planning on having "D1 Store" as the local Australian dealer. It looks like it is a DJI retail store.

They're an independent DJI reseller with multiple locations. They carry the full range of DJI product including enterprise, cinema, and handheld.

Here's a link: www.d1store.com.au/about-us

D1 Store is Australia's Official DJI Authorised Retail Store (First & Only) and was established in 2017 to be the forefront of all DJI products and services in Australia. Along with our extensive range of Consumer, Enterprise and Agricultural products, D1 proudly provides Official DJI Repairs & Maintenance, Trade-Ins, Product Training (Online and In Person), Extensive Technical Support and many other services.

Our team are easily accessible with 7 conveniently located retail outlets across Australia (with more on the way), 7 days a week live chat and our trusted sales hotline (03) 9288 7882. At each of our 7 stores, we invite you to touch, feel and pilot the latest DJI consumer, enterprise and agricultural drones. Our DJI product specialists will ensure you receive all the accurate information you need along with the Best Price and Service.

D1 Store are proud to exclusively offer the New Pilot Experience drone workshop at each of our stores. Along with DJI Care Refresh, Same-day Repairs, Trade-Ins and Official Drone Maintenance. Furthermore, we offer an exclusive Second Year Official DJI Warranty Extension and a Australia Wide Rental Service.

[bdp]

Yes, looks like it could be a good thing.

Open 7 days, and more locations coming.

Assuming they carry a decent level of stock, it means you could walk in any day of the week to demo lenses or any other new gear.

[flash]

It'll really depend on whether the staff know what they're talking about. If they train them and run it like the Leica store in Sydney then it'll be a win. If it's a drone store with X2D's on the side then it'll be a PITA.

And it will remain to be seen how the support is. Which will be critical for most of us.

Time will tell. At least they seem to have a plan. And I don't mind the *store* concept. It works for Apple and Leica, well enough.

Gordon

[Larsb]

If Hasselblad have a local store with some stock, it will be awesome.   Definitely looking forward to seeing that

[bdp]

It'll really depend on whether the staff know what they're talking about. If they train them and run it like the Leica store in Sydney then it'll be a win. If it's a drone store with X2D's on the side then it'll be a PITA.

And it will remain to be seen how the support is. Which will be critical for most of us.

Time will tell. At least they seem to have a plan. And I don't mind the *store* concept. It works for Apple and Leica, well enough.

Gordon

Agreed - having stock is one thing but for professionals, having support when thing go down is essential. We need loan equipment, speedy repairs etc.

[BrkoBrx]

For example, I want to buy extra batteries for my X1DII but B&H won't ship batteries overseas, and the Hasselblad store will only ship inside Europe. If there is no longer an Australian dealer, how do I buy anything?

I ordered the X2D body, spare battery and charging hub from B&H this May. Everything was delivered by DHL 4 days later.

[BrkoBrx]

Got a reply to an enquire I made yesterday after noticing HB items no longer listed on their site. Confirmed in reply from sales manager.

I don't know about New Zealand, but would assume the same. Also not sure what's going on moving forward. CR Kennedy are also the distributor of DJI in Oz and they seem to still be listed??

Gordon

I contacted CR Kennedy regarding X2D and 55mm 2.5V lens in mid-March and they told me they are no longer Hasselblad distributor. Also, they told me to contact Ingram Micro for all related enquiries.

I contacted Ingram Micro, but they are interested in selling to resellers only.

[bdp]

For example, I want to buy extra batteries for my X1DII but B&H won't ship batteries overseas, and the Hasselblad store will only ship inside Europe. If there is no longer an Australian dealer, how do I buy anything?

I ordered the X2D body, spare battery and charging hub from B&H this May. Everything was delivered by DHL 4 days later.

Very interesting. I contacted B&H and specifically asked about buying spare batteries and the shipping restrictions and they said there is no way they can ship them, and blamed the freight companies. I think because you bought a body as well there may be an exception to this stupid rule. If you try to add a battery alone to your cart and checkout it won't let you, due to 'shipping restrictions' for my location.

[flash]

Got a reply to an enquire I made yesterday after noticing HB items no longer listed on their site. Confirmed in reply from sales manager.

I don't know about New Zealand, but would assume the same. Also not sure what's going on moving forward. CR Kennedy are also the distributor of DJI in Oz and they seem to still be listed??

Gordon

I contacted CR Kennedy regarding X2D and 55mm 2.5V lens in mid-March and they told me they are no longer Hasselblad distributor. Also, they told me to contact Ingram Micro for all related enquiries.

I contacted Ingram Micro, but they are interested in selling to resellers only.

Ingram Micro are a broker, not an importer. They'll be doing the logistics of setting up resellers but aren't themselves a reseller. Like an agent between HB and local agents.

Gordon

[BrkoBrx]

For example, I want to buy extra batteries for my X1DII but B&H won't ship batteries overseas, and the Hasselblad store will only ship inside Europe. If there is no longer an Australian dealer, how do I buy anything?

I ordered the X2D body, spare battery and charging hub from B&H this May. Everything was delivered by DHL 4 days later.

Very interesting. I contacted B&H and specifically asked about buying spare batteries and the shipping restrictions and they said there is no way they can ship them, and blamed the freight companies. I think because you bought a body as well there may be an exception to this stupid rule. If you try to add a battery alone to your cart and checkout it won't let you, due to 'shipping restrictions' for my location.

Yep, just put the battery in the cart and it says they can't ship to Australia. But when you buy U$8200 X2D body and the battery together, then they can ship. Ridiculous.

[bdp]

I'll wait a few weeks to see if D1 Store starts selling them.

Otherwise, I have a way of buying from the Hasselblad store through a freight forwarding service in Germany. A convoluted solution but at least it's possible.

[BrkoBrx]

I'll wait a few weeks to see if D1 Store starts selling them.

Otherwise, I have a way of buying from the Hasselblad store through a freight forwarding service in Germany. A convoluted solution but at least it's possible.

Which freight forwarding service is reliable in Germany? And do you know a good one in the US?

Thanks

[Larsb]

I'm also interested if anyone has any experience with using a freight forwarding company from Europe / Germany, and what the process is (particularly with respect to organising the purchase and import taxes, etc)

thanks

[bdp]

I haven't used them, but Forward2Me was quick to respond to my enquiry assuring me batteries were no problem to ship. They have addresses in the UK, Germany, Turkey and Japan.

In the US I have used Shipito and Planet Express, but not for batteries.