This is a problem that we have here in Australia, most Australian retailers don't want to know unless you are one of there customers and even if they do try and help the importer will put the brakes on your claim.
Do this the other way round though and you will be OK. I have warranted gear brought in Australia when I have been in Europe without any problem.
Try contacting North direct. I had a claim with bindings I bought abroad, and Ronix were great to deal with, I just emailed a picture of the damage and receipt, and then had to pay postage only one way.
Good luck

Hi Salty Sinus,

The North additional 6+ month warranty is in addition to the 12 months standard warranty. This gives you a total of 18 months when you register your product with North. The 6+ additional months is only from the place of purchase. The original 12 months is an international warranty. Most, if not all, North dealers should be able to help you with warranty claims.

DM

juicerider said..

This is a problem that we have here in Australia, most Australian retailers don't want to know unless you are one of there customers and even if they do try and help the importer will put the brakes on your claim.
Do this the other way round though and you will be OK. I have warranted gear brought in Australia when I have been in Europe without any problem.
Try contacting North direct. I had a claim with bindings I bought abroad, and Ronix were great to deal with, I just emailed a picture of the damage and receipt, and then had to pay postage only one way.
Good luck

I would't rush to blame the retailer you approached. The law clearly states that it is the responsibility of the retailer who supplies the goods to honour and warranty claims.
Many stores will still of course assist you in processing your claim but remember they cant be held to account if they didn't sell you the goods.

I bought a North Fuse in mid August. The first time I pumped it up I discovered the LE bladder wasn't holding pressure. ?!! $1700 for a kite that fricken leaks. The mob I bought it from got the kite usable by repairing the bladder, and under my insistence did a warranty claim for a new replacement bladder.
I and I think most people would agree that when you pay $1700 for kite it should come with a new, non repaired bladder. That warranty claim was made in mid/late August. It is now December and do you think I have my replacement bladder yet? Like ****. I will never buy North equipment again and would suggest that anyone who intends to buy North gear because they are "premium product with premium after sales service" think again

Salty, I feel your pain. I have purchased some AK Burton Snow Gear with a lifetime warranty. Well the seams on both my jacket and pants started to come apart. Burton International tried to do the "Do you have the original receipt" which I did. Well they sent me a new jacket and pants.

I am surprised that North International is being such a pack of wankers on this one. If you have purchased any product being here or overseas or even on the Web and it is faulty, then it is their responsibility to fix it.

The problem for companies on the Web now is photographic evidence. Salty take some photos and post them up here. Take some photos of a good bar and the bar you are using.

You will be surprised how many North representatives will email you and try and solve the problem.

HappyG said..

Salty, I feel your pain. I have purchased some AK Burton Snow Gear with a lifetime warranty. Well the seams on both my jacket and pants started to come apart. Burton International tried to do the "Do you have the original receipt" which I did. Well they sent me a new jacket and pants.

I am surprised that North International is being such a pack of wankers on this one. If you have purchased any product being here or overseas or even on the Web and it is faulty, then it is their responsibility to fix it.

The problem for companies on the Web now is photographic evidence. Salty take some photos and post them up here. Take some photos of a good bar and the bar you are using.

You will be surprised how many North representatives will email you and try and solve the problem.

Hi HappyG. Thanks for sharing, the advice and sorry to hear your pain.

I would stress that, the North Dealers I have dealt with here has been responsive and helpful. As ActionSportsWA kindly pointed out, as this warranty claim is under 12 months since ownership, the 6+ thing doesn't come into play and I'm hopeful that ActionSportWA comment will come true:

"The original 12 months is an international warranty. Most, if not all, North dealers should be able to help you with warranty claims. "

Good tip on the photos. These were sent over with the product registration confirmation, serial numbers etc. so I'm hoping for a smooth warranty claim.

I'm curious to know in such a circumstance, whether the dealer simply forwards the gear to be repaired to North, or do they do some sort of exchange?

Roger. Thanks Chris.

Thanks Happy. I am VERY friendly, so no worries on that front ;-)

I'll let my local dealer revert before any forum post of pictures, as I don't want to 'escalate' the issue Unnecessarily.

Cheers!

ActionSportsWA said..

At Saltysinus, it is the discretion of the manufacturer to repair or to replace the faulty item. It's a bit like buying a car with a faulty differential, they will repair or replace the defective item, not the whole car.

I'm sure things will work out OK for you if it's all above board.

DM

Hey DM,

Thanks for the feedback.

Yep, totally understood. It's not a massive issue, and I'm sure it's something North or their agent will sort in due course. I can still kite in the interim, so it's not like I'm sitting at home looking at the rustling leaves through the window, with a wistful look on my face... well, actually that often happens but is due to work getting in the way rather than defective gear.

So yeah, thanks again for everyone's input and I'm sure it will work out in due course. I will of course be singing the praises as and when it is resolved.

Cheers all.

The problem is now fixed .the bar is made in one piece so it wont peel.

Action Sports -
I was talking about it as last resort, I have worked on online marketing campaigns and photos get manufacturers attention. The next step up is video with hits. I think Salty got where I was coming from.

I have dealt with retailers in Melbourne and there has been no problem with warranty claims at all.

I know you guys are standing up for the professional retailers out there, and you are one of the good ones.

All good

Salty,
I am happy to translate a letter/email into German if you want to kick the North mothership in the nuts.

Thanks WeirdEd. I'm appreciate the contact details and offer of help. Daas ist goot.

Well done North, I ride your gear and its always been quality???

Well done Salty for getting their support??? Retailers should be supported, this really does support this.

HappyG, it did look a bit sarcastic!

Anyway, thanks for your reply??? ;-)