By purchasing "gray" mobile phones, unreasonable buyers not only create a lot of problems for themselves, but also finance the sector of the shadow economy. What can the desire to save money lead to and how to distinguish a “gray” device from a “white” one?
Instructions
Step 1
The so-called gray products in general and mobile phones in particular are goods imported into the country illegally. This is all that distinguishes them from the "white" devices - those that were purchased from a manufacturer or an official distributor and certified for sale in Russian stores. The "gray" phone is not a fake.
Step 2
Contrary to the popular myth, the cost of "gray" and "white" phones does not differ too radically: the price of the former is about 10-20 dollars lower.
Step 3
In the case when certified goods are illegally imported, the buyer will not feel the difference between a "white" and a "gray" phone. Therefore, "gray" phones are in great demand among the population - after all, if there is no difference, why pay more? However, the "gray" product, unlike the official one, is not covered by warranty and sometimes post-warranty service. Therefore, in the event of a breakdown, it will be impossible to take the mobile to the service center. If the phone is lost or stolen, law enforcement agencies will not be able to find it.
Step 4
In the case when uncertified goods are imported. The consumer can expect a lot of unpleasant surprises. For example, if a batch of mobile phones was not intended for import into the Russian Federation, then the Russian language will be absent in the menu of the devices.
Step 5
There are a number of common signs of "gray" telephones: along with a suspiciously low price, these include the absence of the SSE and PCT logos, the presence of extraneous stickers with the names of foreign mobile operators (Vodafone, VimpelCom, Orange), the mismatch of IMEI (international identifier of mobile equipment) printed on the case under the battery and indicated on the box.
Step 6
Sellers of "gray" mobile phones cannot provide the buyer with an official warranty card; instead, they issue only a guarantee of a certain service.
Step 7
The largest number of "gray" mobile phones and smartphones are sold through online stores.
Step 8
The most effective way to distinguish a "gray" phone from a "white" one is to call the manufacturer's hotline. Having called it, you must indicate the IMEI, and if there is no information about it, this will automatically mean that the device under this number is not certified.
