Takealot Import Section

chris77

Seems like Takealot has closed down it's Import section.

First thought was that it sucks big time because I have used them in the past to buy Guitars, parts, pickups and an amp - always receiving excellent service and at prices waaaay below what I could get it for locally. Then it dawned on me that I haven't used them for a year or so and that actually since they changed from Take2 to Takealot their prices went from great to kinda OK. They also recently never seemed to have what I wanted in stock and when I queried an out of stock item, I didn't even get a response. Still a pity though, used to be a great site way back when.

studmissile

Even as takealot they were still cheaper than most!

doc-phil

"21 September 2012

Dear Customers,

It is with regret that we have to terminate our US and UK import departments. The technical method used to provide the service is no longer available to us and despite our best efforts we are unable to negotiate the sustainable use of the technical integration needed to provide it to you.

Our product offering however remains brilliant. We have ten, largely locally sourced, fantastic categories to choose from, and we are busy adding more selection and depth every day. Our goal, as always, is to give our customers the widest choice of products at competitive prices, delivered directly to your door with customer service second to none.

If you have already ordered using our US or UK import departments and have not yet received your order, don't worry, we will continue to fulfill existing orders.

Any questions - please feel free to call us on 0861 222 989 or email info@takealot.com

And as always, we acknowledge the importance of you, our customer, as the lifeblood of our business.

Yours sincerely,

Kim Reid
CEO"

So sad... everything I have ever bought off takealot was from the USA imports section.

Paddy

It's a real pity. I was waiting for pay day end of this month to order a whole bunch of guitar spares and a new fuzz pedal. What I liked about Takealot was that shipping was free for orders over R250. So at least that was taken care of. Most other places you still needed to factor in shipping, like StewMac.

Is there any other places we could make use of for international orders on the cheap?

6x9base13

What sort of things do you guys normally order from Takealot ? I know of a bunch of guys looking into an import business - perhaps I can steer them in a direction that suits us ?

doc-phil

6x9base13 wrote: What sort of things do you guys normally order from Takealot ? I know of a bunch of guys looking into an import business - perhaps I can steer them in a direction that suits us ?

Anything worth buying. Whether it is actual physical cd's (which I haven't bought in about two years) or any music gear, mostly I find the only way to get it is through the import section, as availability on the local side of things is very limited.

Charlie4

The worst thing for me is that their range is probably going to decrease significantly.
I have had a terrible experience with Kalahari, such that I'm opting to delete my account, so there aren't really any alternatives apart from importing yourself or buying locally, at inflated prices. ☹

Paddy

Well I've bought guitar tutorial dvd's(some of which I have yet to watch). Some guitar books, TBX tone controls, and normal pots and just some general spares. Was about to order copper shielding tape and a Biyang Fuzz pedal as well as a Danelectro univibe clone before this happened.

I live in a small town with a big hole and most stuff is hard to come buy.

My wife is also upset about the Takealot dilemma. She used to order a lot of her medical textbooks via the USA imports because they are just ridiculously expensive in SA. Eg. One of her books cost 6 grand in SA, and 2 grand via Takealot. Where do you think we bought from ?

studmissile

They linked up with AMAZON musical instruments section, and most of it appeared to be musical stuff that actually shipped from the AMAZON warehouse. However there were certain things (3rd party dealers) on AMAZON that they couldn't get. I've never had any problems with them, except once, but they came and picked it up (via courier). Their returns service was spot on, that's what I loved about them the most!!!!

I wonder if they couldn't consider an alternative source like Sweetwater or Musician Friend in the States? Although I don't think they sell medical textbooks.

It's heartbreaking, what I can't understand is WHY? AMAZON's making money and TAKEALOT making money, obviously someone felt they weren't making enough!!!!

V8

There is also wantitall.co.za, although their prices can be a bit eye-watering at times and range is limited - but I've found the service is quite good and if you shop smart, you can get free local shipping and a 5-15% discount.

Why is takealot affected, not sure - this is the press : http://businesstech.co.za/news/internet/22722/takealot-takes-knock-after-amazon-snub/. But I have a sneaking suspicion that as e-commerce in SA is getting lucrative (look at the amount of media ads for kalahari, takealot, olx, etc...) there may be a amazon.co.za in the works :-\

Amazon already have business units in SA (Kindle direct publishing), so maybe...?

chris77

6x9base13 wrote: What sort of things do you guys normally order from Takealot ? I know of a bunch of guys looking into an import business - perhaps I can steer them in a direction that suits us ?

Mostly guitar related stuff. I bought three big items from them - My Breedlove D35, Fender FSR tele and Fender G-Dec3. Also bought a ton of mostly Fender parts and spares like Pickguards, pots, bridges, tuners, neckplates and strap buttons. Oh, and a Mighty mite neck. Also bought a few sets of SD, Lace and Fender pups, and some CD's. And a few books! All from their import section.
Probably a blessing in disguise that they closed down though. Got married in January, so there are a lot of other more important things to spend my our money on than Gear ?

studmissile

How can you say that! I can't think of anything more romantic than buying your better half a Fender FSR Tele?

IceCreamMan

i used to use the takealot import section on a regular basis as it took the guess work out of the equation...not for big ticket items mind but small stuff and always had a great service. pity this has closed as it was relatively cheap compared to the opposition and i carried no risk in the importing of the items.

amazon.co.za would be wonderful though