Pro Centre Clarification

I am in the process of obtaining a new body and wanted to confirm the additional 12 month warranty offered by Pentax Pro Centres. I spoke to WEX and the guy at customer services advised me that they only offer the standard manufacturers 12 month warranty. When I asked about the additional 12 months as a Pro Centre he told me they didn't. SRS on the other hand informed me that they do offer this extended warranty as a supplier of Pentax equipment. Have I been misinformed by WEX or is this a good reason to deal with SRS as the primary seller of cameras and lenses.
To add to this I did contact Ricoh UK to ask advice and was advised that in Europe the standard warranty is 2 years however in the UK retailers have found a way around this through legislation to give only a 12 month term. Has any other user recently come across this issue or is it a case of me being given wrong information?

Regards Tony

I have a feeling I read that Ricoh had abolished Pro Centres. Could be wrong, but I'd still buy from SRS.

'Standard' warranty in the EU, provided by the manufacturer in one form or another (regardless of how they choose to call it) is 24 months. It's not up for discussion. Wish UK shops where a bit better informed. No one is exempt from it. Not Ricoh, not Apple. This is considered your minimum right (http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/shopping/guarantees-returns/index_en.htm); local regulations can only apply additionally; not in lieu of.

Further, another EU directive guarantees customers a right to claim and potential free repair/replacement for up to 5 years in case of electronics I believe. Stuff is expected to have a certain life span. If it fails before that, you can, given the right circumstances that do not involve any fault of your own or fair wear and tear (like shutter actuation) demand free repair/replacement during that entire period.

Example of that with Pentax, would be the K3 II GPS related fault. It's a documented recall, and regardless whether you start observing it now, or after 24 months, they can be made to fix it for free.

Shops do not provide warranty, manufacturers do. The only time a UK shop is responsible for the product is if it's a grey import. If you are not aware at time of purchase, they are obliged to provide warranty in place of manufacturer.

Atm, clients in the UK have very good purchase protection; sadly, many aren't aware of it at all.

Shops may not provide the actual warranty service, but they are the ones you have a contract with and they have the responsibility. The 5 years quoted may be 6 years in the UK, but the onus is on the user to prove there was a manufacturing fault as opposed to failure through fair wear and tear. It's full of practical problems and potential arguments, so a reasonable attitude on both sides helps a lot.

As for warranty, as far as I know SRS are offering 2 years. If you've phoned them and that's what they say, then that's it, no problem.

It's a common misconception that the 2 year EU warranty is mandatory in the UK. It's not. It was trumped by our various consumer rights legislation, currently the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which supposedly affords better protection up to 6 years, BUT after 6 months the onus is on the consumer to prove the presence of a manufacturing fault if the manufacturer reneges on any warranty they gave with the item which could be up to 2 years per the EU directive.

me personally would use srs chris and the team dont muck about they will go the extra mile to help you out

Clifton Cameras in Dursley are also a pro centre and I can speak from experience offer superb service as do Chris and team at SRS in Watford.

24 month warranty is not a misconception. Any local laws are additional - they do not, in any shape or form, replace any EU directive the the UK has applied. Any commercial law lawyer will confirm that. It is wishful thinking on the part of many local business owners, that it can be replaced or bypassed. I have successfully invoked those rights locally not so long ago with very little fuss.

Thanks everyone for all your comments on the subject it does seem that the pro centre status is different between various suppliers. I have no issues with any of the suppliers mentioned above and in fact have dealt with all of them with great success and confidence. I had assumed that the warranties offered would mirror those that advertise as recognised Pentax dealers as advertised here https://www.pentaxuser.com/news/visit-your-local-pentax-pro-centre-today-845 even here it shows and extra 12 months warranty.

Worth others knowing maybe but at least we now know