How To Buy Power Tools Online In Australia And Not Get Ripped Off - By: Simon J

You can buy just about anything from online auction sites today, including a huge range of power tools. Of course when buying anything online you need to be cautious and whilst this is true for power tools too, there are other dangers lurking to trip up the unsuspecting tradies purchasing power tools online in Australia.

One of the most important things to identify with any power tools is how it is powered. That is, does it carry the relevant marks that make it legal in Australia such as the C-Tick (RCM – Australian Regulatory Compliance Mark). The C-tick confirms that the tools complies with Australian standards from an electrical safety point of view as well as interference with other electrical systems.

Often you will see the CE or GS mark on tools that have been imported from overseas. This is one of the main issues – Grey Imported or Parallel imported products from other countries that carry the same brand name, may even me genuine products, but they are not made for sale in Australia.

Certainly the two easiest ways are to check the power cord either on the power tools or on the battery charger and to check the operating voltage. This can be hard when shopping online so it best to ask the seller to post some pictures of:

* C Tick mark on the product

* Power Plug from the tools or battery charger

* Operating voltage sticker or operating instructions booklet. This should be 240v for Australia

* The serial number so you can use an online serial number search service to check the tool is not logged as stolen.

If the seller wont do this then you shouldn’t buy it, but if you really want it or the price is just too good then check the manufacturer’s Australian website to see if that model number is actually sold in Australia. As always, Buyer Beware in these situations.

As these tools can add up to thousands if something does happen and you try and claim your warranty from the local manufacturer, none will be given for grey import or parallel import power tools. Any money you may have saved will be lost immediately to pay to get the tools repaired or to replace them altogether.

Another issue that arises from using tools that are not authorised to be sold in Australia comes from OH&S laws. These can have serious repercussions for employers, employees and self employed people as you must ensure the safety of your staff and take reasonable steps to secure this safety.

If the tools are not made for Australian voltages and are not legal in Australia you may have a serious legal issue to contend with and furthermore your insurance may not cover you for any claims in these instances.

This could be life changing for you and your employees.

Use your head when your shopping online for power tools, undertake some of these simple checks above, ask questions of the seller, be wary of power tools that require travel adapters to operate in Australia and use the resources on the internet to do some extra checking before giving your hard earned cash to some dodgy operator.

About the Author

Simon is the co-creator and technologist behind Australia's easiest online service helping tradies protect their tool investments, increasing recovery of stolen tools if they do fall victim and helping reduce power tool theft. Log Your Tools. There's safety in numbers. http://www.tool-log.com.au

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Simon-J/71802

Additional Articles From - Home | Business | Business technology