Importing Replacement Laptop Batteries

Jay on 04/07/2016 - 13:44

Hi guys. Question for you. We have a family laptop (Acer Aspire) which is several years old. The battery life is degrading from its original 4-5 hours to about 30 mins. It isn't really a problem, more so an annoyance. Replacement isn't a necessity.

Been doing some research online (go figure!)

Replacement cost in NZ is being quoted at around $170

which is somewhat ridiculous. Certainly wouldn't bother replacing it at that cost.

Generic no-brand Chinese (ebay etc) (Top Seller yada yada) compatible to Laptop brand/model and battery specs.

About NZ$35 including international freight.

Genuine part ex UK

About NZ$80 including international freight.

NZ shops say I can't import it from overseas because it is a lithium battery and has to travel by sea. Overseas suppliers seem to be indicating that they can freight it over without any hassles.

Any thoughts on our options?

General Discussion

Comments

  • asmcar on 04/07/2016 - 15:16

    I normally consider freight to be the sellers problem on eBay, if they have said they can ship it to NZ then it's up to them to work out how. Remember tho if it's not compatible for whatever reason it will cost you a lot more to send it back (because you won't be able to standard post it).

    • Jay on 04/07/2016 - 16:46

      Thanks. Yes, always consider any of these speculative online purchases to be throwaways. So long as Paypal covers non-arrival of goods, I'm happy.

      Just wondered what folks thought of non-branded generics over supposedly genuine replacements.

      RE Lithium batteries. Had similar issues when in Beijing looking at amazingly cheap folding electric bicycles. Was very doable to bring one back as luggage as very compact. But I couldn't get a clear answer from the airlines on whether the lithium battery was an issue. Contacted NZ and Singapore offices but nobody was sure. Ended up not buying (many regrets!) then later found that the airline (ANZ) would have allowed it onboard. So no clear answers there.

      The 'no lithium batteries on planes' argument seems a bit daft as there are few restrictions around passengers with laptops. So can't see why the same battery unattached should be a problem.

      So just wondered if anyone else had gone down this path.

      • footy7 on 04/07/2016 - 21:36
        +1

        NZ shops say I can't import it from overseas because it is a lithium battery and has to travel by sea…

        Huh? The sales person said that because he wants you to pay $170 that's all :)

        I have purchased those generic $35 battey for my Dell Core2 laptop and so far, they work fine. I have seen similar generic batteries selling at retail shops here for $99

        • Jay on 04/07/2016 - 21:56

          Great. Thanks. That's what I wanted to hear. I thought as much but it is reassuring all the same to hear from someone who has actually done it. Thanks again, Footy7

        • footy7 on 05/07/2016 - 00:52

          @Jay: I cannot remember which seller I bought it from, but as mentioned before by another person - if you pay by Paypal, then you will be covered by their non-delivery 90-day guarantee, or something. Also, there is abit of truth about restriction on lithium batteries as air cargo, but certain airline carriers will allow this, so hoping the ebay or online seller will choose the right airline carrier/postage method. Again, use Paypal Dispute if there is no receipt of goods. Yes, there are always risks if not purchasing locally…

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