I recently needed warranty service from Nitecore and I want to share my positive experience.
After using my Nitecore HC30 headlamp regularly for 2 months, it suddenly stopped working. I tried different batteries and cleaned the contacts, but there was no light. So, I emailed Nitecore and asked about how I could obtain warranty service. They claim a 5 year warranty, so I was hopeful. With in 24 hours they responded with a detailed, courteous and well written email. They made two useful suggestions: try 2 fresh CR123 batteries and make sure the end cap is fully tighten. I tried that, but no success.
So, I emailed them again and within 24 hours they provided me with a RMA number, shipping address and detailed instructions. I bought this light from a reputable Chinese supplier and Nitecore instructed me to mail it to their service center in Guangzhou, China. Shipping from the US to China is not cheap, but for $13.75 I was able to ship it by USPS first class mail. I did not pay for tracking or insurance.
Three weeks later, Nitecore notified me that they received my HC30. Then, 3 weeks after that, I received and new light with all of the accessories.
It is annoying when a flashlight dies. I have 6 Nitecore lights and this is the only problem I have had. I am very pleased with Nitecore and their warranty service.
Too bad Nitecore doesn’t have a service center in the US like Olight does. It’s a big risk shipping something to China without a tracking number, but way too expensive to ship with one. Glad you had a good experience
I don’t consider any warranty which requires shipping into China (or any other place where shipping isn’t cheap) to be of much value unless they also agree to refund my shipping costs. Even shipping inside the US is going to cost $10-$15 which is often a large part of a budget light’s total cost, so I disregard warranties except on high-priced items as I’m probably not going to bother using them.
Nice to know that Nitecore does honor their warranty as far as it goes though, and it sure beats the heck out of trying to get warranty service from most of the mega-stores!
You can ship something as small as an hc30 anywhere in the US for 4 bucks first class mail. Heck, priority small flat rate box is $6.80 includes Alaska & Hawaii
From the US, shipping anything other than thin pieces of paper, to within US or Canada or Mexico, is going to cost half a kidney. The USPS is charging an obscene amount of money to ship stuff overseas, compared to other post offices around the world. FedEx, UPS and others are even worse. I know because I routinely have to ship stuff overseas. Often the cheapest postage, with no insurance or tracking, costs more than the value of the stuff itself.
It’s about time a fresh competitor comes into this market and shake things up a bit.
It is good to hear that NiteCore does honor their warranty. So far knock on wood , I have had no problems with any of my NiteCore’s… and I have more than a few. Thank’s for sharing your experience.