B&H Now Authorized Distributor Of Hikvision

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Ethan Ace
Apr 27, 2018

B&H is often cited by integrators as a competitor/challenge given their strong presence in online sales. Last year, we covered ADI shipping/fulfilling orders for B&H, including Hikvision. Now Hikvision has made B&H an authorized distributor.

This seems to be a fairly recent move, as even in December of 2017, B&H was not listed as authorized. And in past contact with tech support we were clearly told that B&H was not an authorized source.

What do you think about that B&H being authorized by security manufacturers? Integrators, vote in this poll:

U
Undisclosed #1
Apr 27, 2018
IPVMU Certified

This seems to be a fairly recent move, as even in December of 2017, B&H was not listed as authorized. And in past contact with tech support we were clearly told that B&H was not an authorized source.

And yet, in 2015

Authorized U.S. Online Reseller Of Hikvision - B&H Photo

 

Avatar
Ethan Ace
Apr 27, 2018

Man you have a great memory. To be clear, though, they were not on the authorized list of Hikvision distributors then, either. They were handling returns and tech support themselves.

Also, I believe that those on the authorized list purchase direct from Hikvision, whereas B&H used to drop ship from ADI. I can't confirm that 100%, but will check if we order again.

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U
Undisclosed #1
Apr 27, 2018
IPVMU Certified

Man you have a great memory.

Though I must admit its extremely selective, and tends to reward trivia and errata over the practical, (said as he signs his 2017 tax return)

The online authorized resellers link, (whatever that means/meant), is still up here, with a lot of overlap to the current distributors.

P.S. Your link to the authorized distributors seems to be down; perhaps in reaction to your poll ;)

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Mike Rose
Apr 27, 2018

I get all my Hikvision on Amazon 

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UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #2
Apr 27, 2018

Neutral. We never drank the Hik koolaid.

U
Undisclosed #1
Apr 27, 2018
IPVMU Certified

We never drank the Hik koolaid.

But did you ever serve it?

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UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #2
Apr 27, 2018

HAHA, no! :) We came dangerously close to considering it in the early days, when one of the marketing reps we tended to like started carrying them. But thankfully we held the line and never took the "leap".

U
Undisclosed #3
Apr 27, 2018

Hikvision USA has 58 authorized distributors. Would it not be easier / shorter to list who was not an authorized distributor?

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Apr 27, 2018

Does anyone have any direct knowledge of what it is required to become a Hik "Distributor?" With so many Authorized Distributors, there has got to be someone on IPVM that has been approached, or has once contemplated joining this exclusive club? To me, it appears that "Distributor" is simply the highest level of their Partner Program. Or does it take just one big stocking PO? With soo many "Distributors" it is almost guaranteed one or several, is selling direct to End Users either with integration or direct on Amazon/eBay. 

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U
Undisclosed #1
Apr 27, 2018
IPVMU Certified

Does anyone have any direct knowledge of what it is required to become a Hik "Distributor?"

“Go get yourself some cheap Hik glasses” ;)

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Mike Rose
Apr 28, 2018

Age old problem

if b&h did not have Hik products, more than likely they would have same or similar under an oem mark 

this any different than CDW being a significant  seller of Axis cameras?

my years as an integrator, I sold my service as a turn key provider, few asked manufacturer, only we would service 

as a manufacturer offering complete video solutions, all my integrators ask is we have support and back them up when an issue arises 

Avatar
Jon Dillabaugh
Apr 28, 2018
Pro Focus LLC

Any end user that has the ability to self install/support should be encouraged to do so. Any end user that needs more help should hire an integrator. The industry should never force their services on those who do not need them. Some of my best clients are people who COULD do it themselves, but are wise enough to know that our knowledge base is of value to them.

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U
Undisclosed #1
Apr 29, 2018
IPVMU Certified

The industry should never force their services on those who do not need them.

Yes, ethically one can only force those who need them ;)

 

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