Posted By: @JaapGrolleman
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Today we had the first server outage in over a year, which lasted several hours. Here’s a bit more about that.
Today’s situation:
During today’s server outage, many users were unable to open Pimax Play and use their headset, unless Pimax Play was already opened.
This outage was related to Pimax Play’s login process, and completely unrelated to Pimax Prime.
Prime has minimal online requirements, and none after it’s been paid off. Prime only checks whether payment has been made a few times:
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When being activated;
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14 days after being activated;
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Once a month after that, unless or until it has been completely been paid off. In that case, it has zero online requirements.
Going forward:
Pimax Play already has an option to use your registered account, as well as to use a guest account.
In our next client update, we’ll add an offline option that has zero requirements to connect to the Pimax Play server (or any online server, for that matter).
We will also investigate what caused today’s server outage, to prevent this from happening in the future.
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I just stumbled over the Crystal offering, still thinking about it. But I found out, I havce to agree to the “Prime” conditions. I just cannot buy it right away but only rent it. Thank you, but no, thank you. Together with the mandatory Pimax Play and expected outages and other flaws because of always (or at least sometime) online I refuse. This is a severe no go. Then I could buy a Vision (If I wanted to) as well. No vendor lockin accepted. Neither from Meta, nor Apple or others, I will retreat. Others wouldn´t just tell out loud, think about it. Those kill switch things I will not accept (thus no Windows 11 regardless what they offer to lure me in…)
The Prime thing is a bit confusing. All it means is it takes a minimum of 2 payments to complete the purchase in full.
- Pay deposit amount. Wait and receive headset.
- Receive headset. Inspect and test. If everything is good. Make final payment in full at a discount vs paying it off over 24 months.
It really just gives an option that makes it easier for ppl to afford. And now with the Tarrifs battles. It still keeps the price reasonable as the tariff is only applies to the deposit price and not the prime payment plan.
If you do choose to purchase off ne consider using a link on here. They are affiliate links and will help support the site.
OK, here is the topic: one need to provide the true customs value according to the WCO rules. Only if the Prime service provides something beyond financing, it could not be seen as evasion to pay taxes. This is so obvious.
In European Union it is clearly stated in Article 70 of the Union Customs Codex:
Article 70 Method of customs valuation based on the transaction
value
1.
The primary basis for the customs value of goods shall be the transaction value, that is the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to the customs territory of the Union, adjusted, where necessary.
So, if you take the value for the initial payment as tax value, you would violate de law. You have to pay (customs) taxes for the full value, not half price.
One may be lucky, but it is possible they will come back on you within 3 -5 years, requestion payment and provide a fine.
So, a rental / leasing contract does not render down the customs value for tariffs
For evidence read Article 70 2. “The price actually paid or payable shall be the total payment made or to be made by the buyer to the seller …”
Source: European Union Customs Codex
I am sure, it is very similar in other countries, too.
That price model is gambling with customs authorities. And because we speak about ~2K priced commodity, you may have to expect true fines in addition to.
Thank you, but no thank you.
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I am no expert on these things. But I imagine they are using a loophole as the “membership” I believe also gives you some perks/discounts etc…
But yeah this could be interesting. So far on the plus it seems like it could be grey and help reduce things like the US Tariffs being applied in a high value.
I do know their Amazon channels and some 3rdparty partner sellers are also offering Prime. Which is paid to pimax and not the reseller.
This is the Google Gemini AI Overview
Pimax Prime is a membership program that aims to make high-end VR headsets more accessible by offering flexible payment options, ongoing software support, and exclusive benefits like early access to new features and prioritized technical support.
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:
Flexible Payment Options:
Pimax Prime allows users to access their VR headsets through a subscription model, making high-end VR more affordable.
Ongoing Software Support:
After completing the subscription period (or paying off the membership upfront), users retain full access to Pimax’s software (Pimax Play) and future updates.
Early Access to New Features:
Prime members get exclusive early access to new software features and hardware enhancements as they are rolled out.
Exclusive Events and Invitations:
Pimax Prime members receive invitations to exclusive members-only events.
Prioritized Technical Support:
Prime members benefit from prioritized technical support, including 1:1 assistance.
Discounts on Accessories:
Prime subscribers are eligible for discounts on accessories for their Pimax headsets.
Flexible Return Options:
Pimax Prime memberships include a trial period to test the headset (Crystal Light or Crystal Super) for 14 days, with flexible return options.
I do see your argument, but the AI generated answer does not fit to the question about the customs value for tax purposes.
The benefit offerings for the prime contract are nowhere to be seen as reducing the customs value. On can try, but the first glimpse of any authority in the European Community (or other countries) will clarify it immediately. Just to have a contract (prime) and pay half , to use it to reduce the just visible value on invoice does not release the importer (you, dear customer in Europe) to reveal the whole deal and the true price.
Again, one may try. The trick, that prime deal and initial payment are split, does not release the importer, may it be a distributor or a single customer. The distributors can be taken responsible, only if they act as the importers themselves, If they do in behalf of you, you are doomed, probably.
Just check with the other ladies cao sales channels like Amazon and 3rdparty partners like UnboundXR.
The AI generated summary just shows potentially that pimax has maybe met the requirement that the Prime dies gives other benefits Even though it is more just a payment plan decorated to appear as something more. By adding the “exclusives” like discounts for b accessories and special invites.
Thus far no one has reported paying customs in more than the base deposit price How of ng this loophole will work is anyone’s guess.
Much like when I received my it 8k and 5k+ I didn’t pay import fees in either under the original method of shipping. Then if course some ppl complained and pimax started playing experimenting on different shipping methods. Which resulted in a colossal mess at the time with misplaced product etc..
