Many Kiwis remember browsing aisles of cables and kits at Dick Smith. Those stores are gone, but the name lives on. Today, dick smith operates as an online-only electronics retailer serving New Zealand, with the brand and websites run by Kogan.com. If you’re eyeing a deal on a TV, laptop, phone, or smart-home device, this guide explains what Dick Smith is now, how the site works for NZ shoppers, and how to buy confidently.
What is
Dick Smith is an online electronics and appliances store for New Zealand customers, trading via dicksmith.co.nz. The brand originated as Dick Smith Electronics, founded in 1968 by Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith. After decades of retail growth across Australia and New Zealand, the physical chain collapsed in 2016. Kogan.com then acquired the Dick Smith brand and online assets, relaunching it as a web-only retailer for AU and NZ.
Key points for New Zealanders:
- No physical stores or click-and-collect in NZ—shopping is online only.
- Prices are shown in NZD and typically include GST at checkout.
- Products span TVs, audio, computing, phones, gaming, smart home, kitchen appliances, and accessories.
- Some listings are sold and shipped directly by dick smith, while others may be from marketplace partners—always check the “sold by” line on the product page.
How it works
The modern dick smith runs as a straightforward e-commerce storefront:
- Product listings: Each item shows price, stock status, estimated delivery, warranty details, and whether it’s new, refurbished, or clearance.
- Fulfilment: Orders may ship from New Zealand, Australia, or other partner warehouses. Delivery times vary by item and your location.
- Payment: Common NZ payment methods are supported, with additional buy-now-pay-later options available on selected purchases.
- Returns and warranties: Change-of-mind returns are offered on eligible items within a stated window, and products carry manufacturer warranties unless noted. NZ consumer protections generally apply to purchases by New Zealand consumers—check the site’s terms for the exact process.
Because stock can be local or cross-border, delivery ranges can be broad—often 3 to 10 working days. For big-ticket purchases, read the shipping and returns tabs carefully so you know who handles after-sales support and where an item ships from.
Types / examples
Dick smith groups products into familiar consumer categories. Typical examples include:
- TVs & home entertainment: 4K TVs, soundbars, streaming devices, indoor antennas.
- Computing: Laptops, monitors, keyboards, SSDs, networking gear.
- Phones & wearables: Smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, chargers, cables.
- Gaming: Consoles, controllers, headsets, accessories.
- Smart home: Plugs, bulbs, cameras, robot vacuums.
- Appliances: Air fryers, heaters, dehumidifiers, microwaves, personal care.
- Refurbished & clearance: Marked as such with condition grades and limited warranty terms.
You’ll also see marketplace listings. These are products sold by third-party sellers through the dick smith platform. On those pages, delivery times, return rules, and warranty handling may differ from items sold directly by dick smith.
Pros and cons
- Pros
- Often sharp pricing and frequent promos on popular tech.
- Broad range across electronics and small appliances.
- Convenient online shopping with home delivery throughout NZ.
- Refurbished and clearance options for extra savings.
- Cons
- No in-store help or same-day pickup.
- Some items ship from overseas, so delivery can take longer.
- Marketplace listings vary in shipping speed and return terms—requires careful reading.
- After-sales support is online/courier-based, which can be slower than in-person service.
How to use or choose
Step-by-step: buying safely from dick smith in NZ
- Search and filter for your product. Use category filters for brand, price, size, and features.
- Check “sold by” on the product page. Prefer items sold and shipped by dick smith for simpler returns, unless a marketplace seller has a clear advantage and strong ratings.
- Read the fine print: delivery estimate, return window, warranty details, and whether the item is new, refurbished, or clearance.
- Confirm NZ compatibility:
- Power: NZ and Australia share Type I plugs and 230–240V/50Hz. Adapters usually aren’t needed for AU-sourced gear.
- TV tuners: For Freeview, NZ uses DVB-T. Most AU-spec TVs also use DVB-T, but confirm tuner compatibility and app availability.
- Mobiles: Check 4G/5G band support for your carrier (e.g., Spark, One NZ, 2degrees). Ensure key LTE bands (such as 3/1800 and 28/700) and relevant 5G bands are supported.
- Software/region locks: Streaming devices and phones may have regional limitations—check the product page or manufacturer site.
- Compare price with other NZ retailers (PB Tech, Noel Leeming, JB Hi-Fi, Mighty Ape). Consider shipping time and return convenience, not just headline price.
- Look for promos like sitewide codes, bundle deals, or free shipping thresholds.
- Choose payment that suits your budget. If using instalments, note fees and late-payment rules.
- Place your order and keep the confirmation email. It should show GST, order number, and expected delivery dates.
- Track the parcel using the courier link. If delivery stalls beyond the estimate, contact support with your order number.
- Test on arrival. Keep packaging until you’re sure the product works as expected. If there’s an issue, act promptly within the return or warranty window.
Comparison: dick smith vs popular NZ options
| Retailer | Store model | Typical pricing | Product range | Shipping speed | Returns & support | Click & Collect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dick Smith | Online-only (operated by Kogan.com) | Frequent promos; strong on deals | Broad: TVs, computing, phones, appliances | Varies; often 3–10 working days | Online/courier-based; marketplace varies | No |
| PB Tech | Stores + online (NZ-based) | Competitive, especially on computing | Deep computing/networking; broader tech too | Usually fast within NZ | In-store and online options | Yes |
| Noel Leeming | Stores + online (nationwide) | Regular promos; bundle/finance options | Appliances, TVs, mainstream tech | Fast nationwide delivery | Strong retail support network | Yes |
| Mighty Ape | Online-only (NZ-based) | Competitive daily pricing | Gaming, electronics, lifestyle | Typically quick NZ shipping | Online support; clear returns process | No nationwide network |
When to choose dick smith
- You’ve found a price that beats local stores, even after shipping.
- You’re comfortable with online-only support and courier returns.
- The product is confirmed compatible with NZ standards and networks.
- The listing is sold by dick smith or a marketplace seller with clear policies and good reputation.
FAQ
Is dick smith still in New Zealand?
Yes, but only online. The physical stores closed in 2016. Today, New Zealanders shop via dicksmith.co.nz.
Who owns dick smith now?
The dick smith brand and online business are operated by Kogan.com, which relaunched the AU and NZ websites in 2016 after acquiring the brand and online assets.
Are the products NZ new?
Most listings are new retail products. Some are marked as refurbished or clearance. Always check the condition on the product page.
Do I get Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) protections?
New Zealand consumer rights generally apply to purchases by NZ consumers from traders serving NZ. Warranty and returns processes are set out on the site—read those details before buying and keep your invoice.
How long does delivery take?
It varies by item and origin. Many orders arrive within 3–10 working days. Marketplace products or large items can take longer. Delivery estimates appear on each product page and at checkout.
Are prices in NZD and is GST included?
Prices on dicksmith.co.nz are shown in NZD. GST is typically included at checkout. Your invoice should display GST for expense claims.
Does dick smith have a marketplace?
Yes. Some items are sold by third-party sellers through the dick smith platform. Check the “sold by” line to see who fulfils and supports the product.
What’s the return policy?
Eligible products have a change-of-mind return period. Faulty items are handled under warranty and consumer law. The exact process and timeframes are listed on each product page and in the returns policy.
Can I still use old Dick Smith store gift cards?
No. Gift cards from the former physical chain are not valid. The current online store is a different entity under new ownership.
Is Dick Smith the same as Kogan?
Kogan.com operates the dick smith brand and websites. They are separate storefronts with overlapping ranges and promotions, but you’ll see both names online.
Are items parallel imports?
Some products may be parallel imports. That isn’t unusual in NZ electronics retail. Parallel-imported products can still be legitimate and supported, but app compatibility, region settings, and warranty terms can differ—check before you buy.
How do I contact support?
Customer service is online. Use your order number to open a support request through your account or the help section on dicksmith.co.nz.
Final tips for NZ shoppers
- Compare the total cost (item + shipping) with local alternatives before committing.
- Screenshot delivery estimates and return terms at purchase time for easy reference.
- For phones, double-check network band support for Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees.
- For TVs, confirm DVB-T tuner and app region compatibility.
- Keep the box until you’ve tested the product and are happy to keep it.
Dick smith can be a smart place to score a deal in New Zealand, especially when you verify compatibility and read the fine print. With a few checks and a clear view of shipping and returns, you can save money and avoid surprises.
