The Overseas Purchasing Debate

[il padrone]

Why I love shopping online ... innovation



Andrew

I think Australia Post has a similar thng in some cities already?

I think this was a recent announcement by Australia Post of redesign and modifications to post office services to be made in future to cope with the boom in parcel orders due to on-line retail. Not yet happening.

[biker jk]

Makes me wonder we're they are getting their stock from.

As of 2 months ago shimano Australia whole sale prime on a DA chain was $58

If I owned a business which depended upon dealing with Shimano Australia, I'd call around and gather support from other shop owners in a similar situation.

Then, once I have the support of as many fellow shop owners as I can find, I'd organise a meeting with Shimano Australia to try and hammer out a better deal. You have a [virtual] bottomless pit of evidence when it comes to significantly lower prices for the same product.

You have to be prepared to threaten to walk out en-masse. If the current situation is allowed to continue, everyone will lose. Shop owners, customers and Shimano. Everyone.

You can change things. Don't just sit around crying about it.

Indeed this is what happened in the US where the LBSs complained that their market share for Shimano products had collapsed due to cheaper overseas prices and Shimano US agreed to lower wholesale prices. The same needs to happen in Australia. Getting rid of the $1000 exemption for GST won't save the LBS.

[Metor]

I have read most of the topic and noticed that it is a sensitive subject.
Something which is not clear (yet) to me and hopefully someone can answer it here. What are the hidden costs if I would order (let's say) 4x Conti 4000s?
Most of the time I got them for $30 in Europe and a web shop that I used a lot will sent for $20 to AU. Simply meaning $35 for each tire. I notice that even with shipping costs I can save a lot of money. But I don't believe it is that easy. So when will costumes come and bring me a unpleasant bill?

[KenGS]

So when will costumes come and bring me a unpleasant bill?

About two weeks after you order a cheap duck outfit.

[Metor]

So when will costumes come and bring me a unpleasant bill?

About two weeks after you order a cheap duck outfit.

And the customs then?

[Ross]

Metor - at the moment the govt only charges GST and/or duty when the value of the goods coming from overseas is valued at AU$1000 or more so a couple of tyres at $30ea will not attract any extra charges (except postage/shipping). Most of the big UK cycling shops such as Wiggle have free freight when you spend over a certain amount of money - varies from shop to shop but typically $100 is the threshold.

[jasonc]

So when will costumes come and bring me a unpleasant bill?

About two weeks after you order a cheap duck outfit.

And the customs then?

only to be worn at fancy dress parties. or

[Metor]

Metor - at the moment the govt only charges GST and/or duty when the value of the goods coming from overseas is valued at AU$1000 or more so a couple of tyres at $30ea will not attract any extra charges (except postage/shipping). Most of the big UK cycling shops such as Wiggle have free freight when you spend over a certain amount of money - varies from shop to shop but typically $100 is the threshold.

Thanks! Good to now.
Germany is often cheaper then the UK for bike parts. My favorite online shops there will also sent to AU so that could be interesting. I do now that most of my shopping will be done overseas without any extra costs