You're right Ben. The phenomenon probably applies to anything that doesn't come in to NZ in enough volume and frequency to be container shipped. I'd rather spend my money in NZ and will pay a premium for good service and expertise. I'm probably similar to you: I'll get the 'big stuff' from overseas when the savings are significant. I don't mind so much paying double what they pay in USA, NZ$20 for an item that costs US$9 retail; it's relatively small change. Savings of 20-30% on items over $100 are significant and for them I'm prepared to shop overseas and wait for delivery. Specilist books are the same: my university texts can be about US$80 (landed) from Amazon, or NZ$180 from student bookshops.
Gredge
· 3 years ago
It's been a while since someone brought this up, even though it's been happening forever, and if it takes the intertron to open some eyes, then good. When I worked in retail bike shops in Auckland, back in the day (let's say early the 90's), I could actually get parts BY MAIL from the US, pay full retail, and land them for 20% less than my STAFF DISCOUNT ON WHOLESALE from the local importer / distributor... Crazy stuff. We didn't order the stuff often because return policies were horrendous. You can STILL get the same deal, but now at least you can (mostly) track what's going on and get up-to-date ratings on sellers and all. But it's a bit crazy when you can compare prices in seconds on, say, G4 Powerbooks - try checking Singapore vs San Francisco vs Auckland Apple Store Online - and see a USD200 difference, when shipping will NEVER account for that. Rise up!
Stu
· 3 years ago
Yeah, buyer beware I guess.
It's the difference between getting a good deal overseas and having little or no recourse if the goods turn out to be faulty/misrepresented when they arrive. Not to mention the potential warranty hassles.
Or paying a premium for local goods but having a chain / store owner that can honour your warranty or that you can vociferously berate/take to small claims court if something goes wrong.
All Comments
It's the difference between getting a good deal overseas and having little or no recourse if the goods turn out to be faulty/misrepresented when they arrive. Not to mention the potential warranty hassles.
Or paying a premium for local goods but having a chain / store owner that can honour your warranty or that you can vociferously berate/take to small claims court if something goes wrong.