RavenAus Report post Posted October 30, 2014 I knew things in Australia cost more than they did in the States, especially electronics, but I was not expecting a $2k hike in price on a Cobra sewing machine. I was looking at the Class 4-P here - http://www.leathermachineco.com/product/cobra-class-4-p-premium-package/ - which is $2.6k US. Contacted the Aussie dealer, the same model with EPS, A$4,595.00 I just can't afford that. I was hoping to be able to raise enough from the next big event we're doing, but nah. Not for that. It'd cost less to buy the thing in the States and get it shipped! Except of course, most companies won't do that, since it'd directly affect their authorised dealer. Can anyone tell me why it's such a huge increase? Don't tell me shipping is that expensive, I've emigrated from England to Australia and it didn't cost a quarter of that to ship everything we owned! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roq Report post Posted October 30, 2014 You may want to look into the Cowboy CB4500, give Ryan a call at Toll Free: (866) 507-8926Phone: (330) 692-1418 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavenAus Report post Posted October 30, 2014 I'd prefer to get it from someone on the same continent, at least, given the problems associated with servicing and repairs. I just don't understand why a product can cost almost double here than there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidL Report post Posted October 30, 2014 apparently minimum wage for Aussies is $18, nearly double of US minimum wage, so it evens out. Low competition/ low market demand can raise prices too since the product is harder to get and isn't bought in huge bulk. It could be cheaper to import even after tax and duties and get major service done in australia. For canada the price for a select items are loads cheaper from the usa even after duties, so I buy from the US. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted October 30, 2014 There are some American companies that specialise in purchasing goods in the USA on your behalf and then exporting them to your chosen destination. I've heard of a few people who have done that with backpacking gear. I think these two specialise in exporting to the UK, but perhaps if you contact them they will be able to suggest a company who can export to Australia www.reship.co.uk www.myusa.com This company advertises that it exports from USA to Australia www.priceusa.com.au You will have to read their websites & reviews and decide about them for yourself, but I know reship has been around for a few years Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavenAus Report post Posted October 30, 2014 apparently minimum wage for Aussies is $18, nearly double of US minimum wage, so it evens out. Low competition/ low market demand can raise prices too since the product is harder to get and isn't bought in huge bulk. It could be cheaper to import even after tax and duties and get major service done in australia. For canada the price for a select items are loads cheaper from the usa even after duties, so I buy from the US. What does the min wage have to do with the fact that the same product here is nearly twice the price? Our cost of living is also much higher - you don't even want to know how much we pay for the crappy internet we get here, and as for petrol/gas... Yeah. Why should that equal a $2.6k machine costing $4.5k here? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted October 30, 2014 (edited) What does the min wage have to do with the fact that the same product here is nearly twice the price? Our cost of living is also much higher - you don't even want to know how much we pay for the crappy internet we get here, and as for petrol/gas... Yeah. Why should that equal a $2.6k machine costing $4.5k here? I'd trade an increase in internet fees for 300 days of sunshine a year Anyways, most other dealers can ship to Australia, shipping fees aren't too bad considering the distance. We send machines out there pretty regularly. Cheers! Ron Edited October 30, 2014 by Techsew Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted October 30, 2014 There can be several of reasons like the currency exchange rate, import fees (not the VAT) or penalties charged for importing from certain countries, number of purchased (imported) items. Small market means higher prices due to the small volume of purchased (imported) items and the shipping fees (for importing) are comparatively higher then. That is economy! You may like it or not! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidL Report post Posted October 30, 2014 You don't need to pay 300k for regular cars like singaporeans, so theres that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanDutch Report post Posted November 1, 2014 The pricing here in Australia can be partly explained by the following costings as an example.. Unit sells for US$2,600 in the US. The Aust dealer would probaly purchase wholesale at say US$2,000. for the example we will use this as base cost. US$2,000 = A$2,298 (.87 exchange) Add shipping approx $500.... (If they did a full container that would only be around A$150) sub total A$2,798 add GST and duty A$560 approx Dealer landed cost = A$3,358. + dealer markup say 40% = Retail $4,701.00 Thats how it works.. Maybe you should look at importing a machine directly from China.. Have a look on Alibaba.com For example here is a cyclinder bed machine for US$800. You should land this here for around A$1,500. http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/GA441-leather-sewing-machine_1402839100.html If you have a good look at Alibaba you will find the exact machine as the well known brands. The chinese will sell to anyone.. cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
