I'm as dismayed as the next guy at the often inflated local prices. I decide on a case by case basis whether it is a good idea to import stuff myself or not. Among the inputs into this decision are:
- the actual price difference, shipped, after currency conversion, fees and GST (if $1000 and above)
- the actual price difference factoring in 2 extra lots of shipping (in case the item has to be returned for repair or exchange) - this is somewhat weighted with the likelihood the item might be faulty or needing repair
- the reputation of the local dealer for customer service and their distance from me (Sydney shops are more likely to steer me away from imports)
- the local dealer's stock level (if they don't have it and have to order it I may as well order it myself)
- with brick'n'mortar stores, do they have it there for me to play with - this has very strong persuasion for me, I'm far less likely to order on-line or from overseas if a dealer has floor stock that I was allowed to inspect
For example, if I were to buy a TeleVue eyepiece I wouldn't hesitate getting it from Bintel, since their prices seem very fair compared to self-imports. If I need it repaired or exchanged - they're half an hour's drive away from me.* On the other hand, the local authorised dealers (which shall remain unnamed) for Pelican cases can eat my shorts for price gouging. I simply can't justify paying AU$250 plus shipping for a 1470 case when I can get the same from the US for AU$150 shipped.
Cheers
Steffen.
* I have no affiliation with Bintel, and have never bought any eyepieces from them.