Quote:
Originally Posted by jjjnettie
I guess that there are a hell of a lot more customers in the US than over here. Dealers buy in bulk and get good prices.
|
This is not necessarily a true statement. I've noted the reason in other threads, so no point in going to far into it here, but needless to say, it is indeed the import wholesalers that are the problem in Australia, as jenchris stated.
To confirm this hypothesis, go to the Sheldon and Hammond website and look at any product they have exclusive import rights to, then compare the Australian price versus the North American prices (I include Canada, as they are the same size as Australia, but have the advantages of competitive pricing from the USA, being part of the NAFTA).
http://www.sheldonandhammond.com.au/
Celestron gave S&H exclusive import rights, SW Technology acquired Celestron (2005), so has to abide by the T&C's for Celestron, but are not bound for SkyWatchers. This is why SW telescopes are "better value" in Australia, with the prices being within a reasonable margin compared to other countries. SW deal direct with importer and retailers.
A real shame that there is only one importer here for Celestron. No competition implies high prices. I'm surprised that the ACCC doesn't intervene.
As Brendan stated, let your dollars do the talking. Only when revenues decline will the importers care...
OIC!