Quote:
Originally Posted by pluck
There's a bit of give and take required here, from both sides.
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I agree with the general sentiment, but the markups on some products are utterly outrageous. Choice's recent survey of prices here and overseas (not astro-related) concluded that local retail rents/costs and additional shipping were very small contributors. 10% GST is a valid charge, but that's about it. Some companies (e.g. Apple) manage almost price parity, whereas others have inexplicable 100% markups.
As far as I can see, many astro products have similar price disparity.
Whilst I'm no expert at running a local business, and I gather it's not usually the retail outlets pocketing the difference, I can't see how the large markups are justifiable. Personally, I think those responsible for the markups (distributors?) are hanging themselves with their own rope.
By and large, the people want fair pricing - i.e. when items are manufactured and shipped from China, Taiwan, etc. to worldwide markets, and domestic shipping, handling and order processing is pretty much the same in any developed nation, then we expect prices to be comparable (tax/duty and exchange rate adjusted, of course).