Are the Australian prices always OTT

[Ukastronomer (Jeremy)]

I sometimes look at the used for sales here, not that I am buying being in the UK, but is it me or are the prices always high compared to the UK and especially the US

[billdan (Bill)]

Yes, we get ripped off here because of low volumes and we don't manufacture anything in Oz anymore, so everything is imported into the country.
I used to manage a computer store and I was told that the amount of computer technology sold in Aust' over a 12 month period is the equivalent of one day worth of sales in the USA.

[skysurfer]

Originally Posted by billdan

Yes, we get ripped off here because of low volumes and we don't manufacture anything in Oz anymore, so everything is imported into the country.
I used to manage a computer store and I was told that the amount of computer technology sold in Aust' over a 12 month period is the equivalent of one day worth of sales in the USA.

That is not different in the US and EU. Electronics products (from telescopes to cellphones, plus almost everything which JB Hifi or any electronics retailer sells) are imported and Made in China. Some high-end cameras might be made in Japan or even Thailand, but it is for AU, UK, EU and US all import stuff.
But note that prices in the US are quoted without GST, which varies per state (like Oz and EU), but in the other countries it is inclusive.

[JA]

Originally Posted by Ukastronomer

I sometimes look at the used for sales here, not that I am buying being in the UK, but is it me or are the prices always high compared to the UK and especially the US

Hi UKA,

It seems you're referring to the prices of used items here (meaning the classifieds on IIS). I have to say that I feel the reverse: that the used prices are entirely reasonable compared with their new prices, leaving aside any ability to negotiate further.

Best
JA

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

I was recently in the UK and struggled to find anything - new or used - on the astro scene that I considered a bargain. I returned with a couple of spare parts, but that was to save postage times.

There’s a perception that astro goods are expensive here, but more often than not it’s just that.

[Tropo-Bob (Bob)]

Originally Posted by billdan

Yes, we get ripped off here because of low volumes and we don't manufacture anything in Oz anymore, so everything is imported into the country.
I used to manage a computer store and I was told that the amount of computer technology sold in Aust' over a 12 month period is the equivalent of one day worth of sales in the USA.

Having purchased Astronomy gear since 1967, I can only marvel a how cheap and how good the gear is these days compared to the 'bad' old days. For example, a 10" Dob cost aprox $2000 late, last century.

Since 2000, things have become great. The only downside is that is what has lead me to own too many telescopes.

[dikman (Richard)]

Yes Jeremy, we have always been "ripped off" here as regards pricing (of almost anything). Some time ago I bought a reloading press with a few extra parts, not only couldn't I find anyone here who had one in stock but they didn't carry all the spares I wanted. I bought it from the US, and even with the poor conversion rate and shipping it was still cheaper than prices here!


Another "example" - we have a world-class gunpowder manufacturer here, but not all of their products are sold here, whereas they are in the US, and to rub salt into the wound the US prices are cheaper than here (and that is after shipping costs)!!!!


Arguably, the best thing that has happened to us here is the advent of the internet and ebay.

[casstony]

Some prices in our classifieds are too high IMO, but most pricing is fair to cheap, especially for foreign purchasers due to the weakness of our dollar.

Many items sell for two thirds of new price, some less.

[Renato1 (Renato)]

25 years ago, prices for astronomical equipement down here were very, very much higher than now. In pre-internet days I'd write letters to US companies that advertised in Sky and Telescope and order eyepieces and gadgets at a significant fraction of what they were being sold for here.

The big problem that faces Australians is sole distribution rights to sell items within the country. One sees it for all sorts of things - from premium cameras and lenses, to guns and knives, and to the more exclusive spirits and liqueurs e.g it was cheaper to fly to the USA, have a vacation and buy a premium Sony camera lens, than to buy it here.

Basically, one person or company gets the monopoly for the country, in the same way as someone may get the monopoly to the selling rights for a US State. But in the US state, if the prices are too high, one can easily go get the item in another state - so that limits how high the price can go. But in Australia, we can't go across to the countries next door that inexpensively.

Curiously, back in the 2000s - all the companies I used to buy Meade and Orion stuff from in the US, started saying they would no longer ship to Australia - as the companies started putting pressure on them to protect the distribution rights of their agents in Australia. Luckily though, that was when the flood of cheap and pretty Chinese astronomical stuff started hitting us, as well as being made for US companies which did sell to Asutralia, which then limited how high the prices of the more well known/premium prices could go.
Regards,
Renato

[dikman (Richard)]

Renato, you are spot on regarding the "sole rights" rort, it not only stops US sellers from shipping here but if the local agent decides not to bring something in to sell here then you're stuffed!!


One way around this is if you have a friend in the US then you can often buy, and pay for, an item that normally is "restricted" and have it shipped to their address. They then re-post it to you (or bring it with them if they're coming out here).

[The_bluester (Paul)]

I was pleasantly surprised recently. I bought the new ZWO focus motor locally and the Australian RRP on them is barely more than the US price after the exchange rate is taken into account.

[Renato1 (Renato)]

Originally Posted by dikman

Renato, you are spot on regarding the "sole rights" rort, it not only stops US sellers from shipping here but if the local agent decides not to bring something in to sell here then you're stuffed!!


One way around this is if you have a friend in the US then you can often buy, and pay for, an item that normally is "restricted" and have it shipped to their address. They then re-post it to you (or bring it with them if they're coming out here).

You just reminded me - back when they stopped doing orders to Australia, I was fortunate, as a new company called "Shop The States" started up, and gave me a US mailing address. So I'd order stuff and have it sent there - then they'd mail it to me, charging me the mailing cost plus US$5 per order. And if the retailer refused to send it to that mailing address, they'd order it for me, then send it - for an additional US$5

They were great, but unfortunately they eventually closed down. Other companies started up (which you can find by Googling "Shop the states" or "US Mailing address"), but they had a joining fee, or monthly fee or both, and were a lot dearer than the original company. Which made them not worth using for the eyepieces I was buying, but are still okay for very expensive items.

Handy for people without any friends in the USA, of which I'm one.
Regards,
Renato

[warpsl (Jason)]

Windsurfing gear is twice the price in Australia also. Like a lot of things, small market/population.

[skysurfer]

Originally Posted by Renato1

Basically, one person or company gets the monopoly for the country, in the same way as someone may get the monopoly to the selling rights for a US State. But in the US state, if the prices are too high, one can easily go get the item in another state - so that limits how high the price can go. But in Australia, we can't go across to the countries next door that inexpensively.

The monopoly of the 'official importers per state / country' is a bad thing anyway. I hope vendors like Amazon / Aliexpress can break that, although these vendors also bring lots of Chinese crap to us. OTOH, local retailer chains like 'The Reject Shop' also bring lots of Chinese crap, its name is correct, most stuff is to be rejected.
But the bold print above also applies to the EU, even the EU states are formally different counties. I live in Holland, but ordering from Germany or another EU state is easy. No customs, etc.
But is this not in Australia by state ? E.g. bypass higher prices of a certain product in NSW by ordering the item in QLD ?

But prices of electronics (incl astronomy equipment) have fallen strongly in the past decades.
As a child I was dreaming and enjoying the nice color photos of deep sky objects made by professional telescopes in books, now I can make the same photos myself.
The same with telescopes. I dreamt about 'Polarex / Unitron' branded telescopes in the early 1970s costing thousands of dollars, a 10cm costed A$10000 or more, but my A$1000 11cm ED telescope now is lighter, compacter and performs better than the $10000+ Polarex.

[Renato1 (Renato)]

Originally Posted by skysurfer

But is this not in Australia by state ? E.g. bypass higher prices of a certain product in NSW by ordering the item in QLD?
................................... ................................... .....
The same with telescopes. I dreamt about 'Polarex / Unitron' branded telescopes in the early 1970s costing thousands of dollars, a 10cm costed A$10000 or more, but my A$1000 11cm ED telescope now is lighter, compacter and performs better than the $10000+ Polarex

You have to remember, Australia is small population-wise. Giving sole distribution rights to the whole country, is the same as giving it to just one largish US State. I don't think they'd bother giving sole distribution rights to each separate Australian state.

I really notice the effects of monopolies when I visit Italy and check out their liquor stores. Standard brand name spirits such as Scotch Whisky costs around 9 or 10 Euros a bottle, whereas the more expensive liqueurs cost a few Euros more at 12 or 13 Euros (dearest was Grand Marnier at 16 Euros).

But back in Australia, despite all the bottles having exactly the same rate of alcohol tax applied, the well known liqueurs all cost a lot more than the spirits - sometimes $20 to $30 a bottle extra - which makes sense as a liqueur is more unique, and doesn't have any readily available equivalent substitute available. When a price difference of 2 to 3 Euros translates to a price difference of $20 to $30 on the same products, one knows that someone is making a killing on a distributorship deal.

Yes, I remember looking at ads in the 1970s. Amazing how things have changed.
Regards,
Renato

[Peter Ward]

I find this old chestnut is often based on opinion rather than fact.

Let's take QHY.

You can buy a QHY183C from OPT currently for $USD699.

Assuming you pay for it with a credit card, the bank will likely charge you
$A1050. But that's not including any shipping. If you want to trust the USPS mail system add another $USD75 or so i.e. $A110....want FedEx?
add another $50 minimum.

Total so far? $AUD1160 ....but wait there's more. Being over $A500 likely you will pay GST (the Harvey Norman Tax) AND being over $A1000 you'll need a N10 formal customs entry. So an additional $A160.00 or so. Total $AUS1320

Yet local Oz dealers will sell you one for $A1150 including GST

But say you are on holiday and are in the OPT store...damn..you'll pay sales tax of about 9%...so $USD761.90 or $A1130.00

Yep...a real rip-off. $20.

Oh, but I forgot, there is this thing called Australian Consumer Law....you'll be on your own with that camera purchased off-shore, yet your local dealer will have to refund/repair/replace depending on what problem might occur.

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

[QUOTE=Peter Ward;1435552]

you will pay GST (the Harvey Norman Tax)

So aptly put ...!!

[Ukastronomer (Jeremy)]

Originally Posted by JA

Hi UKA,

It seems you're referring to the prices of used items here (meaning the classifieds on IIS). I have to say that I feel the reverse: that the used prices are entirely reasonable compared with their new prices, leaving aside any ability to negotiate further.

Best
JA

Really a general question though used prices are higher than the uk meaning a higher initial cost

[Ukastronomer (Jeremy)]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

Oh, but I forgot, there is this thing called Australian Consumer Law....you'll be on your own with that camera purchased off-shore, yet your local dealer will have to refund/repair/replace depending on what problem might occur.

Same here with imports and gray markets, only UK bought are covered with a guarantee

[skysurfer]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

I find this old chestnut is often based on opinion rather than fact.

Let's take QHY.

You can buy a QHY183C from OPT currently for $USD699.

Assuming you pay for it with a credit card, the bank will likely charge you
$A1050. But that's not including any shipping. If you want to trust the USPS mail system add another $USD75 or so i.e. $A110....want FedEx?
add another $50 minimum.

Total so far? $AUD1160 ....but wait there's more. Being over $A500 likely you will pay GST (the Harvey Norman Tax) AND being over $A1000 you'll need a N10 formal customs entry. So an additional $A160.00 or so. Total $AUS1320

Yet local Oz dealers will sell you one for $A1150 including GST

But say you are on holiday and are in the OPT store...damn..you'll pay sales tax of about 9%...so $USD761.90 or $A1130.00

Yep...a real rip-off. $20.

Oh, but I forgot, there is this thing called Australian Consumer Law....you'll be on your own with that camera purchased off-shore, yet your local dealer will have to refund/repair/replace depending on what problem might occur.

Ordering in the USA is not cheap. Shipping costs are brutally expensive. When I order something in the US, I avoid US sellers because of their huge shipping costs.
I prefer Chinese, EU, UK or Australian sellers. Much cheaper shipping.