Thread: Importing, Shipping, pitfalls and work arounds

Originally Posted by stug

Retailers aren't trying to rip us off. We need to realise that we are a very small market at the bottom of the world. The reason thisngs are so cheap in the US is because they have a huge market and their expenses are probably less. They can survive on smaller margins.
One of my friends owned an outdoor store in Hamilton. His profit was 10%. So he sold a jacket for $500, his profit was $50, I don't think that is unreasonable. Remember any retailer has to pay a lease/rent, power, wages, insurance etc.
You can't just compare the US price with the NZ price, factor in the exchange rate and say we are being ripped off. If that was the case then a whole lot of people would be setting up businesses bringing in stuff from overseas and selling it for small margins.

If a price differential of up to $NZ484 for an identical suitcase isn't a rip, then what is.

I bought our OR Goretex jackets from a store here probably much the same as your friends, but not at RRP, on sale, less 35%. I did check off shore prices, but there was nothing in it, so I didn't import.

Discerning buyers aren't the threat to people such as your mate.

The Briscoes / Rebel Sport and Warehouse / Torpedo7 / R n R Sport Groups with their buying power and vertical structures don't seem to be struggling.......

B