Stereo gear mark-up

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tims

118 posts

Master Geek

#208397 10-Feb-2017 05:39

Looking at buying a DEQX signal processor - their basic model is around A$3,800 from an Australian hifi store whereas the distributor/retailer here wants NZ$4995.
I know electronics are generally dearer here compared to Aussie but it's got me wondering - what sort of mark-up do the importers put on equipment - 10 to 15%? And then the retailers add another 40 to 50% - does this sound right or does it depend on the equipment being sold?

Thanks

Item

1717 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1718080 10-Feb-2017 08:21

Not sure if there is a "standard" mark up - it can vary wildly IME but it is often pretty unpalatable.

I am sure it partly depends on where things are imported from and how much of a monopoly a given re-seller has on the market.

I was looking at some Tannoy XT8F speakers the other day and the only place I can see that sells them officially here wants NZ$4000 for them. Best prices in the UK (where they are from) are around 1300 pounds...at current exchange rate that is NZ$2260 and a difference of around $1700 which is frankly obscene.

I guess it is that good old NZ tax again...the price we pay for being agreeably far away from Brexit and Trump and all the rest of the worlds horrors.

Item

1717 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1718083 10-Feb-2017 08:29

In fact, considering the above, the GST and taxes and the worst case shipping with Shop & Ship (cheaper options available with sea freight) I could still save myself upwards of NZ$1000 by buying them from the UK and importing, which is just ludicrous.

...and tempting.

tims

118 posts

Master Geek

#1718092 10-Feb-2017 08:59

Yes, I use NZ Post YouShop for shipments from the USA. I've managed to avoid the Custom's GST/DUTY charges so far by juggling what parcels I send as one shipment so it doesn't go over our free"allowance" of paying no GST/duty if the chages are under $60.

Item:
In fact, considering the above, the GST and taxes and the worst case shipping with Shop & Ship (cheaper op1tions available with sea freight) I could still save myself upwards of NZ$1000 by buying them from the UK and importing, which is just ludicrous.

...and tempting.