So, is your business included in our 'Rockstar' economy?

[scrivy]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/9973708/Reserve-Bank-lifts-interest-rate

Gotta make me wonder, how many businesses are in our so called 'Rockstar' economy....??
I have about 450 suppliers for my two businesses, and about 95 percent of them (if not higher) are going backwards... I am finding it harder to purchase from them all, as they are reducing the amount of stock they hold, and they are also reducing lines due to not having the money to acquire more stock.
They say sales have dropped, and demand is not there.
It's evident that we are not in 'growth' mode in provincial towns, as there are increasingly more empty shops around. It is not getting better, infact the opposite.
So now we have the OCR going up again, and it will likely do so again and again in the near future... How much disposable money will this take out of the local economies...??
I see things getting even more stifled....:facepalm:

I did a survey in my town of retailers, and 43% of them were down last year to the tune of between 20-50% !!!
Please reply with your business results - not figures, just up or down....

[scott411]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/9973708/Reserve-Bank-lifts-interest-rate

Gotta make me wonder, how many businesses are in our so called 'Rockstar' economy....??
I have about 450 suppliers for my two businesses, and about 95 percent of them (if not higher) are going backwards... I am finding it harder to purchase from them all, as they are reducing the amount of stock they hold, and they are also reducing lines due to not having the money to acquire more stock.
They say sales have dropped, and demand is not there.
It's evident that we are not in 'growth' mode in provincial towns, as there are increasingly more empty shops around. It is not getting better, infact the opposite.
So now we have the OCR going up again, and it will likely do so again and again in the near future... How much disposable money will this take out of the local economies...??
I see things getting even more stifled....:facepalm:

I did a survey in my town of retailers, and 43% of them were down last year to the tune of between 20-50% !!!
Please reply with your business results - not figures, just up or down....

we bottomed out in 2010, and have been up in 11,12 and 13, still not anywhere near the highs but are looking better,

[sidecar bob]

we bottomed out in 2010, and have been up in 11,12 and 13, still not anywhere near the highs but are looking better,

Same. seem to be doing similar figures to pre recession but without all the pressure & stress that was there before.
Certainly got nothing to complain about at this stage.
Fortunately my trade can not be purchased on the internet.

[slofox]

My business choked to death in 2012.

[scott411]

Same. seem to be doing similar figures to pre recession but without all the pressure & stress that was there before.
Certainly got nothing to complain about at this stage.
Fortunately my trade can not be purchased on the internet.

yes, the world is changing, the stores have to adapt and offer a service, rather than just be a outlet,

[scrivy]

yes, the world is changing, the stores have to adapt and offer a service, rather than just be a outlet,

I understand what you're saying, but unfortunately, it's just not the case now - price is king, and there is no loyalty anymore.
I know, because I have different pricing for some items on my website than in-store. Guess which ones sell the most....

As for service, we are constantly advising/helping customers (for sometimes up to 30-45 mins) about products, and then they say thanks... stand beside you, use their smart phones and look for the cheapest price on line. Cheeky cunts.
There is always going to be someone selling your products cheaper. (Not all of your products at one site mind you).
So adaption is almost irrelevant in todays 'I want it as cheap as fuck' world.

The landlords need to 'Adapt' too. There are simply too many stores empty now.

[Edbear]

Certain businesses are booming now. Plumbing is crazy busy for my Son-in-law. He's struggling to find staff. My business over all was up 11% over the last year, with my plumbing business up 53% over the past 6mths.

I have two businesses in two very different markets and both are growing quickly. I am also finding it a challenge to keep up with demand and buy in enough stock, having to pay for it on order.

Retail shops are finding it hard going now, but the general economy is inching ahead. Those who can adapt or restructure will survive.

[scrivy]

Fortunately my trade can not be purchased on the internet.

Only problem with that thought though, is that a threat from the internet might not affect your business directly, as opposed to an indirect threat...

By that I mean, if I am attacked, and go belly up, then I will not use your services....
That's what alot of people are now saying is happening - their customers have declined...

[scott411]

I understand what you're saying, but unfortunately, it's just not the case now - price is king, and there is no loyalty anymore.
I know, because I have different pricing for some items on my website than in-store. Guess which ones sell the most....

As for service, we are constantly advising/helping customers (for sometimes up to 30-45 mins) about products, and then they say thanks... stand beside you, use their smart phones and look for the cheapest price on line. Cheeky cunts.
There is always going to be someone selling your products cheaper. (Not all of your products at one site mind you).
So adaption is almost irrelevant in todays 'I want it as cheap as fuck' world.

The landlords need to 'Adapt' too. There are simply too many stores empty now.

understand what you are saying, and when i was in the UK 3 years ago it was worse than here, main street's are getting emptier now, and the internet has made shopping for the lowest price the norm, I dont see that part improving either,

[Drew]

I am up on the previous three years. Just walked away from the guy I've been contracting to though, so that may change.

[Edbear]

I understand what you're saying, but unfortunately, it's just not the case now - price is king, and there is no loyalty anymore.
I know, because I have different pricing for some items on my website than in-store. Guess which ones sell the most....

As for service, we are constantly advising/helping customers (for sometimes up to 30-45 mins) about products, and then they say thanks... stand beside you, use their smart phones and look for the cheapest price on line. Cheeky cunts.
There is always going to be someone selling your products cheaper. (Not all of your products at one site mind you).
So adaption is almost irrelevant in todays 'I want it as cheap as fuck' world.

The landlords need to 'Adapt' too. There are simply too many stores empty now.

It's a buyer's market and people are getting more savvy about shopping around. I am fortunate to have two unique products with little to no competition. One is a daily consumable that's rapidly becoming the industry standard and which has no competition and the other, of course, being the batteries which are gaining popularity at a rate I and the manufacturer are stretching to keep up with. I have more than doubled my orders this year.

I have found that I need to have the equivalent of a year's turnover in Stock on hand and if that's generally true I can understand why some are struggling where they have a lot of product lines.

[Tazz]

The landlords need to 'Adapt' too. There are simply too many stores empty now.

A number of places here have been empty since we came up 4 years ago (Picton). Local port company likes to start getting a return on their investments within 3 years so you can guess what their rents are like...

[Gremlin]

Gotta make me wonder, how many businesses are in our so called 'Rockstar' economy....??
I have about 450 suppliers for my two businesses, and about 95 percent of them (if not higher) are going backwards... I am finding it harder to purchase from them all, as they are reducing the amount of stock they hold, and they are also reducing lines due to not having the money to acquire more stock.
They say sales have dropped, and demand is not there.

Self fulfilling prophecy. If they said the economy is in the shit and you're all fucked, imagine the response. Instead, they say it's doing awesome, hoping like hell the business owners (coz they're the stupid ones of course ;)) believe the bullshit, invest more, hire more staff, and look, it is doing awesome. Magic.

My take is that since the GFC, it's never really taken off, businesses have continued to play it tight, struggle etc.

[imdying]

Yes, growth still in the 8% region, broke through the billion dollar mark in revenue last FY. Biggest problem? Finding staff. New Zealanders specifically; the last 3 hires have been some nice Indians. Quite happy to take fresh graduates (2 of the last three have been), but finding ones worth putting effort into isn't easy.

[Ocean1]

Yes, growth still in the 8% region, broke through the billion dollar mark in revenue last FY. Biggest problem? Finding staff. New Zealanders specifically; the last 3 hires have been some nice Indians. Quite happy to take fresh graduates (2 of the last three have been), but finding ones worth putting effort into isn't easy.

Same, turnover for the last 3 yrs is +20%, +25% and tax year just gone +35%. That on the back of similar growth for my clients.

Most of my suppliers are now seeing rapid growth, but just this last 6 months,

From here on growth is limited only by lack of skilled staff.

Edit: in spite of some serious price gouging by some suppliers. Cunts.

[Indiana_Jones]

I do feel for retailers, but I guess since most Kiwi's get paid shit, they're going to have to make their dollars go further.

I don't even bother looking for car parts locally anymore, after being quoted $175ea for new CV joints (another place quoted $330+gst ea to renew the old ones), I got some through the UK (club) for $50ea.

It's not that I have anything against people/shops trying to make a profit (and of course cover their shipping costs etc), but if they're are asking over 3x the price for the same shit, why would (or should) anyone bother looking/buying locally?

-Indy

[Ocean1]

why would (or should) anyone bother looking/buying locally?

-Indy

Because they don't leave you any choice, try ordering these through the US site:

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/precision-t3610-workstation/fs

And you'll find they insist that their kiwi clients pay twice as much:

http://www.dell.com/nz/business/p/precision-t3610-workstation/fs

I'm getting fucking sick of subsidising my American competition.

[Ocean1]

Gotta make me wonder, how many businesses are in our so called 'Rockstar' economy....?

Aaaand this looks like the numbers you were after: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/9975017/Stars-aligned-for-NZ-business

[Robert Taylor]

I understand what you're saying, but unfortunately, it's just not the case now - price is king, and there is no loyalty anymore.
I know, because I have different pricing for some items on my website than in-store. Guess which ones sell the most....

As for service, we are constantly advising/helping customers (for sometimes up to 30-45 mins) about products, and then they say thanks... stand beside you, use their smart phones and look for the cheapest price on line. Cheeky cunts.
There is always going to be someone selling your products cheaper. (Not all of your products at one site mind you).
So adaption is almost irrelevant in todays 'I want it as cheap as fuck' world.

The landlords need to 'Adapt' too. There are simply too many stores empty now.

VERY WELL SAID! We are up but in part because we work our asses off. But what really riles me are all the lazy bastards out there with their hand out...

The legal profession is doing well on the back of the revolving door of treaty settlements. Hypocritical money grabbing parasites

[Indiana_Jones]

Because they don't leave you any choice, try ordering these through the US site:

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/precision-t3610-workstation/fs

And you'll find they insist that their kiwi clients pay twice as much:

http://www.dell.com/nz/business/p/precision-t3610-workstation/fs

I'm getting fucking sick of subsidising my American competition.

That is fucking crazy.

-Indy

[pete376403]

Not just Dell - one of my customers wants an HP Ultrabook (tablet/laptop thing) US price is about $1099 retail, NZ dealer (IngramMicro) price about $3000

[hayd3n]

great , even got a payrise :)

[Ocean1]

Not just Dell - one of my customers wants an HP Ultrabook (tablet/laptop thing) US price is about $1099 retail, NZ dealer (IngramMicro) price about $3000

Dell aren't the worst by a long chalk, basically any US based IP is between 150% and 250% dearer here. Microsoft CEO got arseholes in Aussie last year because of 60% mark-up there, so did visiting Apple dignitaries.

Don't know what you do about it. Maybe we should take a leaf out of China's book wrt respecting international copyright conventions, but that don't help with hardware.

Fuck 'em all.

[scrivy]

VERY WELL SAID! We are up but in part because we work our asses off.

Yip, know the feeling. Wife works 13-14 hrs everyday - seven days a week - damn near 100hrs a week.
I refuse to do any more than 70 hours a week now. But it keeps creeping up.
My main staff each take home more than me now for doing only 40 hours, and have 4 weeks leave, sick, bereavement, lieu days etc. etc.....
I've had 8 days of 'Leave' in 5 years, while all my friends are going away having fun in the weekends....

It certainly aint a Rockstar economy for me...... :no::scratch::cry:

Maybe I should go belly up and be a burden on the tax payer....... probably be better off.... :shit:

[scrivy]

Dell aren't the worst by a long chalk, basically any US based IP is between 150% and 250% dearer here. Microsoft CEO got arseholes in Aussie last year because of 60% mark-up there, so did visiting Apple dignitaries.

Don't know what you do about it. Maybe we should take a leaf out of China's book wrt respecting international copyright conventions, but that don't help with hardware.

Fuck 'em all.

Can't you buy in from the US and use an inverter??

[Ocean1]

Can't you buy in from the US and use an inverter??

Probably. But I don't have time to fuck around, and there would certainly be warrantee issues should it turn to custard.

[scrivy]

Probably. But I don't have time to fuck around, and there would certainly be warrantee issues should it turn to custard.

But at a 1/3rd of the price......:shit:

[Ocean1]

But at a 1/3rd of the price......:shit:

Yeah I know. :third:

I had several such price gouging experiences the week this came out: http://www.productivity.govt.nz/working-paper/an-international-perspective-on-the-new-zealand-productivity-paradox
...and I wondered how they could have missed how predatory pricing behaviours represent such a huge disadvantage in comparing productivity.

I'd go so far as to say such unfair international marketing strategies probably cost us most of that missing $13k per year.

[Milts]

If you remove the recent fluctuations in milk solid commodity prices, and the government/insurance spend on the Christchurch rebuild, we would still be in a recession.

The 'rockstar' economy is vastly overstated and extremely fragile. Makes the current politicians (whoever the may be) look pretty good though, despite their lack of influence over either of those.

[Robert Taylor]

Yeah I know. :third:

I had several such price gouging experiences the week this came out: http://www.productivity.govt.nz/working-paper/an-international-perspective-on-the-new-zealand-productivity-paradox
...and I wondered how they could have missed how predatory pricing behaviours represent such a huge disadvantage in comparing productivity.

I'd go so far as to say such unfair international marketing strategies probably cost us most of that missing $13k per year.

Its really sad that

1) No political party has the balls to tackle this or the inequities in taxes charged at the border ( commercial importation versus private importation )

2) No political party has the balls to get up and say ''We are going to be colour blind, all race based seats and treaty settlements are henceforth abolished''

Heck Id consider doing the unthinkable and vote Labour if they had such policy and the conviction to implement

[Ocean1]

Its really sad that

1) No political party has the balls to tackle this or the inequities in taxes charged at the border ( commercial importation versus private importation )

2) No political party has the balls to get up and say ''We are going to be colour blind, all race based seats and treaty settlements are henceforth abolished''

Heck Id consider doing the unthinkable and vote Labour if they had such policy and the conviction to implement

At some point you just have to start considering such foreign economic behaviour as hostile and respond accordingly. The USA hasn't done us any favours for a very long time, and when their openly larcenous targeted pricing can be seen to have an actual dollar value attached I'm surprised many more kiwis aren't seriously pissed about it.

I've already had words in any ears even vaguely likely to be able to provoke discussion in the relevant quarters, but the fact remains we're a tiny economy, being taken advantage of by some very big ones.

[scrivy]

Heck Id consider doing the unthinkable and vote Labour if they had such policy and the conviction to implement

WTF??? :oi-grr::gob::sick:

[scrivy]

At some point you just have to start considering such foreign economic behaviour as hostile and respond accordingly. The USA hasn't done us any favours for a very long time, and when their openly larcenous targeted pricing can be seen to have an actual dollar value attached I'm surprised many more kiwis aren't seriously pissed about it.

I've already had words in any ears even vaguely likely to be able to provoke discussion in the relevant quarters, but the fact remains we're a tiny economy, being taken advantage of by some very big ones.

....and therein lies the issues with the TPPA..........

[sidecar bob]

Yip, know the feeling. Wife works 13-14 hrs everyday - seven days a week - damn near 100hrs a week.
I refuse to do any more than 70 hours a week now. But it keeps creeping up.
My main staff each take home more than me now for doing only 40 hours, and have 4 weeks leave, sick, bereavement, lieu days etc. etc.....
I've had 8 days of 'Leave' in 5 years, while all my friends are going away having fun in the weekends....

It certainly aint a Rockstar economy for me...... :no::scratch::cry:

Maybe I should go belly up and be a burden on the tax payer....... probably be better off.... :shit:

I think you know what to do, & it needs to be done sooner rather than later.
Being self employed should have advantages that suit the individual & the work give you a sense of satisfaction & achievement ( Id hardly need to explain that to R.T). Im happy to do the hours, the trade off for that is that I suffer no financial stress & can have a few luxurys.
Our friend with the blue Honda seems to like the freedom to work flexible hours & involve himself in activities that are not work related at times during the week. There should be an advantage that suits your purpose & if there is not, its time to move on, as you seem to be getting none of this.
And whats this about all your friends having fun?? Racing is not as fun as it looks anymore.

[Robert Taylor]

WTF??? :oi-grr::gob::sick:

It would of course never ever happen ( they are such a bunch of moronic inbred philistines ) but it seriously disturbs me that no political party has small business on the radar screen. We are just seen as a huge taxation base to feed their own luxuries and to help buy the votes off those with shonky historical ''grievances'' and other groups with their hands out.

[sidecar bob]

It would of course never ever happen ( they are such a bunch of moronic inbred philistines ) but it seriously disturbs me that no political party has small business on the radar screen. We are just seen as a huge taxation base to feed their own luxuries and to help buy the votes off those with shonky historical ''grievances'' and other groups with their hands out.

Go Greens bro, That Russell Norman fella seems to talk a lot of sense on important issues.

[Robert Taylor]

At some point you just have to start considering such foreign economic behaviour as hostile and respond accordingly. The USA hasn't done us any favours for a very long time, and when their openly larcenous targeted pricing can be seen to have an actual dollar value attached I'm surprised many more kiwis aren't seriously pissed about it.

I've already had words in any ears even vaguely likely to be able to provoke discussion in the relevant quarters, but the fact remains we're a tiny economy, being taken advantage of by some very big ones.

200 percent with you on that. The more and more I learn about Americans ( a country with neither creed nor culture ) the more and more I seriously dislike them. You can always pick an American in a crowd, you can hear their excruciatingly annoying /penetrating accents and general loudness first and foremost

The reason most Kiwis arent aware of the big picture is because they dont even think about all the implications of the American fed bullshit that is happening and they cant see past the ends of their own noses

[Robert Taylor]

Go Greens bro, That Russell Norman fella seems to talk a lot of sense on important issues.

Yeah, he would shut down all the means required to fund his expensive Communist utopia. A dickhead of the highest order.

[Brett]

I understand what you're saying, but unfortunately, it's just not the case now - price is king, and there is no loyalty anymore.
I know, because I have different pricing for some items on my website than in-store. Guess which ones sell the most....

As for service, we are constantly advising/helping customers (for sometimes up to 30-45 mins) about products, and then they say thanks... stand beside you, use their smart phones and look for the cheapest price on line. Cheeky cunts.
There is always going to be someone selling your products cheaper. (Not all of your products at one site mind you).
So adaption is almost irrelevant in todays 'I want it as cheap as fuck' world.

The landlords need to 'Adapt' too. There are simply too many stores empty now.

Yes, price is still somewhat king, however price competition strategies very, very seldom win in the long term. I have quite a few suppliers who will not sell to low cost discounters or e-only businesses (except us...but for a reason). The trick is realising that price comparability is still important, but creating augmentative strategies is equally important. Find ways to add value that competitors cannot easily replicate. People ARE price sensitive, but they are also lazy and many will take the least path of resistance to find what they want. As a business consultant (as well as owning two companies) I see this problem with many clients' businesses. The strategy is largely the same, individual approaches will vary. Increasingly, for many businesses, it is becoming an increasingly "adapt or die" situation. I have one business that is highly susceptible to market changes and one that is an absolute rock and where our competitors struggle to compete or beat us. Adaptation is most definitely not irrelevant. It's often that business owners end up in a "not seeing the wood for the trees" scenario being jaded by day-to-day issues. This is where external help/mentoring can be invaluable. IMO anyway.

Edit - there will also be industries struggling a lot more than others of course. Some industries are simply shrinking and that is all that there is to it.

[Brett]

Because they don't leave you any choice, try ordering these through the US site:

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/precision-t3610-workstation/fs

And you'll find they insist that their kiwi clients pay twice as much:

http://www.dell.com/nz/business/p/precision-t3610-workstation/fs

I'm getting fucking sick of subsidising my American competition.

Download one of the many browser options/add ons that will block your IP address and location and have the item shipped to a US forwarding agent who will on-ship to you. Easy. Done and dusted.

[Ocean1]

....and therein lies the issues with the TPPA..........

Absolutely, it's not for no reason it focuses on IP and patent protection issues, they're the only means whereby the US maintains their export pricing premiums and their ability to negotiate impossibly cheap imports.

That is only one part of the agreement, but I'd be surprised if most of it's terms didn't favour the larger economies, access to their markets is far more important to us than access to ours is to them. Painful, but something we're used to from our years of import restrictions through tariffs and distance related costs.

And I wonder if that strategy will work for the US forever. In spite of costs likely double those of a US business we're not only in the black again but earning just 20% less than them. And when their economy finally reflects their productivity, (as it eventually must) then they will have lost the work ethic required to earn their way out of trouble.

[Ocean1]

200 percent with you on that. The more and more I learn about Americans ( a country with neither creed nor culture ) the more and more I seriously dislike them. You can always pick an American in a crowd, you can hear their excruciatingly annoying /penetrating accents and general loudness first and foremost

The reason most Kiwis arent aware of the big picture is because they dont even think about all the implications of the American fed bullshit that is happening and they cant see past the ends of their own noses

To be fair, Robert not many are in a position to routinely compare US prices with NZ prices. And those that are can do fuck all about it.

[Robert Taylor]

Absolutely, it's not for no reason it focuses on IP and patent protection issues, they're the only means whereby the US maintains their export pricing premiums and their ability to negotiate impossibly cheap imports.

That is only one part of the agreement, but I'd be surprised if most of it's terms didn't favour the larger economies, access to their markets is far more important to us than access to ours is to them. Painful, but something we're used to from our years of import restrictions through tariffs and distance related costs.

And I wonder if that strategy will work for the US forever. In spite of costs likely double those of a US business we're not only in the black again but earning just 20% less than them. And when their economy finally reflects their productivity, (as it eventually must) then they will have lost the work ethic required to earn their way out of trouble.

If it wasnt for the fact theyd likely take down the rest of the world with them Id happily see the Yank economy collapse. These bastards have been so parastical into so many markets for so long

[Ocean1]

Download one of the many browser options/add ons that will block your IP address and location and have the item shipped to a US forwarding agent who will on-ship to you. Easy. Done and dusted.

Yeah, but I don't have the knowledge or contacts required to do that, and by the time I did I could have earned more than enough to pay the extra. Besides, Dell have no retail mechanism at all, anywhere, they ship orders out of Singapore and I suspect they're more than capable of tracing your credit card details or bank address.

But I agree, if more people went to the trouble then their international pricing strategy would be toast.

[pete376403]

Dell aren't the worst by a long chalk, basically any US based IP is between 150% and 250% dearer here. Microsoft CEO got arseholes in Aussie last year because of 60% mark-up there, so did visiting Apple dignitaries.

Don't know what you do about it. Maybe we should take a leaf out of China's book wrt respecting international copyright conventions, but that don't help with hardware.

Fuck 'em all.

In my case I'm going to suggest to my customer that he take a short break in Hawaii and pick up the ultrabook there, will work out about the same and he'll get a holiday. International warranty should take care of any concerns.

Or could buy online and use ShipitTo for the local (US) address and shipping.

[Pussy]

Go Greens bro, That Russell Norman fella seems to talk a lot of sense on important issues.

Go and wash your mouth out with soap! If you look up "fuck knuckle" in the dictionary, you will find a photo of him...

[scrivy]

Any others been quiet over the last few weeks??

[Madness]

Any others been quiet over the last few weeks??

If a business is quiet now I reckon there's strong odds it'll largely remain that way until after the election. I'm gearing up for FielDays this week, it's going to be interesting to see how many dollars come out of the cocky's pockets this year.

Our business grew 20% last calendar year. So far YTD we're up by around 45% but that's skewed slightly & we're likely to come out adjusted at around 20% still.

[hayd3n]

nup still busy and exceding monthly targets

[Ocean1]

Yeah I know. :third:

I had several such price gouging experiences the week this came out: http://www.productivity.govt.nz/working-paper/an-international-perspective-on-the-new-zealand-productivity-paradox
...and I wondered how they could have missed how predatory pricing behaviours represent such a huge disadvantage in comparing productivity.

I'd go so far as to say such unfair international marketing strategies probably cost us most of that missing $13k per year.

So, I'm liking the sound of this, as a start. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/10416893/Its-not-easy-being-Kiwi

And I'm off to have a wee look: http://www.frontup.co.nz/

[mashman]

So, I'm liking the sound of this, as a start. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/10416893/Its-not-easy-being-Kiwi

And I'm off to have a wee look: http://www.frontup.co.nz/

Money is involved. Nuff said.

[Edbear]

So, I'm liking the sound of this, as a start. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/10416893/Its-not-easy-being-Kiwi

And I'm off to have a wee look: http://www.frontup.co.nz/

As the end of the article noted, there are other factors involved in NZ pricing and much is to do with overheads. Many claim we are being ripped off but the number of business owners becoming millionnaire's is not growing. You would expect a lot more getting filthy rich. A number of business owners on here have made some good points. My overheads are about as low as you can get so I can set my pricing very close to the US price equivalent. Online shopping means that I have to be competitive internationally for one of my product lines.