You would have to be mad not to buy from the USA at the moment [Archive]

orangeback

19th July 2007, 18:22

with the nzd at nearly at 80 cents to the usd , you couldn't find a better time to be bringing in a new kit for yourself ,
We have brought in over the last month
ARAI RX7 CORSAIR HELMET , NAKANO and Haga ,
Alpinestar Tech 4 boots ,
Alpinestare TZ1 jacket ,
Alpinestar track pants,
Technic top of line suit ,
as well as Knox Armor
and alpinestar armor meshsuit ,
all this at less than 2/3 of what youd pay for it here
from Flyin brian Deals ,he writes up the value at $40 SO YOU DONT PAY GST and it on you door step within 6 days
http://stores.ebay.com/Flyin-Brians-Deals_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQfsubZQ2d33QQftidZ2QQtZk m
if your in the market for some new gear get into it b4 that arse falls out of the dollar :rockon::dodge::rockon::scooter::gob:

Cajun

19th July 2007, 18:31

flying brian - is awsome we have spend lots and lots of money with him over the past 18months - 2 years.

In process of buying a full s/s yoshi trs(carbon can) system for a zx14r at moment, should be landed for about NZ$1200

orangeback

19th July 2007, 18:34

this will help you guys know whats its going to cost ya
http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html
ive bough most stuff out of the states for 2 years now

Cajun

19th July 2007, 18:36

I personally use www.xe.org

riffer

19th July 2007, 19:49

Shipping's still a killer though...

I'd really like a K&N SU-9094 for the bike but its still bloody expensive to get one over here.

Any one have any contacts that can get stuff over here for good prices?

Cajun

19th July 2007, 19:54

alot helps if you can combine ship with someone ordering items riffer

aka when this pipe comes thru looking at doing couple of other thing with it, for a few other people localy

Mr. Peanut

19th July 2007, 20:01

You'd have to be mad to be keeping your savings in NZ dollars...

TLMAN

19th July 2007, 20:06

What is the deal with GST though. I just bought a radar detector which will be arriving in a coupla weeks and i got to thinking. It has been sent through the USPS so will it come straight to my door or will I have to collect it somewhere after I pay GST. Anybody know?

imdying

19th July 2007, 20:13

If there's GST to pay, customs will let you know soon enough (i.e. you'll need to pay it before you pick up the parcel). If the value of the GST owing is less than $50 (i.e. the part and freight is worth less than $400NZD), they don't bother collecting it. Over that amount, they usually do, although things go through without hassles at times. If you're getting over the $400 mark, you would be wise to budget for it.

What's the story with GST on second things like forks though, that I don't know?

RantyDave

19th July 2007, 20:15

You'd have to be mad to be keeping your savings in NZ dollars...
Au Contraire, Rodney. The NZD is a great place to keep your savings - it's still appreciating and we have (I believe) the highest interest rates in the world right now. I was reading something about the current value of the NZD and, as it turns out, quite a lot of the problem is Japanese housewives ... who control the family finances and are pretty keen on stuffing their savings into NZD for just this reason.

Where to put it when it starts dropping again is a much better question. How to get it there, too.

You also need to remember that part of the effect is because the US dollar is dropping so fast at the moment. Compared to the Euro (http://finance.google.com/finance?q=NZDEUR) it's not nearly so clear cut. Mind you, compare it to the yen (http://finance.google.com/finance?q=NZDJPY) and you can see why *they* like it.

Big Dave

19th July 2007, 20:15

>> You would have to be mad not to buy from the USA at the moment<<

Or you happen to believe in supporting local business.

Usarka

19th July 2007, 20:20

Where to put it when it starts dropping again is a much better question. How to get it there, too.

You might not see it dropping. like saying sell your share's in 87 when the market starts dropping.:bye:

MotoGirl

19th July 2007, 20:35

>> You would have to be mad not to buy from the USA at the moment<<

Or you happen to believe in supporting local business.

When a local supplier offers the goods for a reasonable price, I'll happily purchase from them. I saved a whopping $700 on my Alpinestars suit so it's no wonder I screwed local business and imported it! The savings alone bought my helmet and gloves :rockon:

Timber020

19th July 2007, 20:48

I have been buying lots of work gear, but since im off to the US in aug Im waiting until then to buy some bike stuff (even the wife is going to get some.)

There are some great toys to be had!

Mr. Peanut

19th July 2007, 21:30

>> You would have to be mad not to buy from the USA at the moment<<

Or you happen to believe in supporting local business.

Yeah, lets pay everyones overheads because we're too lazy to do our own research.

Who cares about retail outlets. They've been raping us for years.

DesmoJohnny

19th July 2007, 21:42

When a local supplier offers the goods for a reasonable price, I'll happily purchase from them.

Absoluetly right. I had to get some stuff the the bike recently. I could get everything from a main Ducati dealer in the UK, shipped to my door in less time and nearly $300 cheaper than quoted here ! :Punk:

Fair enough if I was buying parts here that the local dealers had purchased way back at a weaker dollar - but they had to order everything from Aus/Italy anyway - you wonder why people buy o/seas :bye:

Sanx

20th July 2007, 00:28

If I had the coin to buy some Ohlins gear (which I really want) then I would get it locally for one sole reason: I want backup and support on it.

On the other hand, the rear seat cowl for my Blade which arrived today from Honda Powersports of Crofton is not really an item which requires support. All up including delivery, it was NZ$220, or thereabouts. Compare that with $550; the price that my local Honda dealer quoted me (before apologising and going on about how Blue Wing Honda seems to think customer-raping is a hobby).

orangeback

20th July 2007, 07:49

>> You would have to be mad not to buy from the USA at the moment<<

Or you happen to believe in supporting local business.

im with moto girl with this one , as after living in the UK for a couple of years and seeing whats avalible over there, why should you have wait and fuck around at your local dealer , having them try to talk you into some thing they have in stock rather than what you've asked for , and when they do get it they sting you freight as well, I use to work in the MC trade about 9years ago and know it a verry hard one to make money due to being seasional and the NZ population , but theres always going to be people that wont take the risk of buying overseas and want to see before you buy,
What i find is that i couldnt go out and even buy a deacent set o brand name gloves localy (christchurch ) you only got the option on buying some Indian made no name shit .
If the bike shops are prepared to sell you the latest Rockship like Any of the (R ) range bikes. your more than likely want to look like Robocop to go with it , this is add on sales (just like, WOULD YOU LIKE FRIES WITH THAT ) SLOGAN. wake up there some real money to be made , if they are not to greedy , there's to many people with there hand in the pie , taking there 30% cut.
This i why i buy over seas
eg i pay retail for my alpinestar boots from the states
Tech 3 boots $159 USD
freight $40 USD
all up $199 USD
$199 USD = $252 NZD
Tech 3 Boot in NZ cost $399 plus freight if thay dont have them in stock (and thats 8 time out of 10)

MotoGirl

20th July 2007, 07:58

eg i pay retail for my alpinestar boots from the states
Tech 3 boots $159 USD
freight $40 USD
all up $199 USD
$199 USD = $252 NZD
Tech 3 Boot in NZ cost $399 plus freight if thay dont have them in stock (and that 8 time out of 10)

This is precisely why I get my stuff from the US too. I wear a size XS helmet and when I crashed my VTR, I needed a new helmet quickly so I could get back on a bike.

I went to my local (Shoei) bike shop and looked at what they had in stock. Typically there was only one in size XS and it was plain black :sick:

I'd seen a pretty Suomy race replica so asked them how much to land it and was told $1,000 and it'd take three months. I thought "bugger that!" so ordered it online, only paid $500 and it was here in five days. Go the USA! :first:

imdying

24th July 2007, 09:08

Beemer

24th July 2007, 10:02

I just bought one of my text books through Amazon and even with the air mail postage it was cheaper than buying it in NZ! Crazy!

vamr

24th July 2007, 13:32

Or you happen to believe in supporting local business.
[/B]

Bargain > premium.

sunhuntin

24th July 2007, 13:33

yep... its great! im searching for stuff for my collection which cant be bought here [ive looked] and the one ive just bought off ebay came in at less than $90NZD... i know it would sell on trademe for about $150-200NZD.

vifferman

24th July 2007, 14:33

As always, motorcycle parts incur no duty, the do however incur GST as I've described above, and yes, second hand parts also incur GST charges.
I haven't bought very much over the Interdweeb (although I have a stack of stuff sitting in Cairo, Noo Yahk at the moment), but I've never had to pay GST.

I usually buy most stuff locally if I can (especially clothes, boots, gloves, etc., so I can be sure it fits), but some things are nigh on impossible to obtain here, or ridiculously expensive. Example: APE Race Products - I bought some CCTs a few years back; they were US$49.95 each, and the only agent here quoted me $150 each for them, just for the privilege of placing the order and waiting four times as long. In the end, I got them plus a TPS (nearly $400 here, and 4 weeks ex-Japan) from a guy in the UK for a total of ~$300, in a week, delivered to my door.

I dunno about other brands, but almost invariably Honda parts are a case of, "Sorry - they're not in stock. They'll be 3 or 4 weeks, ex-Japan; you'll have to pay up front before we can order them." The worst example were cush rubbers for my rear hub - they were "at least 3 months, indent, as there's not even any in Japan. When there are enough orders, they'll make some." After nearly 6 months of patiently waiting, I discovered they hadn't even ordered them, despite my deposit :shit:!
So, I cancelled the order, and got them from Service Honda or AZ Motosports, less than a third of the price, ex-stock, less than a week.

I won't buy any Honda parts locally now, unless they're heavy items like chains. If BlueWing Honda and their dealers can't be bothered stocking common items like brake caliper seals, why should I give them my custom? Fukkem.

shafty

24th July 2007, 15:13

imdying

24th July 2007, 15:32

I dunno about other brands, but almost invariably Honda parts are a case of, "Sorry - they're not in stock. They'll be 3 or 4 weeks, ex-Japan; you'll have to pay up front before we can order them." The worst example were cush rubbers for my rear hub - they were "at least 3 months, indent, as there's not even any in Japan. When there are enough orders, they'll make some." After nearly 6 months of patiently waiting, I discovered they hadn't even ordered them, despite my deposit :shit:!
So, I cancelled the order, and got them from Service Honda or AZ Motosports, less than a third of the price, ex-stock, less than a week.

I won't buy any Honda parts locally now, unless they're heavy items like chains. If BlueWing Honda and their dealers can't be bothered stocking common items like brake caliper seals, why should I give them my custom? Fukkem.That is disgusting. As Casbolts is the only Honda dealer in Christchurch (and Ducati), they're totally off my radar. Fortunately, Graheme can't live forever... there's a blade in my future hopefully.

geoffm

24th July 2007, 20:21

BMW parts must be some of the worst. Suzuki seem to charge the same around the world, at least for RG gearbox parts...
BMW on the other hand seem to like ripping the NZ customer. I can land parts from Siebenrock in Germany for 2/3 the cost and in less than 3 weeks. BMW NZ never has stock, order from Germany and it takes 3 weeks.
A fork staunchion - $NZ900 in NZ, $350 from Germany when I priced them before. THat is genuine parts, brand new. A mirror assembly was 2/3 the cost in Germany, but unfortunately I had to have one NOW for a WoF, so had to pay the NZ premium.
With parts fiches online these days at placed like bikebandit.com (for jappas) and realoem.com (BMW) and in my archives, you can get the part numbers and exploded diagram easy enough, which makes ordering from overseas easy.
I will pay a small premium for NZ support, but when there is no support, no in stock parts and a longer wait, then why bother? Of course, when the local parts guy suggests getting stuff from Motobins in the UK because that is what he does, that is a sign that the local importers are ripping everyone off...
Geoff
Geoff

MotoGirl

24th July 2007, 20:52

Of course, when the local parts guy suggests getting stuff from Motobins in the UK because that is what he does, that is a sign that the local importers are ripping everyone off...

It's interesting you say that. When I was looking at replacement gear, the girl at the local bike shop suggested I look at importing it because it's so expensive here. Mind you, she was a pom and used to getting things for a reasonable price!

Brian d marge

25th July 2007, 03:04

One thing to bear in mind is that NZ imports from many countrys , as a few have found out , yes Honda /kawasaki make a xyz , but if its not a Jap made one there wont be spares here for them
So unless you are SURE xyz from a abc bike fits yours ( experienced storeperson worth wieght in gold here) then buying spares can be a bit fraught ,,,

Though older bike and places such as David Silver spares ,,should know what goes where !

Postage is also another thing ,,,I bought a graphics kit ,,50 us dollars ,,,postage ..2kg something like that ...50 us OUCH ,,,,

Stephen

Waylander

25th July 2007, 06:13

>> You would have to be mad not to buy from the USA at the moment<<

Or you happen to believe in supporting local business.

With Motogirl on this one mate.

Having a rebuilt stator for my bike shipped to me for $150 to my door. A New one is close to $500 and a used one from a wrecker would have run me $250
Hell man, the new fork springs and exhaust I want I can get for nearly half what the local suppliers are gonna charge me.

SARGE

25th July 2007, 06:22

>> You would have to be mad not to buy from the USA at the moment<<

Or you happen to believe in supporting local business.

i do support local businesses..

Chicago. Cincinnati.. Miami..

all local for me

i picked up a Weisco 1314 kit and stroker crank for about 40% what it woulda cost in NZ... lookin at bringing in a Simpson helmet later this year..

Sanx

25th July 2007, 10:53

I dunno about other brands, but almost invariably Honda parts are a case of, "Sorry - they're not in stock. They'll be 3 or 4 weeks, ex-Japan; you'll have to pay up front before we can order them." The worst example were cush rubbers for my rear hub - they were "at least 3 months, indent, as there's not even any in Japan. When there are enough orders, they'll make some." After nearly 6 months of patiently waiting, I discovered they hadn't even ordered them, despite my deposit :shit:!
So, I cancelled the order, and got them from Service Honda or AZ Motosports, less than a third of the price, ex-stock, less than a week.

I won't buy any Honda parts locally now, unless they're heavy items like chains. If BlueWing Honda and their dealers can't be bothered stocking common items like brake caliper seals, why should I give them my custom? Fukkem.

Likewise. I've just waited four weeks for them to get the replacement fairing components for my Blade in. Is it not unreasonable to keep some of this in stock? Replacement fairings are hardly an unusual item, I would have thought (judging from the number of "whatshisface bins" threads on here).

In future, I'll jjust order anything I want online and have it delivered. Supporting local business is one thing. Being asked to bend over and supply your own lube is something else.

Goblin

25th July 2007, 11:00

sidecar bob

25th July 2007, 11:51

What? BMW have stuff thats made in China?!!
They have their biggest car assembly plant in China too.

Goblin

25th July 2007, 14:29

What? BMW have stuff thats made in China?!!
They have their biggest car assembly plant in China too.
Yeah well that figures. Cheap labour = more profit from their over-priced products.

vifferman

25th July 2007, 14:36

Postage is also another thing ,,,I bought a graphics kit ,,50 us dollars ,,,postage ..2kg something like that ...50 us OUCH
Yeah the last thing I bought was like that - cost me $0.00, but postage (via the slowest of slow boats from Canadia) was $23.

vifferman

25th July 2007, 14:37

What? BMW have stuff thats made in China?!!

Where have YOU been?!? :shit:
Everything is made in China now.

sidecar bob

25th July 2007, 15:20

Yeah well that figures. Cheap labour = more profit from their over-priced products.

The Chinese market absorbs all the cars the plant can make so its not about export profits.
Purchasing a BMW is a choice, not a necessity, so if theyre overpriced then nobody is forced to buy one.
Also, isint reducing business overheads by using the most cost effective labour or raw product the only way to stay competitive in this day & age.
Not everybody gets handed their money on a plate with no understanding of how it came to be there.
P.S, I love your current sig line Goblin, Sooo true.

Storm

25th July 2007, 16:57

Thats what the internet has done for us- shown us that others are getitng the same product at much much less than we are.(even when you put in shipping costs. overheads, blah, etc)
We used to live in blissful ignorance that we were being shafted royally. Now, we know exactly how many extra,unnecessary, inches the local businesses are jamming up us. Luckily the net, and a credit card, enable us to say "take your 500% profit and jam it up your arse"
I've no problem with them making a profit, thats why they are in business after all. Raping people because you can/they have no other choice is what gets all this ill will floating around. And havent we all got a story of someone being criminally overcharged for something and then finding out a) could have got it cheaper online b) the importers got it for the online price or less, then charged like wounded bulls?

Goblin

25th July 2007, 18:55

The Chinese market absorbs all the cars the plant can make so its not about export profits.
Purchasing a BMW is a choice, not a necessity, so if theyre overpriced then nobody is forced to buy one.
Also, isint reducing business overheads by using the most cost effective labour or raw product the only way to stay competitive in this day & age.
Not everybody gets handed their money on a plate with no understanding of how it came to be there.That's a bit of a contradiction to what you were saying in another thread. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=993280&postcount=18
In my humble opinion, it all boils down to greed. Storm has got it. The WWW has opened up our eyes to just how much we have been ripped off. There's a huge difference between kneeling down and bending over!

In regards to bmw NZ's generosity to giving me 3k(RRP) worth of riding apparel, if I knew then what I know now I would have spent the lot at Ray Holmes shop in the Mt. and got myself and all of my kids decked out with helmets, boots, gloves, pants and jackets and still have some left over for a tankbag.

sidecar bob

25th July 2007, 19:51

I think i may be missing something, but im unsure how that is a contradiction, Reducing overheads & turning out crap are two different things, with two different outcomes. However, you are entitled to your opinion, which i wont disagree with.
Regarding importing stuff, it often comes down in my situation to supply on the day.
Example, I replace a lot of BMW radiators, approx two per week because they are crap.
My supplier in Auckland, Not BMW NZ, has vast stocks & i can have the vehicle running again within 24 hours, & because i dont know which version i will need next, Me & my clients find his service very convienent.
The approx cost of a radiator is around $340 $360NZ +GST, which is considerably cheaper than BMW, (Rip off bastards)
I could however currently get them from the USA for aprox $150US plus freight & GST, but there would be an unacceptable delay for a relatively small saving, bearing in mind the cost of a loan or rental car while the clients car is down, plus the inconvienence to both myself & my client to have a dead car lying around.
If me & every other person who used this company imported their own unit via the web, soon the company wouldnt exist & this would be hugely disadvantageous to the motoring public.
Frankly, i am very happy to buy locally & be done with all the drama of importing minor components & leave it to a specialist in that area.
I imported a Polini barrell kit for my RS125 & never again, it took 17 weeks from the date i paid for it & you may as well throw any warranty the parts have, in the bin to start with.
Hey Gob, With all due respect mate, you really need to move on from the whole BMW bike gear gift thingy, its eating you alive & that cant be improving your quality of life.

Goblin

25th July 2007, 20:10

Not everybody gets handed their money on a plate with no understanding of how it came to be there.
P.S, I love your current sig line Goblin, Sooo true.Right you are Bob! All the years I have worked I have payed my P.A.Y.E. and I still pay tax on all my groceries, fuel, car & bike rego, booze and tobacco just like everybody else does. Hey I even pay tax on my benefit! If I choose to stay home to look after my kids then dont hold that against me. My kids are far better off this way than me being a slave to a wage and paying someone else to do the job I am supposed to be doing as their mum.

You went on about China exploiting the world of resorces and their product ending up in landfil yet you endorse their product as long as you personally can profit from it. Good onya!

sidecar bob

25th July 2007, 20:24

Right you are Bob! All the years I have worked I have payed my P.A.Y.E. and I still pay tax on all my groceries, fuel, car & bike rego, booze and tobacco just like everybody else does. Hey I even pay tax on my benefit! If I choose to stay home to look after my kids then dont hold that against me. My kids are far better off this way than me being a slave to a wage and paying someone else to do the job I am supposed to be doing as their mum.

You went on about China exploiting the world of resorces and their product ending up in landfil yet you endorse their product as long as you personally can profit from it. Good onya!

Going off topic, but im not sure how im personally profiting from Chinese made BMW who are quality controlled from Germany.
And the big bastard tax bill you failed to mention, Provisional tax, Thats the one that screws small business that didnt plan for it.
As per your sig line, My tax is your benifit.

bimotabob

25th July 2007, 20:44

Hi

I have worked at a couple of bike shops here in Hams, we were lucky to get 100% mark up on low price items.
It's fair to say with any product you can get bad service or feel like your being "raped"
I have often been well looked after by the local shops.

But I get plenty of stuff from the US like many do.
This country has a small M/cycle fleet and often you have to import what you want as shops often hate one offs.

I have brought from and would use these guys again:

https://www.morepoweracing.com/index.htm took 10 days
http://www.factorypro.com took 1 week
http://www.spatechnique.com/index.asp took 3 days

The S.P.A gauges are fantastic, I had one on my last bike and plan to get 2 for my new bike. Very expensive though.

Goblin

25th July 2007, 21:13

Going off topic, but im not sure how im personally profiting from Chinese made BMW who are quality controlled from Germany.
And the big bastard tax bill you failed to mention, Provisional tax, Thats the one that screws small business that didnt plan for it.
As per your sig line, My tax is your benifit.Yeah and my own tax is my benefit too.
If you or any other small business owner never planned for provisional tax then you have no one to blame but yourself...or your accountant.

You do personally profit from Chinese made BMW components/product as you pay for the product yourself then pass on the cost and profit to the consumer. Do you know that every component you purchase from anywhere is NOT made in China? You personally are contributing to the exploitation of global resorces by buying and re-selling Chinese made stuff....all in the name of "reducing overheads".
What about the poor old Chinese people who work in these sweatshops to make BMW executives richer?

BTW my interpretation of my sig line is that taxes are levied for the benefit of the greedy pollies and bureaucrats who are paid with said taxes.

sunhuntin

25th July 2007, 21:54

What do you collect?

*turns red*

yanno that disney/pixar movie cars? i collect the diecasts and associated playsets. one playset im dying for [and the last i need] is sitting on $250USD and no sign of dropping.
my wall is covered by mint in box diecasts, as well as 2 shops, the helicopter and mack truck [one mint, one opened for display]

last night i located a cars sheet set big enough for my bed! so tonight, im sleeping with lightning mcqueen!!

sidecar bob

26th July 2007, 08:24

*turns red*

yanno that disney/pixar movie cars? i collect the diecasts and associated playsets. one platset im dying for [and the last i need] is sitting on $250USD and no sign of dropping.
my wall is covered by mint in box diecasts, as well as 2 shops, the helicopter and mack truck [one mint, one opened for display]

last night i located a cars sheet set big enough for my bed! so tonight, im sleeping with lightning mcqueen!!

Good on you mate, i luv it!!!! I have a policy of doing one thing every day that an 8 year old would enjoy.

shafty

26th July 2007, 12:31

Goblin

26th July 2007, 16:12

As per your sig line, My tax is your benifit.At least my sig line is honest, true and not a just blurb of hypocrisy.:shutup:

scrivy

27th July 2007, 09:07

Good on you mate, i luv it!!!! I have a policy of doing one thing every day that an 8 year old would enjoy.

You still trying to look up your kids teachers dress?? :shit:

gav

28th July 2007, 00:27

Well, obviously it pays to shop around and know what you can pay locally. For example, from the first post, flyingbrian has the latest Hayden Arai for sale
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ARAI-RX7-CORSAIR-HAYDEN-GP-07-HELMET-XXL-XX-LARGE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6749QQihZ009QQite mZ190129108177QQtcZphoto
Price $652.46 US, freight around $60 US, all up $710 US, in NZ $915.00 but gst due of $114.37 = $1030 landed.
On Trade Me you can buy the same helmet http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Helmets/auction-110713587.htm
plus $25 freight, $1024 !!
So why buy overseas?

scumdog

28th July 2007, 00:35

NEED a die-cast model of a 1966 Ford Thunderbird, preferably a Town Landau and NOT a convertible, any ideas where I could get one??.

Quick before the dollar drops! (more)

Ghost_Bullet

28th July 2007, 01:16

NEED a die-cast model of a 1966 Ford Thunderbird, preferably a Town Landau and NOT a convertible, any ideas where I could get one??.

Quick before the dollar drops! (more)

Dude HERE (http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-1-25-AMT-1966-Ford-Thunderbird-MODEL-KIT_W0QQitemZ260143548609QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item2 60143548609) is it,... get it.. cheap..... done!

miSTa

28th July 2007, 18:13

I'm looking at buying a new jacket and there's one in particular appeals.

This jacket is available in NZ for $650, the same jacket is also available in Australia for $450aus ($500nz) - better but not as good as the USA where it sells for $300us ($386nz). With a brother in Australia, work with a office in the US and soon to have parents in Canada for 3-4 months, shipping is not a problem.

It would indeed be mad not to buy from the USA (as much as I like supporting local business).

MotoGirl

28th July 2007, 18:46

Well, obviously it pays to shop around and know what you can pay locally. For example, from the first post, flyingbrian has the latest Hayden Arai for sale

Price $652.46 US, freight around $60 US, all up $710 US, in NZ $915.00 but gst due of $114.37 = $1030 landed.
On Trade Me you can buy the same helmet
plus $25 freight, $1024 !!
So why buy overseas?

This particular seller wouldn't mark the helmet with a value of $652. It'd be like $25 (they've done this with every item I've ever bought). Hence no GST would apply and the value would be less than buying locally. I get big discounts now :rockon: