Buying from the States?

[chrispy121]

hi guys I have a mate that works in the states and he can get me a great deal on a new jacket.
is there any import duties I will have to pay through customs.
just dont want to get caught with an extra bill at the end.

[YellowDog]

There aren't any import duties however if its sales invoice value is greater than NZ$400, you will have to pay GST on it. You'd better check as the NZ$400 may not be the current threshold.

[2wheeldrifter]

Yep 400 is the limit including the postage price! you will get charged GST, then it's 1000bucks, GST and a duty of whatever the item is??? as I remember it :zzzz:

[CookMySock]

Tell him to just wear it. They won't tax him on what he is wearing.

Steve

[Burtha]

If he's just posting it to you and your not worried about returns or refunds, just removed all the sales and ticketing info, rough it up a bit (creased as if its been warn) and get him to post it in such a way that its not in its original packaging and that he posts it on your behalf and not from the store.

No sign of it being new - no import tax to worry about.
My parents always used to buy new golf clubs overseas then rub them in dirt etc ...

[Subike]

There aren't any import duties however if its sales invoice value is greater than NZ$400, you will have to pay GST on it. You'd better check as the NZ$400 may not be the current threshold.

I find this difficult to undestand, as I have bought items x USA having had them posted to me with no problems.
I believe that if the item is for your own use , not for resale, then GST does not apply as you are the end user.
I have also bought items from Europe valued over NZ$400 with no import duty or tax imposed upon the item.

[scumdog]

I find this difficult to undestand, as I have bought items x USA having had them posted to me with no problems.
I believe that if the item is for your own use , not for resale, then GST does not apply as you are the end user.
I have also bought items from Europe valued over NZ$400 with no import duty or tax imposed upon the item.


Took my money to the US of A, bought a car there and had it shipped to EnZed.

Got pinged GST, duty, MAF inspection fee yadd-yadda....the lot.:angry2:

[Cajun]

I find this difficult to undestand, as I have bought items x USA having had them posted to me with no problems.
I believe that if the item is for your own use , not for resale, then GST does not apply as you are the end user.
I have also bought items from Europe valued over NZ$400 with no import duty or tax imposed upon the item.

you are more likey to be sting for bigger items

we have brought a number of items in over the years. leather suits, helmets, full exhaust systems pc3s.

Wasn't until the last shipment (full yoshi exhaust system & pc3, were were stung for gst), we had a simlar size item 6 months before that, that came thru fine.

So i think sometimes you are luck others times not.

[scuzeme]

Tell him to just wear it. They won't tax him on what he is wearing.

Steve

Yep thats the best way i brought a Dainese Ducati jacket worth $1200.00 AUS $ and carried it on the plane no one asked me anything.

I have also imported a set of rims from the States and yep they stung me GST.

Cheers.

[vifferman]

we have brought a number of items in over the years. ...Wasn't until the last shipment ...were were stung for gst) .

So i think sometimes you are luck others times not.
I suspect they don't check everything, just do random checks, or look for a history of several items being brought in. (Just a guess - I don't know for sure).

NotSteve

[ckai]

You may wanna look at this...

http://www.customs.govt.nz/importers/Private+Importers/Customs+Charges.htm

I had a very quick look through but couldn't find anything about it. To be honest I had a 10 second look and couldn't be bothered looking longer.

I've ship all my new snowboarding gear from the US last year and didn't get hit for anything (they didn't even charge me shipping for my helmet!). My board was over $400NZ but like Cajun mentioned, they would look at bigger items more.

I remember reading something last year about safety items are exempt. This may only be for helmets though (snowboarding helmet was), so don't quote me.

[geoffc]

Took my money to the US of A, bought a car there and had it shipped to EnZed.
Got pinged GST, duty, MAF inspection fee yadd-yadda....the lot.:angry2:

Was that the guy in customs you gave that speeding ticket anything to do with it?

[scumdog]

Was that the guy in customs you gave that speeding ticket anything to do with it?

Could be, who knows??:whistle:


(I wasn't there when it went through customs.;))

[Bike-aholic]

hi guys I have a mate that works in the states and he can get me a great deal on a new jacket.
is there any import duties I will have to pay through customs.
just dont want to get caught with an extra bill at the end.


When he sends it tell him to declear it as a gift and put the value down as $100 and you will be fine. Make sure he takes all price tags off and no sales receipt.

[Cajun]

When he sends it tell him to declear it as a gift and put the value down as $100 and you will be fine. Make sure he takes all price tags off and no sales receipt.

you have to be careful of this, cause the insurance on the package will only cover whats is decleared so it it goes missing you could be out of pocket.

[Mully]

you have to be careful of this, cause the insurance on the package will only cover whats is decleared so it it goes missing you could be out of pocket.

Plus, it's, ya know, fraud and that. And if Customs suspect anything, they will be all over you like a rash. They can (and on occasion, do) open any damn package they like at the mail centre. So Caveat Emptor if you do this.

At the end of the day, NZ retailers have to pay GST (which you pay when you buy stuff). If that's the difference between saving money and not, buy from the local guys.

[Mully]

I believe that if the item is for your own use , not for resale, then GST does not apply as you are the end user.


Nope. A common misconception (and actually a reasonable misconception also).

If the declared value of the goods, plus freight, plus any insurance is over NZ$400, Customs will want an entry done.

[imdying]

At the end of the day, NZ retailers have to pay GST (which you pay when you buy stuff). If that's the difference between saving money and not, buy from the local guys.Fair call :yes:

[Owl]

If the declared value of the goods, plus freight, plus any insurance is over NZ$400, Customs will want an entry done.

I would certainly expect that and I do. However, I've brought in shitloads of gear from the US and I've only been copped for GST twice. Several times the amount has exceeded NZ$500 (declared) and its just arrived at the door.:niceone:

[Robert Taylor]

Authorised distributors ( NZ businesses ) have to pay for customs clearance charges, EDR fees, port fees, other misc charges, gst on those charges and gst on the proper declared value of the goods.
Hardly a level playing field when many private one offs often dont incur charges. These charges should apply to EVERYONE.

[Owl]

Authorised distributors ( NZ businesses ) have to pay for customs clearance charges, EDR fees, port fees, other misc charges, gst on those charges and gst on the proper declared value of the goods.
Hardly a level playing field when many private one offs often dont incur charges. These charges should apply to EVERYONE.

Fair call Robert and I'd live with that. Please understand though, that it's not always about saving a buck, but simply getting something that’s not available here.

[Robert Taylor]

Fair call Robert and I'd live with that. Please understand though, that it's not always about saving a buck, but simply getting something that’s not available here.

Yeah, thats the whole issue with having such a tiny population. Local business just doesnt have enough turnover to support stocking everything and in large quantities. But also this whole offshore buying lark helps to further exacerbate that whole situation.
Ultimately also I think we should all have concerns for the ongoing viability of NZ business and more pointedly their ability to employ people.

[Chooky]

Yea most US retailers ship Fedex so when it arrives the customs have all the details on value etc and sting you with GST before the courier will deliver it.
Only way round it is get someone you know to repack it, rip all the tags off,value it at $10 and post it....... :cool:

[Guzza]

When he sends it tell him to declear it as a gift and put the value down as $100 and you will be fine. Make sure he takes all price tags off and no sales receipt.


I've brought alot of climbing gear into NZ from the States via mail, I've always made a point of keeping the value under NZ$400 and to have "Unsolisited Gift" stated in the declaration. I have yet to be hit with duty.

[Guzza]

Authorised distributors ( NZ businesses ) have to pay for customs clearance charges, EDR fees, port fees, other misc charges, gst on those charges and gst on the proper declared value of the goods.
Hardly a level playing field when many private one offs often dont incur charges. These charges should apply to EVERYONE.

I cant speak for the difference in price for bike gear but When I'm faced with the option of buying a brand name climbing carabiner for US$6.00 or NZ$30.00(NZ$1.00=US$0.75 at that time) Its pretty hard to look away

[YellowDog]

Fair call Robert and I'd live with that. Please understand though, that it's not always about saving a buck, but simply getting something that’s not available here.
I would generally prefer pay more and give my business to an NZ firm. When I imported my Tiger from LA, the NZ$/US$ was over 80c and whilst I was happy to pay a couple of grand more to buy in NZ, I saved over $5k in total and the saving was just too great. To afford the NZ prices atathat time I couldn't go any higher than an SAT kitted 1250 Bandit.

Now the NZ$/US$ rate is closer to 50c, there is no way I would import a new bike.

[Robert Taylor]

I would generally prefer pay more and give my business to an NZ firm. When I imported my Tiger from LA, the NZ$/US$ was over 80c and whilst I was happy to pay a couple of grand more to buy in NZ, I saved over $5k in total and the saving was just too great. To afford the NZ prices atathat time I couldn't go any higher than an SAT kitted 1250 Bandit.

Now the NZ$/US$ rate is closer to 50c, there is no way I would import a new bike.

And that is a good thing for the country, we need to pay more credence to export earnings.

[Sparky Bills]

In the past 2 weeks, there have been 4 bike shops in nz go under....
Just something to think about.

[scumdog]

Authorised distributors ( NZ businesses ) have to pay for customs clearance charges, EDR fees, port fees, other misc charges, gst on those charges and gst on the proper declared value of the goods.
Hardly a level playing field when many private one offs often dont incur charges. These charges should apply to EVERYONE.

But distributors are always at liberty to add their profit margin...at times it is an 'Awful Lot'(tm).

[98tls]

you have to be careful of this, cause the insurance on the package will only cover whats is decleared so it it goes missing you could be out of pocket. Yep thats the chance you take eh,ive had heaps sent over the years from England/states and never once has anything gone missing.As for customs ive always had the sender put a low dollar value and never had a problem with them,got stung once when a guy put the true value on the box,pissed me off a bit but hey once in all these years i figures not to bad.One thing to watch is that they put the value at say $200 kiwi dollars not $200 pound as if its over 400 kiwi customs want some $ and they wont release it until its been paid:bash:

[YellowDog]

In the past 2 weeks, there have been 4 bike shops in nz go under....
Just something to think about.
Well yes, maybe they priced themselves out if the market. I paid retail price plus shipping plus GST and was $5k cheaper than the NZ price. The NZ dealer could have bought at NZ trade price and still made a good profit, plus the service revenue etc.

As it happens the bike I wanted (ABS version) wasn't available in NZ and it would have had to be shipped in. Well I had to do it myself because nooone would play ball.

[Robert Taylor]

But distributors are always at liberty to add their profit margin...at times it is an 'Awful Lot'(tm).

Thats the common misconception yes. When you factor in overheads the nett margin is not that great at all.
Plenty of people have also started motorcycle shops thinking they were going to make a killing, the reality is quite different. Dont believe me? Try it.

[chrispy121]

wow this has got a lot of feed back
doing the sums the jacket I want is not available here Astars mx1
but if I compare another jacket the rc1 I can import this for $850 including freight and GST from a price in the states.
the NZ price is $1200 and a couple of dealers will not give a discount on that in fact I have walked into a couple of dealers and they wernt that interested at all.
I try to buy as much as I can in NZ the keep the shops I deal with in business.

But in Feburary I was made redundant so I need to save money.
I would consider a RC-1 but I think close to $400 premium is a little to much to pay if the difference was $100 I would.

Please bear in mind this will be even cheaper if customs do not pick this up so potentially I am will to pay up to $200 more to support the local motorbike shops.
I have worked out that I have spent over 7k at bike shops in the last 10 months now that I am not working I have to be a little more selective about how much I spend

[98tls]

Fwiw got any mates in the States?The stuff available over there is as you will know incredible,second hand as new everywhere,the bonus of having someone you know over there posting it as they can do the paperwork to suit your needs.

[scumdog]

Probably going to get a drive-belt for CBs Sporty direct from the US, will let y'all know how it goes price-wise etc if I do.

[wickle]

But distributors are always at liberty to add their profit margin...at times it is an 'Awful Lot'(tm).
Distrubitors and retailers to me are two different business's the markup generally apllied by retailers is not that high( except in fashion clothing ) the retailer generally has to buy goods and pay for them ages before they sell them . where as who knows what mark up Distributors(wholesalers) can put on goods that are most probably bought at prices less than one off sales sourced from overseas.

[DMNTD]

In the past 2 weeks, there have been 4 bike shops in nz go under....
Just something to think about.

Yep...one just down the road from us plus there's another looking VERY 'fluid' at the moment.
We're about to lose a staff member at work too which sucks.

[Robert Taylor]

Yep...one just down the road from us plus there's another looking VERY 'fluid' at the moment.
We're about to lose a staff member at work too which sucks.

And I think this is the whole point. Too many assume that distributors and dealers make profits that are making them filthy rich. Its all too easy to say "'I got great service from overseas'' Fact of the matter you are dealing with faceless people who it is rather more difficult to build prejudice against, a theme I see often on this forum when talking about dealers. Many people seem to delight in pitting dealer against dealer, but for sure there is no excuse for bad service. Its also more than once Ive noticed comments such as ''great guys and great prices'', more than a few times Ive noticed that the same great guys had to close their doors because the balance sheet was none too pretty.The more and more that people buy offshore ( all commodities ) the less and less viable it is to run a business in NZ and the longer the dole queue becomes. The problem further exacerbates itself.
And if the official distributors got their suppliers to fraudulently undervalue all of their shipments Id bet theyd get done for tax evasion like a dogs dinner.
We should all take a step back and be very concerned about where all this nonsense is leading us.

[nallac]

And that is a good thing for the country, we need to pay more credence to export earnings.

not so good for people who's business rely on imported products tho.

such as motorcycle shops....

[rosie631]

I have had a local price of $437 for my drive belt and to get one from the states I was quoted $211 including postage. On the currency conversion I used that worked out at $370 New Zealand. I'm thinking factoring in the postage time, hassle to return if it's the wrong one etc and also the fact that my local shop have been really good to me lately, with free advice and small jobs etc, that for the sake of 60 bucks i will buy NZ. But if the difference had been 100 plus I probably would have bought direct from US.

[JacksColdSweat]

I bought two Icon Moto jackets, pants, gloves - the works at Xmas US$1500 or so - brought them home in luggage with tags still attached - no questions were asked.

I think smaller items like this don't attract attention - especially if the quantity is small enough to be personal. If I had a bag full of jackets they might have been more curious but one or even two is OK - no one's getting rich selling one jacket on Trade Me

[Robert Taylor]

not so good for people who's business rely on imported products tho.

such as motorcycle shops....

Let me tell you something, I am a distributor of premium suspension products, some of those paid for in $US. I may sell more product when the exchange rate is more favourable for importation. But for the good of the country overall I think its better if the exchange rate is around 50 cents. That helps our export earnings and foreign exchange.
Its time more of us dispelled selfish motive and thought about whats actually good for the future of the country.

[scumdog]

I have had a local price of $437 for my drive belt and to get one from the states I was quoted $211 including postage. On the currency conversion I used that worked out at $370 New Zealand. I'm thinking factoring in the postage time, hassle to return if it's the wrong one etc and also the fact that my local shop have been really good to me lately, with free advice and small jobs etc, that for the sake of 60 bucks i will buy NZ. But if the difference had been 100 plus I probably would have bought direct from US.

My line of thought exactly.

If the NZ price is not too out there I will buy locally.

[NOWOOL]

just have him include a card saying 'happy birthday' and make sure everything is hand-wrote with no invoices or store names.

[HenryDorsetCase]

just have him include a card saying 'happy birthday' and make sure everything is hand-wrote with no invoices or store names.

I dont think I would be comfortable dealing with someone who would be so ready to commit fraud. Mail fraud in the states is a Federal offence carrying unbelievably stiff penalties. it was the original anti-trust, anti organised crime legislation.

[HenryDorsetCase]

My line of thought exactly.

If the NZ price is not too out there I will buy locally.

yup, price is one part of the "Where do i buy" equation: others are "how much hassle" "when will I get it" "What if its wrong" "What if it never arrives" ""what if aliens abduct me, or the sender before he or she sends it"

the bigger ticket the item, the more expensive it is to send, the more crucial the item is, the less likely I am to buy non-local, no matter what the price.

[monkeymcbean]

hi guys I have a mate that works in the states and he can get me a great deal on a new jacket.
is there any import duties I will have to pay through customs.
just dont want to get caught with an extra bill at the end.

I get most of my stuff from newenough.com i bought one item and with the postage it was over the $400 or so dollars it was not to bad the extra but had a chat to customs and they are pretty reasonable and sometimes let a bit of stuff through, but this was quiet a bit over, so i got caught out...bummer but it fitted great, it would have cost me the extra to drive to a city find a bike shop, try to find jackets in the large choice of ...'black' and 'black' get a parking ticket etc etc so it was all still worth it in the end. blah blah.

[monkeymcbean]

yup, price is one part of the "Where do i buy" equation: others are "how much hassle" "when will I get it" "What if its wrong" "What if it never arrives" ""what if aliens abduct me, or the sender before he or she sends it"

the bigger ticket the item, the more expensive it is to send, the more crucial the item is, the less likely I am to buy non-local, no matter what the price.

You worry to much, newenough.com are fantastic check out the site, has all size charts, always arrive within a week and a half, you can track it, email them and they repy. ebay can be a little more risky and a bit of a hassle with bike stuff, especially europe, its the language thing really.

[Robert Taylor]

You worry to much, newenough.com are fantastic check out the site, has all size charts, always arrive within a week and a half, you can track it, email them and they repy. ebay can be a little more risky and a bit of a hassle with bike stuff, especially europe, its the language thing really.

Have you stopped to consider how much this impacts on employment in NZ? We are sending our money offshore and feeding mouths there rather than looking after our own workers.

[ynot slow]

A simple test is check out what you want overseas and check it out locally.Case and point I was looking at a new helmet,through a few links which have popped up here I did a bit of research.Shoei diabolic close out lid(ltd sizes)$329 plus $70 freight US$399,the day I checked the exchange rate was converted to $675NZ,did check on prices in bike shops via web(not in person)$849.If it was me it isn't worth the risk,and by shopping locally you can ask for discount or extras,everyone wants discounts.

The main thing about this item to remember is that it was a close out and thus was cheaper than normal,facter that in and the difference would be negated maybe.

[Hailwood]

Ive bought from USA for parts and I have purchased locally as well. To me it comes down to a simple fact...what is going to cost me? I was quoted $2200 for HD saddlebags, mounting brackets ect from my dealer here...same item from dealer in USA...$1200..no gst charged etc...that a saving of $1000!!!!...for the same HD item. Goods come from USA to Australia (markup) and then NZ (another markup)..not local dealer's fault but fact.

Have just ordered a replacement screen for the Buell from USA..why? cant get it in NZ..in fact it is cheaper to get from USA than OZ. May have to get a jacket from USA because, once again, NZ dealers dont stock them.

Like others, if the saving is minimal, then I will go local but if the saving is a good one, then its a no brainer....I am sorry Robert but this..buy local and put food in others mouths is a fine sentitment but in reality I have x $ to spend and need to get the best deal I can..that is a simple fact of life..maybe not PC but fact nonetheless.

In the last 9 years I have purchased 7 bikes of which 6 were from a dealer and all serviced by dealers. I think I have contributed to my local economy.

[ynot slow]

Agree with you Hailwood,I have purchased from retailers for my bike gear,and bike repairs.My bike is under warranty so needed to be serviced by a dealer,reasonable price,but quite annoying when the service sheet had items to be adjusted,replaced,inspected etc and was printed on the bill for me,but not done.


I grabbed some h7 plus 90 bulbs from UK,took 5days to arrive and half price of plus 50 from the 2 big parts outlets,sure an auto sparky might get them but he buys 2sets maybe,not exactly large quantities,but when you get a bemused look from staff at repco/supercheap,ask if manager might have idea and still vague looks you tend to think wtf.

[rosie631]

but when you get a bemused look from staff at repco/supercheap,ask if manager might have idea and still vague looks you tend to think wtf.

I have found repco to be total shit. They have put me wrong a couple of times. Even though they are the closest place to me I refuse to go there now. Their staff seem to have no idea about the stuff they're selling. It's bullshit.

[ynot slow]

I have found repco to be total shit. They have put me wrong a couple of times. Even though they are the closest place to me I refuse to go there now. Their staff seem to have no idea about the stuff they're selling. It's bullshit.

Agree partly with you,some guys are good,a lot like bike shops,a crappy parts guy,salesman,mechanic can stuff up a good dealership,thus why some go via internet for parts etc.

Internet doesn't always mean overseas,can be say any retail outlet like Cycletreds,Motoretail etc in NZ.

[monkeymcbean]

Have you stopped to consider how much this impacts on employment in NZ? We are sending our money offshore and feeding mouths there rather than looking after our own workers.

Well sweetie, ive stood around in some bike retail shops with money to burn in my pockets and been ignored, ive also found clothing selection limited to black. I understand you cannot stock everything. And you are right, I have stopped and considered before buying overseas I DO FEEL GUILTY, I bought my bike new in New Zealand, used a local transporter, get it serviced locally, and i do have a bit of bike gear so not all was bought from the states, only when the dollar was right. But I am pretty shy when it comes to noiseing around in bike shops, i bought my bike without even going in and riding it, i got all the information about it online. SO ive got a problem about shopping in public..ha ha.

[awayatc]

be good if NZ started leading by example....

All blacks play in Adidas for gods sake....

[chrispy121]

Have you stopped to consider how much this impacts on employment in NZ? We are sending our money offshore and feeding mouths there rather than looking after our own workers.

I started this thread and as I stated before I am currently unemployed I was already made redundant and yet I am still prepared to buy in New Zealand if there wasnt a huge penalty say aroun $100 or so dollars.
at present the pricing I have received for this item is $400 more than what I can buy this out of the states for including allowance for getting stung for GST here in New Zealand.

I might change this thread can any body that is still working please donate money to me so I can pay the difference to buy out of New Zeland and not send money off shore.

or any bike shops I will come in and work for an alpinestars leather jacket saving them wages.

any takers???????

[chrispy121]

ok so just had a call I start a new job in a couple of weeks.
I have now decided that I will buy an RC-1 jacket black size 44/54 any one with existing stock they want to move I can buy for $420 us + GST that works out to $760 kiwi + gst can any one get close to that it might help them move some stock
Send me a Message

[rosie631]

ok so just had a call I start a new job in a couple of weeks.

Hey, well done. You must be rapt. Jobs not easy to come by at the moment.

[slydesigns]

mark it as a gift.

value it at below 100

I get ramdomly pinged with import duties. Its 12.5 gst and 12.5 import duties. Its at customs discretion as to what they apply and when they apply it. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

But all my parts and riding gear, like all my ICONS stuff, comes from the US. Its funny how my ICON Airframe Helmet valued at $310US slipped through tax free but my ICON Armoured Vest valued at $100US actual cost got pinged.

The local Triumph dealer, ANZA doenst carry ANY go fast parts for the 675 and cant be assed researching for anything either, so I WILL buy overseas and do it with a smile on my face because they are prepared to help me.

ICON doesn't appear to have an importer here in NZ and as thats the gear I choose to ride in, again, I'll happily send my money offshore. If an importer brings it in, I'll not need to, but I'm not changing brands and styles of riding gear to suit NZ retailers when they dont carry a single piece of Freestyle Street riding gear here in NZ, you either have full leathers, bulky textile, useless draggin jeans or have to switch to motoX and FMX gear. No thanks, tried that.

[Owl]

I get ramdomly pinged with import duties. Its 12.5 gst and 12.5 import duties. Its at customs discretion as to what they apply and when they apply it. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

But all my parts and riding gear, like all my ICONS stuff, comes from the US. Its funny how my ICON Airframe Helmet valued at $310US slipped through tax free but my ICON Armoured Vest valued at $100US actual cost got pinged.

You're just unlucky then Sly, cause that makes no sense. Either that or you're just getting tucked! Here's a quote from Custom's website:
"No revenue collection will be made if the total amount owing on the goods imported is less than $50. This revenue waiver does not apply to alcohol or tobacco products".

I've been hit with GST a couple of times, but never a seperate duty.

[Robert Taylor]

Hey, well done. You must be rapt. Jobs not easy to come by at the moment.

Yes thats exactly right, how many NZ workers have lost their jobs because of offshore internet sales?

[nallac]

Yes thats exactly right, how many NZ workers have lost their jobs because of offshore internet sales?

Or a poor exchange rate coupled with the recession.....

25 happening at my work due to the above reasons..

[Robert Taylor]

Or a poor exchange rate coupled with the recession.....

25 happening at my work due to the above reasons..

The exchange rate should best suit exporters, not importers.

[nallac]

The exchange rate should best suit exporters, not importers.

Yes i fully understand that.
But a low exchange rate does not always help average joe new zealander.
High export prices effect our everyday prices for dairy products, seafood ,wood etc.


Good for some not for all...

[Hailwood]

well my screen ordered from American Sports Bike arrived in less than a week direct to my door....cant buy one here so internet order......Robert what was I meant to do? Go to my dealer and see if he can order one for me via internet and get stung with his markup as well? Sometimes Internet is the only way to get stuff.....

[Quasievil]

I get most of my stuff from newenough.com i bought one item and with the postage it was over the $400 or so dollars it was not to bad the extra but had a chat to customs and they are pretty reasonable and sometimes let a bit of stuff through, but this was quiet a bit over, so i got caught out...bummer but it fitted great, it would have cost me the extra to drive to a city find a bike shop, try to find jackets in the large choice of ...'black' and 'black' get a parking ticket etc etc so it was all still worth it in the end. blah blah.

Not sure why you do that on the basis that nothing on there (after a brief look) seemed very cheap to me.
You could have likely brought from a NZ based seller with the same processes and had the back up for a replacement size if needed.
p.s not having a go at you mate but the gear didnt seem cheap to me to justify the risk.

Im with Robert anyway as a NZr with a huge investment into the NZ biking scene its never nice to think your fellow bikers are going off shore to buy their kit, thats a natural thing, but at the end of the day you make your own decisions, its our job via way of price and quality and service to discourage you eh

[ynot slow]

With you on one point Quasi and that is you buy more than 1 item to get best price and also factor into that the cost of inventory,so you may think the average kiwi gets a raw deal on a one off purchase.

Only difference between so called rip off dealers and public is the dealers get their items from importer(who take a risk on exchange,unless it is a set rate),and how many dealers want 10 pairs of size 36" pants,5 of 34"etc to get decent price per unit.

The guys like Quasi,1 Tonne,Moshin to name a few,is they buy plenty up front and pass the discount on to us,not via a dealer who has to put his margin on to make a living.

And as Quasi says if ya want anything cheapish just ASK,you never know they might have gear to get rid of.You may get a reply saying nothing at the moment.My jacket and pants cost sum total of $225 plus potage,worth over $5-600,but Quasi wanted rid of it,just gotta be in when he anounces specials.

[imdying]

Fair call Robert and I'd live with that. Please understand though, that it's not always about saving a buck, but simply getting something that’s not available here.What? You mean like service? Or answers to emails? Or even being called back by the person who said I'll ring you in 5 minutes? The yanks definitely have us there.

I'll definitely pay extra to buy locally when I get good service. I was all set to buy a biker styled backpack from overseas (would have been no trouble as I was having other bits sent over), but Quasi made an enthusiastic sale on the Knox backpack, followed through, and I've been happy ever since.

Been buying a bit of pocket bike stuff recently... generally I expect the Australian guys to deliver bits to me before I get a firm reply on availability from some local places.

[TLDV8]

Who has the right to demand loyalty,first you need to offer a service worthy of the custom.
If you supply that (Cost / Communication / Follow up) you will have no problem having a customer base.
The closed shop/protection of yesteryear is long gone,denial is not just a river in Egypt.

I have more than spent my fair share over the years,never again,the last experience really was the last straw.

[monkeymcbean]

Not sure why you do that on the basis that nothing on there (after a brief look) seemed very cheap to me.
You could have likely brought from a NZ based seller with the same processes and had the back up for a replacement size if needed.
p.s not having a go at you mate but the gear didnt seem cheap to me to justify the risk.

Im with Robert anyway as a NZr with a huge investment into the NZ biking scene its never nice to think your fellow bikers are going off shore to buy their kit, thats a natural thing, but at the end of the day you make your own decisions, its our job via way of price and quality and service to discourage you eh

Yes you are right, it will seem expensive now, I only bought overseas when the US dollar/NZ exchange was .78 and the frieght was cheaper with it, that all happened last year. So im talking in the past tense which i guess makes my post irrelevant and misleading!

[alanzs]

What? You mean like service? Or answers to emails? Or even being called back by the person who said I'll ring you in 5 minutes? The yanks definitely have us there.

I couldn't agree with you more. I buy many parts from a friend who has a shop back in LA. Besides HAVING the part, the price is ALWAYS cheaper when I buy from him. He even throws in assorted screws (If I buy 5, he'll throw in an extra 2, just in case I fuck them up), stickers, etc. and he returns calls and even emails me when there are things he thinks I may like.
Service counts for a lot in my book... :2thumbsup

[Robert Taylor]

I couldn't agree with you more. I buy many parts from a friend who has a shop back in LA. Besides HAVING the part, the price is ALWAYS cheaper when I buy from him. He even throws in assorted screws (If I buy 5, he'll throw in an extra 2, just in case I fuck them up), stickers, etc. and he returns calls and even emails me when there are things he thinks I may like.
Service counts for a lot in my book... :2thumbsup

Of course, not every dealer is tarred with the same brush. But there is an over-riding theme that its because the goods are cheaper. I can relate to the fact that incomes are not so flash in NZ and not everyone can afford premium quality goods, and indeed not everything is available ''off the shelf here'', nor can it be due to our tiny population.
But the worst examples that blow me away are ( for example ) the guy that bought a helmet offshore because it was cheaper and found it wasnt quite the right fit. And then he goes into his local dealer and asks if he can exchange it. Heck that is so cheeky, and not an isolated instance.
It seems also that everyone wants to have their cake and eat it too. Its alright to have invoices undervalued to evade clearance fees and gst, its also ''alright'' that on that score alone recognised distributors are not operating on a level playing field.
It is indeed now a global market but I think my fears about what its doing to small NZ business and employment are justified.

[Moki]

Have your mate take the labels off, try it on and then send it to you has a gift-but remember to remove the receipt....

[TLDV8]

My local bike shop (Biggest in Darwin and where i bought my then new DR650 for over NZ$10000 :laugh: ) rang on Friday to say my brake pads had arrived,i said thanks but i had picked them up over a week before and they had around 500 kms on them already. :doh:

Speaking of good service from the US.

2007 RMX450 forks.

<img src=http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/manurewa/BQ5WoUgCGkKGrHgoH-CIEjlLl0nU1BJ7P97.jpg>

One gripe i have always had was the blatant mark up on name brand safety gear back home (no different here in Australia)

It was far easier to get a new set of boots from the US and at a fair price.

<img src=http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/manurewa/45-5327BalancOilBrwn_lg.jpg>

Just to be fair, i have spent some money locally.

From Victoria - Four HD tyre tubes for $145 AUD, two emails and over a week each time for a reply. (First email sent 20/4/09,maybe they will turn up this week)

From NSW - New hand guards/bark busters and grips - $205 AUD, over a week to get a reply then nothing once i payed,maybe they will turn up this week (over three weeks since ordering)

There is "no" excuse for not answering emails in this day and age.
As a rule, buying from the USA i have been informed when the item has been sent every time (over 100 items alone off Ebay) and given the tracking number so there is no wondering what is going on.
Average reply time from a first inquiry email seems to be under 24 hours even with the time difference.

[Robert Taylor]

Have your mate take the labels off, try it on and then send it to you has a gift-but remember to remove the receipt....

If official distributors got up to that sort of nonsense theyd get caught and done like a dogs dinner. Hardly a level playing field is it?

[chrispy121]

I want to make one thing clear I asked a question. not ask for a lecture.
I have also stated that I do buy a lot of gear in NZ.

By the way Robert it is my friend a New Zealander working in the states that will send evrything from the shop with the tags and everything legal. So in fact I am keeping A New Zealander in a job if I do this.

I also posted some figures of costings and made an offer to buy this out of New Zealand if some one could not match but at least get resonably close to the pricing I can get from my friend. So far no one has sent me a PM with an offer to sell me this at a good price. Perhaps they are all to busy winging about New Zealanders losing their jobs. Remember I am also unemployed at the moment so I can not afford to go out and pay full over priced retail just to keep some one in a job but I am still prepared to put money back into the economy

Please do not respond to this thread anymore as this was not meant to be a forum for every one else to push their personal agendas I was just asking a question.

[Robert Taylor]

I want to make one thing clear I asked a question. not ask for a lecture.
I have also stated that I do buy a lot of gear in NZ.

By the way Robert it is my friend a New Zealander working in the states that will send evrything from the shop with the tags and everything legal. So in fact I am keeping A New Zealander in a job if I do this.

I also posted some figures of costings and made an offer to buy this out of New Zealand if some one could not match but at least get resonably close to the pricing I can get from my friend. So far no one has sent me a PM with an offer to sell me this at a good price. Perhaps they are all to busy winging about New Zealanders losing their jobs. Remember I am also unemployed at the moment so I can not afford to go out and pay full over priced retail just to keep some one in a job but I am still prepared to put money back into the economy

Please do not respond to this thread anymore as this was not meant to be a forum for every one else to push their personal agendas I was just asking a question.

I am not the only one who replied and if I and others have an agenda to protect NZ business and those that they employ then I am 100% guilty.

[2_SL0]

Im all for supporting the local dealers, I buy enough bikes, gear and crap to do my bit. However I have just made my first helmet purchase from overseas, it was a great deal cheaper and a very simple process. I will continue to buy the majority of my stuff locally, but I will always look at what is available.

New Helmet.

[Robert Taylor]

Im all for supporting the local dealers, I buy enough bikes, gear and crap to do my bit. However I have just made my first helmet purchase from overseas, it was a great deal cheaper and a very simple process. I will continue to buy the majority of my stuff locally, but I will always look at what is available.

New Helmet.

And how did you establish sizing?

[2_SL0]

And how did you establish sizing?

Well thats an interesting question, it certainly was not from any of the shops I visited, as they all only had a limited range of brands and sizes.

[Robert Taylor]

Well thats an interesting question, it certainly was not from any of the shops I visited, as they all only had a limited range of brands and sizes.

Yes you knew where that was leading to There are people out there who will brazenly waste a lot of salesmens time knowing full well that they are just making a convenience of them.
Dont get me started on the reasons why there is such a big price disparity, suffice to say being a motorcycle dealer is not a land of milk and honey. High overheads, low margins and being undermined by overseas parasites.

[Sollyboy]

Yes you knew where that was leading to There are people out there who will brazenly waste a lot of salesmens time knowing full well that they are just making a convenience of them.
Dont get me started on the reasons why there is such a big price disparity, suffice to say being a motorcycle dealer is not a land of milk and honey. High overheads, low margins and being undermined by overseas parasites.

The same price may not be matched Robert but some of the NZs service and back up is just bullshit , interesting that he has a pic of an a helmet he just buy , I buy a helmet at a dealer at in Auck a few years ago , and riding along the side plate broke and incidently it was the bit the salesmonkey was having trouble with in the shop so he maybe to blame him or I maybe to blame but probly him , any way it was established as not warranty within the 5 secs that they look at it , so I order a new side plate and 3 weeks later it was still not here ends up they couldnt get one and didnt give my money back so why would I support locals anymore I might as well orders from overseas and save my money and get the same shit back up.
Yo self exclude Robert I know your a good guy just dont wear your pants so high

[short-circuit]

I am not the only one who replied and if I and others have an agenda to protect NZ business and those that they employ then I am 100% guilty.

How would you feel about the introduction of tariffs then?

[dipshit]

The average NZ bike shop hasn't even got a clue what's available on the market.

For example try finding a bike shop in NZ that stocks a 1/5 quick throttle insert for a Suzuki. Will probably be met with a blank steer.

Quite often the only real option you have of getting good aftermarket parts for your bike is either make them yourself or mail order them from the US from the comfort of your home in front of the computer one evening... and have them turn up at your doorstep a few days later.

If NZ retailers showed any initiative and were proactive about it then of course many more people would purchase in NZ. Largely they only have themselves to blame.

[Katman]

If NZ retailers showed any initiative and were proactive about it then of course many more people would purchase in NZ. Largely they only have themselves to blame.

I'm a very small NZ retailer and I do exactly that.

It's unfortunate that the majority of New Zealand motorcyclists can't see past the big flashy shops that don't give a shit about customer satisfaction.

[TLDV8]

I'm a NZ retailer and I do exactly that.

It's unfortunate that the majority of New Zealand motorcyclists can't see past the big flashy shops that don't give a shit about customer satisfaction.

Would you regard this as good service.
The final straw was having to pay the postage because someone had no quality control and sent a defective product yet continuously blow their own trumpet.
Support local retailers when i get back to NZ,yeah right. :laugh:

The reality is American retailers know how to succeed when there is competition.
A lot of NZ and Australian retailers seem to think it is their god given right.
Shit service equals no custom.
Integrity and accountability will get loyalty from the customer,that has got US retailers over US$20000 of my hard earned money to date.





Neil,that whole episode was crap from the time i payed a NZ$2200 deposit site unseen to the time i finally received it last year.

It is the same suspension package you and Jamie purchased.

I was never told it had been sent so it was sitting in customs in Brisbane and came close to being returned to sender by 3 days.

My postal address was not on the package so could not be sent the paperwork/contacted. (i had made it clear regards the PO Box)

Payed $90 for tracking post but was not told the tracking number yet there was time to be posting on KB (archive post tracking) the day it was put in the post.

It was only an inquiry to see how it was coming along that alerted me that it had been posted weeks earlier.

It took another 4 days for the tracking info to be sent,without it i could do nothing because it also was the package ID.

The value on the customs docket had been inflated (why ?) over the actual cost so i got reamed on duty/GST,the shock had 2 turns of bubble wrap and was in what was basically a paper bag.
It came with no build spec sheet.

When i finally got the package,the race tech springs and emulators were simple over the counter items which i could have got from the US for a lot less and done via their online spring rate calculator(exchange rate was over 90 cents AU to the US$)
There was no set up info which is why i went this route after all the hype on KB.

The Ohlins shock was defective and would have been when sent,i had it regassed at my own expense,it leaked out within 2 days.
I was then told to send it to the Ohlins agent in Victoria over 3000 kms away.

Wait for it i had to pay the cost to send it ie NZ$100 for the regas and post. (fully insured with tracking for obvious reasons)
Lucky for me the return post and repair was not charged to me.

I had taken the time to wrap the shock in cardboard then bubble warp, then put it in a box with packing so there was no chance of damage.
On its return the shock had been jammed into the corner of the same box and all of the packing used to push it into that corner.
The box looked like it had been dragged behind a car and did the shock no favours.

All in all it cost me over NZ$2700 for a old model shock,fork springs and emulators.
As you might have,the shock is borderline unless you are carrying a major load,for dayly riding it is bone jarring and the damping way off.
The set up info repeatedly asked for,the point of the whole exercise was never supplied,all i got in the end was a sorry that must have been a nightmare for you.

All in all it is something i try to forget about but am reminded every time i ride the bike (my only transport bar the treadly)
$hit happens.


There are also plenty of helmet charts on the internet for fitment,my US purchased Arai XD3 ($899 here) fit like a glove and saved over $400 on the current price.
When i asked here why the large difference, i was fobbed off.
the only saving grace for some is the latest imports will be closer to RRP due to the major decrease in the exchange rate,it was total piracy before when i purchased my one.



.

[TLDV8]

The latest purchase from the US.

Excellent communication with all questions answered quickly.
Excellent packing.
Fast shipping.
No drama.

<img src=http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/manurewa/B8.jpg>

Of course i have supported retailers here,as mentioned somewhere in this thread i had been waiting for some Acerbis hand guards and fitting kit.
Around NZ$260 !!!
I get a phone call asking if i still wanted the order,yes i do being i payed you on the 13th of last month.
They then look it up and find the payment,sorrryyyyyyyyyyy.

[Katman]

The reality is American retailers know how to succeed when there is competition.
A lot of NZ and Australian retailers seem to think it is their god given right.


The reality is that I have learnt through recent experience (and knew prior to that from 25 odd years as a NZ motorcycle consumer) that there is no shortage of NZ motorcycle shop that can't see anything past their overheads, turnover and profits.

There are some small businesses out there, like mine, who recognise that without customers we have no business.

The onus is on NZ motorcyclists to search out those businesses.

[jono035]

I don't really know about bike gear, I never even considered buying anything from overseas given that I'd much rather be able to try it on, or take it back (as with the case of the boots I just bought with a improperly stitched seam on the inside).

As for other stuff we have had to try to source through work (mostly electronics related), sometimes it is a combination of everything that makes buying off-shore much easier. We frequently have all sorts of hassles with distributors who use their manufacturer-granted monopoly on the local market to massively gouge prices while at the same time not holding stock, not supplying support, not stocking the full range, not procuring stock on back-order in a reasonable time frame and not being easy to deal with in any way, shape or form. There are a lot of businesses in NZ that deserve our support (Quasi, when are those winter SPS gloves ready?). There are also a lot of places out there that don't need to exist and serve no purpose.

[Quasievil]

There are a lot of businesses in NZ that deserve our support (Quasi, when are those winter SPS gloves ready?). There are also a lot of places out there that don't need to exist and serve no purpose.

Sadly no they arent, it is so damn slow at the moment its not feesable to throw more money at stock.
Sorry dude

[TLDV8]

The reality is that I have learnt through recent experience (and knew prior to that from 25 odd years as a NZ motorcycle consumer) that there is no shortage of NZ motorcycle shop that can't see anything past their overheads, turnover and profits.

There are some small businesses out there, like mine, who recognise that without customers we have no business.

The onus is on NZ motorcyclists to search out those businesses.

You will do well then just as i did through the 80's stock market crash,all because of work ethic,performance,reliability and customer satisfaction.
Without stating the obvious,given the economic climate only those traits will allow endurance.

[Robert Taylor]

Would you regard this as good service.
The final straw was having to pay the postage because someone had no quality control and sent a defective product yet continuously blow their own trumpet.
Support local retailers when i get back to NZ,yeah right. :laugh:

The reality is American retailers know how to succeed when there is competition.
A lot of NZ and Australian retailers seem to think it is their god given right.
Shit service equals no custom.
Integrity and accountability will get loyalty from the customer,that has got US retailers over US$20000 of my hard earned money to date.




There are also plenty of helmet charts on the internet for fitment,my US purchased Arai XD3 ($899 here) fit like a glove and saved over $400 on the current price.
When i asked here why the large difference, i was fobbed off.
the only saving grace for some is the latest imports will be closer to RRP due to the major decrease in the exchange rate,it was total piracy before when i purchased my one.



.

1) Yes that job did go wrong, a simple loss of gas pressure that happens very infrequently but just had to happen to a customer many thousands of kilometres away in another country. That sucked, for everybody concerned.
2)Yes it got sorted out, at further cost to me but I didnt complain about that at all. It had to be sorted.
3) Yes shipping was a disaster because concedingly a staff member stuffed up at this end, less than perfect addressing and tracking, exacerbated by a rather pedantic Australian postal service. Further exacerbated by yourself not exactly being immediately available via modern communication methods.
4) As I recall I was the only guy within many thousands of kilometres actually willing to custom build you a shock long since out of production. So I firmly reject the blanket claim that Aussie / NZ dealers etc are unhelpful. Also, as Steve Cramer was unwilling to build one I wasnt stepping on his toes, something I am also mindful of.
5) Overwhelmingly we have many happy customers. Like every business we will have 3 or 4 tetchy issues per year, thats reality and we always do our best to sort it out and there are often obstacles.
6) Yes there are many bad dealers and many good ones. But a few bad experiences with LOCAL dealers is no justification to tar them all with the same brush and use that as justification in itself to purchase offshore. And of course the less than ideal situation that prevailed with delivery of your shock with a leaking reservoir now in your eyes totally disqualifies me to have any credibility blowing a trumpet about the negative consequences of purchasing offshore!

Bollocks Obamas new subsidies for their agricultural sector really sums it up. They want to have their cake and eat it too. Being small countries we easily get squashed.

[Robert Taylor]

Sadly no they arent, it is so damn slow at the moment its not feesable to throw more money at stock.
Sorry dude

Quasi youll get maligned for that, ''never got stock, got it from the States in 5 days, ra ra ara ra ad infinitum''

[Robert Taylor]

The same price may not be matched Robert but some of the NZs service and back up is just bullshit , interesting that he has a pic of an a helmet he just buy , I buy a helmet at a dealer at in Auck a few years ago , and riding along the side plate broke and incidently it was the bit the salesmonkey was having trouble with in the shop so he maybe to blame him or I maybe to blame but probly him , any way it was established as not warranty within the 5 secs that they look at it , so I order a new side plate and 3 weeks later it was still not here ends up they couldnt get one and didnt give my money back so why would I support locals anymore I might as well orders from overseas and save my money and get the same shit back up.
Yo self exclude Robert I know your a good guy just dont wear your pants so high

One of the big reasons that local service is often percieved as such is we dont get the same buy price as the big Yank chains and the cost of airfreighting leaves no margin when you are competing with these same companies. They also operate on very high turnover so the sheer scale of operation can afford much tighter margins. As I have said before its not a level playing field.

[Robert Taylor]

How would you feel about the introduction of tariffs then?

A weak exchange rate against $US achieves a similiar result but what needs to happen is that gst and clearance fees should be charged on EVERY good landed in the country. That would provide more employment and a much needed cash cow for a Government that has inherited an empty cupboard.

[Robert Taylor]

I'm a very small NZ retailer and I do exactly that.

It's unfortunate that the majority of New Zealand motorcyclists can't see past the big flashy shops that don't give a shit about customer satisfaction.

Thats a very relevant point and I always myself support smaller operators that run a tight and efficient operation. This country has been built on small business and there are many factors conspiring to destroy it. You get shot down if you dare to open your mouth about these issues and frequently, but bugger them! Proudly, I support my locals.

[elevenhundred]

NZ Dollar is up to 0.64 US cents at the moment :jerry:

[dipshit]

Quasi youll get maligned for that, ''never got stock, got it from the States in 5 days, ra ra ara ra ad infinitum''

Yeah, it's "little details" like that kind of fuck things for useless NZ bike shops. Who would have thunk it..??

[dipshit]

It's unfortunate that the majority of New Zealand motorcyclists can't see past the big flashy shops that don't give a shit about customer satisfaction.

Perhaps the problem isn't from customers not caring about our local retailers.

Take my last big purchase from the US for example. Wanted some mufflers for me SV to replace the horrible standard ones. I approached two local shops for a start. I went into my first local bike shop around 10am on a midweek morning thinking they shouldn't be too busy around that particular time and will have time to go through options/catalogues for what is available for my bike and get some idea of prices. After all they were the major Suzuki dealer for the region and must have had lots of SV owners do the same. But no, that would have been too simple. Both salesmen were busy talking to a travelling rep going through a large pile of crappy gloves. I hung around for perhaps 10 to 15 minutes without even being noticed by them. Fine, obviously they don't want my business. Second shop was a bit more helpful but he didn't really have much of an idea what was available. After finally deciding on a particular set, he said he would get back to me with a price. After one week of not hearing back from him, i thought he didn't want my business either.

Lots of research and searching on the net didn't find any decent NZ online mail order stores. Plenty of US ones though with good photos and descriptions and prices listed just waiting for you to tick the box and punch in your credit card number and postal address. The no hassle convenience was too tempting. A day after i ordered from the US, the second local shop rang back with a price. (over a week later after i inquired) Too f#$%ing late.

I would prefer to buy locally as you avoid the risk of getting held up in customs or hit with an import duty. The trouble is local retailers make things very difficult for you.

I wish there was a bike accessory retailer like this Christchurch shop... http://www.photo.co.nz/ ... is to the camera world. Their prices are very good - even on an international basis. I have friends in Hong Kong that are always offering to bring over any camera equipment i want... but HK prices aren't that much different to the Christchurch shop, so i don't bother with HK stuff and just get all my camera gear from www.photo.co.nz Their web site is well organised and you can always find what you are looking for... and they promote any new cool stuff they have as well... and it is no hassle punch in your credit card number and address and the gear turns up on your doorstep a day or two later. It is a very popular and well-known shop amongst camera enthusiasts in NZ.

If this NZ retailer can do it... then why can't at least one motorcycle accessory retailer do it as well?

[Katman]

Perhaps the problem isn't from customers not caring about our local retailers.

Take my last big purchase from the US for example. Wanted some mufflers for me SV to replace the horrible standard ones. I approached two local shops for a start. I went into my first local bike shop around 10am on a midweek morning thinking they shouldn't be too busy around that particular time and will have time to go through options/catalogues for what is available for my bike and get some idea of prices. After all they were the major Suzuki dealer for the region and must have had lots of SV owners do the same. But no, that would have been too simple. Both salesmen were busy talking to a travelling rep going through a large pile of crappy gloves. I hung around for perhaps 10 to 15 minutes without even being noticed by them. Fine, obviously they don't want my business. Second shop was a bit more helpful but he didn't really have much of an idea what was available. After finally deciding on a particular set, he said he would get back to me with a price. After one week of not hearing back from him, i thought he didn't want my business either.



That is my point exactly.

There are plenty of big flashy motorcycle shops out there that couldn't be arsed giving you the time of day.

It seems to me, the smaller the business the more helpful they will try to be.

[Katman]

It also seems to me that there are a number of customers out there who have rather bizarre expectations.

For example, I had a customer one day who was wanting a pair of boots. Of the boots that I had in his size one pair were $200 and the other (completely different brand) were $400.

He decided he prefered the $400 pair and told me that if I did them for the same price as the other pair he'd buy them. When I explained that if I did that I would be selling them at well below cost he shrugged his shoulders and walked out.

Even when you try to, you can't seem to please everyone all the time.

[ajw_888]

My 2c worth

Support the locals when you can, unfortunately my luck seems to be that once I get to know someone in a shop, they bugger off. Nothing must piss them off more then knowing some clown in trying something on so they can get the size for ebay.
The locals will give repeat customers discounts and ongoing service. Even before Robert T excellent service, Steve at SCP was happy about building one off's and talking option.

For the real commodity items use anyone.

I've imported from Aus, UK and the US, and been lucky with some really good personal service, but from other forums I have heard of many horror stories from the big outlets. ie discounted wheel sets that should have spacer for bolt on - no spacer recieved, lost in the warehouse. Dodgy Brembo knock off's etc.

[scumdog]

As an experiment I got the drive-belt for CBs Sporty from the US, even with freight it was $70 cheaper than retail in NZ..

Only down-side was that it took nearly TEN days before they shipped it - but then it was posted on 27th May and was waiting here today...:Punk:

[nallac]

Only down-side was that it took nearly TEN days before they shipped it - but then it was posted on 27th May and was waiting here today...:Punk:

shit i ordered something from Auckland, posted on the 26th and still isn't here...... bloody NZ post for ya. Another bad NZ business's service.

[rosie631]

shit i ordered something from Auckland, posted on the 26th and still isn't here...... bloody NZ post for ya. Another bad NZ business's service.

Yep, New Zealand Post are bullshit. Bloody hopeless

[ynot slow]

Was talking to a guy in a bike shop,he has no problem with orders from overseas from customers,as he usually gets the instal of items,i.e pipes etc.

He even looks via internet for customers,a guy wanted pipes for his cruiser(new bike purchase),the local distributer didn't have anything suitable,so the guy sourced from US,in his shop in 10 days which was quicker than the distributer could do for him.He acknowledges people try on helmets and buy offshore,not much he can do he says,especially if the dollar is good,but he also believes in service and what he may lose on clothes,lids etc,makes up with bike servicing under warranty etc from new buyers,and a lot are loyal buyers.
But as he said if I have the same item in stock he will try to match from US,as much as possible.Case and point was guy interested in jeans,the shopper said he thought NZ prices were a tad expensive,I said yep can get Icon from US for $99 plus freight of $50,so if I bought 2 pair the cost was $250 US,we did quick conversion and worked out at $350NZ or $175 pair,he had jeans in stock for $225,offered the guy a pair for $195,offer taken up as they fitted.

As the customer said he was ready to buy offshore as the service he recieved in a city an hour away was shit,so decided to try small shops,and was considering upgrading his bike,cards exchanged etc,turned out the dealer rang back a week later and new bike picked up shortly after.Moral is one simple word in any retail area or business is service.

[Robert Taylor]

Certainly yes there are a LOT of bike shops that just dont cut the mustard by any stretch of the imagination. The recession is doing its bit to weed a few of those out and maybe more workers will value their jobs and put in more effort? Im not holding my breath. But again, not everyone is tarred with the same brush.
There are also a heck of a lot of people who do their damndest to find the lowest price at the furtherest corners of the world, even if the ''saving'' is relatively insignificant.

[pritch]

One workshop manual CD ordered from the UK, here in five days.
One camera mount ex Canada, here in seven days.
One tool ex USA still in transit, eight days and counting.
None of the above is available locally to my knowledge.

Handlebar requested through dealer system, quoted as five days, now I'm told two weeks - this ex Australia. There are other parts involved in this order as well but the handlebar was requested to be a priority.

I'm not blaming the local dealer, their supplier appears to be operating at a rather underwhelming level of efficiency.

I requested a part from the local Toyota dealer (under warranty) and was quoted 30 days. When I questioned the delay I was told, "We only order genuine Toyota parts." This in a tone of voice that implied that was all the explanation I could possibly need.

The part arrived after only two weeks, but the car isn't fixed yet, another week having passed. Your guess is as good as mine?

It isn't hard to see why some people look further than the local agent.

[ckai]

Well, I must say, this is a jolly good read. :jerry:

I for one am one of those that buy from both overseas and local. Clothing - I would swing towards local for obvious reasons, hardware - where ever I get the price and range. Being as small as we are, like a few have mentioned, mean we have a rubbish selection because no one is prepared to back themselves and supple kiwi's with a decent range. It is possible to organise 'middle-man' supply contracts with overseas manufacturers and distributors to ship straight to the end customer so you don't need to stock the range. But kiwi's don't like risk...

Quasi & Robert - you say support locals? What about if the price is significantly less overseas? Who's making too much of a cut in NZ? What if I was a manufacturer in nz and decided to get my products made overseas because it was "significantly less" to do so? Is there such a moral difference?

Both manufacturer and consumer are saving money so they can spend it on other things - more than likely local.

It pisses me off when NZ retailers justify high mark ups because of our "isolation". If the consumer can get it cheaper than the retailer, Mr Retailer needs to sort there shit out.

It pisses me off when, as many have mentioned, that we should support local because it's the "moral thing to do". I'll support local when they start bringing back local manufacturing, good service, and better prices. (Which I'm happy to say, I mostly do).

And why can't I buy bloody waterproof LED stips in NZ?!?!?! :D I suppose there's no market for it ;)

[Quasievil]

Quasi & Robert - you say support locals? What about if the price is significantly less overseas?

Impossible you cant buy a QMOTO jacket overseas, lol

sorry taking the piss.

seriously tho its my Job to make sure my product and service is good enough to encourage NZrs to by from me, if they dont and they buy overseas then thats my problem eh.

I just hope to get a crack and a fair one .........nothing worse than a dark crack ,,,,,,ok time for bed im taking the piss again lol

[imdying]

Had a little look around for a new helmet. Premium here is about $200 on a thousand dollar helmet. Out of that $200 I would have to pay freight, and and taxes that might be incurred along the way. I'll happily buy it locally this time.

I have chosen a particular model/colour, if I were happy to buy whatever colour was being 'run out' then I could find the same model helmet at a $350 saving, and that would make it worthwhile for me to import it.

[pritch]

The chain adjustment tool ex USA arrived on day nine.

I phoned the Toyota dealer to find out how the warranty repair was going.
The ecu has been here a week but the auto electrician is busy and they can't even suggest a time by which he can install it. Ring back Friday they suggest...

Toyota might be OK as cars but their local dealer functions at the level of a bad joke.

Some firms make you wish that they would get bought out or otherwise be taken over by somebody who knows how to run a business.

BlueWing just about makes that category too... [/RANT]

[ckai]

Impossible you cant buy a QMOTO jacket overseas, lol

sorry taking the piss.

seriously tho its my Job to make sure my product and service is good enough to encourage NZrs to by from me, if they dont and they buy overseas then thats my problem eh.

I just hope to get a crack and a fair one .........nothing worse than a dark crack ,,,,,,ok time for bed im taking the piss again lol

haha. Fair call and good attitude.

[Robert Taylor]

Im at pains to point out that Im looking at it from all perspectives and as a distributor of a leading product I cannot be accused of self interest as I have been on record many times as saying that we need to have a weaker exchange rate that helps our exporters. As opposed to importers.
There is indeed no excuse for poor service and failing to or taking a long time to respond. That is perhaps why small businesses that are focused ( as Katman has fairly eluded to ) can do well. I also wonder aloud how long the accepted etiquette of wholesale and retail is going to survive?
There are compelling issues that I think a few have overlooked, as follows;

1) We have only 4 million people and therefore a tiny market. It automatically limits the size of inventory that both dealers and distributors can stock. Do all distributors make a healthy profit each month? Perception and reality can be very different.

2) I am sure that there are many people that spend an enormous amount of time scouring the net for product, and how many billions of items are there out there? I can well understand how staff in motorcycle shops dont have a hope in hell of keeping up with it all.

3) Said it before, its not a level playing field when so much comes in without attracting clearnce charges and gst etc. Plus the fraudulent undervaluing that occurs.

4) Everything seems to be a NOW society. Certainly there are some items that are urgent but many not so urgent. Yes many items could be procured more quickly and that increases the freight cost markedly. When you start from a basis that your buy price is nowhere near as good as the bulk purchasing power of big US chain companies then it doesnt stack up

There have been many people that have started motorcycle shops ''because we can do it better and the current shops are rip offs'' Only to get a rude awakening.

[babysteps]

Impossible you cant buy a QMOTO jacket overseas, lol

Very true, but you do have them made overseas and delivered into NZ as its cheaper for you than having the materials sourced and made in NZ. (not meaning to single you out)

So it goes both ways..............

TBH, if its +/- for me to get it from overseas and the service is better, to the interwebs I go!!!

For instance, I'm trying to buy some bits from a guy in Christchurch for my Pegaso, 3 phonecalls, 2 emails and, you guessed it, no response.

Get smater retailers.......

[Rcktfsh]

[QUOTE=Robert Taylor;1129241507]Im at pains

hemorrhoid cream not having the desired effects again?

[Robert Taylor]

[QUOTE=Robert Taylor;1129241507]Im at pains

hemorrhoid cream not having the desired effects again?

Im in extra pain now because I just wet myself laughing, realising that youd have to put your climbing gear on to reach ''Base Camp 1 "", the keyboard!

[Rcktfsh]

[QUOTE=Rcktfsh;1129241572]

Im in extra pain now because I just wet myself laughing, realising that youd have to put your climbing gear on to reach ''Base Camp 1 "", the keyboard!

ahhh but i got a fantastic deal on it all from a south american pygmy adventure clothing supplier i found on the net, must pass the address on to dennis.

[dipshit]

The internet has been in just about everybody's home for the last decade. People searching and shopping on the net is commonplace. We are much more in a global community and the world has certainly shrunk. Yet for some reason this has escaped motorcycle parts and accessory retailers in NZ. The handful that do have something up online are practically useless with next to nothing in the way of product listed.

I can well appreciate not wanting to carry a lot of stock for such a small market. Perhaps could they try to have some sort of system setup with distributors and manufacturers (around the world) so stock could get into the hands of customers within a couple of weeks or so.

NZ retailers could then list the vast amounts of products that are available. They do not have to stock it. This way a retailer can strike while the iron is hot and capitalise on whims and impulse purchasers. If a potential customer has a pocket full of money burning a hole in his pocket... do not make them wait a week while you get back with a price. That has to be bad retail practice.

A lot could be done to stimulate and grow a market. Think of all the dollars worth of bikes at your typical rally owned by middle-aged people with expendable income. Just about every one has had some kind of aftermarket accessory added to it. Not many would be showroom standard. Dangling nice tempting bits of aftermarket accessories in front of everybody's noses will more than likely stimulate sales.

It is truly staggering the amount of gear that is available out there in the big wide world... and unless somebody dangles it in front of your nose - then you are never going to be tempted by it. Like until just the other day i did not realise you could get body kits like these at a reasonable affordable price... www.2wheelkits.com/suzuki-fairings-c-47_58_105.html

It's just like how you Robert, let people know what you can do for them and stimulate patronage of your services. If no one knew what you could offer - then no one would realise the improvements they could have and be sending their suspension to you.

People are purchasing from overseas because they are finding the products overseas. It is there under their noses for the taking with only the click of a mouse button. It is too easy. Yet on the other hand dealing with the parts salesman behind the counter at the local bike shop with a few crappy pieces of old dusty shit on a shelf in a dark corner is anything but.

[Ram Solutions]

The internet has been in just about everybody's home for the last decade. People searching and shopping on the net is commonplace. We are much more in a global community and the world has certainly shrunk. Yet for some reason this has escaped motorcycle parts and accessory retailers in NZ. The handful that do have something up online are practically useless with next to nothing in the way of product listed.

I can well appreciate not wanting to carry a lot of stock for such a small market. Perhaps could they try to have some sort of system setup with distributors and manufacturers (around the world) so stock could get into the hands of customers within a couple of weeks or so.


People are purchasing from overseas because they are finding the products overseas. It is there under their noses for the taking with only the click of a mouse button. It is too easy. Yet on the other hand dealing with the parts salesman behind the counter at the local bike shop with a few crappy pieces of old dusty shit on a shelf in a dark corner is anything but.

Hmm... let me have a go. I'm an importer and retailer similar in practice to how RT and Quasi operate. My personal philosophy has always been that the world does not owe you a living. Perhaps that is a slight philisophical departure to that of RT even though I agree with him concerning national economics. I have always been taught that success in business comes from "giving the customer what they want" and the funny thing is that price is seldom at the top of the list. The biggest factor is... yes, you guessed it,..service! This is what we try to provide to our customers without exception. Each customer will value that service in different ways. If there is a price differential between our price and that from overseas, then that needs to be more than compensated by the quality of service given. What punters are complaining about on this thread is that the perceived level of service provided by some local retailers are not worth the price differential. If that is the case, no more customers, no more business. That's competition!

Our business, like many others, is small. Our buying power is not great, we live at the other end of the earth so transport cost is high. We have a crappy exchange rate and yes, global competition is stacked against us. But as RT says, you guys have the last say because if we can't make a go of it (and that will be MY fault no matter what) then only you can decide what the new options are. Personally, I can't imagine any shop overseas happy to speak to you for half an hour over the phone as I do (at my cost!), or offer to swap parts if they don't fit, or be prepared to replace parts under warranty even though I know full well that it had been abused to hell or worst still, not even purchased through me...! Giving our customers peace of mind - IT's ALL PART OF THE SERVICE..!! Rant over...

[chrispy121]

ok so started this thread then tried to finish it but some peole wont let it die.

I just purchased another bike yesterday from a New Zealand dealer gee I just put a few thousand dollars into the economy!
then set about pricing some options including a steering damper for the r6 only to be told they are out of stock and will take about 1 month to arrive ok 'so I got the price $1200 from a nz dealer and 1 month to arrive.

I can order this from the US it will be here in a week and cost me around $700 oh yes this includes fast freight.

When I asked about the price difference was told it was because of the exchange rate holy crap I have to purchase on the same rate!

Sorry guys tried to support the locals and did this week with my over 12k purchase but to be given excuses like exchange rate and 1 month time lag for the product that sucks.
The dealer even thought about ordering over the web to get it here quicker but then told me I can do the same at least they were honest.

Oh and the dealer in question I do trust and still buy a lot of gear of them because they are honest.

what would you do?

[Robert Taylor]

ok so started this thread then tried to finish it but some peole wont let it die.

I just purchased another bike yesterday from a New Zealand dealer gee I just put a few thousand dollars into the economy!
then set about pricing some options including a steering damper for the r6 only to be told they are out of stock and will take about 1 month to arrive ok 'so I got the price $1200 from a nz dealer and 1 month to arrive.

I can order this from the US it will be here in a week and cost me around $700 oh yes this includes fast freight.

When I asked about the price difference was told it was because of the exchange rate holy crap I have to purchase on the same rate!

Sorry guys tried to support the locals and did this week with my over 12k purchase but to be given excuses like exchange rate and 1 month time lag for the product that sucks.
The dealer even thought about ordering over the web to get it here quicker but then told me I can do the same at least they were honest.

Oh and the dealer in question I do trust and still buy a lot of gear of them because they are honest.

what would you do?

1) Exchange rate

2) Distributors still try and do the decent thing and give dealers a margin. And not handsome by any means

3) US distributors get a significantly better buy price. The higher the buy price the more the end price baloons when you add clearance charges, gst and ( less than handsome ) margins.

4)They operate on very high turnover and very small margins with often no dealer margin. One US distributor in particular is very brazen with his offshore marketing.

5)If you get it in with no gst and clearance charges it proves my point that its not a level playing field

6) We only have a tiny population for gods sake, a fact that people conveniently overlook

7) Because of fact 6 above its understandable that distributors cannot have all of the stock all of the time. What is the size of the NZ market for R6 steering dampers, for example?

8) Is the seller providing local infrastructure here in NZ to service that damper when it requires it? Many dampers require special tools so not every joe bloggs can service them. Will there be a no fuss warranty if there is an issue? Will the local distributor be as kindly disposed to any situation like that that may prevail?

9) Most dealers and distributors are honest.

Spare a thought that Bollocks Obama has just made it a lot harder for our primary producers ( agricultural sector ) to get a good price overseas. The jokes collectively on all of us re the free market. Its not a two way street.
Im looking at the bigger picture rather than self interest.
I wont let this lie!
There may come a time when there may have to be no dealer margin with any such goods just so distributors can compete with these US based parasite companies. And then the complaint will be ''I cant get one from my local dealer''
I think you should perhaps go and work in the motorcycle industry for a few months, its an eye opener to many people over the years in how you have to scale many walls on a daily basis to just stay afloat. FACT.

[slydesigns]

I go to the palmy triumph dealer on the weekends as I work 45 hours a week and study at massey and UCol another 40 all up, so the weekends the only time to hit the shops IF I'm lucky.

They are open saturdays and sundays until 5pm, which is brilliant... BUT... when I ask for parts for my D675 I get blank looks.

When I ask fo a tyre, they have no idea on whats good and whats going to get shredded on that bike, what size, what other options are out there.

When I ask for exhaust options i get told the only thing is the Arrow system. Um... 10mins on the net tells me there are 20 different exhaust manufacturers making bolton exhaust systems for the D675. Hmmm ok...

When I ask for tyre irons they laugh and say, their customers don't use them, they bring there tyres in for changing so they stock litmited tools... ok fine...

When I ask for sprocket options, brake pad options etc for manfeild trackdays, they show my the stock parts only and act like they have never SEEN a D675 before. Doesn't matter there are 2 in the workshop and one on the showroom floor... I learnt more about my bike on the net in one night that the offical TRIUMPH dealer sales and parts staff that work the weekends at this shop will EVER seem to know... because they don't care to know. I've even taken in copies of what I've found to try to help them look outside the square for parts for us Triumph Sportbike riders but they weren't interested.

So why would, in this case atleast, a D675 owner WANT to support a shop that doesn't want to support me and the product they sell? I get better service from the MX shops here amd so does the other half! If I shop out of town I have to make a phone call or twelve at toll rates, If I shop on the net its free, I get good answers to questions, I get options on parts, good pricing, a return policy that works as I've used it twice and fast delivery at as quick as 4 days to my door.

My girl walked into the same shop 4 times on 4 different days and got ignored and made a salesman smile and nothing more when she asked to buy a new bike. She ended up having to find some riding gear and turn up with the cash literally IN her hand before they stopped and took her halfway serious! Four times they walked away from her!! She only bought the bike there at all because no one else had what she wanted at the time.

If the local dealer said to me he'd research parts options for me, he'd find out about the D675 even then I'd say "stay buying NZ team", but the reality is, they sell a Sportsbike in a Harley shop and that annoys them. It doesn't belong in their shop and niehter do the type of guy and girl who ride them.

[Sollyboy]

Theres always a lot of excuses why we dont get good prices or service , what really piss me off is we pay more for cheese and butter in this country than the english pay for the same cheese and butter made here and sold there , and of course the dairy co always has some shit excuses and the worst part about that is we need to eat but we dont need flash moto bits

[Robert Taylor]

I go to the palmy triumph dealer on the weekends as I work 45 hours a week and study at massey and UCol another 40 all up, so the weekends the only time to hit the shops IF I'm lucky.

They are open saturdays and sundays until 5pm, which is brilliant... BUT... when I ask for parts for my D675 I get blank looks.

When I ask fo a tyre, they have no idea on whats good and whats going to get shredded on that bike, what size, what other options are out there.

When I ask for exhaust options i get told the only thing is the Arrow system. Um... 10mins on the net tells me there are 20 different exhaust manufacturers making bolton exhaust systems for the D675. Hmmm ok...

When I ask for tyre irons they laugh and say, their customers don't use them, they bring there tyres in for changing so they stock litmited tools... ok fine...

When I ask for sprocket options, brake pad options etc for manfeild trackdays, they show my the stock parts only and act like they have never SEEN a D675 before. Doesn't matter there are 2 in the workshop and one on the showroom floor... I learnt more about my bike on the net in one night that the offical TRIUMPH dealer sales and parts staff that work the weekends at this shop will EVER seem to know... because they don't care to know. I've even taken in copies of what I've found to try to help them look outside the square for parts for us Triumph Sportbike riders but they weren't interested.

So why would, in this case atleast, a D675 owner WANT to support a shop that doesn't want to support me and the product they sell? I get better service from the MX shops here amd so does the other half! If I shop out of town I have to make a phone call or twelve at toll rates, If I shop on the net its free, I get good answers to questions, I get options on parts, good pricing, a return policy that works as I've used it twice and fast delivery at as quick as 4 days to my door.

My girl walked into the same shop 4 times on 4 different days and got ignored and made a salesman smile and nothing more when she asked to buy a new bike. She ended up having to find some riding gear and turn up with the cash literally IN her hand before they stopped and took her halfway serious! Four times they walked away from her!! She only bought the bike there at all because no one else had what she wanted at the time.

If the local dealer said to me he'd research parts options for me, he'd find out about the D675 even then I'd say "stay buying NZ team", but the reality is, they sell a Sportsbike in a Harley shop and that annoys them. It doesn't belong in their shop and niehter do the type of guy and girl who ride them.

Im quite sure there will be dealers like that in the States as well. There were a lot like that in the UK when I lived there as well and also some very good ones, as there are here.

[ynot slow]

Sly you nailed it on the head,I bought jacket,pants,helmet and gloves and had excellent service 3yrs ago from same shop,as you said they were open,and we were in Palmy for weekend.First time I'd been in there very impressed.But not now,mind you staff changes etc.

Since then have gone in numerous times,NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED,even got to the stupid point of actually wanting to try and test ride an ST1999 model,as well as a later one they had,not one friggin guy asked if they could help me.Yet one guy had 2 sales guys falling over him when looking at a Harley $35k worth,thing was on leaving I said to him no wonder your walking strangely,he laughed and said yep trying to get the sales guys tongues outa me arse,he had no intention of buying,and won a bet with his mate,said he bet his mate 2 sales guys would be up his arse,he won.

Turned out he was looking at a bike for his wife,who had just passed her full,was looking for a bike for her,she wasn't acknowledge either,and wanted to spend up to $17500 on a speed triple they had.

Service like that does nothing to endure the cost of expensive parts verses crappy service verses internet and couriers.

[chrispy121]

1) Exchange rate

2) Distributors still try and do the decent thing and give dealers a margin. And not handsome by any means

3) US distributors get a significantly better buy price. The higher the buy price the more the end price baloons when you add clearance charges, gst and ( less than handsome ) margins.

4)They operate on very high turnover and very small margins with often no dealer margin. One US distributor in particular is very brazen with his offshore marketing.

5)If you get it in with no gst and clearance charges it proves my point that its not a level playing field

6) We only have a tiny population for gods sake, a fact that people conveniently overlook

7) Because of fact 6 above its understandable that distributors cannot have all of the stock all of the time. What is the size of the NZ market for R6 steering dampers, for example?

8) Is the seller providing local infrastructure here in NZ to service that damper when it requires it? Many dampers require special tools so not every joe bloggs can service them. Will there be a no fuss warranty if there is an issue? Will the local distributor be as kindly disposed to any situation like that that may prevail?

9) Most dealers and distributors are honest.

Spare a thought that Bollocks Obama has just made it a lot harder for our primary producers ( agricultural sector ) to get a good price overseas. The jokes collectively on all of us re the free market. Its not a two way street.
Im looking at the bigger picture rather than self interest.
I wont let this lie!
There may come a time when there may have to be no dealer margin with any such goods just so distributors can compete with these US based parasite companies. And then the complaint will be ''I cant get one from my local dealer''
I think you should perhaps go and work in the motorcycle industry for a few months, its an eye opener to many people over the years in how you have to scale many walls on a daily basis to just stay afloat. FACT.

good work Robert I was going to get another price and availablilty for an ohlins damper and I have also given the opportunity to people watching this thread to sell me stuff good on the New Zealand dealer that sold me a jacket last week and the bike shop that also sold me a bike

now the dealer took the iniciative did not winge on this thread but looked at it contacted me and gave me a price close enough for him to make money and for me to buy in New Zealand.

The fact you did not pick up on this Robert and maybe offer to sort me out with an ohlins damper surprises me that is what you sell isnt it. maybe you were to busy writing responses in this thread.

And by the way I have worked in the motorcycle industry before
and the it industry where shrinking margins have meant we changed the game and started sell services instead.

[Robert Taylor]

good work Robert I was going to get another price and availablilty for an ohlins damper and I have also given the opportunity to people watching this thread to sell me stuff good on the New Zealand dealer that sold me a jacket last week and the bike shop that also sold me a bike

now the dealer took the iniciative did not winge on this thread but looked at it contacted me and gave me a price close enough for him to make money and for me to buy in New Zealand.

The fact you did not pick up on this Robert and maybe offer to sort me out with an ohlins damper surprises me that is what you sell isnt it. maybe you were to busy writing responses in this thread.

And by the way I have worked in the motorcycle industry before
and the it industry where shrinking margins have meant we changed the game and started sell services instead.

If Im whinging that it is not a level playing field because so much private import stuff comes in without accruing clearance charges and gst then I am guilty as charged!

The way I read it youd already made your mind up anyway.

So lets turn it round, what percentage margin would you expect a distributor to make and what for a dealer?

Is this a game of ''dutch auctions'' and local backup and warranty is of no consequence?

I think I make a fair point that in many cases the accepted etiquette of two margins ( Distributor and then dealer ) is seriously under threat from the effect of the net and the free market.

[SS90]

I have worked in the motorcycle industry for 15 years (the last 3 in Europe), I can ASSURE you that the profit margins are a fraction of the margins in NZ...... BUT, (here's the kicker) the TURNOVER is quadruple of NZ.

Just think of how many Dollars a NZ wholesaler has in stock (stock is one of the biggest killers of a business)

In Europe, it's the other way round..... very little (other than everyday consumable items) are held in stock, and a surprisingly large amount of stock must be ordered .

In all seriousness, (in my opinion) MOST NZ distributors (ok, not all) have a VERY good inventory (all things considered).....and yea, granted, they are more expensive....they MUST see a return on their investment, or they will be better off shutting their doors tomorrow.

One of the funiest experiences was about 10 years ago when my bosses accountant sent a business analyst in to improve the business profits.... one of his recomendations was "laying staff"........ and not much else.

Remember, the majority of NZ motorcycle shops are owned by enthuisists.... because in reality, despite peoples misconceptions, motorcycle shops return far less than other businesses that cost less to set up and have lower overheads............ Most accountants advise other ventures.....worth thinking about aye!

[Naki Rat]

Interesting thread and my 2c for what it's worth:

Bike - bought through Trade Me from a 'very motivated' seller.
Helmet, boots - researched online, bought in local store after negotiating between two local suppliers.
Leathers, thermals, T shirts, books on techniques - Trade Me
Sliderz jeans, gloves x2 - Quasi :niceone:
Bike maintenance - Independant local mechanic
Clothing, CDs, work equipment - Ebay

My point is that I appreciate the value of my hard earned dollars and will make the decision to spend them to best advantage, whether that be lowest price or best value for money considering all factors including having had a pleasant business experience with someone I consider is a credit to their 'trade'. I also see the value in employing the services of a professional when it's warranted, be it as a tradesmen or a customer savvy salesperson.

Competition from the internet is now a fact of life and in order to survive any locally based business has to establish their own point of difference as has always been the case for any successful enterprise. The obvious advantage a face to face business can shine on is specialized customer focussed service, because they're always going to struggle on price alone. It seems this aspect is sadly lacking in many businesses and so I and many other will continue to vote with our feet. If the item is going to cost more it can only be justified by added value and that may be just great service!

Incidentally it should come as no surprise that this situation isn't restricted to bike gear. Just look at the carnage in the CD stores and the change in customer focus of clever book shops!

[ynot slow]

Incidentally it should come as no surprise that this situation isn't restricted to bike gear. Just look at the carnage in the CD stores and the change in customer focus of clever book shops!

Not only bike shops with problems with low margins,several years ago travel agents were told by the airlines the comission they recieve would be cut from 10% to 5%,no questions,just was done deal.In the States the idea floated was those wishing to travel should make appointments with their agents much like accountants,lawyers etc,then buy the travel online,all the kiwi,aussie agents said yeah right.So overnight their turnovers dropped by half,then the comission was dropped entirely.So much when I flew to Queenstown my ticket from Palmy to Chch was cheaper than his,as mine was internet his was dealer/agent.So imagine if all bike shops were told by suppliers you can tell people of our services,but get nothing for the product knowledge you pass to customer via sales.

[cs363]

ahhh but i got a fantastic deal on it all from a south american pygmy adventure clothing supplier i found on the net, must pass the address on to dennis.

It wasn't this place was it? http://www.gnomeclothes.com/ :banana: