Are we paying too much for helmets here?

[nzspokes]

Ive been looking at a Shark helmet, importing one is not cheaper.

[gatch]

I like to spend my money in NZ.

I want a good deal, but I also like knowing that if I have concerns, I can take my purchase back to the dealer. I can try on a bunch of different models before shelling out $800.

It's just like at my work. If an overseas company can make stuff for half the price we can, more power to the customer. But don't expect my sympathy when it fails to meet expectation.

[avgas]

No one has mentioned - ''If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet'' Doesn't anyone follow standard procedure these days ?

Like I said. I think we pay "just the right price in NZ for helmets".

Let those Aussies, Americans and Chinese have cheaper helmets.

[flyingcrocodile46]

Like I said. I think we pay "just the right price in NZ for helmets".

Let those Aussies, Americans and Chinese have cheaper helmets.

Even when they are the same helmet that we pay 200% of overseas retail for?

It ain't all the bike shops fault. The greed lies more with the brand distributors and the leverage they use on the bike shops. i.e. you sell all of my helmets, boots and gloves or you can't sell my jackets and if you sell brand Y I will have to reconsider your buying privileges for brand X.

[actungbaby]

You can buy an FFM helmet from the factory shop for that near price.

I like to think we pay just the right price for helmets in NZ.

To me you can get good brand helmet not much more than paid in the

80s . so yeah plus you supporting local industry retail .

No use complailing when good bike shop closes if you dont buy locally

I must admit brought things of ebay to fix my bike but also brought like

brake lever here from bike shop because you know your what ur

and just short ride to get it alot less hassle

ditto got some really good buying advice from my local bike shops

you may pay little more but build up realationship they look after you as well its two way street after all

[bsasuper]

Of course we pay to much here in NZ,and thats for everything not just helmets,everyone in the chain of supply is the culprit (Greed is good!),someone will be along soon to point out shop rent,wholesale prices ,its not my fault, I dont make any money I just want to keep the customer happy etc etc.(repeat everyone in the chain of supply)

[SMOKEU]

+1, If you are going to order off e-bay then why should the NZ shop have to carry the stock for you? Some scums even get the shop to get the item in so they can try it on, fully intending to buy it from e-bay, which makes the shop think twice when a genuine buyer asks, shit service for those of us who will support the NZ shop.

Some of us don't have the money to pay full retail price for everything. I have to struggle just to get the money to put petrol in the bike, so why shouldn't I try to save money by shopping online?

[haydes55]

Of course we pay to much here in NZ,and thats for everything not just helmets,everyone in the chain of supply is the culprit (Greed is good!),someone will be along soon to point out shop rent,wholesale prices ,its not my fault, I dont make any money I just want to keep the customer happy etc etc.(repeat everyone in the chain of supply)

But the customer shouldn't have to pay for the companies inefficiencies. If a big shop in town means having higher prices, surely a smarter idea would be to move to a shop or warehouse out of town, spend more on advertising and have cheaper prices. Utilise Internet and other media of selling instead of the old expensive methods of only having a store in town.

[Canis G.]

But the customer shouldn't have to pay for the companies inefficiencies. If a big shop in town means having higher prices, surely a smarter idea would be to move to a shop or warehouse out of town, spend more on advertising and have cheaper prices. Utilise Internet and other media of selling instead of the old expensive methods of only having a store in town.

BRO! You have been thinking again - stop it NOW!
Seriously, in the face of the almighty "market forces" we still have shops that will charge premium prices on commonly available items - and people who will pay it. Has no one read the text book - jeez.

[Hitcher]

I have no qualms about buying helmets on the web. Unlike most motorcyclists, I can't walk into a motorcycle store and browse their racks of helmets. Well I can, but they're not going to have anything there that fits, so I don't bother. There are people who have wet dreams and wax eloquently about the joys of an Arai or of some flip-front spectacular, or one of those wizzy new models with the fighter pilot drop-down tinted visors. Marvellous. I am truly happy for your joy, you fucking mass-market pinheads.

I have two manufacturers who can make me a helmet that fits. Money no object. Mr HJC and Mr Shoei are truly enlightened gents, both making XXXL helmets. A New Zealand distributor will happily fit me, after a short wait, with one that is resplendently black. If I want a graphic pattern, then that's when I head for a US online supplier. New Zealand distributors aren't going to do any favours for people like me who inhabit the Siberian wastelands at the end of the head-size bell curve. They presumably care not a jot for the one sale every two years that they lose. Neither do I.

[Crackedbycracku]

OK, so I'm no expert but as I understand it any motorcycle helmet sold by a shop in New Zealand meets safety standards, right?

Therefore, what it the difference between a $50 full-face helmet, advertised at Red Barron, and a $900 helmet in terms of safety?

I get one may have more vents, be more aerodynamic, have a cooler look or be from a certain brand. Also if one fits you better than another well, that's about that. But in terms of safety does more expensive actually mean safer?

[Asher]

Yes both might meet the minimum safety standard, but thats not to say the $900 helmet doesnt exceed the minimum standard by a significant amount.

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/
Go there to see how different helmets perform.

[Tigadee]

But the customer shouldn't have to pay for the companies inefficiencies. If a big shop in town means having higher prices, surely a smarter idea would be to move to a shop or warehouse out of town, spend more on advertising and have cheaper prices. Utilise Internet and other media of selling instead of the old expensive methods of only having a store in town.

Too many small operators, which is fine in smaller towns and rural areas to have one or two but not many concentrated in large towns or cities.

What we need is a centrally-located 'The Warehouse' or Bunnings-type place where all the brands and models are available in significant stock levels because they were brought in via one bulk shipment to keep prices down, not multiple small shipments. Big media blitz, flash launch, everyone knows where you are and Bob's yer uncle...

Economies of scale for operating costs, good staff levels, competitive (i.e. affordable) pricing, brand recognition, negotiation power with the suppliers, large regular re-stock orders... Everybody's happy. It can still be 100% NZ owned, just work smarter and change with the times.

[AllanB]

Yes.

Stupidly priced for the exact same lid as available online.

I have also noticed that every now and then a retailer will have a pile of brand XXX helmets significantly chearer than the NZ 'retail' - bulk dead, sure but supplied at a 'USA' price.

[onearmedbandit]

...Or are these absolute shit?

I wouldn't wear a $40 pair of gloves let alone a $40 helmet.

And yes we do pay more here in NZ. But fuck me, $40 lids. Jebus.