To import bike gear or not?

[Sollyboy]

So its alright then to make a convenience of the local retailers, trying on their gear knowing full well that you are not going to buy off them? Thats a pretty rotten thing to do.

It wouldnt happen if we didnt get arse fucked by local retailers and importers everytime we try to buy something,the net has made the world a small place and the buying public know what shit is worth

[Katman]

i am yet to recieve a proper explanation on pricings to explain why the difference of $100 +/- is there.

If the N.Z. Shoei importer orders 1000 helmets and the American importer orders 100,000 helmets who do you think gets the better buy price?

[twotyred]

It wouldnt happen if we didnt get arse fucked by local retailers and importers everytime we try to buy something,the net has made the world a small place and the buying public know what shit is worth

Amen

I support local retailers/manufacturers,if they deserve it.... but this "support us! we're a local business!"(read local importer with huge mark-up)is just economic brainwashing... so you started a business importing helmets,clothing etc... and we're supposed to feel guilty if we can,once in a while,get a better deal for our VERY hardearned dollar through a traveling friend or family member!!!?

[Katman]

(read local importer with huge mark-up)

The mark-up in the motorcycle clothing and accessories market is no different to the mark-up in virtually any other commodity market in NZ.

[Maha]

The mark-up in the motorcycle clothing and accessories market is no different to the mark-up in virtually any other commodity market in NZ.

Minimum 100%???

[Katman]

Minimum 100%???

Are you suggesting that 100% mark-up is standard? If that's the case, then I am fucking myself over badly in my business.

[svr]

Ah the beautiful logic of capitalism - right or wrong is of no concern - the Market will decide. Godbye Mom and Pop operations, hello Big Corporates.
For the size on NZ we can expect maybe two (hopefully for competition sake) centrally located large importers of motorcycle accessories?
Not good, probably inevitable?

[Robert Taylor]

Interesting thread. We purchase through a variety of sources for a variety of items. Of course we are always after the best financial deal, but sometimes we spend a little extra locally. For example, I have just purchased a new set of Quasi leathers (thanks Brett and Paula, awesome). I wanted to make sure the fit was exactly right, and the price was excellent in my view for a great product, with excellent service, before and after sale, and I know it fits. I also know if anything goes wrong I will be well looked after. AND I know of people who have binned 3,4,5 times and still in the same Quasi leathers.
A friend tried on a helmet locally, and purchased overseas saving a lot, the purchase worked out fine.
We have purchased bike parts overseas, and there is certainly ability for the local retailers to be smarter about how they source their after market parts. When I had my Aprillia RSVR Factory, I was quoted $700 odd for a rear seat I didnt have, yet managed to import the exact same seat, along with carbon labia, carbon side covers front fearing, and a hugger for under $700 for the lot, Im not made of money so why wouldnt I. We support the shops as much as possible, but we also shop smart and on line shopping globally is here to stay, like it or not. That means the retailers have to move with the times and demand better buy ins from their suppliers.

The very weak $US exacerbates this whole issue. I do understand the economics and how pay packets dont let ends meet in this overtaxed, overlevied country.
But one of my main salient points that some have paid scant attention to is that this is destroying NZ business and ultimately employment. I am talking the big picture here.

[Maha]

Are you suggesting that 100% mark-up is standard? If that's the case, then I am fucking myself over badly in my business.

No...I did add question marks, which means, its not a suggestion or a statement but a question.

[Katman]

I am talking the big picture here.

I have learnt from bitter experience that, in general, KBers only see the big picture when they're at the movies.

[Katman]

No...I did add question marks, which means, its not a suggestion or a statement but a question.

In that case, you're no-where near it.

[Quasievil]

No...I did add question marks, which means, its not a suggestion or a statement but a question.

No more like 40%

[Semantics]

btw dont think i dont support nz dealers, i am just about to buy (99% sure) a shark s800 from cycletreads and they are pretty nice - cant beat the price for sure.
sure it might be an older version - but its still a shark - good quality and i dont have to import from usa

in regards to quasimoto - to be honest i would totally purchase their gear over alpinestars even since i know they have an awesome reputation and they will take care of you (this is what i love about proper nz businesses)

however im moving to oz in a few months (graduating) and cant get support from brisbane

maybe i should open a quasi franchise in oz haha

anyways im def thinking about taking the ride down to hamilton

[Robert Taylor]

It wouldnt happen if we didnt get arse fucked by local retailers and importers everytime we try to buy something,the net has made the world a small place and the buying public know what shit is worth

Thats a simplistic and very ineloquent view, what is also dissappointing is that it tars retailers and importers all with the same brush. That is unfair.

[Katman]

And for those of you complaining about the mark up - do you actually know how much it costs to run a business? Perhaps you'd be better off buying your helmet from a guy flogging them off out of his car boot out in the pub carpark.