
Originally Posted by
Robert Taylor
The exchange rate against greenbacks has recently taken care of that problem, if it remains at around 50 to 55 cents US its better for NZ as it helps our export industry. Also bear in mind that big US companies recieve much greater bulk purchase discounts, and because they have a wider / much larger market they run on very small margins / high turnover. And when the exchange rate was in the mid to high 70s that distorted their advantage somewhat. Add to that many private imports do not attract customs clearance fees, gst on those fees and gst on the written value, often fraudulently underwritten by request.
Unfortunately given all of those factors NZ dealers are not competing on a level playing field and get tainted as rip off merchants by those who are not interested / dont understand why such disparity occurs. There is a strong case to advocate the re-introduction of import licensing so that it protects NZ business and all those they employ. Or at minimum private imports should attract the same clearance / port fees etc and gst as per normal business.
I dont disagree with you at all on this regarding the lack of level playing field and the relative size of our market, nevertheless it must be eating into dealers' bottom lines. I just got delivered the air filter I mentioned from USA, not only for $$$ less but also quicker than the dealer time quoted from the distributor. It is the right part because I checked the number before ordering..
With only so many dollars to spend, it seems as if more and more people are looking for best bang for buck and if you can research it and get factory parts etc for way less then I know where most people will go...sad but true
Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead
Do not walk ahead as I may not follow.
Do not walk beside me as the path is narrow
In fact FU*K off and leave me alone
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