Imported biker gear

[wildcat_lgf]

Well this is just thinking out loud...so be gentle on me

It seems every 2nd person is importing biking gear these days, be it clothing, mechanical parts, accessories, race gear, etc. I'm not picking on anyone and there must be some successful people out there, but how come we have had an importing explosion? And if we do, then who is buying it and why aren't they just importing it for themselves?

Now I can't really judge, I've imported some gear - in fact I imported about 60 leathers for KB members right back before even Quasi started. I had to focus on my Masters and such so didn't pursue it much further. I imported some helmets ex-Germany also and a few bits and pieces...(so I'm not immune to my own ravings)

I've seen heaps of gear for sale on KB and TM for huge markups. But why are people buying it? If we are all savvy enough to be using this forum, surely we are all savvy enough to use a Google search for ourselves and do our own homework?

Any thoughts?

[sAsLEX]

people in general are lazy.

[bmz2]

correct, finding the correct acc can take so much time,i have imported metric cruiser parts for people at cost just to help bikers to get on with their mods and it is fun for me to see how their bikes come together, but it has taken hours of work to find correct dealers and stores to deal with, if what you are saying is correct about mark ups on acc and clothing you are correct, example metric mirrors on trade me at $180.00nz you can import these for $110.00 nz and they take 5 days buy 2 pair and sell 1 pair off and your cost come to $95.00nz. Do it your self and save ,best way to get shipping cost down find two or three people who want acc and ship as one ,everyone wins

[wildcat_lgf]

example metric mirrors on trade me at $180.00nz you can import these for $110.00 nz and they take 5 days buy 2 pair and sell 1 pair off and your cost come to $95.00nz.

Yes thats true, I've done it mainly because I've wanted a set or a pair of something and don't want to pay retail or can't find what I like here...

what about larger margins:
One race accessory - USD$16 ea +shipping (granted you have to buy alot of them but that was only 1 store I checked out). Selling $70+ here in NZ
Other gear USD$95 +shipping (approx 5kg) selling for $500+ here in NZ.

[bmz2]

they are not dealers, they are STEALERS

[ynot slow]

clothing is at least x1.9 or almost double i.e cost times 90per cent,in some items you are in for margins of x2.0,this takes into account all costs in business,i am in retail and one of our suppliers has a 5 yr warranty on it's product,no worries as usually no probs,but tommorrow i have to fix couple of items and all under warranty,distance is 50km each way and will probably take 1-2 hours,seems every time i fix under warranty it's always out of town lol.i look at sites people say on here in usa or aus and prices are ok,but if i buy local and product is shit,i get results as it's not an issue if company in usa or aus,they can't give a stuff,but if i say to 10 mates don't buy gear off company x in new plymouth word get around.having said that my local dealer in my area is great.also buying clothes via net is tricky re sizes,i.e i'm normally lge jacket but my bike jacket is xl as sizes differ.i saw wereuys buy pants in the states and were ok,but at $50 freight it costs a bit to return and get correct size back,not all pants with a waist size of 87cm equals the imperial in states

[pritch]

I believe in keeping my money in the local economy if I can. Sadly this country has a history of importers thinking they had a licence to print money.
So I buy locally if I can but if it's way cheaper elsewhere I'll buy there.

The leather jacket that really took my fancy, a Dainese "patchwork" affair would have cost a thousand dollars and I wasn't brave enough to do that without knowing it would fit...

Please guys, there is some good information in this thread already but it could be a lot easier to read...

[Gremlin]

On importing alone (ie, local is not included) why do I use importers and not myself? Because its easier, they are taking the risk with goods not appearing, and they deal with the transaction. ie, I'm busy enough as it is, without putting more shit in my basket. I have had 2 transactions with US sites. One, I called quits when they charged me a fortune in shipping, and wouldn't accept credit cards, the other's emails that the first transaction had been declined couldn't get through email systems. When I followed up through another email address, it went pretty smoothly and easily, except one bolt was incorrect in a package (so I have to buy another). All this adds up to hassle on my part.

Why would I shop locally? Because I want to support them. For bits for bikes, they generally don't stock them, but a small guy can get most, and I get a lot through him. Basically, its like me buying from overseas, without the risk, or management of the transaction. I happily pay a small premium for that service.

I could have bought some boots from overseas, it would have cost a fair whack less, but the shop had to order in my size to try them on, so I didn't think that was fair at all, to them.

You do as you see fit, just be aware of the risks of any decision you make.

[wildcat_lgf]

You do as you see fit, just be aware of the risks of any decision you make.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating everyone should be importing...I did it a couple of times as I was on a student budget and it worked ok. But it can be risky, often it's money upfront with no guarantees on quality or after sales service.

I was just having a bit of a rant about the huge mark-ups people seem to be putting on their items.

I agree that we should support our local economy. They provide (usually) a good service and convenience for sales and servicing. However, compared with car parts/service motorcycle shops seem to charge a premium. It is most likely to do with the low volume nature of motorcycle business compared with cars - but it does seem a little steep.

[buellbabe]

My bike is american and at the moment with our dollar so strong against the US I am spending up large on US internet sites. There are heaps of aftermarket bits available for my bike and I have been lusting after some items for a while now. Plus I am ordering for other peeps at the same time so we are sharing the freight.
For example:
drive belt for a Buell from local dealer ( IF they have them in stock! )- $375
drive belt for a Buell from US Buell aftermarket site - $257 delivered.

[Gremlin]

But it can be risky, often it's money upfront with no guarantees on quality or after sales service.

yep, I had no issues with what you said. Its the average joe, that wants to save money, gets screwed, then runs to anyone that will listen, how awful it is. People need to individually weigh up what they want to do... I won't advocate either way, as I do as I see fit, in about 3 different ways, could even be 4 soon.

Agree with buellbabe too. The strength of the NZ is extremely good. Shopping via the US can have massive savings... busy seeing what else I can buy