Bike parts/accessories/apparel and ebay

**manwithav8** · 23rd August 2007, 21:07

Who here buys their bits and bobs from ebay?

I have been searching for a good set of bar end mirrors for the monster but nothing here in NZ has made me smile. I thought buying out of the USA would be mega pricey but actually turns out really cheap.

$130 NZD and they will be on my doorstep within 5 working days. Very impressed. Used paypal to pay and it is so instant and easy to use.

So anyway, this had me thinking, maybe I should look around ebay a little more and found some really good gear for VERY good prices. IE Shift M1 Leather Jacket for $149 USD. After shipping costs I think I could have one at my door for no more than $350.

Why did I not check out ebay sooner.

So who here shops internationally for their goodies as opposed to very pricey locally?

Also, trying to find parts for the Ducati on trademe is a was of time. Ebay has it all...

**Katman** · 23rd August 2007, 21:16

Hell yeah, why not send your dollars overseas. What possible use could any of us here have for them?

**Katman** · 23rd August 2007, 21:18

BTW, locally sourced products don't need to be pricey.

**manwithav8** · 23rd August 2007, 21:19

but with price hikes over here, why should I pay an arm and a leg for stuff..

Take milk for example, it is now $4 somethign for 2 litres, due to export markets. I'm not going to be ripped off by my own country...

**Cajun** · 23rd August 2007, 21:23

We have brought multi items off ebay

Wife (motogirl) total kitted her self out with new gear from the states, ahd below half the cost of same gear here, eg, AlphineStar Two piece leather race suit Landed NZ$1000, locally $1800.

We also just the last week landed a Full Yoshi Carbon TRS system for a zx14, along with a pc3, for about NZ$1600 landed.

We only realy use ebay for stuff now days

**James Deuce** · 23rd August 2007, 21:24

The Milk analogy doesn't work at all, and I've NEVER paid retail for bike gear or accessories. Try striking up a relationship with people at a shop instead of wandering in and going "Gimme" and then getting annoyed when you get a frosty response.

It is a very rare day when a local shop or distributor can't make it not worth the hassle of buying from overseas, and the only payment required is politeness.

One of the big issues I've struck of late is the huge bank fees overseas banks charge for bank to bank internet based funds transfer. I hate using credit cards so that tends to limit payment options.

**Katman** · 23rd August 2007, 21:24

Wholesalers are constantly offering certain products to their distributers at special prices. Too many shops just see this as an opportunity to increase their profit margin instead of passing that saving on to the consumer. You just need to know who to deal with.

**manwithav8** · 23rd August 2007, 21:29

never thought to look outside NZ but was told by a mate to check it out.. I am really suprised...

Comes down to the retailer buying, pays for shipping, puts their mark up on the items and the consumer pays over inflated prices.

I tried on the shift Jacket in the shop today, very comfy, fits like a dream and fels as safe as safe could feel. But at the price they go for here I wouldn't have even botherd making the trip down the to take it off the rack.

**klyong82** · 23rd August 2007, 21:29

Originally Posted by manwithav8

So who here shops internationally for their goodies as opposed to very pricey locally?

Also, trying to find parts for the Ducati on trademe is a was of time. Ebay has it all...

I buy my CBR parts from ebay because it is difficult to source them locally. Usually 1/2 the price from US or UK after postage. Bought exhaust, rotors, rectifiers and many other parts.

No problems so far. Make sure to ask postage before bidding.

**Hitcher** · 23rd August 2007, 21:32

Originally Posted by katman

BTW, locally sourced products don't need to be pricey.

There have been some strong comments made in a counterfactual manner on other threads about the "evils" of parallel importing.

**Katman** · 23rd August 2007, 21:38

Sorry, I'm struggling to see where "parallel importing" has anything to do with what I'm talking about.

**Hitcher** · 23rd August 2007, 21:38

Originally Posted by manwithav8

Take milk for example, it is now $4 somethign for 2 litres, due to export markets. I'm not going to be ripped off by my own country...

Plan A: Of course you're always able to buy and milk your own cow. Subject to local authority permissions and food safety regulations, if you plan to sell any dairy products. $1,000 for the cow, $60 a week to feed and water it, $2 a week for veterinary services, $10 a week for effluent disposal...

Plan B: You could always shoot yourself full of oestrogen and express yourself in your own special way. Maybe $2 a litre wouldn't be so expensive afterall...

**Hitcher** · 23rd August 2007, 21:39

Originally Posted by katman

Sorry, I'm struggling to see where "parallel importing" has anything to do with what I'm talking about.

You are importing goods directly from an overseas supplier, rather than through a registered New Zealand agent. That is parallel importing. Struggle away.