Strong Aussie dollar but where are the benefits?

[fingerbun]

Apparently all that needs to be changed is a fuse and then you can run most new amps on 240V. I think GB amps in particular have a universal power input that auto-detects the voltage coming from the mains. It'd just be a question of getting the right cord etc. Also the fact that warranty will be voided, but I think if the saving was that great it'd be well worth it. Shipping wouldn't be ridiculous, especially if you bought a micro head.

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All I'm saying is research your product before you lay the dough down. Not trying to talk you out of anything. Dunno if the above example is a technical or marketing constraint.

My experience of buying overseas gear has been mostly good, but it's been limited to a couple of basses and some mics.

 

[Jazz Ad]

You don't get it. The benefits of having a strong money is to buy abroad directly.
Importers usually negociate prices for the whole year so it takes a while to see benefits.

 

[fingerbun]

You don't get it. The benefits of having a strong money is to buy abroad directly.
Importers usually negociate prices for the whole year so it takes a while to see benefits.

Depends on the currency of the contract....if in USD, RMB, etc, the benefit is immediate.

 

[DownUnder_Funk]

Most of the micro heads with smps transformers are good to go. GB Shuttle, Streamliner, TC Electronics RH450, 750, Aguilar TH500. Ampeg Micro VR.

Say for example I bought the Aggie TH500 where could I buy a power cord that goes into our wall sockets? Could it just be a generic one or does it have to be brand specific? I can't remember if you need to flick a switch on the back of the TH500 for it to run properly or if that's just automatic.

 

[bassguppy]

You're lucky you can drive over the border! But what I don't understand is the mentality of shop owners in Australia - of course they know that the same product in the US sells for a significant amount less, to the point that a portion of its target market back home are willing to take the risk of importing a US item and nullifying the warranty. I guess it all depends on how many units they move and how much profit they make per unit. Does anyone know the rough profit margin a retailer would make on amps? (excluding GC/MF)

I would think that with the evolution of micro-amps from MarkBass, GenzBenz, SWR, etc.. it would be much more economical to buy from the USA since shipping would be cheaper due to the light weight & smaller size. Even better buying used on Ebay since many amps are 30% to 60% less than new. Light weight items probably should make shop owners in Australia be more wary of possible gouging.

I had a buyer from Hope Island, Queensland interested in a shipping quote on a subwoofer I was selling (about 25kg) the cost was nearly $500 USD.

 

[Longhair]

Depends on the currency of the contract....if in USD, RMB, etc, the benefit is immediate.

Only seeing prices go up even though the Euro has been a lot stronger than the US Dollar for many years.

 

[DownUnder_Funk]

Okay WOW just found a brand new GB Streamliner 900 shipped for $750 AUD! GENZ BENZ STM-900 STREAMLINER BASS GUITAR HEAD | eBay Let's hope the exchange rate is similar by the year's end

 

[bassguppy]

Okay WOW just found a brand new GB Streamliner 900 shipped for $750 AUD! GENZ BENZ STM-900 STREAMLINER BASS GUITAR HEAD | eBay Let's hope the exchange rate is similar by the year's end

very nice...

With the imminent collapse of the US Dollar in the not too distant future I would assume 1 Aussie Dollar would be worth 20 US Dollars.

 

[Jazz Ad]

Only seeing prices go up even though the Euro has been a lot stronger than the US Dollar for many years.

Not IME.
10 years ago, American gear in Europe costed more than today.
An MM Stingray costed the equivalent of 2500 € back in 1999.

 

[vin*tone]

Say for example I bought the Aggie TH500 where could I buy a power cord that goes into our wall sockets? Could it just be a generic one or does it have to be brand specific? I can't remember if you need to flick a switch on the back of the TH500 for it to run properly or if that's just automatic.

Theres a switch. Buy a lead anywhere.
But you should contact the Bass People before you go crazy. They're getting them in very soon and local prices look to be competitive. Give em a call.

 

[anderbass]

Strong Aussie dollar but where are the benefits?

Well... you got lots of chicks with cool accents

 

[Dubista]

Well... you got lots of chicks with cool accents

+1 One of the many reasons I stay in this big red sand box of ours

 

[popinfresh]

Imported an EB MM Sterling and racked up around $500 in extra charges through import duties/customs/GST etc. Plus the postage. In all honesty I saved about $500, had no warranty and didn't support local business.
I've also imported a Schroeder 1210 and Bergantino NV610 both when they had no AUS distributors yet, didn't come 'cheap'.
When it comes to buying abroad you won't save mega dollars, but it's up to you whether you think it's worth it.

 

[bassguppy]

Imported an EB MM Sterling and racked up around $500 in extra charges through import duties/customs/GST etc. Plus the postage. In all honesty I saved about $500, had no warranty and didn't support local business.
I've also imported a Schroeder 1210 and Bergantino NV610 both when they had no AUS distributors yet, didn't come 'cheap'.
When it comes to buying abroad you won't save mega dollars, but it's up to you whether you think it's worth it.

Jeez, shipping charges for the Berg must have been insane.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

We get the same thing here in Canada, and we share a border with the US. Right now out dollar is on par with the US, but we still pay anywhere from 30% - 90% more than the US price.

The lag in inventory is one factor. The amp you are pricing might have been purchased when the US dollar was higher and they still have to make some profit on it. In Canada, there is duty levied on all goods coming into the country (despite a free trade agreement with the US and Mexico - don't get me started) so that adds more as well.

Having said that, I still see prices considerably higher here. Fortunately I live a 30 minute drive from the border and an hour and change from a Guitar Centre. Even if I pay the duty at the border coming back I'm still money in pocket. As far as warranty, even if something goes wrong I'm likely going to break even with getting it fixed.

Does it hurt the local economy? Sure. However I'd be willing to pay an extra 15 - 20% above US prices (they're still paying rent and employees) to save the hassle, but someone is making a lot of money off my back and hard earned money.

I work in Buffalo, and I meet Canadians doing this, all the time. The same company store in Canada charges so much more, for the exact same product. I met a lady that was building a house in Calgary. And she was saving money buying in Buffalo, driving it across to Niagara Falls, and shipping it buy train to Calgary. Amazing!!!

 

[DownUnder_Funk]

Imported an EB MM Sterling and racked up around $500 in extra charges through import duties/customs/GST etc. Plus the postage. In all honesty I saved about $500, had no warranty and didn't support local business.
I've also imported a Schroeder 1210 and Bergantino NV610 both when they had no AUS distributors yet, didn't come 'cheap'.
When it comes to buying abroad you won't save mega dollars, but it's up to you whether you think it's worth it.

I think I'd limit it to purchases of amps only (micros with universal power inputs). Cabs are way too expensive to ship

 

[Dubista]

Imported an EB MM Sterling and racked up around $500 in extra charges through import duties/customs/GST etc. Plus the postage. In all honesty I saved about $500, had no warranty and didn't support local business.
I've also imported a Schroeder 1210 and Bergantino NV610 both when they had no AUS distributors yet, didn't come 'cheap'.
When it comes to buying abroad you won't save mega dollars, but it's up to you whether you think it's worth it.

How did you manage to import an EBMM bass? I thought they had international shipping restrictions on those if they were new? Unless you got it used... then the $500 seems a bit steep.

 

[popinfresh]

Jeez, shipping charges for the Berg must have been insane.

Can't remember exactly but from memory the cab was around $500 in shipping alone!

I think I'd limit it to purchases of amps only (micros with universal power inputs). Cabs are way too expensive to ship

Smart move Just be wary of the extra charges that can happen. Make sure when organising shipping that the shipping price is to your address. One shipment I had was quoted to the airport, I had to pay further costs to get it home, or go pick it up myself

How did you manage to import an EBMM bass? I thought they had international shipping restrictions on those if they were new? Unless you got it used... then the $500 seems a bit steep.

Not sure, I wasn't aware of any restrictions at the time, are these recent? I bought from a large retailer (will refrain from mentioning the name in case I get them into trouble). However I literally just sent a couple e-mails, rang them and made an order, received it a couple weeks later

 

[Rebmo]

Shipping

 

[Dubista]

Not sure, I wasn't aware of any restrictions at the time, are these recent? I bought from a large retailer (will refrain from mentioning the name in case I get them into trouble). However I literally just sent a couple e-mails, rang them and made an order, received it a couple weeks later

Well, in my experience, I've contacted a "big" retailer from the US and was told that they are not allowed to ship internationally on new EBMM or Fender products (what I was inquiring about), but they were allowed to ship used products, and "new" products that have been discontinued for 2 years.

If it's not too much, can you PM me that retailer?