OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: RM Ted on August 04, 2008, 11:14:55 pm
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WENT DOWN THE LOCAL SUZUKI DEALER TODAY TO GET A PRICE ON SOME PARTS I NEED TO COMPLETE MY RM 125. PARTS REQUIRED COIL,WISECO PISTON KIT,CLUTCH CABLE,SPARK PLUG,SIDE COVERS. TOTAL PRICE FROM THE LOCAL DEALER $441.00. SAMES PARTS FROM A US DEALER DELIVERED TO MY FRONT DOOR $258.37 A DIFFERENCE OFF $182.63 AT THE CURRENT CONVERSION RATE.
NOW YOU TELL ME IF SUZUKI AUSTRALIA AND THE LOCAL DEALER ARE NOT RIPPING US OFF???
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Yeah, sounds about right.
The simple fact is that most Australian importers/distributors have been very slow to respond to the easy access to international sellers. In fact, most of them still seem to think that its 1972, and that your local retailer will be your only possible source...
For the most part, your local dealer probably isn't ripping you off (unless you live in Canberra, but that's another rant for another time - let's just say that I'm now happier to drive 90minutes to Cowra, than 45 to Canberra...) - the problem is usually the importer.
FWIW, I can buy a Mazda RX-8 gearbox from NZ, freight it over, not calim back the nZ VAT (or whatever its called), pay all applicable import taxes and duties, and the price (in NZ dollars) is still over a thousand dollars less than the 'better than trade price' at my local dealer.
Yamaha's trick of jacking the prices up as stuff gets older shits me too. Esp when dealers who have had the shit on their shelves for 25 years suddenly want the current retail price... If I don't buy this set of second over-size CT1 rings at $130, then who will?
Common business practice says that you discount old shit to make space, save the time and effort of managing it, etc.
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90% of my stuff comes from the US, 4% from Thailand, 4% from UK, and 2% from the local market. Way too overpriced in near all aspects and with our dollar travelling so well at present O/S buying is looking more and more lucrative ;)
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even bike bandit is cheaper than local dalers ! it,s not just bike stuff , when i was flying 3d heli the local dealers had the same attitude of disbelief when they were told a certain item could be bought and delivered (most cases quicker ) for 60% of the local price from os , but alas there isn,t enough of us with older bikes (as we probably use mostly aftermarket parts ,wiesco , dc ect )to affect the system . some of the independent accesory sellers aren,t too bad though
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Same as everything, I was looking at Tyres for my Dodge, a 285/55/20 goodyear here is $520, in the us?,...$129!
One industrieds David Bailey tribute helmet, here $469. in the US,..$189
I think that it leads right back to the factory, its called Buying Power, the us would consume 10 times as much as us.
Besides that, ever seen a motorcycle parts/accesories distributor go broke?, Hell no! ever see a good trading Bike shop go broke, Hell No!
We just get pooned right down the line,
I have just bought for the family ( ;D) a Toy Hauler (Carravan with a ramp) that sleeps 6 , hauls 3-4 bikes, shower,toilet, nuke, fridge, stove, air con..all that bullshit, priced it here, $45,000 + on road costs. In the states built to our specs?....we paid $14,500... Go Figure!!
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In the states built to our specs?....we paid $14,500.
How much was shipping to Australia?
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About $5000 all up + $1500 GST
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Except for oil and tyres, I haven't spent one penny in a bike shop for five years and I no longer give a damn about supporting my local battling bikeshop. Bugger 'em, I'm out for the best deal for my self funded retiree dollar, no matter where that money ends up. I even buy my shoes and clothes from the US and much of my electronics straight out of China.
It won't be long before someone comes on here to give us a spray about supporting the little Aussie battler and the socio economic repercussions of our overseas shopping but I'm way past caring.
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i agree the deals are out there if you take the time to look for instance ted cameras for a special flash for the canon camera like 400 bucks ,over seas 240 includeing delervery warranty etc
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I don't have an opinion either way. I do deals both locally and O.S. depending on circumstances.
As long as you accept the trade off for the cheaper price. i.e. difficulty getting back up service/warranty etc
I once bought a 'cheap' fuel OEM fuel pump for one of my cars from the U.S. It failed shortly after and getting warranty was extremely difficult/impossible.
So that pump ended up costing 50% more than if I had bought locally in the first place.
9 times out of 10 it works out great and it's worth the risk, but if it doesn't...............
I actually found Ted's Cameras pricing very close to the international price on the items I bought.
e.g A lens at one dealer was $3499.00, I bought from Ted's in Adelaide for $2800.00. Australian warranty and all. ;D
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This subject has been widely debated on many bike forums recently.
The reason stuff is cheap in the USA is due to our dollar catching up to theirs, and the fact they have the massive population to shift product in huge quantities. They don't need to sting everyone to make a decent buck out of their stock.
However, I do believe there has been some absolute blatant profiteering in this country over the past few years. I bet Monza Imports are paying through the arse now for ripping off all the kiddies for overpriced Fox gear.
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I don't have an opinion either way. I do deals both locally and O.S. depending on circumstances.
As long as you accept the trade off for the cheaper price. i.e. difficulty getting back up service/warranty etc
I once bought a 'cheap' fuel OEM fuel pump for one of my cars from the U.S. It failed shortly after and getting warranty was extremely difficult/impossible.
So that pump ended up costing 50% more than if I had bought locally in the first place.
9 times out of 10 it works out great and it's worth the risk, but if it doesn't...............
I actually found Ted's Cameras pricing very close to the international price on the items I bought.
e.g A lens at one dealer was $3499.00, I bought from Ted's in Adelaide for $2800.00. Australian warranty and all. ;D
Fuel pumps are notorious on eBay . A few guys I know with worked cars have been done with counterfeit Walbro pumps out of China. They are a very good fake.
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DG pipe for my 250 in OZ between $500 and $750 - through Dirt Overstock delivered to the door in 8 days including delivery $300!! Also tried to buy the jersey I wanted from a local dealer - FOX brand - sorry not bringing those into OZ - straight off the shelf at Dennis Kirk. I support the local "engineering" shops Ray Easson, GMC etc but retail certainly doesn't do much for me. And when I work away from home internet is internet dont really care where it comes from. Serco wanted somewhere around $400 for a sleeve for my 360 and I would have to wait 2 months until the order was placed (not delivered) - from the States through LA Sleeves through a friend $150?
Cheers
Rossco
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Services are where it's at now. You can get product from anywhere.
If you're good at fixing/tuning bikes, you'll always be in business (especially since the advent of the new generation four strokes).
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I've been jumped on before for not supporting the local industry but like Firko I'm beyond giving a damn about them as they do little for us. The pricing is crazy and the service is shit compared to what I get from the US. The oz dollar levelling with the US dollar does help but even before that with the 70cent conversion rate the parts were still cheaper! It's been a long time since I have found any comparable price locally on any part or accessory compared with what is available from the US. Tyres and chains excluded.
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when i was working in suzuki dealership and was geting parts at cost it was cheaper to buy from the shop new owners came in and it went from cost to cost plus 10% the it became cheaper to buy most things on ebay now that im not working for suzuki dealership its so much cheaper on ebay and i also save on fuel costs to pick parts up
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Just got off the phone for a price check on a Suzuki Tm 250 carb intake pipe ( Alpha sport $37-98 usd plus postage $10-00 ) same item has to be paid for in advance and is 2 weeks away at local dealer $ 62-35 . no thanks I'll buy overseas cheaper and arrives in a week .
Price up a set of RM side covers , and make sure your seated when your get a reply :o
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On my 5th Maico Restoration, I have given up completely on Aussie suppliers, quite often, after delays, its the wrong part. One phone call to the US, problem solved, much cheaper delivered to the door & good communication. Would love to buy in Australia, but whats the point.
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Fuel pumps are notorious on eBay . A few guys I know with worked cars have been done with counterfeit Walbro pumps out of China. They are a very good fake.
If the one I got was fake, it was a beauty. Identical to the one that came out down to the numbers stamped into the case. Either way, I did my dough. :D
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E74,
I know it's not VMX but I won't sleep tonight after seeing the price for the van you ordered.
Can you give me more detail. Are you happy with the quality.
How did you go with Australian compliance?
I'm due to take delivery of a Jayco Swan Outback that sleeps 7 any day now.
No shower, no toilet, No Bikes!!!!!!!!!!! & I'm paying more than you have. :'(
AJ
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Actually E74 I wouldn't mind some more details if possible?
thanks
Rossco
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and it should also be noted that not all parts are cheaper from the States (I think somebody already mentioned about prices going up as parts get older) - 1974 YZ360B seat $600USD, YZ series tank rubbers (the ones that protect the tank from the strap) $400USD and the little rubber flap that mounts under the seat to keep mud off the back of the shock $99USD (Repros $15). I wish I had lots of money when I was a young fella coz I could make a killing now if I had this stuff - see the restored CR250 73/74 for over $8000USD!!!
cheers
Rossco
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Have you also considered that Yamaha or any other manufacturer has taken the VMX trend seriosly and made another small run of hard to get parts to keep their customers happy ? That could also be a reason for higher pricing ??? In the end , the market will regulate itself. If they are to dear , then sombody will (and can) make some aftermarket parts, but that involves a big risk. I know the problem with the VMX forksprings , we can make one special set for $1000 , 10 set for $280 or 100 set for $120 per set. Its hard to win in a niche market.
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Hey E74,
You should rent out the empty space in the back of your camper. Fill it with bikes/parts for OzVMX members and subsidise your import/shipping costs. No point shipping American 'air' to Australia.
Let me know if that sounds like a good idea, and I will hunt down a bike to add to the list.
VMX42
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Have you also considered that Yamaha or any other manufacturer has taken the VMX trend seriosly and made another small run of hard to get parts to keep their customers happy ? That could also be a reason for higher pricing ???
They haven't - well at least not for the stuff I've looked at. This is stock that's been sitting on dealer's shelves for 30+ years, and hasn't sold. So nobody bought it for $9.95 in 1975, nobody bought it for $9.95 in 1985, nobody bought it for $9.95 in 1995, nobody bought it for $9.95 in 2005, but now they expect me to pay $140 for it in 2008?
I don't think so.
Datsun... erm, Nissan Australia have warehouse clearances ever so often. They just off-load excess shit that has been sitting around - and while they make it hard (only making the clearance item lists available to dealers, and only listing part numbers) it means that the parts go out to people who will actually use them, and the distributor can free up dead space in their warehouse.
And yes they keep some stock on hand, so if someone wants to buy a set of 14" Bluebird alloys in 2023, they'll have a set to sell.
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G`day population will keep prices down all the time ie a mate of mine makes fibreglass bits for bikes high volume stuff is cheaper than an odd thing he may only sell 1or2 off. i own a smaal shop ,i do look after vmx,mx, trials,motardand road racers - they do put 1 of my shop stickers on tho.mate you try and stock a shop and try to cater for everyone like we do and still maintain a profit margin to keep going.its like when someone whinges about the price for fitting a tyre when they dont even buy it off you - buy it off us and we fit it fir for free. yes i want a deposit for ordered parts - i would have aleast 1000.00 worth of bits and not been picked up!!!!!! and you cant send special orders back.i have seen customers buy stuff from os and end up costing more because the parts are wrong or can be different spec to ours. also not to mention the free advice we give out or not charging because some dicks bike wont go because the kill switch is turned off thanks robin
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you could never stock all the spare parts that people want, when i worked in spare parts guys would full on get the shits cause you didnt have their part in stock .then it would get worse when you told them it had to come from japan and that they had to pay for it before you would order it they think you should have every part for their bike in stock at all times . bike shops have to pay to have thing delivered to so you have to add some of the cost onto the buyer or you wouldnt make any money and we had lots of parts that guys would order and never come and pick up some had paid deposits on them but still didnt come get them. thats why i became a mechanic to get away from spare parts before i hit some one
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We purchased a front sprocket the other day(06 bike) ,got it home and it was the wrong size ::) after taking it back to the shop, they wanted a deposit to order the right toothed sprocket,even though we had the other sprocket. >:( ??? >:( ???
Shorelinemc we had never heard of this before this week.
I do understand the ordered gear that bike shops must have in stock that has not been picked up.
After shopping for bikes for the past 20 odd years I was very peed off by the (honda too much red maybe) shops attitude and non vmx vibs.
Our 14 year old even commented that he would like to purchase a new 09 Suzuki in Perth :o and not at the local shop,oops they just lost a big customer.
Bad news travels fast
Oh well should of stayed at me local Kawa shop ::)
ps why are some things cheaper os = more people
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??? Must be hard to run a business like that, with such a lovely clientele
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??? Must be hard to run a business like that.
Thats what amazed us(me & my brother-in-law),just never heard of the deposit stuff before this week.
Oh and another thing there was only me in the shop and 8 staff,(on a tuesday)don't know how they afford it???
maybe they knew I was comin and put all the staff on,,,heres the bitch from hell ;) :D
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I'm a bit tired of young puppies with spiky hair and nicely ironed race team shirts serving me in bike shops. Eight times out of ten they couldn't be bothered checking the computer for the parts you need and have usually got a smart arse comment about my wanting parts for a bike more than 5 years old. Hawkesbury Honda used to be a great old shop when it was owned by Paul Giles and his young bloke, superbike legend Shawn, two of the nices people you'd ever meet. You could walk in and Paul would know you by your first name, what you rode and would be genuinely interested in what you'd been up to. If they weren't busy you could bet you'd get a cup of coffee and a bit of bench racing. If you needed a part for a race meeting and didn't have the money right then, Paul would often give it to you as long as you paid him when you could afford it. Naturally, we always did. Paul unfortunately died and one of the last of the great family bike shops was sold and replaced by a huge carpeted and shiny glass modern megamart with eerily no atmosphere and piped music, manned by the forementioned spiky haired young blokes with attitude and no interest in anything older than the previous model. The young bloke who served me the other day, Justin/Jason/Jaden or whatever, was telling me about his mates vintage Honda CR250. Silly me assumed he was talking about an RZ or even an Elsinore. No, he was talking about a '97 CR250 and calling it vintage. When I mentioned Hondas with twin shocks you could see the interest drain from his face quicker than it had taken him to comb his hair. Wheras old Gilesy kept a good selection of vintage oriented parts, these slick Harrys keep hardly any stock other than the consumables and it annoys me having to pay for an item before I get it.
Thankfully, I can shop from any number of overseas and local vintage oriented shops who not only know what I want,but are genuinely interested in me as a customer. The same goes with Ebay. I've met some very interesting and nice people who have remained friends. I always get better prices, better variety and different types of stuff that you'd never find here. The world is rapidly changing and it's become a global market. Like other posters here, I don't really care about supporting "our own" any more. I'm out for the best deal for my money, no matter where that deal is.
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ONE MORE
thor force knee guards
australia 179.99
usa 85.00 + 29.00 air mail 38.00 if wanted in 5 days
the dollar is droping now under 90c via paypal
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and I cannot get a job in spares accessories sales and "Polite customer service" ...well maybe because I bother to care and I don't have spiky hair and I am 51.....Tim
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A mate was forced to drive 25 minutes to put a deposit on a car part before they'd order it - the part was worth $8, and they'd already apologised to him for not having one in stock because it was a high-turn-over item... ::)
I'm sure the (large, successful) dealership could have worn the expense if he'd never bothered to pick it up.
A lot of parts guys are just useless, and the good ones are worth their weight in gold... I mean, FFS, they go on about "spare parts interpreters" like it is some kinda of mystic skill - and maybe it is to the typical person who aspires to being a parts counter jockey....
The local Yamaha dealer gets some of my business only because the parts guy is prepared to spend the extra 10 seconds to look for stuff outside his comfort zone. They don't get all of my business because the boss is the exact opposite, and shits me to tears.
I've spent a lot of money in that shop, and yet trying to get a $256 bill rounded down to $250 was like pulling teeth... Loyalty is a 2-way street and they've done nothing to earn mine.
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YSS - your point appears to have been missed - yep definitely difficult to set up a business with clientelle like we have here (please note not abusing anybody as I am one of those - check the comments) but tell me where we are wrong? I want to and do support the VMX businesses that "look after me" and in general I think we are talking about non vmx businesses but sorry I 100% agree with the guys - if I need parts and they are double the price locally then off shore goes my business. Jimg1au mentions force knee guards - I had to chase all the way to the Australian distributor to be told sorry if you want some this side of 4 months best go overseas - $125 and 1 week later on the doorstep. It is not a god given right to get my business - it has to be earned - and businesses like yours GMC, Red Devil racing, Ray Easson are all doing that I feel but bugger the rest!
Rossco
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I think theirs a few things that factor into it.
GST for one, buying OS allows you to dodge 10%
Postage can sometimes work against local business. Overseas postage is based on weight only, whereas local is based on size & weight. So a front guard for instance wouldn't cost much to send overseas as it's weight is minimal while postage throughout Aust. would be judged on it's size so being an awkward shape would make it expensive to post over here.
I'm also wondering what the bike shops in the USA are like ,as it seems your judging local shops against a warehouse distributor.
By all means buy where your dollar goes further, but don't be bagging a place because you were able to get a trade/wholesale price somewhere else.
I just read here that when a shop added 10% to their cost price it then became cheaper to buy OS. Well if the shop has to make less than 10% to compete then it seems the shops aren't making much out of it.