I have been facing that dilemma a few times now but resorted to buying all my gear from overseas. Of course, I would like to support local kiteshops, but seriously, I cannot justify being ripped off.
I have a good source in the States, and a quick google search should do it, and the gear generally arrives within 7 days. I now get the gear a whopping 30-50% cheaper than what the shops charge here, and yes that includes shipping.
wanted to put it out there, because we are getting ripped Off in OZ

People here get a little upset when they hear things like this...

It's not the kites shops here "ripping you off". It's just a hyper inflated insular economy, the same one that pays you perhaps 40-50% more salary than someone doing the same job in the US, for example.

So, although its understandable that you want to spend your money elsewhere because you get more bang for your buck, it's perceived as very unpatriotic by the locals.

I don't subscribe to this argument myself, btw, but I'm not an Australian citizen.

Buying overseas is the future guys and gals. Until the local shops figure it out and offer competitive prices, I'm not turning back.

I havent purchased a single piece of equipment in Australia for years for the very reason that you are paying 30-50% more here.
With the kite I ride shops in Perth charge anywhere between $2100 and $2400, online from the USA you can get them delivered to your door for $1500. HUGE saving. its a no brainer.

Bar and Kite each priced separately come in under $1000 so no GST issues or import tax.

Lostinlondon, the warranty issue is a non-concern. I have had great responsiveness from the states with them sending me a spare part (on the one occasion i needed it).

Warranties are generally a joke, I had a mate who purchased a North Whip board here in Perth and after 6 months it snapped for no apparent reason. The Shop didnt want to know about it and wouldn't even assist him with his appeal to North for a replacement under warranty.

That board cost him $1200 here, i got the same one from the states for $700. If I snap mine I'm still $500 up!

Local shops may bitch and moan, but they need to realise they are in a global economy. If they cant compete they should shut their shops buy their kites online and go kiting.

Geez, do a search, it's been done to death.
First post troll anyway.

jeez just do some research, decide how you are going to buy and do it.. omg such a dilemma isnt it!!

troll post

First of all, if you don't like the topic, don't read it and reply to it. It just got me angry a few days ago after I went into the shop again, that's why I am posting it YOU TROLL!!

I like the bargain comment, but I tried to make an offer to a shop owner and got the reply "We are not in Bali, here".
Warranties???? The only ever thing I bought in OZ, was the one which broke. The strap on my board broke, so I went to the shop. They didn't want to give me a new one, they wanted to send it back to North. So, what should I do? Wait three weeks for a strap? In the middle of the season?

Ripped off? Let me give you an example: 2013 Nort Rebel 10m, I paid US$1,600, retails here upwards from A$2,200. North Board are around A$300 cheaper. So, if I can get a kite for $1,600, how much would a shop pay, ordering 10 or so?
How can you justify a 50% mark up?

And like I said, it's been done to death here many times.
Use the search tool and you will find many more of these topics.
You're just filling up the forum with SPAM.
what use is it starting your first ever post here with a winge? No "Hi guy's"
Also, what is your intent? We'll assume that everyone on this forum has had some exposure to the Internet, and hence, can use a search engine or type URL's into their browser to check prices of gear all round the planet. If they decide to purchase equipment overseas, then good luck to them.
Complaining that Aussie stores charge too much when you have only ever bought one thing from them is a bit rich. You have voted with your $$$ and that's fair enough.
For those who do buy locally, the service, support and other bonuses they receive (demoing new kit, dropping in for a chat/beer and so on) more than justify their decision too.
So, back to your first post. It was an inflammatory troll and designed to get a response, which it did.
Welcome to Seabreeze.

dusta said...
to the muppet op , do you think the stores are making 50% profit ?


Yes i have bought some stuff from O/S and also support local when i can . It isn't the guy who owns the shop who's raking in the cash . There are so many other factors as to why **** is soo expensive over here before you look at the store owner .


i bought a board locally . Wasn't that much more expensive than O/S but when it broke guess who sorted out a new board for me and even offered a loan board which i refused ?

Wasn't some overseas shop thats for sure

I also said, that I WOULD LIKE to support the local shop here but I cannot justify it if I have to pay that much more. It is just a bit fustrating if you try to negotiate a little and then being treated like you want to rob the shop. I have ordered my board now (and with that $900 leaving the OZ economy) and have to ride an old twin tip till I get it.
Makes you wonder where the Australian retail is heading (and I have no more sympathy with them whinging) as the service here is probably one of the worst in the world. I am sure they will have another excuse when the A$ falls, which is that their imported goods getting more expensive

BlueRoom said...
I have ordered my board now (and with that $900 leaving the OZ economy) and have to ride an old twin tip till I get it.

For your reference I just bought a locally shaped and produced board from a WA shaper for less than the $900 you have sent o/s.

This helps to keep manufacturing local and if more of us do it we will ensure that they are always around.