Exorbitant pricing by distributors

[Sabby]

Why are we being charged such exorbitant prices for hi-fi equipment in this country? Only one answer comes to mind, GREED, GREED AND MORE GREED. The importers seem to be of the opinion that now that the consumer is buying far less than before, they might as well push up prices to make up the difference. The problem we have in this country is weak consumer resistance. People will blindly pay these prices, not knowing that they are being ripped off. When is the consumer going to fight back and say enough, we will not be taken for a ride any longer! There were however two distributors I found who seemed to be charging fair prices for their products when compared to prices in the UK, namely Sony and HFX Systems. When I compared prices of their products to those in the UK taking into account the current exchange rates, then their pricing seems very fair. But as for the rest...

[ghostinthemachine]

Sabby...

Have you noticed your current geological location on Mother earth? You most probably live somewhere at the tip of the African continent. This relative to Europe's location equates to hundreds of miles which is directly proportional to shipping costs. Also add tax and all the other mandatory monies and overheads.

It is unfair to rant about "Local Distributors being Greedy".

Now you, as a private individual try to import a piece of audio gear from the UK or US on your own. You'll quickly sing a different tune.

[KenMasters]

I've noticed it's especially bad with TV sets. The pricing for the Samsung LED set in SA is double the Danish asking price. The asking price for my Velodyne in SA is similarly inflated.

[Hennie]

What GITM said about transport costs is perfectly true, as are arguments about the size of our market and overhead costs. The same applies to communication and other infrastructure intensive services.

But still, some distributors do have a much higher markup than others. I think those with anomalous pricing should be exposed. It is not hard to pick up such anomalies.

[Sabby]

Ghostinthemachine...

In case you are not aware, nearly all hi-fi equipment comes from the far east, so the argument about increased shipping costs doesn't hold water. In fact our shipping costs should be less than that of Europe as we are closer to the source.

[Sabby]

Ghostinthemachine...

With regard to the other point that you make - "Also add tax and all the other mandatory monies and overheads" - these costs also apply to European countries. I would image their overheads are higher than ours as their salaries and rentals are much higher. Please don't try and defend these exorbitant prices.

[oradba69]

Ghostinthemachine...

In case you are not aware, nearly all hi-fi equipment comes from the far east, so the argument about increased shipping costs doesn't hold water. In fact our shipping costs should be less than that of Europe as we are closer to the source.

You did not have geography at school did you 
What makes specifically from the 'far east' are you refering to?

[Kevin99]

You did not have geography at school did you 
What makes specifically from the 'far east' are you refering to?

Made in China. 
What about the shipping cost of all the Makro, Hificorp, etc specials?
How can shipping costs be to blame for the high prices, if the cheap makes comes from the same country?

Take the Cambridge Audio Dacmagic, selling from half the SA price in the UK, and it is only about 1kg, so how much can the shipping be?
http://www.richersounds.com/product/cd-players-dacs/cambridge-audio/dacmagic/camb-dacmagic-08-blk

[Sabby]

Its more like you didn't do geography at school. Where do you think B&W speakers are now made? China. Where are Onkyo, Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, Cambridge Audio, etc manufactured? Please check your facts before you stupidly commit yourself to displaying your ignorance.

[oradba69]

Its more like you didn't do geography at school. Where do you think B&W speakers are now made? China. Where are Onkyo, Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, Cambridge Audio, etc manufactured? Please check your facts before you stupidly commit yourself to displaying your ignorance.

Ummm Sabby surely out of a purely geographical point Europe is closer to SA than the far east. To quote you 'In fact our shipping costs should be less than that of Europe as we are closer to the source.'(Fact)
I know they are all made in the east we are talking shipping distance difference.
Still awaiting your reply on what distributor(not retailer) you are referring to.
Why do you bitch if you could bring it in cheaper with buggeroll local support if your piece of equipment may go bust?
Its a free world stop complaining and buy it overseas.

[Sabby]

oradba69..

I now know that you didn't do geography at school. If you care to look at the map of the world and measure the distance from the far east, you would see that South Africa is definitely closer than Europe. Then you go on to contradict yourself when, in your first post, you want to know which brands are manufactured in the far east and in your second post you say that you know that all brands are made in the far east.
As to which distributor, I cannot give you an answer as I do not know which brands are imported by which distributor. I was merely comparing retail prices here and overseas.

[Andrew]

Its more like you didn't do geography at school. Where do you think B&W speakers are now made? China. Where are Onkyo, Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, Cambridge Audio, etc manufactured? Please check your facts before you stupidly commit yourself to displaying your ignorance.

Sabby, please play nicely. I'm certain you can make a point without resorting to insults? Everyone just chill and keep things above the belt, please. I only come back from leave on Monday and don't want to have to sort out WW III here before I return, okay...?  Please?

[oradba69]

oradba69..

I now know that you didn't do geography at school. If you care to look at the map of the world and measure the distance from the far east, you would see that South Africa is definitely closer than Europe. Then you go on to contradict yourself when, in your first post, you want to know which brands are manufactured in the far east and in your second post you say that you know that all brands are made in the far east.
As to which distributor, I cannot give you an answer as I do not know which brands are imported by which distributor. I was merely comparing retail prices here and overseas.

Lets not split hairs, must confess its closer than I thought but I do win. Distance from Shanghai to Cape Town 8057miles(12967 km) and between London and Cape Town 5979 miles(9623 km). Not that I think it is relevant at all. If you saw my smiley in my first reply you would have gathered that it was said with a tongue in the cheek. I see you have only contrtibuted with 3 posts on this forum of which 2 you are abusive and insulting. The only post where you were not rude was when you were seeking advise.
For the rest of your bitching and moaning, I am not gonna waste my time further to argue with you, since I have better things to do with my time  

[Sabby]

Glad to hear that oradba69.

[Blues]

I think a difference in shipping is more related to quantity than distance, but still doesn't justify a 100% mark up (compared to oversea pricing). other factors like labour, rent, promotion and so on, are significantly more expensive overseas.
there are certainly some dealers with fair pricing, but in general I also find many things much too expensive. which is one of the reasons why my gear is mostly imported...