Why I sometimes buy from overseas sellers

[Cage]

I generally bend over backwards to support our B&M shops and local on-line sellers, often paying extra $'s to do so.

However at times the local pricing is way over the top. I've been searching for a couple of mounting plates to complete the set-up of my camera and guide 'scope onto my motorised astro mount. A Sydney seller wanted $AU55.00 + $10.00 to send the plate 150 klms.

One of our site sponsors, B&H Photo video, had the same plate for $US25.00 each, so I ordered two, and the postage cost to send them about 16,000 klms was $US12.26. Oh, and sorry Rick, I forgot to order them through the site.

After copping PayPal's extortionate exchange rate the cost to me was $AU43.69, per plate, delivered, as opposed to $65.00 to support a local seller. And I only use PayPal to minimise the number of times my debit card details are available to be pilfered.

As a very parochial Australian I feel bad when I do this, but fair dinkum, you have to draw the line somewhere.

[Lance B]

I agree. I never buy memory cards from local agents because they are generally at least 50% dearer - for the ones I am after anyway. I just can't understand why memory card prices are so expensive here in Oz. I buy from B&H generally as they are reputable and I have never had a dodgy card from them. I will not buy cameras or lenses from OS, though.

I must admit, I had forgotten that Ausphotography gets a kick back if I log on through this site.

[Glenda]

I'm another one who will always shop locally if possible, but, when their prices are ridiculously higher it becomes increasingly difficult to justify and it's not only camera gear.

[MissionMan]

I buy big items locally, small items overseas. I find you can get bodies and lenses down to comparable pricing is you are prepared to wait for sales or buy in bulk. I keep an eye on places like Kogan for specials on memory cards because they can have up to 50% off at times