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Thread ID: 37349 2003-09-04 22:07:00 Digital Cameras: why do they cost so much in NZ? braindead (1685) Press F1
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173044 2003-09-04 22:07:00 Boy, NZ prices sure are inflated. I've been looking around for a digi cam that takes sharp, true-colour, good quality pics (better than just fuzzy web-quality) that weighs in at around $800. Prices for new cams are usually well above this.

Would I be better off buying second-hand? If you use a cam, what are your thoughts on this and what cams do you recommend?

I've been surfing through PC World's reviews etc but feedback from users seems more valuable.

Many thanks for your help folks. 		braindead (1685)
173045 2003-09-04 22:27:00 Oh, at a guess, for starters I'd suggest:

Exchange rates (price perceptions)

Freight charges

Customs charges

GST

ACC Levies

Cost of money (Interest)

Cost of stocking (cost of money tied up)

Low sales volumes

Staff training for product support

Warranty support (takes time and money)

Advertising

Cost of stocking accessories for low volume sales

Stock Insurance

Shrinkage (theft)

There are probably many other costs specific to hi tech products as well as those associated with the simple cost of doing business.

IMHO prices do not compare that badly though, try bringing an unsupported camera in as a private import and you may find the saving is not all that great. Local prices can be quite sharp if you shop around.

Cheers

Billy 8-{) 		Billy T (70)
173046 2003-09-04 22:43:00 Well if you just want a good camera cheap, then you could ask someone in Asia, or travelling there to buy one for you. In general, similar models to ones stocked here would cost a couple of hundred dollars less, if they find the right stores to buy them from.

However, you'll have to live without a warranty, and also have to learn to read Japanese or something :D 		somebody (208)
173047 2003-09-04 23:55:00 I think the price can differ by so much, get someone or urself to get one overseas . English manuals are obtainable in JP even .

Yes, no warranty but personally the extra 40-70% does not warrant to have the one yr warranty . This is for registered overseas products . Parallel imports into those countries can even be lower (as understandable) . I am willing to take a gamble, after one yr one needs to pay for service regardless and if it does break within one yr u can get some people (family) or urself to go back and get it serviced for free . Even thou u cannot bring it back I am willing to pay another new one overseas IF it does break down within a yr . Chances . . . .

Cheers . 		nomad (3693)
173048 2003-09-05 00:08:00 Damn - that's a fine list Billy. Gives me an insight. Thanks. braindead (1685)
173049 2003-09-05 00:11:00 >>have to learn to read Japanese or something<<

It's the "or something" that has me worried ):o)

Thanks for that somebody. 		braindead (1685)
173050 2003-09-05 00:13:00 Much appreciated nomad. braindead (1685)
173051 2003-09-05 00:59:00 Had an exchange student from Japan come over, and we went shopping and he couldn't believe what NZ'ers were trying to sell. He said over in Japan they are giving these things away, well a little exaggeration but they are far cheaper there.

I thought if they were given them away it'd be a good time to visit Japan, could make a fortune with free electronic equipment, just hope I bring a big enough suitcase. 		Kame (312)
173052 2003-09-05 01:15:00 There is indeed some good bargins to be had in Japan on stuff that in NZ and elsewhere is considered as the latest model and at very reasonable pricing compared to what you would pay at your local camera shop or highstreet retailer. Gordon. (2217)
173053 2003-09-05 05:49:00 I bought a Minolta 7hi for just over half the NZ price. They have a worldwide warranty, so no worries there. 256Mb CompactFlash cards for NZ$57.00 and a 1Gb card for NZ$200.
Yes, why are they so dear in NZ.
Off topic, but I buy fishing tackle too, at half price. 		Fishb8 (484)
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