i work in a local bike shop and people buying stuff over seas is hurting us bad.
what people need to understand is we are not ripping you off!
stuff is cheaper from america simply because they have massive buying power.
the australian motorcycle industry is tiny in comparison to them let alone the world, so obviously they can purchase product in much greater quantities than australian suppliers therefore making it cheaper.
secondly everything is made in china, then american companies buy it from china and our suppliers have to then import it from america where the companies are based ( Fox , Thor etc). everyone along the line needs to make a cut out of it or we all go broke, so it’s not like australian companies are making a killing off it cause thats far from the truth.
our profit margins haven’t changed in years and if anything they have dropped.
so if every one buys shit from the internet, local shops go broke and close, no one can fit your parts, or fix your bike, or spend time giving you advice with your problems,or sell you a new bike, or try on clothing to check sizes before you buy, or return faulty items, or loan you a part to get you out of trouble or any other services your bike shop provides???
i know its tempting to save money, i’m in the same boat. but you have to think of the big picture
this problem is hurting all small busines’s not just the motorcycle industry as all australian dollars at them moment seem to be feeding a downwards american economy that is not helping out australia at all.
The Importers are trying the best they can to compete with the american market because they are suffering aswell but they simply dont have the buying power.
And also all the importers buy there stocks well in advance when the dollar was shit and now that it is in comparison they cant cut all there profits and go broke as there is no point. And its not like america gives them a Rebate when the dollar gets better they just have to wear it and battle through the hard times.
at the end of the day we look after our customers as best we can, espescially loyal customers.
and we all need to make a living somehow.
phil, brock
mud n tar m/c
