To add to my earlier post, I did not find that there was so much
difference if you wanted the binocs shipping here. The major factor is
how much you pay for the shipping. If you want the binos sent quickly
via fedex you might pay USD150-200. Say you want to buy some Swarovski
EL 8.5x42. You can get them online for USD1900 but when you add
shipping and duty this can easily get to AUD2500-2700 assuming
shipping USD150, exchange rate 85-90c, GST at 10% of combined shipping
and purchase price (no duty under US-australia free trade agreement).
There is also a customs fee which for my last purchase of USD1801 was
AUD$60. I paid AUD300 in duties and fees. Local price for the
Swarovskis is ~$2850 but I have seen them cheaper in Sydney on sale
(Waves in Five Dock last year) for $2500. So my feeling was its a bit
more complex than saying that they are half price overseas. They are
still usually cheaper from overseas but not quite as much as you think.
However these calculations are only if you want the object
airfreighted to you in Australia. If you are walking down the street
in a populous part of america in some state that does not have state
sales tax (sometimes 10% OR MORE) then the Swarovskis at USD1900 are a
great buy. Its up to you whether you declare them or whether they
appear so worn from you lying in the dust on that rattlesnake nest
while watching that charming family of burrowing owls that they could
pass for pre-loved 'had em for years'. You usually only get a US
warranty on the Swarovskis though. Leica is different I understand.
Also if you are travelling in the US birding stores are worth a browse
as objects on sale in the US are sometimes ridiculously low prices. I
used to live in Boston Massachusetts and the birding store on Rte 1
north would have great sales for no reason. I bought a pair of Minox
on sale for less than half what they might cost here. In fact I so
undervalued them that when i left the US I gave them to a good friend
who had done me a great favour. I got a huge shock when I found out
the Australian replacement cost.
Also there can be considerable variation across different brands. For
example the Zeiss top end seem to be much cheaper to buy from the US.
thats my 5cents (US 4.5 cents today).
David
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