[quote=Wantok;841454]Gentlemen,
I have owned and run a Tackle Shop in Brisbane for seven years and would like to make a few comments on this thread.
1. If a retailer tried to import quantities of stock from overseas as suggested in the thread two things would happen. Firstly he would incur significant charges in the form of import duty and customs handling charges. Secondly most importers and distributors have have an agreement for sole rights on the importation of that particular brand, if it is discovered that someone else is importing that product through the back door and retailing them in Australia the retailer is liable to face legal action. This has happened in the past on several occasions and all of the stock illegally imported has been seized by the authorities.
Gordon,
Number 1. is the EXACT reason why we are getting shafted here in OZ. I used to work in a tackle shop for several years. The fact that importers have the sole right to import a product ie daiwa or shimano, gives them the right to set the price. That is wrong, wrong wrong. Imagine what the fuel prices would be if there was only one importer for fuel in Aust!!!!
I understand that your markup is relatively small at shop level. I certainly dont disagree with that. you need to earn a living and pay the multiple expenses occured in running a business.
Why cant we get multiple importers for the same products???...the shop owners and public should fight for that........they need to compete with each other....prices come down for you....thus does the local shop price for us..........we start shopping locally again....win win win for everyone. At the moment the only ones winning is the sole right importers.
Tackle shops Vs the public arguements shouldn't happen....but we have all been backed into an expensive corner by the importers. We are being left with no choice to shop OS. I dont think there would be a fisherman on here that wouldn't start shopping back locally if the prices got back to somewhere close to the O/S cost. 40% + discount is too good to refuse. I feel guilty every time for doing it though.
As for local knowedge and service. I am still waiting for a quote for about $2000 bucks worth of boat accessories from 2 years back from a boating/tackle shop....mmmm I think I can stop holding my breath now!!
I went to a brisbane tackle shop the other day and asked how to catch a barra at Monduran and what gear I needed.......It was an embarassment to listen to the dribble that this bloke claimed was 'the good gear and good oil'. And there prices were way dearer than my 'local' shop here 400km north and he is not involved in a 'big buying group'.
Steve