Thread: Overseas purchase

What type of guide rails, straight edge, tracksaw? How much?

Yeah I try and support local retailers where I can but most of my tools are bought from overseas. 2 day shipping from Axminster in the UK and their prices are usually 50-60% of local after I factor in shipping. I can handle paying like 25-30% because I understand tax and overheads but I'm not a rich man.

Some posts have been deleted as they contravene this forums' ToU.

Before people feel the need to put up another rant would they please read the forum ToU and familiarise themselves what is and isn't acceptable.

Quite apart from that, I would have thought that the subject of Festool's marketing arrangements has been well and truly covered on this forum and it would be nigh on impossible to add something original on that subject.

Originally Posted by bueller

Yeah I try and support local retailers where I can but most of my tools are bought from overseas. 2 day shipping from Axminster in the UK and their prices are usually 50-60% of local after I factor in shipping. I can handle paying like 25-30% because I understand tax and overheads but I'm not a rich man.

I am the same. Reality is though that at the AU prices I probably wouldn't have bought 2 different lengths, possibly none at all.

Tools

Originally Posted by aldav

What type of guide rails, straight edge, tracksaw? How much?

Track saw.

800 and 1080 plus 2 connector bars for 169GBP delivered. Equates to 285 AUD.

Aust list prices are 135 + 175 + 68 = 378 AUD

Tools

I saw this while looking: Festool Extraction Hose Wrap | eBay

Its a sleeve for the hose - cord fits inside too. Fantastic!

Arrived on my doorstep today, less than a week after ordering. Not bad when it has come from the other side of the world. In fact it was only posted on the 21st and got here in less than three days via UPS.

Tools

It's still not exactly a fantastic deal, $356 before you remove VAT, I think it makes the Aussie price look pretty good.

Just because you are avoiding paying tax doesn't mean the local importer is ripping you off because items cost more.........

Originally Posted by Ubernoob

It's still not exactly a fantastic deal, $356 before you remove VAT, I think it makes the Aussie price look pretty good.

Just because you are avoiding paying tax doesn't mean the local importer is ripping you off because items cost more.........

No worries. There are plenty of aussie sellers you can purchase your gear from

Tools

Originally Posted by Ubernoob

It's still not exactly a fantastic deal, $356 before you remove VAT, I think it makes the Aussie price look pretty good.

Just because you are avoiding paying tax doesn't mean the local importer is ripping you off because items cost more.........

If the locals were to give you a 25% discount I think that we would all be hearing about it.

Originally Posted by bueller

Yeah I try and support local retailers where I can but most of my tools are bought from overseas. 2 day shipping from Axminster in the UK and their prices are usually 50-60% of local after I factor in shipping. I can handle paying like 25-30% because I understand tax and overheads but I'm not a rich man.

Can you share some links or names where you buy?
I have a new workshop to fit out - I have bugger-all tools & a budget to match.

Really just Axminster, I do big orders to fray the cost of shipping ($50 minimum shipping cost to Aus.)

Just want to add my thoughts regarding local vs international retailers because this was on my mind recently.

IMO the main value added by local retailers of goods available overseas are; security (certainty of getting your stuff), convenience (get it now), warranty support, advice and the ability to see/touch the tools before you buy.

I have never returned an item for warranty issues in my life so that isn't important to me. Security likewise. Advice: I've found my own research helps me far more than a salesman. So it comes down to seeing the item and convenience.

I will buy am item in Australia if I am unwilling to buy it sight unseen online or if I need it today and don't want to wait for shipping. I'll also buy stuff if the markup is reasonable just to keep the retailers afloat for when I want convenience on something else next time. Otherwise I'll buy online from the cheapest source domestic or international.

I think if you go into a local store, check out an item and then go online and buy it somewhere else it's similar to theft. You've stolen the retailers value-add.

However, I don't agree with the arguments that supporting a reseller of goods in Australia, that are manufactured overseas, is in any way supporting the Australian economy. You are simply handing over your money to the owner of that business.

Now if something were actually manufactured in Australia I would be far far more willing to pay a large premium, and this would actually help our economy

Originally Posted by bueller

Really just Axminster, I do big orders to fray the cost of shipping ($50 minimum shipping cost to Aus.)

Ok, cool. I'm guessing that for power tools you'd need to change the plug.

Edit: Just had a look at a Festool Kapex dropsaw for comparison - UK price is two-thirds local price, saving $650 AUD. Freight to come out of that, but I don't expect it to be more than $200.
Anyone know anything about import duty on power tools?