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All good thoughts lads.
The current import/distribution model is unsustainable, and retailers should try to do more to be competitive. But under current arrangements, where would being competitive leave retailers if their only source of product (through a 'preferred' importer/distributor) charges huge mark-ups, forcing them to recoup their costs by on-charging just as much again to the consumer? I believe the shopfront retail model is an unsustainable match for the way buying patterns are heading. So I can empathise, to a point.
@Peter Jones, I understood the ACCC was trying to minimise or remove the competitive impediments associated with parallel import restrictions? But doesn't that have more to do with licensing, IP and trademark (protectionism, by any other name) rather than pure price-sensitivity? You'd think if Item A is too expensive from Importer A, Mr Retailer will just go to Importer B and get it from them so costs are smaller > margins better > price more competitive? You'd therefore have to assume the AU market works primarily on margin, because the methods I've seen some places trying move stock (asking full price for stuff that's 5 years old!) it can't be working on volume?
As individuals, we can all make enquiries and receive what we're looking for in much quicker time and at quite a saving than local retailers because we cut out the (price-gouging) middle man. Unfortunately, being blacklisted by their distributors (for cutting out the middle-man) is exactly what restricts local retailers doing the same... I place an order, I put my money down, and the 'overnight' bag takes a week to arrive in BNE? And for this I not only have to wait longer, but also pay more than if I purchased the same item on-line, without any of the associated hassles?
For those who are interested, the recent case of removing parallel import restrictions for books could be substituted here:
“The Australian Government, through the Productivity Commission, is reviewing the restrictive laws that unnecessarily inflate the price of books. The current laws stop Australian Booksellers importing books other than through the Australian subsidiaries or agents of overseas publishers.
This may sound reasonable but it prevents copyright-protected books from being imported from the most competitive market, usually the United States or the UK, whichever is the cheapest when ordering.
The current law stops us buying books at the lowest price to put in our stores for you to buy. […]"
Originally Posted by gareth_oau
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