Since the AU$ is worth about 15% more vs the US$ (and most other currencies) than it was this time last year should we be expecting 2012 kit prices to be 15% less than they were last year?
I guess that depends on whether the dealers pay rent, wages, insurance, electricity etc in US$ !
Possibly partially true but unless my maths is completely useless (very possible) then at least some of the discount should come through if they are able to buy the kit in for 15% less than they could this time last year. Accept that their mark up couldn't come down by the same % given wages, rent etc... but we should still see a good reduction shouldn't we?
The importers and retailers probably wouldn't change prices down too much, just to cover themselves in case the $ goes down before the next shipment/s.
But it does give room for better discounting while the dollar sits where it is.
Good time to put the screws in for a better price!
Although I have already seen some prices drop significantly... Carbon booms by one manufacturer comes to mind!
NSW retailers, this wasn't aimed at you, just posted in the wrong forum!!! Meant to be in general.
Reason for my question was more wondering whether if prices coming down might have an impact on 2nd hand kit prices. A couple of friend really starting to get in to WS but a bit short of $$ to buy kit.
Unfortunately the importer doesn't have much say when they order.
Orders go in around 5 or 6 months prior to the first shipment and then don't get paid until its ready to ship (the majority of it anyway). A lot can happen in that time.
For subsequent shipments the importers don't like to change the RRP (or cost to the retailer) during the year. Although I have seen an updated retailer price list come out after only a month or so into the season.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see pricing come down. But after working in the windsurf retailing and importing business I can see their reasoning.
Who knows though, maybe they'll be feeling confident in the Aussie Dollar and go easy on us all
I am always amazed that people want their real estate to go up 10% per year yet they expect sailing gear to get cheaper. Ever thought that windsurf stores might have to pay rent too?
BTW, from what I understand prices will come down by a few dollars.
windwarrior, you've got me there!
Personally I'd like real estate to come down by 10%, or 20-30% would suit me quite well but thats a different story!
