Chris Willemse on imports

[javadude]

I don't want to cut out the distributor, but i don't wan't to be ripped off either.

 

JJCycling has the 2008 record group at R16949.

Total Cycling including SA vat and shipping is 12904.82.

 

Total Cycling are not a distributor or agent, just a regular shop making a profit. I don't expect South African prices to be exactly the same as overseas, but i also don't want to be taken advantage of just because I'm ten thousand miles from civilisation.

 

[Icycling]

ewep - Both of them (Cajees and Westdene) have large amounts of stock of the cheaper bike - WE in cape Town prides himself on keep not only a lot of this kind of stock but also stock of top end bikes!

[linnega]

The problem is exactly what Widget highlighted.  The market is small in cycling goods and our economy is small.  As a result it makes no financial sense for distributors to exist in our economy in the way the operate here.  They cannot afford to cover the overheads.  Add to that the fact that there are probably too many bike shops in SA, that are too small to be economically viable.

 

The best option would be a wholesale purchaser like ChainReaction, where bulk goods are ordered and are available to the public at only slightly more that a bike shop would be charged.  In a way this is what CWC are trying to do and perhaps they will eventually get there.

 

The whole discussion about duties is irrelevant as you have to assume that everyone (including CWC) are paying their duties, so it is the same for all.

[madmarc]

As mentioned the last time I did shoes was in 1994 - and 2 of us fought very hard on the traiff on shoes as nobody make them in SA and you guys are now benefitting as is was brough down in I think 1997 to 30% - by then cycling shoes as a business did not interest!

 

well done !!!! and I really mean that, you were instrumental in saving us cyclists a lot of money over the years.

 

But the point i'm trying to make is that it does not end there. the other agents must take up this fight and with the right motivation submitted to the trade & industry department they will get it right - NOW THEY WOULD BE ADDING VALUE!! and i would buy my shoes locally

[ewep]

 

ewep - Both of them (Cajees and Westdene) have large amounts of stock of the cheaper bike - WE in cape Town prides himself on keep not only a lot of this kind of stock but also stock of top end bikes!

 

Icycling, my last say on this one.  Pop into Westdene at some stage.  You clearly haven't seen their stock!!!

 

[madmarc]

I don't want to cut out the distributor' date=' but i don't wan't to be ripped off either.

JJCycling has the 2008 record group at R16949.
Total Cycling including SA vat and shipping is 12904.82.

Total Cycling are not a distributor or agent, just a regular shop making a profit. I don't expect South African prices to be exactly the same as overseas, but i also don't want to be taken advantage of just because I'm ten thousand miles from civilisation.
[/quote']

 

And i think you will do even better than Total cycling @ chainreaction

[MAESTRO's]

- Both of them (Cajees and Westdene) have large amounts of stock of the cheaper bike - WE in cape Town prides himself on keep not only a lot of this kind of stock but also stock of top end bikes!

Icycling, my last say on this one.  Pop into Westdene at some stage.  You clearly haven't seen their stock!!!

 

 

Suffice to say that Westdene do sell just about everything else under the sun as well. Also their overheads are that much lower as they are hardly in the best part of town and do not have the "sharpest tools in the shed" when it comes to their sales team.

 

my 2c worth

 

 

 

[Icycling]

Been in Cape Town - I was last at Westdene and Cajees - Westrand in August - I only been once to Westdenes 2nd floor (That was the cheaper bike section) but I am sure WE has more stock in terms of value. When last were you at WE?

[ewep]

November 2007.

[AndreZA]

Scorpione, Westdene owns the building they are in. all of that stuff was cramped into a shop a smaller then just the lower floor. I started buying from them about 22 years ago when they had one of the biggest ramps behind the shop. They saw the gap then and is now reaping the reward for it.

 

[AndreZA]

Been in Cape Town - I was last at Westdene and Cajees - Westrand in August - I only been once to Westdenes 2nd floor (That was the cheaper bike section) but I am sure WE has more stock in terms of value. When last were you at WE?

 

When I was there last week they had about 7 Raleigh Ltd on the floor. A few Giant TCRs. A few Cannondales and Santa Cruzes. The white carbon Bianchi is there with a bunch of Carrera and Eddy Mercx is also among the cheaper bikes. Then they have the frames down stairs. A Super Six waiting for Crux and about 20 different pairs of carbon wheels hanging of the ceilling.

 

But guess what, they did not have pulley wheels for me.

 

 

[KlapperKnop]

and i am sure the stock is not consignment stock?

[MAESTRO's]

Absolutely and that is my point. They are cheaper than most cos they can do so without breaking the bank. Good for them and by the way, as far as I know, they support the local importer/distributors unlike CWC. Makes you think.

[Icycling]

Westdene always pays me cash so I am sure you correct!

 

 

[ewep]

Mampara, what about the Giant carbon MTB's, the 'dale MTB's, etc etc etc?

[Cruxpearl]

Icycling, this INCLUDES a guestimate at importing costs and freight costs the 14% VAT.  40% is harsh!  Why not do 25% and get a bigger market?  Oops, I forgot, 90% of businesses in SA is in it for one thing, NAIL the bastards as hard as you can!  Why aren't our companies as old as the guys in the UK/US?  Because the businesses RIP US OFF!!!!!  Make a quick buck!  Look at the long established cycling resellers and you'll find most of them are the okes that are willing to "drop the price".

 

And you are talking about Edgars (clothing 400%).  They sell on credit, they rip you off!  Go buy your stuff at Mr Price.

And you think Mr Price makes less markup than Edgars??? Poor Ewep!!!! You are so innocent!!!!