Specialized - We're being ripped..

[LukeV-2]

So, I discovered this weekend that the Specialized Propero 2 helmet goes for R2000 in South Africa, and in the USA it goes for R700.

 

Can u really tell me that a 140% increase in price is correct just because its being brought in from a different country..

 

I think they're taking a fat chance..

 

I told the lady at concept cyclery the deal and she said it had something to do with the government... Im not so sure about that..

[xtacy]

Try imported car parts - protected industry !

 

Can bring in Ford spares from the States for almost 50 - 70% less than the locals can supply ....

[duringd]

and you only realise this daylight robbery now????

[Top Fuel]

Why are they using rands in America??

[LukeV-2]

Well its ridiculous.. Im getting the helmet from there, I refuse to support that nonsense.. Imagine how much they're making on the bikes!!!!

[LukeV-2]

Haha, Top Fuel... There'll always be one smarty pants..

Edited March 12, 2012 by Fruity

[deanbean]

R700 + 40% duties = R980, +16%VAT = R1136, + importers 30% markup + dealers 30% markup gives you R2000, and that's not an excessive markup.

 

edit: And that's why I buy from CRC, cut out all the middlemen.

Edited March 12, 2012 by deanbean

[stringbean]

Don't know where you shopping but my LBS sells a propero 2 for R1200 before any discount.

[petatodd]

For some or other reason helmets attract a 35% duty plus 14% VAT. In addition, we are one of the most expensive countries to ship to with our freight agents ripping the ring out of it to land a container in SA.

 

All these costs are paid over before the goods hit the warehouse and we have interest rates out of line with the 1st world and the picture starts getting a bit clearer.

 

Then take the fact that SA market takes less than the weekly USA demand for a product in a year and the local guys are entitled to make a return on their cash and you end up with that price variance.

 

Duty and VAT alone account for almost half the difference....

[andretraut]

Well its ridiculous.. Im getting the helmet from there, I refuse to support that nonsense.. Imagine how much they're making on the bikes!!!!

Good luck with importing a Specialized product. If you succeed in buying the Spez helmet online, please pop me a pm so that I can also shop there please.

[LukeV-2]

Im not buying it online.. I know people who come to SA from the USA often so they always bring me stuff (apple products mostly)..

 

And there's a specialzied shop right by their house..

 

Concept Cyclery in Melrose Arch Stingbean.. (supposed to be a specialized shop).

[Top Fuel]

I sort of agree with you here.

BUT If something happens to that helmet are you going to take it to the agents here? Why should they help you? I know lots of people who bring in their own stuff. Don't then go to the agents and cry when something happens. That only makes it more expensive for me to buy their product here because they have to factor in all these costs as well. You might not agree with me here, but from what I hear Specialized have very specific rules on this kind of thing.

[LukeV-2]

I'll check it out... But still, If it cracks, i can buy another one and STILL not have paid as much for one in this country.. I can almost buy 3 for the price of 1 here...

[Wyatt Earp]

Propero II is R 1399.00.

At 70 pounds it's R 840.00.

[LukeV-2]

well.. then the Spez shop is marking it up even more then the normal LBS... Hmmmm..

Edited March 12, 2012 by Fruity

[8848]

R700 + 40% duties = R980, +16%VAT = R1136, + importers 30% markup + dealers 30% markup gives you R2000, and that's not an excessive markup.

 

edit: And that's why I buy from CRC, cut out all the middlemen.

 

duties on helmets are not 40%, also, you canot factor in the VAT as the agent claims the bulk of that Back, hence it is value added tax.