Is it a loophole?

[donnashuggy]

Good idea or not to lower the threshold???  Changes to the GST for online international purchases seems to be getting a push today in the media.

[monman12 · Accepted solution]

According to a news broadcast from the ABC the average on-line OS purchase last year was $41.00, ponder that.

So they stick 10% on OS purchases, big deal (for myself).

Recently an exhaust oxygen sensor on my Mini Cooper  failed. To purchase one in Australia (from BMW) was over $500. I purchased the same Bosch sensor from the USA (Amazon) delivered for $82.00. So far I have purchased brake pads from the UK, and an engine  OBD (data analyser) from the US for much less than is charged here.

It is time to accept the reality of "global village"

nɥºɾ

[***super_nova***]

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@spotweldersfriend wrote:
Yes the government will rake in a bit if cash

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They estimate the scheme will cost $2 billions and will get back $550 million in the first year.  That estimate is based on the fact that we spent $10 billions on line last year.  But as dollar plunges & o/s postal services are becoming more expensive, I am finding it increasingly difficult to get what I need at reasonable price on line from o/s. 

For instance there is something I need and I buy repeatedly from O/S; it is US$100 and they used to ship them for $15 each or $20 for 2.  that was about AU $110 all up, now the same company will only ship for US$37 for 1, that means US$137 = AU$150 at today's exchange rate.  Even if I get 2, the cost is just too much.  I will not be able to buy them any more, and as these items are not available here, it will not help any local trader.

I wonder how many people will just stop buying from o/s if on the top of already escalating costs there will be 10%GST + "admistrative fee", which would mean that the scheme is not going to make as much as they think.

[donnashuggy]

It's the same downloading from itunes, cheaper in the usa, no idea why?  Buying drugs online is cheaper too.

[donnashuggy]

I agree John, it's a little bit like Australian sellers complaing about overseas sellers when they are trading on a global platform.

[donnashuggy]

In a lot of cases Australian online retailers are disadvantaged by postage costs, perhaps the Australian Government could do something about that instead to assist - 

[amber-eyed-girl]

Often if you buy from a larger retailer online, they offer free shipping for a basic minimum purchase, or subsidise it at a flat rate.

Also with free returns if there's an issue.

Myer, David Jones, Target to name a few.

It really is more the availability of what one wants (music being a great example) or needs, being provided by local retail at a reasonable cost.

We're pretty savvy shoppers; Gerry is yet another example of large business being totally out of touch, relying on what they think is true to bully outcomes they believe will profit them.

[donnashuggy]

I don't like shopping at HN for the reason that the staff hassle for sales, at least with online you can do it in peace.

[amber-eyed-girl · Accepted solution]

That's the kind of thing they should be thinking about.

[donnashuggy]

Yes, and another pet hate of mine is "do you have a myer one card" or similar. Maybe I am just getting old, you can't even go to the bank without staff trying to sell you something.

[amber-eyed-girl]

I have a good local retailer story.

I bought some clothes online at Target, they had something advertised I really liked (see, I don't just buy fancy dresses 🙂 ).

They arrived in three days in pristine condition, free shipping over 50$, with free return shipping if required.

I returned something at my local store as it didn't fit, they were polite, friendly and helpful, no push for sales or reluctance to refund.

The store was also impeccably maintained; clean, well laid out merchandise with space to move around...

After that, I have bought lots more things from Target after not shopping there in literally years, both online and in that store.

They were also able to source something from another store for me, that was sold out online, AND when it came in gave me the sale price of 30% off, that was no longer running, when the item had "no rainchecks".

Maybe Gerry should see this is the way to do business.