Another reason not buy local

[musikwerks]

No one in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne or Adelaide.

[graemeh]

Yes, write to the CEO.

I got an immediate response when I wrote to the CEO of a power company after months of runaround and bullshit fro their staff...

I got a letter and phone calls of apology and a $150 voucher as a goodwill gesture - mind you I had days, dates, names etc all written down, which helped.

CEO's need to know what's happening on the factory floor so to speak...

[HA_DA_JA]

Well my package arrived from USA today and low and behold they shipped not one but an extra tuner.
I was most happy with the outcome. I am even more perplexed about the service managers comment that you cant get these anymore and that they are no longer available in USA.
Wow just looking back at the dates it all started on the 14th of July- that was 9 days ago. Here I have in my hands a result that came from overseas.
Its amazing how when you buy some things in Australia that are in stock that it can take 2-4 weeks delivery.
I guess other then a letter to the GM its case closed.

[Chris H]

Great news. Glad it all worked out.

[The Tasmanian]

99.9% of the time I by local, I strongly believe it supports the local industry,
BUT:
I am interested in a Eventide H8000fw - I can get it in the US for 5k US - or buy it here for over 8k.
Called the importer today and he didn't even know what a H8000 was - had to look it up on the computer to see if they sold them.
Anyone recommend a good US store and person to deal with for a shopping stint?
3k markup for a product that they don't even know helped me bypass my industry patriotism this time.
pretty simple to work out what is the best move - I don't care if I have to send it back for repairs!
Also while we are on topic - I believe that Billy Hydes and Allens music are merging - this makes one huge music retailer with massive buying power - ramifications?
Anyone got a H8000fw for sale??

[HA_DA_JA]

Bigger does not mean better.

[lonearranger]

Chris,

You can try http://www.jrrshop.com - they will often discount (UAD Forum member discount) or cover fright on more expenesive items. They only have the eventide pedals on the site so you would need to contact them to see if they can supply it.

Saw the Allans/Hydes merger email today. I guess if the retailer also becomes the importer then it can push costs down, but then if they control local supply and retail then there is no need to be competive, and it might have negative impact on the little guys who really care about what they do. Guess we got a bit closer to having an AU version of Guitar Center.

Cheers

[Sammas]

99.9% of the time I by local, I strongly believe it supports the local industry,
BUT:
I am interested in a Eventide H8000fw - I can get it in the US for 5k US - or buy it here for over 8k.
Called the importer today and he didn't even know what a H8000 was - had to look it up on the computer to see if they sold them.
Anyone recommend a good US store and person to deal with for a shopping stint?
3k markup for a product that they don't even know helped me bypass my industry patriotism this time.
pretty simple to work out what is the best move - I don't care if I have to send it back for repairs!
Also while we are on topic - I believe that Billy Hydes and Allens music are merging - this makes one huge music retailer with massive buying power - ramifications?
Anyone got a H8000fw for sale??

I've given up (mostly) buying any large ticket items locally but that is mostly because I search for used gear.

Awave's have them listed for $7000. You could probably convince them to knock some off the top as well.

Sweetwater list the H8000fw at $5500us. That's about $6100aus straight of the bat. At 10% gst and you are already at $6700 not including the potential 5% import duty, 60 buck customs fee and shipping costs. I think if you buy it new overseas you will quickly be paying more than the $7000.

Used would be a different story. If you keep an eye out on US ebay you could probably snag one for a considerable discount.

[GlennS]

FWIW, 5% import duty does not apply to a H8000fw.

[The Tasmanian]

I'm glad Awave have them - they are good guys, another good reason to buy local

[Hybrid88]

FWIW, 5% import duty does not apply to a H8000fw.

Interesting, why's that?

[walding]

I'm glad Awave have them - they are good guys, another good reason to buy local

+1

[GlennS]

FWIW, 5% import duty does not apply to a H8000fw.

Interesting, why's that?

Because it's a signal processor, and signal processors are specifically mentioned in the Australian customs tariff as being duty free.

[stosostu]

I would absolutely detail the full interaction with the local distributor to Taylor in the US, I'm sure they don't want this sort of thing affecting their reputation and it appears that the manufacturer was more than happy to help directly. Once again, an Oz distributor shooting itself in the foot over a few dollars and they wonder why people buy via the internet, from US retailers. Of course, the other option would have been to buy an Oz made instrument. IMO there are local luthiers who can compete favourably with anything from overseas in both quality and price, you just have to know which ones.

[HA_DA_JA]

I have moved on.