Hi All
Periodically we have these discussions about (for us Brits and maybe Europeans) buying cheaper in the USA. Until now I have always desisted from posting as I'm not sure it is totally on topic, but after consultation with this week's list mum (Richard Kenward) I'd like to put an alternative view.
Some of you will now that for 25 years untill 99 I worked for KJP and in that time I did my own fair bit of grey importing and grey exporting (as we all did) as exchange rates fluctuated. I also worked in import distribution and manufacturer exporting for Bowens.
To be honest the whole scene is an absolute nightmare and whatever the retailer .distributor, manufacturer does tends to end in tears for that company. Pricing is a BIG problem.
It would take me a lot of words to explain how the whole thing works, but take it from me - there's no-one getting rich on the supply side and there is an enormous amount of time and energy expended on trying to juggle everything. As an earlier poster wrote - it's not that long since the boot was on the other foot.. The one thing the consumer (or retailer) does NOT like is sudden large fluctuations in price - either upwards or downwards.
Just don't complain when the exchange rate has gone the other way, that you have no local dealer to support you.
Imagine - your major client suddenly realises it's cheaper to fly in a photographer from the USA, or send his films Fedex to the States for scanning. What have YOU done wrong - nothing. Your overheads and profit expectations are still the same. Two years down the line - exchange rates have moved - where does he get his work done now that you are no longer in business? Who wins?
OK - maybe simplistic - but not as much as you might imagine.
----------------------- Best, Francis Newman Webshot Ltd, UK
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