LCD TV Rating

Why do Australians pay up to 3 times the cost for some LCD and Plasma Televisions?

Am I the only person that seems to think paying 2-3 times the price for flat panel televisions as the USA or UK is outrageous. Are Australians that complacent that they don't see or realize we are being ripped off. You can buy a 52" 1920x1080 Naitive LCD TV including the shipping by fed ex and taxes for half the price Mr Harvey Norman will rip you off for. Have a look on the web and wake up Australia. Ask why we are ripped off. Oh its because we have a smaller economy or to protect local business. Well we don't make them here. They come from the same factory in China. Its not taxes or the cost of the unit from the factory. What is it.

Public Comments

1. AU has a smaller market than the US and UK. Smaller market means less competition, and less competition means fewer bargains. Governments also play a role. In the UK, the high court there ruled against a company that was importing ORIGINAL cds, with the basis they were protecting the local retailer. Also the price difference is usually a way of showing artificial value. No big secret that's whats happening in the UK. When currency is kept at high exchange rate, the interest rate for commercial buyers is lower so more people will invest in it, so in turn the consumers end up with the higher interest rates. Basically, someones got to get screwed in taxes and rates and unfortunately its the end user. Certain companies also seek out and sue those who import over items at a cheaper price than the local retailer(Lik-sang V Sony) because it sets profits back, because the profit margin is different from region to region. Hopefully this made some sense.