Profiteering

Enzo Matrix · 2009-05-05T16:38:02+00:00

Today, I visited my local model shop. It's about twenty miles away from my home, in a town that I really don't like going to. But I had run out of polystyrene cement, so I had to go.The hobby shop is primarily a model railway shop, so there's another reason for not wanting to go there. Those beautiful Hornby Royal Scots were singing the most haunting siren song... but I managed to restrain myself. :-)However, I did have a look at the aircraft kits, what few there were. I was particularly looking for a Tamiya birdcage Corsair, as Hannants is currently sold out. No luck though. There is another shop in the same town which sells model aircraft kits, so I had a look in there as well. This shop is primarily a craft shop, selling artists supplies as well as stuff for knitting and dressmaking. They had a smaller selection of kits than I have ever seen there. They didn't have the Corsair either, but they did have a number of 1/48 Spitfire IXs, both the Hasegawa and Revell boxing. It's always worthwhile having a couple of those in the stash and as I am out of them at the moment, I thought I would get a couple.So I grabbed the standard Hasegawa boxing and then did a double take at the price. £28.50.I was happy to pay £15. Maybe £18. But £28 is ridiculous. So instead I chose the Revell box, which is exactly the same moulding. It was then that I wondered if Revell had released a 1/32 version with the same box art as the 1/48 kit because the price was £37.95 !!!!!I looked at other kits.Revell 1/72 Hunter F6 - £18.50Revell 1/72 Hawk T1 - £18.50Airfix 1/72 Mosquito II/VI/XVIII - £16.50Airfix 1/72 Beaufighter - £16.50Hasegawa 1/48 Hurricane IIC - £32.95.Revell 1/32 Spitfire 22/24 (you'd better sit down here...) £55.95While I was standing there, utterly gobsmacked at these ludicrous prices, an assistant came across and asked if I need any help. I was considering asking her if she had any smelling salts... I mentioned the "rather steep" prices, as I put it,...

May 05, 2009 21 Replies

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Enzo Matrix 17 years ago

Our governments are always telling us that we need to embrace global markets. So good luck to you! :-D

Would you have to pay any import charges on that?

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Stadia 17 years ago

No, GST and duty are only charged if a personal import shipment is worth over $400NZ, including shipping cost. I have imported things before from Russia (their ushanka fur hats are the best winter wear ever) and they come straight to my door, no hassles.

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