Prices of Spark Models

[jager]

There are some great 1/43 releases coming from Spark Models, but the Australian prices seem out of line with those in other countries. While you can pick up Spark Models from a number of US base online retailers for US$ 25 each (+/-A$ 46), the Australian prices are $ 60 - 65. By comparision the Australian prices of Minichamps, Autoart & IXO compare very favourably to international prices. Does anyone know what the deal is with Spark prices in Australia other than the usual excuses of a variable exchange rate and GST ?

[The Judge]

I know what you mean.
I buy the Pommie Diecast magazines, Diecast Collector etc .
Many shops dealing exclusively in diecast, advertise in them and the prices appear to be much cheaper.
Diecast must be a much bigger industry in the UK, judging by the amount of shops that advertise.
This advertising seems to promote greater competion, which of course is a bonus to us collectors.
Many times I pick up models when they are on sale, sometimes up to 50% off.
I have purchased all my Corgi diecast, directly from England. Except for obsolete's which I get on Ebay.
Minichamps are about the same price in OZ.
I think the advantage is (when the exchange rate is favourable), that when buying small amounts and getting them sent surface mail, we don't pay import duty or GST.
Some UK diecast retailers, don't have a shop and deal exclusively in mail order, that also keeps costs down.
Most shops are on the net and can be purchased from there, or I simply make a phone call to the shop and do the deal that way.
It's a little hard to fathom though, as I think Corgi are made in China, on that basis they should be cheaper here, allowing for freight costs.
The exchange rate is not so good now for UK purchases but has improved greatly with the US, bargains may be found easier there now. Probably on Ebay.
All the best
Pete

[Aussiecollector]

For F1 Collectors the best sale of the year is in Canada at Toronto Motor Sports. http://www.tomotorsports.com

It runs from Boxing (Canada) usually for a week. Last year my brother and I brought a dozen cars in both scales and save a packet, the year before we got Hakkinen's orange test car for $25cdn, this car now sells for $150.00aus.

So if your into F1, Can am, Nascar and Indy it will be worth a look, some cars are upto 60% off.

The Exoto and GMP cars are the best buys.

Maybe Biante should consider a once a year sale.

Glenn