why not just get a used pair in the USA/Canada?
You mean aside from ‘only US shipping‘?!
There was a guy offering a pair of ‘The Wheeler‘ in 2018/19 for month. I frequently contacted him, in l later PMs explaining I‘ll find out what to do, providing the (filled) forms, paying taxes/fees, ordering the postal service, etc.
‘No International shipping!‘ He waited. Eventually he sold the cans and I was frustrated.
But yeah,
you are right, someone will sell.
I‘m sorry for this, but please, let me have a moan:
- Why miss a warranty?
- Why miss the chance to return/get a refund?
- Why miss the break-in experience? (Definitely my cup of tea!)
- Why don’t be able to unbox an own sealed, virgin pair? (Not my thing, but some really love that.)
- Why risk an argument with the (probably guiltless) seller about some unnoticed imperfections?
Let’s play around with numbers.
Last time I checked a container New York/Hamburg was around 1600,- including fees and taxes. Ok,
it’s been a while.
This thing easily takes a thousand phones. Round about 1,60 € per phone. Let’s say they order 500 pairs. 3,20 €. Let’s say they raised the shipping by a 100%. 6,40 €. Uhh, they were cautious and ordered just 300 pairs. 10,66 €. A hundred. 32,- €
Paying a 50,- € more than in the US? OK! A 100,- € (+112.62 = 862.62 $ = 765,98 €)? Growling, but most will be paying. Remember, the RS1e is still offered at 849,- € on the distributors website.
Most don’t know the US price difference and will pay these 850 bucks. ‘For the new model? Great offer!‘
(No) Sorry, but I guess you can imagine that a countries distributor has at least the the profit margin of a shop/reseller in the US. 665,98 € (US in €) to 849,- € is an additional margin of 183,20 €.
206.32 $ should be enough compensation.
My job… uhm, let’s say I should be thankful for my income (don’t tell the boss!). I’m not rich, but could teeth grindingly afford these prices. Many have less.
Enough moaning, I beg your pardon.
Our distributor will not like me anymore, buy maybe they listen.
They haven’t presented the price yet. Let’s hope it will be reasonable.
Everyone should have the chance to afford a wooden Grado.