Buying online GST free

[Barto]

I can't recall seeing any Australian made stuff the last time I was in Harvey Norman.

Yes, he doesn't mind sourcing cheap overseas stuff to increase his bottom line but heaven help anyone else doing it.

[Psyber]

I must admit I like to be able to look at a product and assess the quality before buying, but if the price is right an the goods are then same...

[gadj1976]

I don't have arguments with my old man very often, however I had to have a go at him when he stuck up for Gerry Harvey (a man I respect by the way). He said that the internet retailers should charge GST when sales to Australian residents. I agree to an extent but was appalled by Gerry Harvey, a squintillionaire complaining that it was unfair that they had to charge GST and others didn't. Gerry, we might've paid GST for your products, but your riches haven't been because you're charging just over cost price for products. You've charged what you deemed to be fit to make a decent profit and have done well over many years. Good on you. Now times have changed. You might need to reduce your prices by say 12.5%, so that you're competitive with online retailers. If you don't, you'll go bust just like all those deli and corner stores that went ar*e up over the years. And the electronics shops that you undersold (due to the ability to bulk purchase). Move with the times Mr Harvey!

[Grahaml]

I think GST should be paid on all purchases, whether over the internet or from a shop. I don't see what the difference is. Harvey is obviously trying to stick up for his business (and since he's a business owner I don't actually mind him trying to make more money, that's his job more or less) but it's up to the government to make laws and apply them so it benefits the country as a whole most effectively.

The other part of the argument is that online shops in the US don't employ Australians, but retailers with shops here do. I think we'd all hate to see friends and family lose a job because a retailer wasn't getting enough turnover due in part to online purchases being so much cheaper.

[Dutchy]

As an example, you can import the popular PlayTV for your PS3 (allows you to record HD TV to your PS3) for around $57 AUD from the UK -
http://www.dvd.co.uk/buy/catsy86152/pla ... er-ps3.htm

At Harvey Norman it will only cost you $127 (note the awesome price!), until recently it was over $150.

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/product/ ... er-special

[Q.]

The glorious irony in all of this is that Harvey's rants have made more people aware that they can save money by avoiding retail outlets like his

[7-Dog]

Is Mr.Harvey aware that even if GST is applied to online sales, it's still cheaper.

Purchased Fallout New Vegas for $28 delivered. $30.80 with GST is still less than 1/3 RRP ($109.95) or less than half of the new discounted price of $79.00.

And here I was the idiot that tried to be legit and go through Australian supppliers to run my gaming business.

[GWW]

I'm thinking about buying a tred mill. I've been told its best to purchase one on line.

Anyone had any experience purchasing a tred mill on line? Any suggestions/recommendations?