OT - Metal Detectors??!!

[pundit]

Well I'm somewhat pissed off.

I've been contemplating buying a metal detector for sometime mainly for coin and relic detection as I live in an area that is fairly historic in terms of old rural building sites etc.

After deciding on a particular model, a Minelab "X-Terra 70", I discover they are both designed and manufactured here in Australia.

So far, so good.

So based on that, I figured it was reasonable to expect the cost of buying a Minelab detector here in Australia should be as good as I could purchase it for anywhere else on the planet... Yes?.... NO!!

Well the local dealer has it listed for $1,150.00 AUD ($1070.00 USD).
They also sell an optional coil which makes it suitable for gold dection for an additional $225.00 AUD ($209.00 USD)
So the total package here is $1375.00 AUD ($1279.00 USD).

Well as far as getting a fair deal here is Oz is concerned Minelab obviously don't give a hoot about local consumers.

The same thing is available in the U.S. for $699.97 USD ($753.00 AUD) INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL COIL!! - That's almost half price!! :( :(

Talk about getting ripped off!!

I'd like to support the local dealers but with pricing like that I'm importing one from the States!

[trumpetr]

A good brand of detector here in the states, is Whites Electronics. Their upper end models are pretty awesome.

http://hobby.us.whiteselectronics.com/

[CharlesAFerg]

Hey guess what - Socialism for the loss.

You know, at my last day at work last week, there was an old Canadian guy who came in to buy a GPS system because it was horrendously overpriced up there.
...and he was buying it from a retail store that sells them extremely marked up too!

Amazing.
Works for me, man.

Honestly though, you go to many asian countries and you won't find Nikes cheap there like you would here in Portland, OR - where the headquarters and an employee store is.

[632 Regal]

I find buying anything local and trying to support locals is a complete waste of money and common sense. I think the local sellers feel if you have to come to them you have no other avenue to obtain your hobby... I.E. no internet or friends otherwise and they will take you for want they can with no remorse.

I learned this years ago and take full advantage of purchasing my stuff as cheaply as I can cause the USA is a free for all when it comes to supporting our own people and products... the common thought in the US is **** the US and well... thats whats happening and I have NO intention of breaking my bank to go against the government applied system here.