In general, are DSLR's cheaper in Japan, than US, UK, Aus, Can?

Nicolas06 · 10-01-2016, 08:01 AM

Originally posted by reeftool

Thinking logically, gear SHOULD be cheaper the closer you are to the source of the product. The issue today is that cameras, lenses and/or components are made all over the world and the final assembly probably takes place somewhere other than Japan. Worldwide shipping costs are figured in to the price.

Couting the price of transport, this would be valid only for extremely heavy and cheap things. Other factor like local taxes, import taxes, local wealthiness and labor cost are all much bigger factors.

Nicolas06 · 10-01-2016, 08:05 AM

Originally posted by AldaCZ

In genreral, Camera gear is cheaper in US than EU while purchasing power is the other way...we could go forever..

Overall that's true but the difference isn't that big as the EU price are taxes included. Also it depend of the product. Tamron/sigma lenses are less expensive for example in europe. And there fantatisc grey market offers overall if you look for them.

**monochrome** · 10-01-2016, 08:15 AM

In USA, Pentax's small market share and absolute absence of any Distributor infrastructure at all to support means prices on most things can (in some cases MUST) be lower to attract buyers. Exceptions are short-supply items such as K-1 or the new lenses, of course.

Nicolas06 · 10-01-2016, 10:29 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

In USA, Pentax's small market share and absolute absence of any Distributor infrastructure at all to support means prices on most things can (in some cases MUST) be lower to attract buyers. Exceptions are short-supply items such as K-1 or the new lenses, of course.

I also feel the US mindset of seller to be a bit different. Seller are less affraid to sell at very low price something that has eaten inventory for a long time and to move on...

**monochrome** · 10-01-2016, 10:36 AM

Originally posted by Nicolas06

I also feel the US mindset of seller to be a bit different. Seller are less affraid to sell at very low price something that has eaten inventory for a long time and to move on...

Dealer Agreements here tend to price products on minimum annual volumes, encouraging inventory 'turn'. It often makes sense to sell something at no profit or even a loss in order to restock with the same item, if that helps to stay in a (discount) cost bracket on everything else.

10-01-2016, 10:36 AM	#20
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Nicolas06 I also feel the US mindset of seller to be a bit different. Seller are less affraid to sell at very low price something that has eaten inventory for a long time and to move on... Dealer Agreements here tend to price products on minimum annual volumes, encouraging inventory 'turn'. It often makes sense to sell something at no profit or even a loss in order to restock with the same item, if that helps to stay in a (discount) cost bracket on everything else. Last edited by monochrome; 10-02-2016 at 07:12 AM.

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10-01-2016, 08:01 AM	#16
Nicolas06 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 4,854	Originally posted by reeftool Thinking logically, gear SHOULD be cheaper the closer you are to the source of the product. The issue today is that cameras, lenses and/or components are made all over the world and the final assembly probably takes place somewhere other than Japan. Worldwide shipping costs are figured in to the price. Couting the price of transport, this would be valid only for extremely heavy and cheap things. Other factor like local taxes, import taxes, local wealthiness and labor cost are all much bigger factors.

10-01-2016, 08:05 AM	#17
Nicolas06 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 4,854	Originally posted by AldaCZ In genreral, Camera gear is cheaper in US than EU while purchasing power is the other way...we could go forever.. Overall that's true but the difference isn't that big as the EU price are taxes included. Also it depend of the product. Tamron/sigma lenses are less expensive for example in europe. And there fantatisc grey market offers overall if you look for them.

10-01-2016, 08:15 AM	#18
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	In USA, Pentax's small market share and absolute absence of any Distributor infrastructure at all to support means prices on most things can (in some cases MUST) be lower to attract buyers. Exceptions are short-supply items such as K-1 or the new lenses, of course.

10-01-2016, 10:29 AM	#19
Nicolas06 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 4,854	Originally posted by monochrome In USA, Pentax's small market share and absolute absence of any Distributor infrastructure at all to support means prices on most things can (in some cases MUST) be lower to attract buyers. Exceptions are short-supply items such as K-1 or the new lenses, of course. I also feel the US mindset of seller to be a bit different. Seller are less affraid to sell at very low price something that has eaten inventory for a long time and to move on...

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