Help from our friends in the US

ARGTrees · 7th November 2007, 09:28 AM

Currently looking for a new MS 200t. Was wondering if someone from the US could give me a price to buy one and ship out to Australia. Doesn't need to have bar or chain. Just tired of getting ripped off for machinery and equipment over here in Aus. Payment would be made through paypal. Sender must have some history with Tree World.

Let me know

thanks

Andrew

mdvaden · 7th November 2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARGTrees

Currently looking for a new MS 200t. Was wondering if someone from the US could give me a price to buy one and ship out to Australia. Doesn't need to have bar or chain. Just tired of getting ripped off for machinery and equipment over here in Aus. Payment would be made through paypal. Sender must have some history with Tree World.

Let me know

thanks

Andrew

So, what's the deal, do they sell them there, but rake you over the coals on price? Seems shipping would be substantial wouldn't it?

I'm not sure if this one company in Oregon sells Stihl, but I know they sell Husky. But they may sell both.

Anyhow, their name and Website is...

Tree Tools.com Arborists and Utility Industry Maintenance Equipment Tools and Supplies

For a fact, they ship worldwide. I've bought from them and had service done for years. Totally reliable. One of the best known arborist gear suppliers in Portland, Oregon.

Call or email them and ask what they sell. They are not the least expensive here. For a Husky that I can find for $800 in the cheapest store, they are $900 - but I've felt fine giving them my business.

If anyone contacts them, let them know I referred you. You won't get a discount, but it may help me get one when we finally move back north.

What do they charge for one over there?

Quintrex · 7th November 2007, 11:01 AM

I have purchased saws, climbing gear and ropes from Bishop Co. in Whittier Cal and had them shipped to Australia. They've always been reliable. I haven't had anything from them for a few years, though.

JayD · 7th November 2007, 11:46 AM

Hi,
As far as I know Stihl has some sort of policy about not selling their saws online, Now would be the time to buy with our $ being near on as strong as the american dollar.Do your homework.
JayD

DBS · 7th November 2007, 01:19 PM

MS 200 T with 14" Bar: $ 499.95

MS 200T about 3/4 the way down the page.

Also you might see this while on the site... i got a chuckle out of it....

"1 Year Homeowner Warranty"
"3 Month Professional Warranty"

"Sender must have some history with Tree World."

Ekka should be able to vouch for me....i hope....:-)

Let me know how or if I can help.

Regards,

-Daryl

Ekka · 7th November 2007, 03:09 PM

DBS and ARG please use PM system.

Use express freight, I just has a 440 sent $100 USD for freight here in 3 days!

Those saws are $1400 here.

Yes, Stihl have a no internet or phone sales style policy. Dealers caught selling across states etc can lose their dealerships. But they can do nothing about 1 human walking in buying a saw and sending it on.

DBS, you MUST mark the package as

chainsaw parts

Value $500

Empty out fuel and oil, clean it out best you can, buy it in your name just like you would for yourself then send it on to ARG.

DBS, if you do this enough you'll get discounts from your saw shop and pick up perhaps tips from us. DO NOT LET THE SHOP KNOW YOU ARE DOING THIS!

DBS many times they wont offer much discount if no bar or chain ... in such cases take them off and keep for yourself.

ARG should kick in $50 at least for his troubles on top of total.

Quintrex · 7th November 2007, 03:55 PM

Recently quoted $1450 here for 200T. Recommended retail about $1600!

Ekka · 7th November 2007, 05:28 PM

Maybe $1400 no bar or chain but you'd be pushing it.

My MS440 was all up inc freight $950 AUD to get here, rec retail here is $1600

ARGTrees · 7th November 2007, 09:57 PM

yeah 1600 retail, get them down to about 1400 if your lucky, just ridiculus!!!!

More than twice the price in the us.

defex · 8th November 2007, 02:04 PM

A Stihl only store is like a block away from my home (california, los angeles) the 200t series is priced at 500. You guys get over priced

playfordtree · 8th November 2007, 04:41 PM

I can get 200t from my local dealer for

$1350 with 14" bar and chain

$1290 no bar & chain

Not sure on shipping costs around australia but you still might save yourself about $100.
Not much of a saving but better than nothing and less risk than buying offshore.

Probably better for those that live in adelaide, you just need to spend a few bucks on petrol.

PM me if you want help

Ekka · 8th November 2007, 05:48 PM

Ahhh, good ole Adelaide, also known for cheapest groceries in the country.

a_lopa · 8th November 2007, 06:09 PM

I brought a 066 magnum from the states and its been nothing but trouble,Limiter caps and diffrent rev limited coil.

Ive gone right off the idea prefering to just buy low hour local saws.

Quintrex · 8th November 2007, 07:14 PM

My local dealer told me 020's, and all prof Stihl saws, were made to a different spec for USA and Australia. US models had chrome sprayed cylinder and Aus models have full chrome plated bore due to our dustier conditions. As previosly posted, I did import some saws from US in the 90's and did not have problems. They may have worn out quicker though, not sure about that.

fatkoala · 8th November 2007, 07:28 PM

Spoke to a Stihl rep today and asked him why our saws are so dear compared with the ones in the US.

He gave three reasons ,(excuses)

1. The Aus Dollar has only recently gone up against the US, there is a lag time.

2. Aus only represents 2% of the world market (implying we don't have the volume)

3. The Aus dollar has only gone up against the US dollar not the Euro, (german) currency

make of it what you will I still think we pay to much

Ekka · 8th November 2007, 07:43 PM

Yeah, same crap the reps were spinning years ago when the dollar was 0.50 USD

Dont listen to them, and Stihl have a price fixing policy too.

TrevMcRev · 8th November 2007, 07:50 PM

I've been quoted $1150 for ms200 here in vic. Not too bad.

playfordtree · 8th November 2007, 09:19 PM

When i spoke to my dealer this afternoon (sounds like i'm talking about drugs)
and i mentioned you guys were thinking about importing.

He said to be wary, as there is definitely differences in production between U.S and AUS saws.

I guess with imports theres no warranty either.

I always lean to the "old school"
you get what you pay for!

But as always,

there are two sides.

If you had a good month, and are flushed with cash, take a chance!

If you backed a winner in the Melbourne cup, take a chance!

If "Old aunt Fanny" has died and left you $$, take a chance!

You will probably buy a good saw and be very happy.

Personally,

It might cost more, but i would rather support my local bloke!

ARGTrees · 8th November 2007, 10:55 PM

He didn't give you the one that Australia is a captive market cause you can't just jump the border like you can in the states or europe, therefore they think of you as " You'll pay or else you will go without!!!"

ARGTrees · 8th November 2007, 10:58 PM

Would feel better about supporting local guy if I felt he was the one making the most money from it, but I don't think he is.

playfordtree · 8th November 2007, 11:17 PM

To be honest i dont care who is making the most money!

My local bloke has given me advice that has saved me $$$.
My local bloke has given me credit when i needed a tool to get the job done.
My local bloke has listened to my bullsh*t when i have had a bad day.

And, my local bloke NEVER pisses on my leg and tells me it's raining!

My local bloke is great!

Have YOU supported your local bloke today?

pomme · 9th November 2007, 08:22 AM

i can t believe the states is so cheap with the V.A.T a ms200t comes out at a little over ? 500.00 in blighty

Ekka · 9th November 2007, 04:12 PM

Dear Tegan and Lindsay (my 7yo and 4yo girls)

I was going to buy you both lovelly new bikes for Christmas and perhaps have a few days off down the beach. We could even get some fish and chips and throw a few to the gulls.

I was going to do that with the $400 I saved by buying a chainsaw from the USA. However, I decided it was morally best to support my local bloke and paid full rip off Australian price, so here, instead of bikes you can have some toothpaste. It will make the taste of this news a little more palatable.

playfordtree · 9th November 2007, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

Dear Tegan and Lindsay (my 7yo and 4yo girls)

I was going to buy you both lovelly new bikes for Christmas and perhaps have a few days off down the beach. We could even get some fish and chips and throw a few to the gulls.

I was going to do that with the $400 I saved by buying a chainsaw from the USA. However, I decided it was morally best to support my local bloke and paid full rip off Australian price, so here, instead of bikes you can have some toothpaste. It will make the taste of this news a little more palatable.

But what if by paying the full rip off price to your local bloke he could then afford to buy his girls new bikes for christmas?

Economics and morals,
they are like
oil and water.

This is why Treeworld kicks butt
intelectual stimulation
not just chainsaw talk like on AS.

Ekka · 9th November 2007, 07:19 PM

I have yet to come across a poor Stihl dealer, ones I know drive cars worth half as much as my mortgaged home.

shaggs · 9th November 2007, 08:16 PM

I love how they react to the $AUD like the petrol stations do. According to them it takes a month for the flow on effect, but goes straight back up immediately.
I'm all for supporting my local bloke too. But however good MY customers are, it's a big ask for them to fork out $900 more on top of a $500 tree just because I'm local. For the exact same service, they would go with the $500 bloke....I would.

playfordtree · 10th November 2007, 10:50 AM

They are all sound arguements,

But lets take it one step further.

If we have no qualms about buying cheap stuff offshore and not supporting our local economy.

Then it should follow that we can't complain when our neighbours use cheap offshore labour ( islanders ) to cut down their tree, instead of using their local bloke, YOU!

Maybe the neighbour needed to buy new bikes as well?

Just for the record i have 4 kids
Thats a lot of bikes,chips,toothpaste.

Sean Freeman · 10th November 2007, 01:01 PM

Playfordtree I'm not disagreeing with your argument to use local Oz companies, but your analogy with the Islanders doesn't work since they are not qualified, or (it would seem) insured or (most likely) properly payed for their labour....compared to Eric apples and torque wrench...Not the same as buying offshore from a Stihl dealer in US instead of a Stihl dealer here...apples for apples.

but as i said I agree with the spending extra here though I wouldn't push the angle too hard that Stihl are ploughing their profits into Oz.

Ekka · 10th November 2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playfordtree

They are all sound arguements,

But lets take it one step further.

If we have no qualms about buying cheap stuff offshore and not supporting our local economy.

Then it should follow that we can't complain when our neighbours use cheap offshore labour ( islanders ) to cut down their tree, instead of using their local bloke, YOU!

First of all they are local too, they live here.

And like Sean said you are not comparing apples to apples, they are not trained, educated, insured or even paying tax! They are rogue operators, pikies, gypsies etc.

But the saws we are looking at identical product.

Now as far as buying imported products vs local ... tell me this, now that Dr Martens dumped England for China are the boots any cheaper? NO

When Blundstone dump Australia for China will the boots get cheaper? NO

All that happens, and the reason why they do it, is called more profit.

There was a big push 15 years ago ... buy Australian made etc, remember the commercials of people throwing their money into the ocean standing on top of a cliff at the beach? Buy local right?

But Stihls aren't made here. What's happened in Australia is we are just a dumping ground for imported product, and some people have set themselves up well to profit out of it.

There's some laws and regs pertaining to anti competative behaviour and exclusivity. I know recently within the last 10 years there were some ammendments made where competing retails could not import direct and had to go through one agency who was price fixing and monopolizing. Sounds a little like the Stihl business model eh?

Here's some things I found, the question and answer session is great isn't it.

Module 4

playfordtree · 11th November 2007, 01:32 PM

Gentleman,

allow me to clarify, i did not set out to question anyones patriotism.
Nor am i trying to make anyone feel guilty because they bought offshore.
(in all honesty, given half a chance i too would snap up a 200t for $500)
I am merely trying to illustrate that, when YOU make a saving, SOMEONE ELSE misses out, its just simple economics.

In my case that SOMEONE ELSE is my local bloke, who is a hard working Australian family man, like myself.

My guess is that most of the price difference would be due to import duties ie. TAX
As i said its only a guess, i haven't researched the price breakdown.
( if someone has the figures please post them, i always prefer the facts over an eduacated guess)
Now, if indeed the difference in price is mainly a TAX difference, then these are the same taxes that are used to pay for our roads,schools and hospitals.

We are one of the most highest taxing nations on the planet, but we also have one of the greatest countries in which to live,work and raise our families.
We also have a lifestyle that is second none, and surely the high level of taxes we pay have contributed to these facts.

Now regarding the issue of cheap Islander labour versus buying offshore,
gentlemen your arguements are flawed, allow me to explain why.

1- Yes they might live locally and spend some of their money here, but i am sure that like most new migrants they would also send a large proportion of their money back home to their families.

2- If they are uninsured, then they are also depriving our local insurance industry. (not that i love insurance companies btw)

3- If they are working "cash in hand" and not fulfilling their tax obligation, again they are short changing our community, as i illustrated above.

4- If they are unqualified, then again they have short changed our educational community, and denied future generations of tree workers the knowledge they would have gained.

So it is with these points i believe that my drawing an analogy between buying offshore and using cheap Islander labour is sound.
(although not perfect)

I hope this provokes some thought and debate.

Oh,

and just for the record,
i have never worked for an insurance company, the tax office or a stihl dealer.

7th November 2007, 09:28 AM	#1
ARGTrees Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 35	Help from our friends in the US Currently looking for a new MS 200t. Was wondering if someone from the US could give me a price to buy one and ship out to Australia. Doesn't need to have bar or chain. Just tired of getting ripped off for machinery and equipment over here in Aus. Payment would be made through paypal. Sender must have some history with Tree World. Let me know thanks Andrew __________________ ARGtrees Truck and Chipper Hire Australia

7th November 2007, 11:01 AM	#3
Quintrex Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 732	Re: Help from our friends in the US I have purchased saws, climbing gear and ropes from Bishop Co. in Whittier Cal and had them shipped to Australia. They've always been reliable. I haven't had anything from them for a few years, though.

7th November 2007, 11:46 AM	#4
JayD Moderator - Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,387	Re: Help from our friends in the US Hi, As far as I know Stihl has some sort of policy about not selling their saws online, Now would be the time to buy with our $ being near on as strong as the american dollar.Do your homework. JayD __________________ Level 4 Arborist

7th November 2007, 01:19 PM	#5
DBS Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CT USA Posts: 205	Re: Help from our friends in the US MS 200 T with 14" Bar: $ 499.95 MS 200T about 3/4 the way down the page. Also you might see this while on the site... i got a chuckle out of it.... "1 Year Homeowner Warranty" "3 Month Professional Warranty" "Sender must have some history with Tree World." Ekka should be able to vouch for me....i hope....:-) Let me know how or if I can help. Regards, -Daryl __________________ Stihl MS 200T Stihl MS 361

7th November 2007, 03:09 PM	#6
Ekka Admin - Dip Arb & Hort & Seldom Wrong Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 9,559	Re: Help from our friends in the US DBS and ARG please use PM system. Use express freight, I just has a 440 sent $100 USD for freight here in 3 days! Those saws are $1400 here. Yes, Stihl have a no internet or phone sales style policy. Dealers caught selling across states etc can lose their dealerships. But they can do nothing about 1 human walking in buying a saw and sending it on. DBS, you MUST mark the package as chainsaw parts Value $500 Empty out fuel and oil, clean it out best you can, buy it in your name just like you would for yourself then send it on to ARG. DBS, if you do this enough you'll get discounts from your saw shop and pick up perhaps tips from us. DO NOT LET THE SHOP KNOW YOU ARE DOING THIS! DBS many times they wont offer much discount if no bar or chain ... in such cases take them off and keep for yourself. ARG should kick in $50 at least for his troubles on top of total. __________________ TAS Training & Assessment Services\| Arb and Hort Training available here Free Online Tree Value Calculator by TreeWorld Free Online Tree Surface Area and Tree Volume Calculator by TreeWorld Free Tree and Green Industry Deep Link Directory ... Yes, I also SEO (Optimize) and build websites that fly high in Google Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist, Tree and Arborist Reports \| Project Arborist Consumers, insist on a Tree World member, they're visible and accessible. Look for this badge

7th November 2007, 03:55 PM	#7
Quintrex Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 732	Re: Help from our friends in the US Recently quoted $1450 here for 200T. Recommended retail about $1600!

7th November 2007, 05:28 PM	#8
Ekka Admin - Dip Arb & Hort & Seldom Wrong Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 9,559	Re: Help from our friends in the US Maybe $1400 no bar or chain but you'd be pushing it. My MS440 was all up inc freight $950 AUD to get here, rec retail here is $1600 __________________ TAS Training & Assessment Services\| Arb and Hort Training available here Free Online Tree Value Calculator by TreeWorld Free Online Tree Surface Area and Tree Volume Calculator by TreeWorld Free Tree and Green Industry Deep Link Directory ... Yes, I also SEO (Optimize) and build websites that fly high in Google Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist, Tree and Arborist Reports \| Project Arborist Consumers, insist on a Tree World member, they're visible and accessible. Look for this badge

7th November 2007, 09:57 PM	#9
ARGTrees Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 35	Re: Help from our friends in the US yeah 1600 retail, get them down to about 1400 if your lucky, just ridiculus!!!! More than twice the price in the us. __________________ ARGtrees Truck and Chipper Hire Australia

8th November 2007, 02:04 PM	#10
defex Sappling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 12	Re: Help from our friends in the US A Stihl only store is like a block away from my home (california, los angeles) the 200t series is priced at 500. You guys get over priced

8th November 2007, 04:41 PM	#11
playfordtree Mature tree Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Adelaide Australia Posts: 348	Re: Help from our friends in the US I can get 200t from my local dealer for $1350 with 14" bar and chain $1290 no bar & chain Not sure on shipping costs around australia but you still might save yourself about $100. Not much of a saving but better than nothing and less risk than buying offshore. Probably better for those that live in adelaide, you just need to spend a few bucks on petrol. PM me if you want help __________________ Jack of all trades. Mastered by No-one.

8th November 2007, 05:48 PM	#12
Ekka Admin - Dip Arb & Hort & Seldom Wrong Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 9,559	Re: Help from our friends in the US Ahhh, good ole Adelaide, also known for cheapest groceries in the country. __________________ TAS Training & Assessment Services\| Arb and Hort Training available here Free Online Tree Value Calculator by TreeWorld Free Online Tree Surface Area and Tree Volume Calculator by TreeWorld Free Tree and Green Industry Deep Link Directory ... Yes, I also SEO (Optimize) and build websites that fly high in Google Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist, Tree and Arborist Reports \| Project Arborist Consumers, insist on a Tree World member, they're visible and accessible. Look for this badge

8th November 2007, 06:09 PM	#13
a_lopa Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,290	Re: Help from our friends in the US I brought a 066 magnum from the states and its been nothing but trouble,Limiter caps and diffrent rev limited coil. Ive gone right off the idea prefering to just buy low hour local saws. __________________ Drouin Tree Services and Excavator Hire \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland

8th November 2007, 07:14 PM	#14
Quintrex Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 732	Re: Help from our friends in the US My local dealer told me 020's, and all prof Stihl saws, were made to a different spec for USA and Australia. US models had chrome sprayed cylinder and Aus models have full chrome plated bore due to our dustier conditions. As previosly posted, I did import some saws from US in the 90's and did not have problems. They may have worn out quicker though, not sure about that.

8th November 2007, 07:28 PM	#15
fatkoala Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mildura Posts: 56	Re: Help from our friends in the US Spoke to a Stihl rep today and asked him why our saws are so dear compared with the ones in the US. He gave three reasons ,(excuses) 1. The Aus Dollar has only recently gone up against the US, there is a lag time. 2. Aus only represents 2% of the world market (implying we don't have the volume) 3. The Aus dollar has only gone up against the US dollar not the Euro, (german) currency make of it what you will I still think we pay to much

8th November 2007, 07:43 PM	#16
Ekka Admin - Dip Arb & Hort & Seldom Wrong Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 9,559	Re: Help from our friends in the US Yeah, same crap the reps were spinning years ago when the dollar was 0.50 USD Dont listen to them, and Stihl have a price fixing policy too. __________________ TAS Training & Assessment Services\| Arb and Hort Training available here Free Online Tree Value Calculator by TreeWorld Free Online Tree Surface Area and Tree Volume Calculator by TreeWorld Free Tree and Green Industry Deep Link Directory ... Yes, I also SEO (Optimize) and build websites that fly high in Google Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist, Tree and Arborist Reports \| Project Arborist Consumers, insist on a Tree World member, they're visible and accessible. Look for this badge

8th November 2007, 07:50 PM	#17
TrevMcRev Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,418	Re: Help from our friends in the US I've been quoted $1150 for ms200 here in vic. Not too bad. __________________ Total Tree Care - Melbourne Arborist Reports & Consulting,Tree Pruning & Removal \| Elm Leaf Beetle Treatment Melbourne www.treegear.com.au - Australia's Best Value Arborist Supplies

8th November 2007, 09:19 PM	#18
playfordtree Mature tree Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Adelaide Australia Posts: 348	Re: Help from our friends in the US When i spoke to my dealer this afternoon (sounds like i'm talking about drugs) and i mentioned you guys were thinking about importing. He said to be wary, as there is definitely differences in production between U.S and AUS saws. I guess with imports theres no warranty either. I always lean to the "old school" you get what you pay for! But as always, there are two sides. If you had a good month, and are flushed with cash, take a chance! If you backed a winner in the Melbourne cup, take a chance! If "Old aunt Fanny" has died and left you $$, take a chance! You will probably buy a good saw and be very happy. Personally, It might cost more, but i would rather support my local bloke! __________________ Jack of all trades. Mastered by No-one.

8th November 2007, 10:55 PM	#19
ARGTrees Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 35	Re: Help from our friends in the US He didn't give you the one that Australia is a captive market cause you can't just jump the border like you can in the states or europe, therefore they think of you as " You'll pay or else you will go without!!!" __________________ ARGtrees Truck and Chipper Hire Australia

8th November 2007, 10:58 PM	#20
ARGTrees Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 35	Re: Help from our friends in the US Would feel better about supporting local guy if I felt he was the one making the most money from it, but I don't think he is. __________________ ARGtrees Truck and Chipper Hire Australia

8th November 2007, 11:17 PM	#21
playfordtree Mature tree Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Adelaide Australia Posts: 348	Re: Help from our friends in the US To be honest i dont care who is making the most money! My local bloke has given me advice that has saved me $$$. My local bloke has given me credit when i needed a tool to get the job done. My local bloke has listened to my bullsht when i have had a bad day. And, my local bloke NEVER* pisses on my leg and tells me it's raining! My local bloke is great! Have YOU supported your local bloke today? __________________ Jack of all trades. Mastered by No-one.

9th November 2007, 08:22 AM	#22
pomme Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: england Posts: 237	Re: Help from our friends in the US i can t believe the states is so cheap with the V.A.T a ms200t comes out at a little over ? 500.00 in blighty

9th November 2007, 04:12 PM	#23
Ekka Admin - Dip Arb & Hort & Seldom Wrong Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 9,559	Re: Help from our friends in the US Dear Tegan and Lindsay (my 7yo and 4yo girls) I was going to buy you both lovelly new bikes for Christmas and perhaps have a few days off down the beach. We could even get some fish and chips and throw a few to the gulls. I was going to do that with the $400 I saved by buying a chainsaw from the USA. However, I decided it was morally best to support my local bloke and paid full rip off Australian price, so here, instead of bikes you can have some toothpaste. It will make the taste of this news a little more palatable. __________________ TAS Training & Assessment Services\| Arb and Hort Training available here Free Online Tree Value Calculator by TreeWorld Free Online Tree Surface Area and Tree Volume Calculator by TreeWorld Free Tree and Green Industry Deep Link Directory ... Yes, I also SEO (Optimize) and build websites that fly high in Google Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist, Tree and Arborist Reports \| Project Arborist Consumers, insist on a Tree World member, they're visible and accessible. Look for this badge

9th November 2007, 07:19 PM	#25
Ekka Admin - Dip Arb & Hort & Seldom Wrong Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 9,559	Re: Help from our friends in the US I have yet to come across a poor Stihl dealer, ones I know drive cars worth half as much as my mortgaged home. __________________ TAS Training & Assessment Services\| Arb and Hort Training available here Free Online Tree Value Calculator by TreeWorld Free Online Tree Surface Area and Tree Volume Calculator by TreeWorld Free Tree and Green Industry Deep Link Directory ... Yes, I also SEO (Optimize) and build websites that fly high in Google Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist, Tree and Arborist Reports \| Project Arborist Consumers, insist on a Tree World member, they're visible and accessible. Look for this badge

9th November 2007, 08:16 PM	#26
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 455	Re: Help from our friends in the US I love how they react to the $AUD like the petrol stations do. According to them it takes a month for the flow on effect, but goes straight back up immediately. I'm all for supporting my local bloke too. But however good MY customers are, it's a big ask for them to fork out $900 more on top of a $500 tree just because I'm local. For the exact same service, they would go with the $500 bloke....I would.

10th November 2007, 10:50 AM	#27
playfordtree Mature tree Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Adelaide Australia Posts: 348	Re: Help from our friends in the US They are all sound arguements, But lets take it one step further. If we have no qualms about buying cheap stuff offshore and not supporting our local economy. Then it should follow that we can't complain when our neighbours use cheap offshore labour ( islanders ) to cut down their tree, instead of using their local bloke, YOU! Maybe the neighbour needed to buy new bikes as well? Just for the record i have 4 kids Thats a lot of bikes,chips,toothpaste. __________________ Jack of all trades. Mastered by No-one.

10th November 2007, 01:01 PM	#28
Sean Freeman PDF King & Arborist Extrodinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 2,164	Re: Help from our friends in the US Playfordtree I'm not disagreeing with your argument to use local Oz companies, but your analogy with the Islanders doesn't work since they are not qualified, or (it would seem) insured or (most likely) properly payed for their labour....compared to Eric apples and torque wrench...Not the same as buying offshore from a Stihl dealer in US instead of a Stihl dealer here...apples for apples. but as i said I agree with the spending extra here though I wouldn't push the angle too hard that Stihl are ploughing their profits into Oz. __________________ Sean Trees are poems that earth writes upon the sky, We fell them down and turn them into paper, That we may record our emptiness. - Kahlil Gibran http://wanderingarborist.blogspot.com/ http://veterantreegroup.blogspot.com/ http://www.youtube.com/user/VeteranTreeGroup Last edited by Sean Freeman; 10th November 2007 at 03:14 PM. Reason: spelt "the" instead of "that" made no sense

11th November 2007, 01:32 PM	#30
playfordtree Mature tree Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Adelaide Australia Posts: 348	Re: Help from our friends in the US Gentleman, allow me to clarify, i did not set out to question anyones patriotism. Nor am i trying to make anyone feel guilty because they bought offshore. (in all honesty, given half a chance i too would snap up a 200t for $500) I am merely trying to illustrate that, when YOU make a saving, SOMEONE ELSE misses out, its just simple economics. In my case that SOMEONE ELSE is my local bloke, who is a hard working Australian family man, like myself. My guess is that most of the price difference would be due to import duties ie. TAX As i said its only a guess, i haven't researched the price breakdown. ( if someone has the figures please post them, i always prefer the facts over an eduacated guess) Now, if indeed the difference in price is mainly a TAX difference, then these are the same taxes that are used to pay for our roads,schools and hospitals. We are one of the most highest taxing nations on the planet, but we also have one of the greatest countries in which to live,work and raise our families. We also have a lifestyle that is second none, and surely the high level of taxes we pay have contributed to these facts. Now regarding the issue of cheap Islander labour versus buying offshore, gentlemen your arguements are flawed, allow me to explain why. 1- Yes they might live locally and spend some of their money here, but i am sure that like most new migrants they would also send a large proportion of their money back home to their families. 2- If they are uninsured, then they are also depriving our local insurance industry. (not that i love insurance companies btw) 3- If they are working "cash in hand" and not fulfilling their tax obligation, again they are short changing our community, as i illustrated above. 4- If they are unqualified, then again they have short changed our educational community, and denied future generations of tree workers the knowledge they would have gained. So it is with these points i believe that my drawing an analogy between buying offshore and using cheap Islander labour is sound. (although not perfect) I hope this provokes some thought and debate. Oh, and just for the record, i have never worked for an insurance company, the tax office or a stihl dealer. __________________ Jack of all trades. Mastered by No-one.

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