Re: Aussie rips offs
 

The bottom line is the book market is rigged, so it's going out of business. It's almost the same as flight prices in Australia, except for the fact you can get round the former by buying books online, whereas you have to take off from an Australian airport so that's one gouging you can't escape from. There is no lobbying culture in Australia so prices remain ridiculous to the point that it's cheaper to fly a family of four out from England to visit here rather than for two people to fly back to the UK to visit them.

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

Older people who grew up with another model and just do not understand the power of the internet. This is sounds impossible but look at HMV's piss poor website. How could HMV of all businesses not understand the need for a powerful website?

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

The surprising thing is those who have the power to change the legislation to correct it choose not to.

On flights: There's always Air Asia to KL and then picking up scheduled carriers from there to Europe, Africa, etc. But it's tedius and there are risks.

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

I have looked into all the blags but with a family it's not worth the effort. The savings are not big enough to be fiddling about in HK or Bangkok, plus like you say there are attendant risks with one-way flights or connecting flights.

Nope, they've got us stitched up like kippers and there's nothing we can do about but get ripped off. No lobbying culture. No one talks about it except expats who know better. It's criminal really, and we're the ones getting mugged. I note Qantas just stopped flying internationally from ADL. I never flew with them anyway - too expensive, and dodgy customer service reputation, but it's not going to increase competition is it?

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

Not for nothing, but if you fancied a spot of lobbying, now is the time - when they are hungry for votes and a bit of publicity.

A well thought out policy, easily transferable into law, can find support at a time like this ...

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

That's very true. A good point. When do you start? :lol:

Aus would be a paradise were it not for it's very many rip-offs :cool:

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

It was zen10's idea that lobbying was absent - I wouldn't want to step on his toes.....

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

And I suppose Adelaide is a quiet place. It could do with a bit of excitement....

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

Zzzz sorry what? You just woke me up, I was snoooooozing in Adelaide's perfect quiet..... yes, thought about lobbying someone- actually my idea was setting up a website and getting some publicity on that. Ideally, I would like someone much sharper and more ruthless than me to do it though.

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

Actually the operative characteristic is 'persuasive'. Arseholes only get ahead if they only work out you are one AFTER you have what you want.

As far as movement on this issue is concerned, its worthwhile lining up who's pro and con.
as such, you'd have to get a groundswell of opinion, in key battleground constituencies, before you would be able to push it through. A simple website won't cut it, except as an adjunct. You'd need

• A thought out, planned policy, that would benefit some vested interests.
• A groundswell of support, a meme that got action and support from across Australia.
• Targeted pushing of a policy platform on people that might actually be in a position to implement change.

That basically means, this rube, would have to buy in. Which given his politics would be a hard ask.

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

Having recently just come back from a road trip/reccie/visiting family, one of the things that stood out most for me cost wise was the price of cars. They are double in price and in some cases more. :ohmy: But I believe this hasn't always been the case.....So my Aunt and Uncle tell me. Apparently, once upon a time cars were cheap.

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

Contact lenses. The optician wants close to $180 per box, which means $360every 6 months. I can find them online at Clearly Contacts for $115/box so better, but I've found them on an American site for $79/box.

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

I've managed to avoid the whole contact lens debacle so far - I only wear them if I go out somewhere special (like meeting you) so I still have the boxes I brought with me from the UK. I guess at some point I'll have to sort them out though.

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

I can't see without glasses or contacts. Really, truly cannot see. My glasses are pretty thick and even with thinner lenses they're still heavy and I really don't see as well with them as contacts.

What I might do is have my sister order me a years worth and mail them over. Even with shipping they'll be cheapere than buying here.

Re: Aussie rips offs
 

Cars are expensive, especially second hand ones in comparison to the US and UK. (Try buying a car in Singapore then Australia becomes a bargain). Offsetting the cost of purchase is the cost of fuel. A lot cheaper than the UK though the locals think they are being fleeced.