forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => What's New => Topic started by: Dave W on February 02, 2015, 02:33:33 PM
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The international exchange rate for the Aussie dollar is going through the floor just now with the Australian dollar worth less than 78c. This has a killer effect for some on buying models ( or anything) in US Dollars. I know Kiwis are in the same boat and also Canadians. So how many others are baulking at buying new kits due to the impact of the US dollar pricing?
The Wingnuts Felixstowes at $269 work out at $346 in Aussie dollars while the Wingnuts $99 kits now cost $127 in our currency.
The UK Pound is worth about times two to the Aussie dollar so how many modellers are hunkering down to build their stash and deferring new kit purchases till the local currency strengthens?
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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Being an Aussie like you David I am starting to feel the pinch with the exchange rate. I was going to purchase a Tommy's War Thornycroft 1:32 scale WW1 truck but their £90 asking price when converted comes to $180AUD, then on top of that is postage so it would be a $200+ kit. I have been very eager to get the new Wingnuts AEG when they finally release it but this will now depend on their selling price, anything over $200 will put it our of the race.
I have quite a good collection in my stash plus I can still do scratch builds, so it's not like I have nothing to do, more purchases from Wingnuts or elsewhere may just have to wait.
Des.
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Yes it has affected my interest as well. Even in the last week the NZ peso has taken a pounding. Jan 20th: $1NZD = $0.7782 USD, now $0.7250, down 7% >:(
Maybe I should sell some items from the stash in USD on ebay? ;)
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I'm spending much less on fuel at the moment so that compensates to some extent;having said that I think a stash clearance might be in order shortly to fund a few more Wingnut purchases.
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No, not really. I buy 2-4 models a year, perhaps 2 of which would be WNW. I want a Felixstowe, and exchange rate fluctuations mean the kit price varies from £160-180 plus import taxes. So I'm looking at a minimum of around £200. This means saving up - it will take quite a while to save £200 in change, so it isn't much more of a ball-ache to save another £20 or so on top.
If I was buying 5-10 kits in US$ plus accessories, then I may be a bit worried, but at the moment I don't spend enough to make much difference.
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I have yet to purchase a WNW kit as my main scale is 1/48.
That said this was the year when I intended to take the leap and purchase one.
So due to the exchange rate I will now look at who stocks them in the UK, Hannants are one option but I would rather pay cash at a show this would make a further saving as no postage charge.
I have to spread my kitty over varied subjects
Roy
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I've been splurging on WNW as a single seater only costs £44 which is a bargain in my Mind . Yes there's VAT, so I buy 4 at a go.
I paid £35 for the Special hobby G50.
On eBay UK people will pay £69 plus p&p for a single seater and £90 for a 2 seater.
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I have yet to purchase a WNW kit as my main scale is 1/48.
That said this was the year when I intended to take the leap and purchase one.
So due to the exchange rate I will now look at who stocks them in the UK, Hannants are one option but I would rather pay cash at a show this would make a further saving as no postage charge.
I have to spread my kitty over varied subjects
Roy
In my experience Hannants offer WNW kits at the same £ figure as does WNW in USD ie a kit listed on WNW at $99 is sold at Hannants for £99. Even with the exchange rates, VAT, and "release fee" it is still cheaper to buy from WNW. The exchange rate will need to drop a bit more to make Hannants cheaper.
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I buy in batches to spread the £8 customs charge. Sterling was strong last year, so I bought a lot then.
The Euro is taking a hammering though, so I'd imagine our European friends are paying a fair bit more.
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As has been mentioned the Canadian $ has really taken a beating due to the present oil price plummet, it's now pretty well identical to the Aussie $ at $.77.5 US. Add the fact that I live in an area that's economy is 95% driven by oil and yes, my buying habits are somewhat dampened! I was on the cusp of ordering several extra WNW Kits and also eagerly awaiting their AEG, now I'm a little hesitant. That's a pity as financial "talking heads" are predicting even lower rates, our province's economy is forecast to go into recession, and the same experts put the recovery point for oil well into 2016!
Is there any good news? Well, I have a pretty reasonable stash, the freezer is full, and I have guns in case the Anarchists decide to share the wealth so it could be much worse! To answer your question directly, Dave, yes, I'm sitting on my wallet presently however I suspect it will only get worse! :-\ :'(
Cheers?
Lance
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Yes, definitely.
With the euro to the floor it is difficult to buy more WNW, and I am glad that t succeeded in buying a lot before the currency fell down.
It maybe that I will buy the AEG if it is not too costly.
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Because I have been hanging out for the AEG for so long now, I think I will still purchase one when it is released despite the currency rate, it's only one kit so won't hurt too much ???
Des.
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The Aussie dollar dropped another cent today with our Reserve Bank dropping the official interest rate another quarter of a percent, maybe my last post of buying the AEG regardless of the exchange rate has just taken a nose dive :o
Des.
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Imagine if you were new to WNW, or even to WWI modelling, and investigated buying your first one.
I reckon you would select the model you want for all the usual reasons of choice, including price. The fact that it may cost a few AUS$ or Euros more today than a few months ago, would make little difference. You can either afford to buy the kit you want, or you can't.
If you want an expensive kit, such as the Felixstowe, a few $ more won't make much difference? If you have the money to spare already, then you probably have enough cash to cope. If you (like me) need to save for the kit, then another month or so to wait in what may take a year anyway, again doesn't make much difference - if you really want that kit...
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I just bought myself another WNW kit (Roland Via) after worrying it would sell out like all the others I have already missed out on. That will be it for WNW for me unless they release something really special (though by that time they do the value of the dollar - whether it be Aussie, Kiwi, or Canuck - will be so bad we'll be looking fondly back at the days when the exchange rate was where it is now!)
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I just closed my eyes, gritted my teeth and bought a Hannover CLII,
which cost about $20 more than a few weeks ago. I don't buy very
many kits...maybe one every couple of months, so it doesn't hurt me
Quite as much. Horrible state of affairs, though for us outside the USA. ::)
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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I must say that I'm not looking at exchange rate since I bought first WNW... It's better not to look and as long as I have the money for kits that I want then I just go for it. At the moment I'm waiting for the mid February when I will get back this deposit from my employer(extra money hold there in case of any fines, accidents etc) and once they arrived they go straight to New Zealand... :)
Lukas
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the brits are the ones doing the best but their tariffs(vat) it somewhat negates their advantage. economy is bad all over .but we are ww1 aircraft model junkies, we will find a way to get what we feel we "need"
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Albatross DV just listed as SOLD OUT on WNW website........Panic buying initiated !!!
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I think we were fairly well forewarned about that one, equally with the SE5a
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We were forewarned about all the Wingnut Kits being limited run kits, the time will come when each one will be placed under the "sold out" banner, but, on the bright side, Wingnuts are releasing new kits on a regular basis. The question is though, will they sell many kits with the currency exchange rate in a lot of countries hitting all time lows.
Des.
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Hmm...while I did say the Roland would be the last kit I'd buy from WNW for some time, I'm now thinking of buying the Albatros DVa given the DV has gone and will probably soon go too, as well as the Pfalz IIIa, though it will set me back close to AUD200 to do so...damn you WNW and your limited editions!
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Yes, indeed. The Euro dropped so low that this is an extra 15% before taxes.
I am saving my money, which is a good opportunity to work through my small stash.
Stefan
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Yes but on the plus side it helps me try and curb my spending which make SWMBO happier and now I try and get only what I really need and not just want.
James
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the real killer for me living in ireland is postage and the exchange rate, so if i order a few decals the cost of postage to ireland is nearly the cost of a kit in ireland
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I was looking at the Wingnuts Speculation and the Latest Acquisition boards and going by the number of models being purchased the exchange rate does not seem to have dampened spending. There will be another rush next week when the AEG is released and if Wingnuts keep changing the aircraft they display on their home page there is always the risk that the displayed model will be heading for the sold out bin, hence more buying. I think it is just a case of people wanting Wingnut kits regardless of the price.
Des.
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I think you are right Des. The dreaded "Sold Out" signs and the resale value of WNW kits on EBay are overcoming any additional costs associated with exchange rate movements.
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No matter how you slice it, they are a lot of kit for the money, and you can add as much or little as you choose.
However, the HK Dornier 335 is calling as well.
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I can understand you going for the Do335 Mike - it's so different to the Spitfire/Mustang/109/190 WWII fighters that seem to be everywhere.
It's bloody massive though! The picture of it in the National Air & Space Museum shows it dwarfing an Ar232.
Only problem is that the AEG will only be available for a limited time, whilst the 335 will be unlikely to sell out.
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i have noticed recently the dollar seems to be strong in respect to the euro and pound, this helps things seem cheaper when you buy from europe, problem is shipping almost negates the advantage.
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this helps things seem cheaper when you buy from europe, problem is shipping almost negates the advantage.
Well, when you have to purchase over 90% of your supplies, kits, and research books, shipping becomes a matter of everyday life for the hobby. That's how it's been for me for a long time. So I guess for me, it doesn't play in very much in that regard.
Warren
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I have three excellent hobby supply resources here in Australia and they all take orders online and use PayPal, but there are times when I still have to source products outside Australia, this is when shopping becomes expensive, but this is the way of our hobby, if we need something we just have to pay for it.
Des.
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In general, Sterling is doing well against the Euro (what isn't?) & is holding its own against the Dollar, so any additional WNW expense is more than offset by cheaper buying from Europe. Sterling is down maybe 5% against the US Dollar, but up 20% against the Euro.
I'm just glad the UK never joined the Euro.
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i just meant if i but from a u.s. supplier the shipping is sometimes half the price or even cheaper somtimes. say i buy an eduard kit for $30 and shipping is $7 but then due to the euro waning i can get the same kit for $22 but shipping is $19 it isnt cheaper in the long run. i realise shipping is a part of it but if its cheaper but the shipping is substantially more you dont save money as it may seem.
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The exchange rate certainly has influenced my decision not to buy the new AEG, the $229 is not too bad but with the conversion it comes to nearly $300. I will wait until the Aussie dollar strengthens against the US dollar before I commit to buying the kit.
Des.
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Our Aussie dollar dropped again last night, so with the Paypal exchange rate added it would now cost me $310AUD for an AEG kit, this kit is not even on my list anymore.
Des.
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Bottoms falling out of the euro too, It's hammered my wingnut buying and also a lot of the other stuff I have to buy for my work. I just had to pay a 100 euros tax and duty on a small package of guitar parts from the usa valued at 330 Euros. Looks like papal is going to have a break for a while. Might give me some incentive to dive into the stash.
Cheers
Andrew
Ps I'd like the AEG but no way till the dollar drops against the euro !
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I am now buying all my modeling accessories from Australian hobby shops, no exchange rate to deal with and far cheaper postage costs, and delivery in a day or two.
Des.
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One of the reasons I try and support my local shops , lately though they do seem less inclined to order stuff in . It has been 5 months since I order Eduards new SSW and still nothing ....go figure :o Almost seems like a catch 22 . Damned if you do damned if you don't .
Terri
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I've always tried to as well. Thanks to a forum member, I learned of a local shop that had come in under my radar. It's a 100+ mile round trip, but I'll support them if and when I can to be sure.
Anyway, I sympathize with those who suffer under high tariffs for hobby goods, exchange rates, etc. It's all cyclical, so it'll be back around.
Warren
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My sentiments exactly Justin, it was that long ago when the Aussie dollar was on parity with the US dollar, I will wait until it is back to that point again before lashing out on a heap more kits.
Des.
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Worth keeping an eye on exchange rates this week I'd think given the Chinese crash. This appears to be having knock on effects on most other markets, specifically the US.
If the dollar falls a bit, (sorry statesiders,) your local price elsewhere may become more attractive. (Please not worse although if you buy in penga-pengas or suchlike it might well fall further.) Of course you need to keep an eye on PayPal rates etc as well.
These rate mechanisms make a huge difference. Last week on holiday in south of France, I was getting 1.40euros to the GBP. Two years ago it was 1.08!
Sandy
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Not really - I have a monthly budget and just work within that, sometimes I go under sometimes I go over but it all balances out through out the year.
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The situation in Canada is, like Australia, gruesome. Our dollar is "in the tank" with a minimum 25% or more price on conversion to US and the GBP, slows down the shopping somewhat! That, with the general increase in postal costs over the past few years has definitely had an impact on my ambitions and, other then private sales or trades, I plan on laying low for a while. The WNW Camel release will, of course, be viewed as a "special circumstance"! ;)
Cheers,
Lance
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World sharemarkets are collapsing and the Aussie market plunged again today. The Aussie Dollar is now worth barely 72c US.
This is seriously bad news for model companies that rely wholly on international mail order in US dollars for their sales.
Wingnuts will need to have some spectacularly attractive new releases and at an affordable price in the next month or two if they hope to kick start a buying frenzy. Multi engined bombers priced in the hundreds of dollars may be an enticing package but the cold hard economic reality is my budget is geared toward (cheaper) single seaters, if anything.
All of us support Wingnuts and other international manufacturers but the exchange rates and, where applicable, international postage costs, have become the enemy.
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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All of us support Wingnuts and other international manufacturers but the exchange rates and, where applicable, international postage costs, have become the enemy.
Not to forget my dear friend "Mr. duty fee", who puts an additional carge of 19% on top of everything coming from WNW. Plus his dear colleque "Mr. import tax", who adds another 19% for anything more expensive than 120€ on top of "Mr. duty fee".
Sometimes I hate living in the EU.
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The falling Australian dollar has certainly stopped any of my overseas purchases, and to make matters worse our current government has announced that GST will be added to all overseas purchases from July 2017, that means another 10% added to the purchase price, add this to the ever increasing postal charges and it puts overseas buying totally out of reach. Even with free shipping offered by some companies it is not giving a great deal of incentive when the currency exchange rate is so bad.
It can only get better, we hope.
Des.
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Kiwiland is also planning to add GST to all imports too - starting with digital downloads, but probably tangible goods as well. Then there is a $NZ40-50 Customs 'handling charge' on top, I believe, currently. It is going to kill the hobby for me (and for books).
Sorry not have been active lately - winter blues (or Churchill's Black Dog), cold house and lots of editing work have kept me away from the model bench.
Cheers,
GrahamB
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All I can say, Justin is I am glad you got the AEG when you did!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Exchange rates had certainly been dampening my kit buying but with respect to the new development Des just referred to,I'll be buggered if I'll pay any tax I can avoid on Wingnut kits for example which as we all know are not sold by local retailers,at least here in Aus,making the rationale for the extension of the GST morally invalid.(Not that the greedy billionaire mouthpiece behind the lobby group will care,more $ for racehorses for him).Before the axe falls next July I'll invest a couple of grand or so and buy every thing on my WNW,Silverwings etc wishlists as soon as I see a reasonable lift in the rate.This may seem a bit bloody-minded but I have another round of chemotherapy in 2 days and am feeling a bit Bolshy tonight,and I expected better from a government which I support.Pity it's made up of politicians.
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i am really sorry guys that down under is doing not so great economically.seems the pound is beating everything followed by the euro.i understand when the market fluxuates like this it makes it harder to buy new stuff. it has always been a tad behind usd but looking at a chart from the last year.it was avg .80 and has been gradually tapering for a year down to the .65 it is now which means a wnw $99 kit cost you $153nz . which is very close to what it would be if i wanted to buy from england. to buy something that costs 99pounds cost me $155. so its the brits we need to cast stones at. just kidding. i wonder why the british economy is so strong these days.
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Don't bother blaming the Brits! We have been suffering a programme of austerity over the last five years that has seen public finances, jobs, health, education, etc all reduced to support the godammed holy grail of economic stability. Finally we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel and one side benefit is that foreign exchange is more beneficial than it's been for many a long year!
Blame your own politicians - we blame ours enough ourselves!
Sandy
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i was just joking and speculating sandy.someones gotta be on top
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Yeah, sorry for the sharp retort, but believe me we've had years of the pound being worth buttons!
Cheers
S