ecowain, I dont think it is rude, but then again i am an economist....... my view is if they want the business then they should be competitive.... If i can get the goods from the US at half price at the most on a retail basis (including freight and exchange rate) then i shudder to think what the mark up is the shops here in Aus are putting on their gear. I know I sound harsh, but if any business wants my business (not just climbing shops), then they need to be competetive.
On service, here in Brisbane I am yet to find a shop with decent service that employs people who know something about climbing (both rock and mountaineering). Is probably different in Sydney where there is more competetion, but there is one shop here in Bris in particular I have had several bad experiences with..... after each experience I thought I would give them another go to try and support locals, but at the end of the day if i can get it much cheaper elsewhere, why not... the shops here in Aus (Bris anyway) certainly have no problems charging as much as they can so i have no problems paying as little as i can... so i don't think it is rude, it is just business, why throw away money.... If the shops here in bris want to make the sale, then the need to be much more competitive to get my dollars :)
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