Buying electronics overseas up to 60pc cheaper

New Zealand consumers are paying between 40 and 60 per cent more than their United States counterparts for a wide range of new consumer electronics.

The differences are most pronounced on digital cameras and camcorders and on DVD recorders. Consumers buying from the United States or Hong Kong report savings of around $800 on digital cameras, more than $2000 on digital camcorders and about $1600 on DVD writers.

Local representatives of international manufacturers spoken to by the Business Herald said economies of scale and the cost structure of the United States market were the main reasons for the variation. They pointed out that many consumer electronics products bought overseas were not covered by international warranties - meaning buyers might have problems getting such items repaired here.

One manufacturer said prices for DVD recorders would fall in the next six to nine months as the market matured - in much the same way the price of DVD players had fallen in the last few months.

Manufacturers also said buyers needed to be wary of different video standards and power supplies used in the United States. But that is not deterring some Kiwi buyers who point out that the differences are minor and that for DVD writers installed in a computer, the power supply is not an issue because it's handled by the computer's power supply.

For camcorders, buyers say most have a voltage range capable of US and European standards so a plug adapter is all that's needed. It's similar for many digital cameras.