And the American retailers don't pay these things. They are all staffed with free robots who require no wages, free buildings and utilities, they pay no benefits to their robots and of course the USA has no company tax? You think the people who are employed by an American HBS are paid less than an Australian one? Think again. Is rent cheaper there? Think again. Do your employees in USA want benefits? Yes. Are your utilities in the middle of winter cheaper there? No.
Yes, they pay import duties - and this is responsible for the fact that a pound of hops that went from NZ to America is 1/4 the price of the same hops that just hopped the Tasman? I'm finding your ignorance ammusing. Perhaps look up some trade agreement stuff and become smarter. GST is 10%, price difference with all that shipping: 75%.
I'd say you are the person who's being simplistic and unintelligent. Aussie retailers are ripping you off. They are not ripping me off, because I buy from these American robot factories where everything is free and they can charge much less.
But I suppose I do need to thank you for propping up the LHBS and keeping them in business for when I need something locally.
Attempting to shape international (e) commerce with your little wallet is futile but also a little cute :wub: .