Saw this and Gerry and co are putting in print advertising to try and get GST on all goods imported (at the moment if it is under $1000 no GST) - also considering television advertising.
http://money.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8191403
"Australian retailers will launch an advertising campaign urging the government to impose GST on all goods bought over the internet.
From Tuesday, major retailers including Myer, David Jones, Harvey Norman and Target will take out the print advertisements, The Australian reports."
Went looking and found something a few months earlier by Choice, particularly the logistics of introducing the tax. I would imagine the postage time would balloon massively if it was introduced, processing every single item to then put the GST on would be a nightmare.
"If the government does not want to impose GST on internet purchases, which are free of GST and import duty if valued at less than $1000, it should not impose it on domestic purchases, the ads also claim."
What a load of rubbish.
Also agreed on processing every little item that comes through the mail is massive FAIL!
And goddamn these companies are chucking a hissy fit. Like come on there's proof that you guys are just ripping us off and protecting your bottom pocket. Walk into any Harvey Norman store when there's a sale and it will be full of potential customers. You just need to get the damn price right not blame it on GST.
Even if a GST was slapped onto some products it would still be miles cheaper than buying it locally. For example the Sony Dualshock3 Controller, can be had for roughly AUD$32 imported. Whack GST on that and it's $35 cheapest I've seen in Australia is $47. That's a $12 or a massive 25.5% savings even after GST is applied.
Another example my earphones cost AUD$400 from USA, with GST that makes $440, quoted Australian price $550. A whooping $110 or 20% difference.
It's time to take your damn heads out of your arse and look at the way you opperate. You no longer can afford those 100% profit margins anymore. Lower your price or suffer, regardless of GST or not. Cause if it ain't cheap or at a reasonable price we won't buy it anyway.