What is the deal with Russia?

[DougRichards]

I used to get a 'eastern bloc' kits through Aviapress in Russia, but check out the prices quoted here.

 

 

http://www.aviapress.com/viewallkits.htm?35

 

Has anyone heard anything about this trend?

[Bearded-Dragon]

Are the prices in Rubles or US Dollars? Whats the exchange rate between the two at the moment?

[DougRichards]

Are the prices in Rubles or US Dollars? Whats the exchange rate between the two at the moment?

 

They are either US Dollars or AUD, yes, $150 or what you can buy in an Australian hobby shop, if it is available, for $40.

[EW]

On a slightly related note, there's a rumour that Trumpeter will increase the prices so it will be a 30% increase at the retail level. The reason for the alleged action is to compensate for the weak dollar. Anyway had a quick glance at the link you provided Doug and 50 bucks for a figure set seems a tad pricey. Not what one is accustomed to here anyway.

 

Cheers

EW

[Jacques]

The weak US Dollar is hurting US imports right now.

 

High food and energy prices are driving inflation crazy in some places, I think that is the problem with Aviapress...also Alanger has changed prices too, but not to nearly the same level.

[yak_v]

The weak US Dollar is hurting US imports right now.

 

High food and energy prices are driving inflation crazy in some places, I think that is the problem with Aviapress...also Alanger has changed prices too, but not to nearly the same level.

 

I doubt that. The dollar fell maybe 20% against the ruble, not 3-4 times. And many of the prices are just ridiculous - they have an A-model kit there for $800. I've asked the question on a Russian forum and no one knew the reason. That is unexplainable.

 

If you want to buy Russian stuff go to http://www.hobbyterra.com/. They are cheap (cheaper than most of the western shops) and their delivery times are excellent, I get the stuff in under 2 weeks after the order.

 

Vladimir

[nitflegal]

I doubt that. The dollar fell maybe 20% against the ruble, not 3-4 times. And many of the prices are just ridiculous - they have an A-model kit there for $800. I've asked the question on a Russian forum and no one knew the reason. That is unexplainable.

 

If you want to buy Russian stuff go to http://www.hobbyterra.com/. They are cheap (cheaper than most of the western shops) and their delivery times are excellent, I get the stuff in under 2 weeks after the order.

 

Vladimir

 

Good advice. Aviapress isn't quite as bad as Armybooks.com used to be but they are awfully expensive, have very, very long shipping times, and piss-poor customer service. When you can get a lot of Eastern Europe/Russian stuff from Airconnection and Pacific Front as well as hobbyterra, I don't know why you'd go elsewhere.

 

Matt

[Jacques]

I don't think it is JUST the dollar, (BTW Doug is in Australlia but I think the AUS dollar is falling too), but also the spike in inflation in Russia. I know that SP Designs kits sell for 1.5 times their US prices in Moscow, some kits even more. I also would not be surprised to find out that they are trying to maintain specific profit margins from key buyers and "too hell" with others who cannot pay. Smart? No. But if they can pull it off...

[Archie Pellagio]

I don't think it is JUST the dollar, (BTW Doug is in Australlia but I think the AUS dollar is falling too), but also the spike in inflation in Russia. I know that SP Designs kits sell for 1.5 times their US prices in Moscow, some kits even more. I also would not be surprised to find out that they are trying to maintain specific profit margins from key buyers and "too hell" with others who cannot pay. Smart? No. But if they can pull it off...

 

Prices in russia seem to be going up for a lot of things as well though.

 

As for the Aussie dollar it is relatively stable against all major currencies except the US which is falling like a stone and is now $0.90usd=$1aud which is up from as low as .50c not that long ago...

[Jacques]

As reported Yesterday, Russia's core inflation in 2007 was 14%. YIKES!