Why are some things so overpriced in Thailand and others not?

[Tmymaimee]

I am moving to Thailand shortly and plan on bringing a shipping container of used personal effects under a Thai person's name who owes me a favour. Some things that use electricity like TVs, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, washing machines and so on are priced the same as home so I would just buy new in Thailand.

Other items I just can't wrap my head around for pricing. For example, a Brunswick pool table I would like to buy is 140,000 baht in Bangkok yet only $2,000 in the USA. Even with shipping and VAT, its still no where close. Other things like tools, furniture (not teak wood stuff), patio sets, barbecues, gas oven ranges, even a Yamaha piano I'm looking at are less than half price in the USA. If you buy used in new condition on Ebay, take another 25% off that.

Am I missing something here? I just shipped 2 pallets of personal belongings to the ex-wife and she had already been living in Thailand for the past year so never technically qualified for duty free imports as per the rules yet total taxes for her were zero. I shipped furniture, a computer, sewing machine, etc and just shipping costs of $800 on a ship for 6 weeks transit.

I can ship an entire container for $4000 from the USA west coast to Lam Chabaeng for $4000 with no weight limit. Maybe I should just fill the whole thing up with used personal effects off Ebay and start selling the stuff in Thailand.

[ABCer]

Answering your question -

Yes, there is disparity in prices. This is found in any country. It looks like you have researched the issue enough. Besides there is your Thai wife to enlighten you.

You say you have shipped everything in her name. Hope you are a lucky guy. If not - your voyage home will be much cheaper.

BTW, $4,000 = 120,000 Bt. Most of your needs could be covered here. The other items are luxury, not needs. Try to get a simpler and happier life.

Possessions, especially not necessities, complicate our lives. Remember the camel and the eye of the needle.

Good luck.

[robblok]

Answering your question -

Yes, there is disparity in prices. This is found in any country. It looks like you have researched the issue enough. Besides there is your Thai wife to enlighten you.

You say you have shipped everything in her name. Hope you are a lucky guy. If not - your voyage home will be much cheaper.

BTW, $4,000 = 120,000 Bt. Most of your needs could be covered here. The other items are luxury, not needs. Try to get a simpler and happier life.

Possessions, especially not necessities, complicate our lives. Remember the camel and the eye of the needle.

Good luck.

Could you give me all your possessions I would gladly be of service to make your life less uncomplicated. Please your ATM nr too.

I always laugh at people like that who tell others how to spend their money, they ask a question and you tell him you should not have possessions

[poanoi]

Because you are American.

Nearly all, if not all Americans i know of complain about cost in LOSTD,

i dont know of any other nationality that complain,

on the contrary the rest think its cheap.

Edited August 9, 2013 by poanoi

[robblok]

Its quite simple western stuff like a pool table is not produced here and Thailand has huge import rates plus its a heavy item so shipping is high too. The high import rates are here because the Thais can't compete with quality stuff, Thailand is used to monopoly's where they can sell their stuff anyway and no need to invest in quality. Beer is one of these things (i don't drink) but foreign beers are purposely pushed out of the market here leaving only crap beers.

[Indrid Cold]

Just keep shipping, you can never have to much junk.

[HeijoshinCool]

Because you are American.

Nearly all, if not all Americans i know of complain about cost in LOSTD,

i dont know of any other nationality that complain,

on the contrary the rest think its cheap.

That's because everything is cheap in America; we have Walmart.

[Tmymaimee]

I'm not American. And I'm not complaining...I'm asking why something that costs $2000 in the US is 140,000 baht in Thailand. Even taking into account bulk shipping rates (maybe $200 for the pool table) and VAT, why the disparity? If someone said it was because a pool table is a "luxury good" then why are some other luxury goods priced in line with US prices plus shipping and VAT?

I emailed the pool table dealer for an explanation. If in fact its just opportunity, then why would someone not set up a mail order import business to take advantage of these price differences? Are Thai people not motivated to make money when they see these types of opportunities?

Someone could set up weekly shipping from Oregon (being tax free) and just fill containers based on prepaid orders for everything from tools, hardware, hobby supplies or anything else not available at a fair price in Thailand.

[robblok]

I'm not American. And I'm not complaining...I'm asking why something that costs $2000 in the US is 140,000 baht in Thailand. Even taking into account bulk shipping rates (maybe $200 for the pool table) and VAT, why the disparity? If someone said it was because a pool table is a "luxury good" then why are some other luxury goods priced in line with US prices plus shipping and VAT?

I emailed the pool table dealer for an explanation. If in fact its just opportunity, then why would someone not set up a mail order import business to take advantage of these price differences? Are Thai people not motivated to make money when they see these types of opportunities?

Someone could set up weekly shipping from Oregon (being tax free) and just fill containers based on prepaid orders for everything from tools, hardware, hobby supplies or anything else not available at a fair price in Thailand.

There is a 60% tax on some luxury goods and that is over the price plus shipping. Then the seller in Thailand wants to make some money and because its not a high turnover good the markup is higher.

Edited August 9, 2013 by robblok

[aussiebebe]

It's too simplistic to say things are overpriced here in Thailand. There are fewer customers here for many of the items you list such as the pool table. This means that each customer must share a higher proportion of underlying costs such as distribution. In the US, there are many more customers, so each customer can cover a smaller proportion of these costs and enjoy lower prices.
You see this on all things; cars, electronics, sporting goods even if you compare the US with the UK or Australia.

[Tmymaimee]

Because you are American.

Nearly all, if not all Americans i know of complain about cost in LOSTD,

i dont know of any other nationality that complain,

on the contrary the rest think its cheap.

That's because everything is cheap in America; we have Walmart.

Walmart and Costco seem to be everywhere in Asia but Thailand and Philippines for some reason.

[kurnell]

How will your Thai friend clear your goods tax and duty free? That have recently lived in the states for a year and returned to Thailand?

[Tmymaimee]

I'm not American. And I'm not complaining...I'm asking why something that costs $2000 in the US is 140,000 baht in Thailand. Even taking into account bulk shipping rates (maybe $200 for the pool table) and VAT, why the disparity? If someone said it was because a pool table is a "luxury good" then why are some other luxury goods priced in line with US prices plus shipping and VAT?

I emailed the pool table dealer for an explanation. If in fact its just opportunity, then why would someone not set up a mail order import business to take advantage of these price differences? Are Thai people not motivated to make money when they see these types of opportunities?

Someone could set up weekly shipping from Oregon (being tax free) and just fill containers based on prepaid orders for everything from tools, hardware, hobby supplies or anything else not available at a fair price in Thailand.

There is a 60% tax on some luxury goods and that is over the price plus shipping. Then the seller in Thailand wants to make some money and because its not a high turnover good the markup is higher.

Is there an actual published list of these items or is it at the discretion of the Thai Customs agent? I'm not too worried about the used household goods but would like to import a new pool table and an arcade pinball game along with used personal goods under a Thai name.

[poanoi]

When i google, i see it myself, USA IS dirt cheap,

there is hardly an item that isnt cheap.

A big reason i'm longing for a visa card i can use to buy online btw.

ed: On the shipping, i strongly advice against it.

Too many cases where custom here at the harbor demand more than its worth to let it off the pier.

Edited August 9, 2013 by poanoi

[Tmymaimee]

How will your Thai friend clear your goods tax and duty free? That have recently lived in the states for a year and returned to Thailand?

Yes, 7 years in Canada. For what its worth, the ex wife was in Thailand for the past year and no taxes or duties on anything yet the rules say the Thai must be outside the country for the past year. Maybe the Customs people aren't too hard on this rule provided the goods belong to the importer who is Thai.

[robblok]

I'm not American. And I'm not complaining...I'm asking why something that costs $2000 in the US is 140,000 baht in Thailand. Even taking into account bulk shipping rates (maybe $200 for the pool table) and VAT, why the disparity? If someone said it was because a pool table is a "luxury good" then why are some other luxury goods priced in line with US prices plus shipping and VAT?

I emailed the pool table dealer for an explanation. If in fact its just opportunity, then why would someone not set up a mail order import business to take advantage of these price differences? Are Thai people not motivated to make money when they see these types of opportunities?

Someone could set up weekly shipping from Oregon (being tax free) and just fill containers based on prepaid orders for everything from tools, hardware, hobby supplies or anything else not available at a fair price in Thailand.

There is a 60% tax on some luxury goods and that is over the price plus shipping. Then the seller in Thailand wants to make some money and because its not a high turnover good the markup is higher.

Is there an actual published list of these items or is it at the discretion of the Thai Customs agent? I'm not too worried about the used household goods but would like to import a new pool table and an arcade pinball game along with used personal goods under a Thai name.

Yes there is here it is

http://igtf.customs.go.th/igtf/en/main_frame.jsp

[kurnell]

How will your Thai friend clear your goods tax and duty free? That have recently lived in the states for a year and returned to Thailand?

Yes, 7 years in Canada. For what its worth, the ex wife was in Thailand for the past year and no taxes or duties on anything yet the rules say the Thai must be outside the country for the past year. Maybe the Customs people aren't too hard on this rule provided the goods belong to the importer who is Thai.

In my experience the rule is a Thai must have been living in the country where the shipment originates for a minimum 12 months straight. No frequent returns to Thailand. Strictly enforced + you can't claim tax and duty free privilege 20 years after you returned to Thailand

[tuky]

Because you are American.

Nearly all, if not all Americans i know of complain about cost in LOSTD,

i dont know of any other nationality that complain,

on the contrary the rest think its cheap.

That's because everything is cheap in America; we have Walmart.

Walmart and Costco seem to be everywhere in Asia but Thailand and Philippines for some reason.

I have come across costco in S.Korea but I have never seen a walmart anywhere in my entire life.

Where are these walmarts?

[Tmymaimee]

I'm not American. And I'm not complaining...I'm asking why something that costs $2000 in the US is 140,000 baht in Thailand. Even taking into account bulk shipping rates (maybe $200 for the pool table) and VAT, why the disparity? If someone said it was because a pool table is a "luxury good" then why are some other luxury goods priced in line with US prices plus shipping and VAT?

I emailed the pool table dealer for an explanation. If in fact its just opportunity, then why would someone not set up a mail order import business to take advantage of these price differences? Are Thai people not motivated to make money when they see these types of opportunities?

Someone could set up weekly shipping from Oregon (being tax free) and just fill containers based on prepaid orders for everything from tools, hardware, hobby supplies or anything else not available at a fair price in Thailand.

There is a 60% tax on some luxury goods and that is over the price plus shipping. Then the seller in Thailand wants to make some money and because its not a high turnover good the markup is higher.

Is there an actual published list of these items or is it at the discretion of the Thai Customs agent? I'm not too worried about the used household goods but would like to import a new pool table and an arcade pinball game along with used personal goods under a Thai name.

Yes there is here it is

http://igtf.customs.go.th/igtf/en/main_frame.jsp

Thank you...billiard tables duty free as per subheading 95.04 so now I really have to question this price difference..

[Tmymaimee]

Because you are American.

Nearly all, if not all Americans i know of complain about cost in LOSTD,

i dont know of any other nationality that complain,

on the contrary the rest think its cheap.

That's because everything is cheap in America; we have Walmart.

Walmart and Costco seem to be everywhere in Asia but Thailand and Philippines for some reason.

I have come across costco in S.Korea but I have never seen a walmart anywhere in my entire life.

Where are these walmarts?

Sorry, China and Japan....my mistake.

[tuky]

Ahh, that makes sense.

Thanks for the clarification.

[farang000999]

If you want to feel good

go online and look at used car prices in USA

porsche boxter 2010 for 30,000 $

!!!

[h90]

Because you are American.

Nearly all, if not all Americans i know of complain about cost in LOSTD,

i dont know of any other nationality that complain,

on the contrary the rest think its cheap.

yes because the Europeans are used to high prices from at home

[farang000999]

to answer OP:

it works like this:

Businesses in USA have free competition and they are ridiculously low margin. I do mean ridiculously!

retail employees get paid minimum wage of 7.5 per hour and they would not survive without government subsidy.

there are very low import duties

these huge companies DICTATE to manufacturers what they are going to pay for everything because their volume is so high.

America is a consumer culture with very little savings and Americans live to consume and shop. Our job is to enjoy all the stuff the rest of the world makes! In exchange for consuming everything, we protect the world with our military and ease dropping NSA capabilities!

Thailand does everything to protect it's manufacturers. They don't want competition because nobody would buy the shit they make here because their manufacturers are less efficient than China.

However there is something very cheap in Thailand and that is human labor. That is probably why you are coming here. Because you are horny.

Edited August 9, 2013 by farang000999

[Tmymaimee]

Of course the reason I am moving to Thailand is because of the girls. Can you think of a single reason otherwise? If it wasn't for sex, the world economy would collapse. No one goes to nightclubs to buy overpriced beer, drives a BMW to drop the kids off at daycare and why do women buy makeup and go to the hair salon? Where would Thailand be if the girls were fat and ugly?

[yankee99]

Answering your question -

Yes, there is disparity in prices. This is found in any country. It looks like you have researched the issue enough. Besides there is your Thai wife to enlighten you.

You say you have shipped everything in her name. Hope you are a lucky guy. If not - your voyage home will be much cheaper.

BTW, $4,000 = 120,000 Bt. Most of your needs could be covered here. The other items are luxury, not needs. Try to get a simpler and happier life.

Possessions, especially not necessities, complicate our lives. Remember the camel and the eye of the needle.

Good luck.

120k could not cover anything. The op knows what he is doing.....A bbq here 63k same in usa 25k. Bed frame here 75k same in usa 30k. Linens here 15k same in usa 5k. Towel here 1000baht same in usa 180....

The shipping is peanuts compared to the savings ....

[NeverSure]

I think even a Walmart in LOS would have high prices due to the import duties. The US has free trade agreements with no import duties.

For instance, I bought a new Harley a couple of years ago in Oregon, US for $18,000 US and no sales tax. A good friend in Canada bought the same bike for US$25,000 due to Canada's import and sales taxes.

I bought a new loaded Ford F150 full 4 door, auto, 4x4 pickup with 4.6 ltr V8 engine for US$28,000 (874K baht) out the door with no sales tax. What would that cost me in LOS?

I could go on, but the internet will prove it. Things are really cheap in the US but by the time you pay duties to get them into Thailand, the duties can possibly equal what you paid for the items, doubling their price.

[mogandave]

Container is limited to about 16,000 Kg.

You also have local pickup in the US, local delivery in Thailand, processing fees etc.

As far as tax and duty, you are at the whim of the customs department.

A $2,000 Brunswick is a pretty low end table. I'm sure you can get something as good locally for less money.

Also, be advised, anything you pack in a container better be well packed and secure.

[mickjn]

Sell everything,pack a suitcase,put the suitcase on the bed open it throw half the shit in the suit case out and go,only way to do it

[farang000999]

what do you do with the wife mickjn?