On Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:04:47 GMT, "Hoges in WA"
wrote:


"Vic Smith" wrote in message
.. .
On Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:42:19 GMT, "Hoges in WA"
wrote:



Thanks Dennis
I can't do the "match the price" thing. In Australia, the cheapest I can
get them is $499 or about $US440 plus I have to pay postage from the East
coast. I see them in Pineapple Sails for $US295. Like you, I am very
concerned about fit and return issues, the reason for my caution.
Hoges in WA

Personally, if I decided I wanted to spend such an excessive amount
for a pair of shoes, there would no problem kicking in a few hundred
dollars more to fly to a store and have them properly fitted.
You may well find them unsuitable.
In a backwards fashion, your concern about shipping costs make me
think of somebody who will scour eBay for weeks to get an item for
$2.00 instead of $3.00, then pop $35.00 for next-day shipping.
At the end, your feet are precious, and if it is only Dubarry
Shamrocks that will keep them happy, have those shoes properly fitted.

Vic
It's not the shipping costs that are the problem, it's the logistics.
I'm half a world away from where they are, in Western Australia.
And it's not an eBay issue thing either, it's simply that I have to source
things on-line.
An air fare for me to SF is something like $1,400.
I'm also curious about Helly Hansen boots, but I can't get them in Oz
either.
As you suggest, having them properly fitted makes a lot of sense - I'm just
having trouble with the price difference of $US440 to $US295.

Sorry Hoges, I understood it as a trip across Oz, not clear to S.F.
It's odd how Oz pricing works. I can understand a substantial price
difference for a boat or car due to shipping costs. But shoes?
Most likely limited distribution/retailing rights.
My suggestion is to buy an international calling card and
try calling the sellers with the best prices to sort out the size,
return, and shipping issues.
My son is in Oz and the cards are very cheap, as they are here in the
U.S. 8-12 hours for $US5.00 or close to it.
With a high-priced item like those shoes you should find decent
customer service when phoning, and even a contact name for
any issue that may arise.

--Vic