Australian Dollar weak again...

[W4ASZ]

Based on the projections at the link I posted above, looks like next spring will be the next best time for me to buy my Campdraft ...

Everything Australian shows the 90 AUD Camp Draft at $89.06 U.S. That's plus your shipping, plus, I presume, the three month wait, though it's always been somewhat less for me. Hats Direct can cover your dome by the time the Hawk comes in off Lake Michigan, though at a higher price.

I wouldn't wait, necessarily. The EACD Index has gone from 72.85 to 89.06 in just a few months.

For now, our Australian friends may run wild in the marketplace.

 

[James71]

Dont worry fellas, I can pretty much keep akubra afloat on my own, with a little help from my family and friends. They are de-rigeur around here.

(it doesnt help that I live in katoomba, which opens me up to damn impulse buys... is there a therapy for that?)

Speaking of impulse buys, my old man came down last weekend and liked my CEO so much we nipped into town and got him one the same. While he was there he also grabbed a Blue Mountains, which is a very nice outback hat with a large brim. Even I dont get them two at a time!

Holy leaky wallet batman!

 

[Jim2903]

I wouldn't wait, necessarily. The EACD Index has gone from 72.85 to 89.06 in just a few months.

But that's due to the exchange rate, no? If the trends through spring hold true, that price ought to go down for U.S. customers. [huh]

 

[scottyrocks]

If Akubras become more expensive in the U.S., I dont see much motivation for Stetson to improve their product. If Akubras become more expensive, and the trend here becomes to buy less of them, theres less reason for Stetson to improve their product if people start coming their way anyway because the competition is now more expensive.

 

[Rick Blaine]

This situation is increasing the odds I'll patronize David Morgan, not that I'd need another Akubra, but I'm just making the point.

 

[Mav]

If Akubras become more expensive in the U.S., I dont see much motivation for Stetson to improve their product. If Akubras become more expensive, and the trend here becomes to buy less of them, theres less reason for Stetson to improve their product if people start coming their way anyway because the competition is now more expensive.

You're right, at first. There's a certain amount of elasticity where Akubra fans will pay more for the product, but that's only to a point. There's no way to determine that point until it happens. If Stetson understands this, they'll make improvements when prices between them and Akubra is the same, and they'll also market accordingly. It would be an excellent opportunity to take Akubra's business in the long run if they did this. Alas, American business rarely thinks long- term anymore.
It all depends on Stetson's market savvy. I get the feeling that they don't quite get it.

Having said this, I don't really know the hat market, I only know my own purchasing judgements. I tend towards brand loyalty when pricing is reasonable, but will jump ship when it gets out of line. If the brand I jump ship for doesn't measure up in quality, selection, etc., I'll jump ship back when prices come back into line. Most consumers are the same, the only difference is at what price point this occurs. A smart company recognizes this.

To further complicate this, there are more than just Stetson and Akubra in the game.

 

[James71]

All true. I love akubras and have a stack of them but if someone made them just as good but half the price I would just have twice as many hats.

 

[W4ASZ]

Why didn't you order that Akubra in May ???

Here you go :

One (1) Australian dollar gets you 1.01463 USD as of a few minutes ago.

The Canadian dollar is a sliver of a cent below parity.

If both become more valuable than the U.S. dollar ... I shudder to think.

 

[James71]

Cop that greenback. (loading eBay in order to make hay whilst the sun is shining).

 

[BinkieBaumont]

ABC Radio (Australia ) says we should be above parity for quite some time!

 

[monbla256]

As of 11-05-2019 @ 06.00 UTC the Australian dollar is worth $1.0153 U.S. ! Capitalism is what we all want and this is Capitalism at it's best /worst (depends on your viewpoint ) Looks like we will have to buy from a Domestic supplier for our Akubra's for now. BEFORE he get's hit with the price increases and has to pass 'em along !! Get you CD's NOW before they go up or bite the bullet and swallow hard if you get 'em later Onward thru the fog

 

[Mr E Train]

Looks like I ordered my moonstone Fed IV at the right time. Not the optimal time, but I'm glad I didn't wait any longer.

 

[Mikey P]

As of 11-05-2019 @ 06.00 UTC the Australian dollar is worth $1.0153 U.S. ! Capitalism is what we all want and this is Capitalism at it's best /worst (depends on your viewpoint ) Looks like we will have to buy from a Domestic supplier for our Akubra's for now. BEFORE he get's hit with the price increases and has to pass 'em along !! Get you CD's NOW before they go up or bite the bullet and swallow hard if you get 'em later Onward thru the fog

Who carries CD's in the states?

 

[monbla256]

No one does domesticaly. That's why you need to get your order off to one of the Australian retailers NOW

 

[Jabos]

My Bluegrass Green CD I just picked up is still worth it, at one to one (or so)!

 

[theinterchange]

I look at it this way... if I want something and it's only available in another country, and I'm willing to pay the price for it... I could care less if their dollar is worth more or less than ours. [Though, it never hurts when I can save a little.]

If David Morgan would import more of a variety and quit having stampede string eyelets attached to [most] all of the hats they import, I'd look more seriously at Stateside offerings... but if that doesn't happen, I'll keep buying my hats from down under. I really, really don't like the chin cord eyelets.

Randy

 

[monbla256]

I look at it this way... if I want something and it's only available in another country, and I'm willing to pay the price for it... I could care less if their dollar is worth more or less than ours. [Though, it never hurts when I can save a little.]

If David Morgan would import more of a variety and quit having stampede string eyelets attached to [most] all of the hats they import, I'd look more seriously at Stateside offerings... but if that doesn't happen, I'll keep buying my hats from down under. I really, really don't like the chin cord eyelets.

Randy

I agree about his variety, wish it was larger, but can understand possible inventory/availabilty issues as a retailer/wholesaler. As for the chin strap eyelets, since my hats are on top of my head, I don't see 'em

 

[theinterchange]

On hats like the Bushman, they're tolerable, but on hats with eyelets like, say the Cattleman, I find it takes away from the aesthetics of the hat. Just my opinion, but one some others obviously don't share. I have noticed none of the Heritage hats have them.

Oh, and think of how many more hats he'd sell if he carried the Campdraft. I think a large number of buyers would opt for Stateside service over overseas.

 

[monbla256]

On hats like the Bushman, they're tolerable, but on hats with eyelets like, say the Cattleman, I find it takes away from the aesthetics of the hat. Just my opinion, but one some others obviously don't share. I have noticed none of the Heritage hats have them.

Oh, and think of how many more hats he'd sell if he carried the Campdraft. I think a large number of buyers would opt for Stateside service over overseas.

Take another look at the Cattleman. It has 3 horizontal LARGE eyelets ABOVE the shade string eyelets At least that is what I'm expecting given the photo I looked at on DM's site 'Course with a full liner it kind of neutralizes the venting aspects they might have so I might have to take the liner out to wear it year round down here in Texas (I think I missunderstood your post, sorry ) and I can't speak for the Heritage series as I don't own any.

 

[W4ASZ]

ABC Radio (Australia ) says we should be above parity for quite some time!

The Canadian dollar is at parity. It was briefly above $1.00 US today.

If you see anything you like, etc.

No reasonable offer refused.