First of all it's a bit rich Gerry Harvey complaining about Amazon, the big gorilla, stomping on his sales, when Gerry, himself, stomped all over the former mum and dad independent Retravision stores, forcing them out of business. I would have thought, that collectively, they would have employed more than 1 big HVN store, and in turn, gathered more income taxes for us as well.
And it IS a big problem the Aussie retail market. It's, the aussie market, good for food and day to day low quality items. But as Heloise and AgAu alluded to, if you want high quality, unique items, Australia does not cater to that market. If you are an artist, and require a genuine specialised hog hair brush, or a mechanic wanting quality US made Snap-on, or German precision tools, or a modeller requiring specialised spray equipment, the range in Australia is limited or you pay exorbinant prices for such items. (the internet and overseas accessability, has now brought some of these prices down in Aust. now though).
Both those posters have highlighted this. It's a big problem for some, and because it is, like AuAG says, you feel as though you are getting ripped off, all because you have the drive and ambition to try and do something better for yourself, improve your life and get ahead.
Looking over the bonnet of a luxury car, (especially if it's a collectable car), or creating some unique artwork, or as Hheloise shows us, reading some great books, is a source of pride and a mark of accomplishment for some, far, far better than seeing some of the rubbish portrayed in the media for what it is.
(20min delay)