[Elecraft] Disgruntled Europeans

[Doug Turnbull]

I do not know about the problems the excellent JA operators may have in
importing equipment from Elecraft directly but I do find this information
interesting.   What I can tell you from personal experience is that many EU
hams look at prices in QST and CQ and just dream.   It seems that one can
purchase Japanese made radios in the States for the same price in dollars as
one pays in Euros or Sterling.   Okay we have VAT rates (Sales tax) that run
between 15% and 22% depending on one's country but this does not come close
to explaining the price differentials.   

I believe that being able to purchase the kit K3 directly is a great plus to
Elecrafter sales in the EU.   True one is a bit exposed as to service but if
one has built the kit then individual boards can be returned for service.
The K3 is small and not that heavy to ship back if needs be for that matter.
In EI if a piece of equipment breaks down it might need to be shipped off
for repair to another EU country and that might not be so inexpensive.   

I believe that Elecraft is going to see a steady increase in world wide
sales as more K3s are around for people to try.   Of course the weak dollar
is not hurting matters.   The US needs to increase exports and the
combination of performance and price competition is going to help K3 sales.
As all hams know we live in a small world.

          Happy New Year    73 Doug EI2CN