Why Buy Local
WHY BUY INTERNATIONAL BRANDS LOCALLY?
At Eastern Acoustics we want affordable, world-class audio equipment to be within reach of every South African customer. In most cases we offer equipment at the same or even lower prices than some US retailers, but with NO HIDDEN costs. All shipping, taxes, import duties and handling fees are included in the price you see on our website. We know our stuff. Not only can we assist you with your purchasing decision, we can also recommend the best pairing of equipment and upgrades. In fact we know our stuff so well, Eastern Acoustics has been accredited to match and action most manufacturers’ warranties, which usually never make it out of the US if you buy direct. We have your back. In addition, our brilliant in-house service department is able to assist you with after-sales service and repairs. If there is a problem with your item, we’ll provide you with a backup whilst we fix it. (Valid in South Africa only).
STILL WANT TO BUY DIRECT? TAKE CARE.
1. YOU MIGHT GET NAILED ON THE SHIPPING
- US sites are intended for the US market, which means you’ll be charged extra for shipping.
- These costs are seriously high, and can amount to $400 depending on the size of the item.
- US sites are really sneaky too and only reveal the total costs at the end of the transaction.
- Loudspeakers have the biggest damping factor with extra costs amounting to 50% of their value.
2. THERE COULD BE OTHER HIDDEN COSTS SLIPPED IN
- Expect to be hit with additional import taxes on imported goods.
- You’ll need time to investigate these before purchasing as they vary from country to country.
- Most US electronic equipment is made for US power voltage of only 110 volts, which means you may need to fork out extra cash for a transformer to avoid damages to your equipment.
3. ONCE THE DEAL IS DONE THERE’S NO GOING BACK TO COMPLAIN
- The warranty on US stock is deemed null and void outside of the US.
- The US does not offer technical support for customers outside of the US.
PURCHASING LIMITS
South African banks limit credit card payments online to R20 000 per transaction. In terms of Section B.16(E) of the South African Reserve Bank’s Exchange Control Rulings, cardholders in whose name one or more bank credit and/or debit cards have been issued, may be permitted to make permissible foreign exchange payments for small transactions, e.g. imports over the Internet, by means of such credit and/or debit cards. Payment are limited to R20 000 per transaction. It should be brought to the attention of cardholders that this dispensation does not absolve them from ad valorem excise and custom duties or from complying with the requirements imposed by Customs.
KNOW YOUR EXCHANGE RATE
The rate that you see on the news and other foreign exchange websites is the interbank rate, meaning that this is the rate that the banks trade with each other at. No one can purchase currency at this rate and usually trade at a rate of about three cents more. To get an idea of what the Rand is doing, please view this website: https://www.forexforecasts.co.za/resources/live-charts/ This website shows you live interbank rates and gives you the opportunity to watch the movements in the market.