At the risk of being un-PC, I'd like to side-step the arithmetic pedantry and point out that there are bargains to be had. I'm not saying that I agree with buying kites from OS, just that it's possible. They advertise that they will do cheap or free postage internationally on significant orders. Kite-line even say they will put a low price on the package to get it through customs without tax/duty.
I regularly buy specialist books from the states because they're either unavailable or ridiculously expensive in Australia. Even with the cheapest shipping they generally get here within a week.
I'll probably get flamed for this, but before you do, here's one more thing. Freedom of speech and thought increase your capacity to make a good choice. Withholding information is cynical.
Among the information that should not be withheld is the effect on local shops of buying bargains from OS. You should be thinking about how much you may need the help of your local shop in the where-to-buy equation.
For my wants however, the local shops in Melbourne have been generally pretty pathetic. Crappy service, poor gear recommendations when I was a beginner, and still for other beginners I meet who are sold unsuitable gear simply because it's in stock. KP in Sydney are the only shop I've had good experience with.
The Aussie importers will have to deal with this one way or another. I see it as an opportunity for them to offer a bigger pricepoint range and to collaborate with other countries' distributors in moving surplus stock. They could also advertise their real clearance prices online. You can always do better than the listed price when you make a phone call or drop in, but why lose customers by not advertising the real price?
I don't know the answer but I do know that parity will mean some local operators will see opportunity while others will fear change. Good luck boys and girls.
thats kinda funny because i found both the major shops in melbs.pretty helpfull over the last eight years.Thats SHQ and R.P.S. Service realy helpful and being spot on with kite recommendations.Although it is no use trying to talk to one of their snowboard gurus who has never kited about kites.
Those prices are real cheap since our dollar is stronger.
Im not going to support the war though.
A portion of our money will end up in the US tax system and that's what keeps them in Afghanistan.
If they are in Afghanistan, they will want us over there getting shot at too.
I won't support America in any way what so ever. 
those prices don't really seem cheaper than shops here to me either. $1000 to $1200 isn't unheard of for last years stock on most brands of kites from most shops doing a good deal. Most kites i've bought have been new last year's model gear and I've usually paid about $1000. eg last year two brand new 09 waroos (9 and 13 with one bar/lines) for $1900 delivered to my door. Get into a shop get demos and you'll get similar prices to the web links above I think.
The way to do it is to fly to Maui & hand carry them back. Say you ride a Rebel 9m, that will set you back about 1900 (w/o bar) in Australia. These kites are available for about 900-1100 in Maui assuming you have a bar. On other brands the difference may be greater.
Buy 2 & that'll pay for your flights to Maui & back. I've done it. it works...
Say what you want about import duties etc. I know what the costs are whoelsale for kites. We get really screwed in this country.
Most of the kites are shipped direct from Sri Lanka, China or Vietnam, not from the US.....
Go figure......
Just a reminder, that in most instances this kind of topic has been locked/deleted because it's historically gone downhill.
I know there are guys out there who are chasing saving $. I'm one of them, as I'm still flying 2008 kites, but I will always shop locally.
My dollar stays here and supports our local economy. I come from a country town, and I know that when the locals spend outside the town, the town suffers. Australia is just the same .. just on a bigger scale. 
With that in mind, can I please can I ask one favour?
Would you mind, as a bit of courtesy to the supporters of this site, that you refrain from promoting links to overseas sites, and show your support for local industry.
If you're not happy with your local, certainly find a new one, but one of the reasons these topics have failed in the past is that "shop haters" find this topic an excellent platform to bag out there local dislike.
Please, support your local shop, if you can. We're all in this together.
Well I have been supporting my locals lately, There is something so much nicer when you're buying a kite from someone who you can talk to in person, can help you with repairs/returns if necessary, can chew the fat with, go demo the kite with. Whilst you may be able to get it cheaper O/Seas, I still think the local lads have the strong arm.
Plus is you're a horrible budget=er like I am, it's much easier to just drive down the road and spend your weeks pay for something instantly fun, rather than waiting for weeks at the mailbox
If you really want to support locals, why not buy from aussie owned companys like cardboards/griffin/new/and fluid(I think). They make great products, offer exellent support, and are generally very competetive with their pricing.
i think from time i paid to time i got it was err 7-8 days or something stupidly quick yes
Im proud to own a locally bought kite.
Now Im going to smoke some Afghanastan Crack, then shoot some rounds of my American made Remington gun into my Japanese TV.
Long live Capitalism
go to some other forum if you want to make dumb comments about wars/politics
this is a kite forum
dont bitch about people making money or feeling that you get ripped of, its freedom of choice go buy on the net if you want, every business owner has to make money or they dont exist
what about the shops/distributors that support team riders donate to charity's/events etc, this is everyones responsibility to support this to certain degree so as the progression of any given sport continues
if business doesnt make money where does the r+d money come from ??
the awsome kite your flying didnt just happen to make itself overnight
dont worry be happy stay local if you can
I always buy local when it comes to kites.
I like th epersonal service, the banter and i always walk away happy that i have had a great deal and my money is going to a person i know rather than some strange unknown overseas.
Its the personal thing.
Plus when i creased my board my retailer provided me with the necessary paperwork - which i had lost - to make a warranty claim, lent me a new board and kept me on the water for those weeks.
When i went on holiday they lent me a small kite to go with so i could get out in nuking conditions. When i ripped my kite they lent me a demo so i could stay on the water. When i went to get new gear they gave me great prices, when i wanted spare bits they had them when i......... do i need to go on.
There are many things your friendly local retailer will give you that the interwebz will not - including a smile - this to me is worth spending a little more.
