Nick

I’m not an impulse buyer. I keep a list of games that I’m looking out for and pick them up when the price is right. That’s usually <$30 for a game I'm kind of interested in, <$50 for a game I'm happy to wait for, and $<90 for a game I've really been hanging out for.

I usually prefer to pick games up locally so that I can return it if there are any problems. I also don't like to wait for mail, especially if it involves being home when the courier arrives or (eventually) picking up the package from the post office or dispatch.

For a number of reasons, I steer well clear of Electronics Boutique. I’ve witnessed some very questionable retail practices there over a number of years, and I’d much rather support local retailers like Game Traders who deal in everything from Atari 2600s to the latest consoles.

Update: Jason has chimed in against EB.

Buying games online

Although I prefer to buy games locally, I sometimes buy games online. Online stores tend to be a bit better for hard-to-find games. For buying online, I recommend DVD Crave. They have a very good range helped by the fact that they import PAL (and NTSC) games that you won’t typically find in a local store. Their prices are also consistently cheaper than other online stores.

When DVD Crave doesn’t have an item in stock, or when I want to look around for the best price, I consult BigKid’s links page which contains a list of online retailers.

Update: “coffeebucket” recommends CD WOW! They are a UK-based retailer so all their games are the same region as here (PAL), but they tend to get games earlier than Australian retailers. Items are shipped individually from Hong Kong, so they arrive quickly.

Importing games

Most good english-language video games make their way to Australia. However, every now and then a game is released in the US or Europe and not in Australia. This is typical for “music” and other “niche” games. For importing games, I recommend Lik-Sang. They are a video games importer/exporter based in Hong Kong and I’ve had nothing but good experience with them over the last 6-7 years. They are very fast and orderes usually arrive within a few days.

If you do order from Lik-Sang, I strongly recommend that you check the most recent import regulations from Australian Customs. You probably will need to keep the total value of your order low (<$200) to avoid import duty and GST. When choosing a courier, I strongly recommend against DHL. In my experience, they elect to pay all duty and GST whether required or not, and pass the bills onto the customer. EMS or standard airmail are better options.

I do sometimes check Australian import stores before ordering from Lik-Sang. It means that I can avoid possible delays (due to customs) and import taxes (import duty and GST). Due to bad prior experience, I avoid Burn.com.au because they offer very poor service. Real Gamer is decent, but their prices are fairly high (typical of import stores).

Update: “coffeebucket” noted that the price at which items attract duty is $250.