Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cmxc]

I'm loving the fact that I can now order from Amazon and even after choosing next day shipping, I still save huge money over local Korean retail prices. For example, a pair of shoes I bought from Amazon only cost 99 USD + 30 USD for next day shipping. That same pair of shoes is sold in Korea for 280K KRW (about 280 USD). I just bought a pair of boots for a friend and saved even more money. Rip-off pricing in Korea, a long standing gripe for many expats, will soon be a thing of the past.

Amazon’s foray cows local online retailers
http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2995710&cloc=joongangdaily|home|newslist1

[PRagic]

Good. The market could definitely use some compatition. I'm always shocked by the verocity of the shopping public at COSTCO; you'd think they're giving stuff away. And comparatively, they ARE, which is why they get the crowds.

With all the FTAs, and all the pent up demand, I hope that Koreans, and by extention all of us living here, get a break on the unessesarily high cost of living.

[Who's Your Daddy?]

It was cheaper to buy my baby boys shoes from Nordstrom in the US, and pay the shipping than buying in Korea.

[KimchiNinja]

Maybe it's just me, but a lot of times it says "not available for delivery to KR" when ordering things from Amazon. But when it is available it's often a good deal, even including the shipping.

[Sesame]

when i tried to order something from amazon it wouldnt let me. do they deliver here? what link do you use?

[cmxc]

I use the normal Amazon.com global web site.

I have only been ordering shoes and books so far, so it may be possible that some items may have more restrictions on being shipped to Korea. I just tested trying to order a new PC graphics card and that also would allow me to ship to Korea with a 30 USD next day air shipping policy.

I'm American, and have two addresses registered on my Amazon account. I have both my US billing address for my US debit card, and I have my Korean address. I also have two credit cards registered with Amazon, both a local Korean Samsung Card (visa) and my US debit card.

Bottom line is that with more and more goods offered by global retailers like Amazon, as an expat I am not longer held hostage to complete rip-off mark up pricing at Korean stores.

I encourage more people to use Amazon to order goods because only competition will drive Korean retailers to get more competitive on price. I've long waited for US selection and US prices on goods and if this is now an option for me in Korea, it's one less reason to bitch about life here.

[Chaparrastique]

[cj1976]

I hope that Amazon doesn't attract the ire of the protectionist policy makers here. Markups are ridiculous here. I heard somewhere that there are a lot of middlemen in the Korean logistical chain, all taking a cut- which pushes prices up even more.

[PRagic]

There's an on-line retailer link called GILT, too, and I believe they ship directly to Korea. Haven't ordered anything, but they will figure your bill in various currencies and say that they do deliver outside of the US. Heard that it's catching on with Koreans as they have uber sales on a lot of big name brands.

[Stan Rogers]

It's not always cheaper in America but often the online retailers there are a good deal. It's also a lot about shoppng around.

[FriendlyDaegu]

Don't limit yourself to Amazon US. I bought shaving stuff from Amazon UK and a humidifier from Amazon Germany recently. I go with whichever will ship to me. Amazon has a big benefit over eBay in that the customs charges are refunded if they are not taken. I usually get most or all of it back. And I never buy anything that is not 'fulfilled/dispatched by Amazon'. Third party sellers kill you on the shipping and generally take forever.

[Stain]

Those wanting things from the US, you might try myus.com.
I've used it in the past and it was fairly cheap shipping. I haven't used it for awhile, so I'm not sure what's happening nowadays.

[wanderkind]

[SeoulNate]

Every time... so much unique.. so wow..

[happiness]

"When Koreans shop online, many of them go to portal sites like Naver and do price comparisons on the sites,” said Lee Seon-ae of IBK Securities. “This is something really unique to Korean customers."

There are still Ajushii that have their heads THIS far up their ass?

“Korean customers are some of the most demanding and sophisticated in the world. Also, big local retail chains are fairly efficient and excellent at grasping what their customers want."

Demanding? Yes, Sophisticated? Not by a long shot.

Since 99% of the things Koreans want to buy are the same, thats why big local chains sell them.


Man, Seoul U Ajushii, you are a gem.