Buying Casino Gaming Stools: Importing Directly vs Local Agent – What are the PROS & CONS?

buying gaming stools directly from the manufacturer can have pros and cons
Buying casino gaming stools
The Monte Carlo Gaming Stool from Karo has a 7-Year warranty

When you’re buying casino gaming stools for your venue, remember that you deserve the absolute best. Look for chairs that not only provide comfort and durability but also fit within your budget. Whether you choose to import directly or go through a local Australian agent, know that you have the power to make the right decision for your business. Both options offer unique advantages in terms of cost, quality, and ease.

This article aims to uncover the opportunities and challenges associated with each route, guiding you towards making an informed choice. 

The PROS of Importing Gaming Stools Directly

1. Lower Initial Purchase Price

Importing gaming stools directly typically results in a lower initial cost, which is the main reason why some Australian gaming venues go down this route. By eliminating the middleman (a local agent), you can avoid extra fees and potentially secure a better deal, especially for large orders. Factors that influence the price of gaming stools.

2. Customisation Options

Some foreign manufacturers offer a wide range of designs and customisation options. Many venues like to have stools that reflect their branding or interior décor, and these manufacturers tend to offer flexibility in this regard, especially for larger order quantities. Customisation might include specific colours, fabrics, logos, or features that appeal to your venue’s aesthetic or customer experience goals.

3. Wide Selection of Manufacturers

Importing directly gives you access to a global pool of suppliers. You can shop around to find the best deal or design that suits your needs. The breadth of choice means that you can often find stools that match both your budget and your specific requirements.

The CONS of Importing Gaming Stools Directly

1. Warranty Claims

Should the stools arrive in poor condition or not meet your expectations, returning or replacing them can be difficult and expensive. Handling warranty claims and communicating directly the manufacturer can be complex, time-consuming and above all, costly.

2. Quality Control & Communication Challenges

While many foreign manufacturers produce high-quality products, the quality can vary widely. When importing directly, you may not have the opportunity to inspect the stools before they’re shipped, leaving you vulnerable to receiving sub-standard products. Without a local agent to manage quality control, you’ll need to rely on photos, samples, and communication with the manufacturer. Furthermore, if the manufacturer is based in a non-English speaking country, communication, especially regarding technical issues, can be challenging.

3. Freight Forwarding

If you decide to import gaming stools directly from a foreign manufacturer, one of the first steps involved is finding a local freight forwarder. This company will need to have an agent in the foreign country, and their role is to co-ordinate the shipment, arrange road transport and sea freight, customs clearance, insurance, fumigation, payment of fees and duties, etc. If you are unfamiliar with the importation of goods into Australia, this will add an additional layer of complexity when buying gaming stools. The cost of freight for gaming stools

Once your stools arrive in Australia, you’ll need to transport them to your venue and unload the container/s. To avoid additional charges, the unloading of the container/s must be done within a short timeframe, usually about 1 hour. To accomplish this, you will need sufficient space for the container/s as well as unloading equipment, like a forklift truck.

4. Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Depending on their location, overseas manufacturers usually price their products ex-works either in US Dollars or Euro. With international shipping being based on the US Dollar, a fluctuating Australian Dollar exchange rate may result in additional costs and budget uncertainty. 

5. Payment Terms

When buying gaming stools directly from a foreign manufacturer, they typically expect a 50% deposit on order placement, and the balance before the goods are shipped from their factory. This payment schedule may have a negative impact on your cash flow.

The PROS of Buying Gaming Stools from an Australian Agent

1. Fixed Prices & Budget Certainty

Buying gaming stools through some local agents may provide a greater level of budget certainty. Some agents are prepared to carry a portion of the risk associated with varying sea freight costs and exchange rates.

Karo Quotes Offer Budget Certainty

When we provide a quote for our gaming stools, the price is FIXED and is fully inclusive of delivery to your venue. Sea freight and import costs are included. There are no additional or variable costs based on fluctuating exchange rates. This creates absolute budget certainty as the price on our quote is EXACTLY what you will be invoiced.

2. Local Support and Service

One of the biggest advantages of buying gaming stools through a local agent is access to local customer service. If any issues arise with your stools, you have someone nearby to handle warranty claims, repairs, or replacements. This eliminates the hassle of dealing with overseas manufacturers and international communication barriers.

Karo Office in Sydney

In July 2004, Karo opened a local office and warehouse in Sydney. Not only do we keep stock of our most popular ranges, but we also carry some spare parts should you experience any warranty or service issues with our gaming stools. 

3. Hassle-Free Purchase

Buying casino gaming stools through a local agent is hassle-free, after all this is what they specialise in! The agent will have a reliable network of freight forwarders and is well-versed in the intricacies of importing goods into Australia. This allows you to stay focused on your business.

Karo Australia

We have been importing casino seating from our South African factory since 2004. From the time that we opened our Sydney office, we have been dealing with the same freight forwarding company, and it’s fair to say that we are familiar with the importation process into Australia. 

4. Established Contacts and Warranty Support

Local agents have developed close ties with leading manufacturers abroad. They are well-acquainted with the quality and standards of their gaming stools. In case any issues crop up with the chairs, the agent has a direct and reliable channel of communication with the manufacturer. 

Karo Gaming Stools

We have been manufacturing office and casino chairs since 1986. All Karo gaming stools are designed and manufactured in our own factory located in Johannesburg. Our casino chairs can be found in gaming venues across the globe, and for your peace of mind, a 7-year warranty is standard.

The CONS of Buying Gaming Stools from an Australian Agent

1. Higher Initial Cost

Buying gaming stools from a local agent will typically be more expensive than importing directly. However, while the upfront investment may be steeper, you’ll likely experience a smoother and more convenient buying process.

2. Limited Supplier Options

Australia has fewer local agents representing overseas manufacturers, so your options may be limited. However, these agents typically source from reputable manufacturers with a track record of delivering high-quality, durable casino gaming stools.

Conclusion

While the initial price of importing gaming stools directly may seem appealing, it’s essential to factor in the hidden costs and complexity which can quickly erode any savings. On the other hand, purchasing through a local agent may come with a higher initial cost, but it offers significant advantages in terms of warranty, customer support, and reduced risk. 

In the end, your decision should be based on the long-term needs of your gaming venue, your budget, and how much risk and complexity you’re willing to take with the importing process.

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