Re: [miatoker] How to buy an OSP
Hmmm...not really an accurate claim.
While the prices at Parachutes Plus won't line up to the Atair price on a daily basis, they reflect the average converted price in USD, including international shipping and the three percent duty levied by the US Customs Service. Parachutes Plus is not gouging or increasing prices; these are all costs that the customer would be responsible for during a direct order. Keep in mind that during late summer 2012 the Euro was abnormally low in respect to the USD (down to nearly 1.20), so someone using a service such as xe.com could think that the Parachutes Plus price was above the Atair price if they failed to take into account all other costs. Also remember that when you change money, whether through a credit card, PayPal, a wire transfer, or direct to cash in a bank, the rate those institutions give you will be five to ten percent above the official published rate.
The benefits Parachutes Plus offers buyers:
1) discounts on complete systems using AdrenalinBASE, Atair, or CR equipment.
2) reduced international shipping cost due to bulk orders.
3) ability to purchase in USD without incurring transfer fees or dealing with price fluctuations based on exchange rate.
4) availability of stock canopies.
5) immediate turnaround on delivered canopies.
Buy your canopies where and from whom you like, but when you look at direct prices don't forget to add:
1) the 5-10% from your financial institution.
2) potential transaction fees.
3) cost of international shipping.
4) 3% tariff to the US.
Based on his statement, I don't think miatoker ever dealt with Parachutes Plus directly or has dealt with our customer service. Furthermore, I suspect that a careful examination of total costs incurred -- barring a purchase made during August 2012 -- would reveal no actual savings.