Cross border shopping

[Gajandra D]

It seems that more and more shoppers indulge in what is called cross border shopping. In some instances you might actually gain a better deal due currency fluctuation and the exchange rates to consider. For books a lot people use Amazon and as such they do not mind going out of country to purchase if the shipping costs are bearable.

[David Tan]

Don't merchants usually have lower prices for locals but when they sell to us, they charge really exhorbitant prices? Most merchants prey on the strength of the US Dollars and the fact that foreigners will consider their prices cheaper. Yet in their own country, such prices are considered expensive. So when shopping for products online, sometimes it's good to do some research and see if 'cheap' includes what the local considers as well. Otherwise you might be paying double or triple the amount.

Cross-border sales, currency fluctuations perhaps benefit more wholesellers, importers that buy in bulk.

[Gajandra D]

In the case of Canadians they stand to gain because the dollar has really slid south. In those cases they end up the winners because their currency is stronger. Much like the euro which is also a strong currency steadily gaining strength. Those countries using the euro would also gain. Not by much but it does make difference to the consumer who counts very cent.