Buying a Badger from Oz

Name branded airbrushes and accessories seem to command ridiculous prices here in Oz.

eg. A Paasche VL set which sells in the US for  $52.00(USD) goes for around $125.00(AUD) (or $103.35 US) Now, even allowing for the exchange rate, that's about double.

An Iwata HP-C Plus which sells for $152.00(US) sells here for $225.00(AUD) (or $185.92 US)

As far as I am aware, Badger don't sell direct from their website. Rather they sell via their dealer network. Take a look at http://www.dixieart.com/Dixie_Art_Supplies_Airbrush_Main_Page.html and http://www.bearair.com/ for an idea on US pricing.

I would make enquiries to check out what the shipping rates are before ordering though. Keep in mind that some sets may or may not include a propel can and that there may be issues shipping those from overseas.

Hi Phil_H,

Thanks for that, I did 'StumbleUpon' those two links in my websearch, but wanted to confirm who might be best to deal with first.  I was a bit overawed by the prices as you have mentioned, but then again I haven't given myself a treat for such a long time.  Christmas is coming soon so maybe it's time to bite the bullet and go for it.  At the end of your message are you indicating that it would be easier just to pay for an airbrush in Australia rather than source one from overseas?

Regards,

Tim

Hey Timmeh,

All I really meant was that you should just make sure that the shipping charges are acceptable to you before committing to an order. I think you would still be getting a better deal than you would buying locally. Strangely, I couldn't seem to find any local sites with "hard" pricing info on Badger AB's.

Re. the propel can thing - probably best to disregard my previous comment. You seem to be looking for a higher-end unit and the cans usually come bundled with entry-level units.

Cheers

Gotcha,

I actually have a mini air compressor 1/8 HP rmp "r/min" 1400 40psi whatever that all means.  I was using an Axtek A470 in the past but an internal part snapped (plasitic) and even though I've put it back together, I am really over it.  More trouble than not.  Hence exploring a new AB.  Thanks again for your advice.

Tim 

Hi Phil H, 

I took the plunge and ordered a Badger 100LG fine online through DixieArtSupplies, quote for item and shipping was $181.57 US =  $217.096AU.  Hey, I had to tell someone the news, you just shouldn't keep these things to yourself.  

Tim 

Timmeh wrote:

I have searched my little heart out and at the risk of asking a question that's been asked a million times before...to purchase a Badger 100LG online, is it best for Australian buyers to go direct to the Badger website, or would someone be able to point me in the right direction.  Thanks in advance.

THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR STARTING THIS THREAD!!!!

 i just returned an ipod 5 minutes ago so i could get an airbrush,

and i was literally just about to go to the only hobby shop i frequent here in adelaide,

and pay $145AU for a paasche VL!!!!

 (yes the one that's $52US on your link)

i almost didnt bother comin in here to check the price of ordering one online,

but i can order two from the US and a years worth of compressed air

and still have change to boot :)

Hey,

I live in Perth so there isn't very many choices when it comes to good hobby shops.

However, I have recently bought a Passche VL and did my research. yes it is really cheap over in the US but after looking on countless websites I decided to buy mine from  my LHS due to the fact that they where only $11 off the cheapest price I could have gottern it for on Ebay.

 This may not be much help but its just my personal experience.

 P.S. I got it for $184 but including periferals such as a regulator etc. it wound its way up around the 250 mark.

Hi,

I hope it's okay to write about this, just thought I would add a comment on my first time experience in relation to ordering from the US. In this case I went through Dixie Art Supplies to obtain a Badger 100LG airbrush. First email query was generated on 10 September, 2007. Reply received the very next day. I then ordered online on 11 September. Package left LA on 21^st and arrived at final destination in Australia on 25^th. I couldn't be more satisfied with the whole process. 181.57 US Dollar = 209.353 Australian Dollar. I won't bore you with how excited I am with the item, suffice to say I now know what all the hype is about with these quality airbrushes. I just can't believe it's taken me so long to get my hands on one of these things. Well, no more suffering, taking my own inabilities out of the equation I am now looking forward to re-starting my modelling experience with ghusto. 

Cheers,

Timmeh