Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/10/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]<<I chatted to a dealer whilst in Singapore. He had huge demand and was expecting a price rise.>> For those who live in the US, or deal in US dollars, a price increase wouldn't surprise me if worldwide demand is strong. I certainly can't see the price decreasing. The US dollar is going to continue its fall against most other currencies as long as US monetary policy remains as it is. If M9 demand is solid I can't see Leica (and other exporters to the US) allowing that to eat into margins. Buying an M9 on credit might be costly, too. I have no debt and a solid credit rating and I just got a note that the interest on my credit card is going up 5% (11% to 16%) after Nov 31. It wasn't that a promo rate ended. I've had the card for 15 years. Good thing I never carry a balance. Taking into account also increases in sales tax nearly everywhere -- and talk of a VAT -- and it makes the stuff I already own a little more attractive. Of course, it also may mean that the M9 is as inexpensive now as will be until the next model arrives, at least in the US. Purchasing over the interest or mail order once was a way to avoid sales tax. Not anymore. At least those living in several states, including North Carolina http://www.dornc.com/faq/use.html. For states that don't have something equivalent to a "use tax" yet, it's only a matter of time. I'm a C.P.A. though inactive right now. But I follow the tax regs. I haven't seen talk of tax increases like this since the '70s. My point being that real cost for an M9, in the US at least, will likely trend up, not down. And we can't blame the manufacturer. Dave R