Want the latest and greatest US products straight away? Don't want to wait for the release here in Australia? This business may just be your new best friend.
Want the latest and greatest US products straight away? Don't want to wait for the release here in Australia? This business may just be your new best friend.
Want the latest and greatest US products straight away? Don't want to wait for the release here in Australia? This business may just be your new best friend.
Two New York- based Australians have proven that big money can be made, as Australian consumers love to buy US products that aren't available here.
Both Phillis Chan and partner Ben Chaung lawyers from Melbourne relocated to the US four years ago. Miss Chan spotted a huge hole in the market that leveraged off the time lag between products being released in the US and later elsewhere in the worlds.
"Our friends were asking us to send things they couldn't get in Australia, the idea for the business became pretty obvious at this stage," Chan says.
The couples business 'Big Apple Buddy' was formed and is now turning over $US2.5 million annually based on the demand for US tech products. They are slowly moving into the cosmetics and outdoor gear areas where there is massive Australian demand.
Australia is one of the biggest markets Big Apple Buddy services for all things technology. Currently many products have launched in the US, but haven't officially landed here in Australia. These include: virtual and augmented reality headsets. These headsets aren't just for gamers, but companies that need to develop software by the time the products officially arrive. Some prospective buyers include game markers, universities and real estate agencies- the latter wishing to use them for virtual reality tours.
There is also demand for the 'smart voice' home products that are pretty much unknown here in Australia. The Amazon Echo and Google Home were launched in 2014, but are still not scheduled to launch in Australia anytime soon. Both have capabilities to turn on/off lights, lock doors, and can change room temperature, television channels and music on voice command.
Big Apple Buddy prides itself on their customer service, not it's pricing. Many of their loyal shoppers aren't concerned with price, but just want the latest US tech gadgets.
Australia is currently Big Apple Buddy's biggest market, at about 15% total turnover, but Britain, Singapore, Germany and the United Arab Emirates also largely contribute to the success.
The business largely relies on good bran intelligence and speed to the market. The company always works ahead of local importers and sales agents.
So if you're on the hunt for a product that's only available in the US, Big Apple Buddy might just be the business you're looking for.
