The Korea Consumer Agency explained that consumers should compare domestic and overseas prices closely for a certain period of time before buying overseas products directly, since prices often fluctuate. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Dec. 14 (Korea Bizwire) — Some brand-name shoes were more expensive when ordered abroad compared to local retailers, while most South Koreans still think it’s cheaper to buy foreign products overseas than in South Korea.
The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) said on December 13 that 11 of 18 foreign brand shoes were cheaper in Korea than overseas in an investigation of the domestic and overseas prices of products.
The KCA compared the South Korean open market price of 18 products including hiking boots (Merrell, Salewa, Keen), golf shoes (Nike, Ecco, Adidas), heels and comfort shoes (Rockport, Dr. Marten’s, Camper) and the lowest price of Amazon and eBay in the United States including local tax and shipping.
The research was conducted between September 9 and 11 and September 23 and 25.
Among hiking boots, 4 of 6 were more expensive when buying overseas than in South Korea.
Two models of hiking boots produced by Keen were 44.6 percent and 52.7 percent more expensive when buying overseas compared to Korea. Four out of 6 golf shoes were cheaper in South Korea, too.
Golf shoes made by Nike were 63.9 percent more expensive, and golf shoes from Adidas were 55.4 percent more expensive when purchased overseas instead of in South Korea.
In the heels and comfort shoes category, 4 in 6 were cheaper in South Korea than buying overseas. For example, heels from Rockport were 28.8 percent more expensive when purchased abroad.
The KCA explained that consumers should compare domestic and overseas prices closely for a certain period of time before buying overseas products directly, since prices often fluctuate.
It is also important to consider that it’s hard to get warranty service in South Korea.
Officials also suggested visiting the Cross Border Transaction Consumer Portal (http://crossborder.kca.go.kr) operated by Korea Consumer Agency for assistance with overseas purchases.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
