Magazines and books -Why so expensive?

[hkmum]

Why are magazines so expensive in Perth. I love reading magazines but looks like i will have to be selective now?

At $4.95 for a gossip magazine it is so expensive. I am starting to rethink coming to Perth as it seems basics are so expensive...

[Cerberus1]

Tell me about it, I get an archaeology magazine which is $12.95 in the newsagents (used to be $14.95 but has dropped due to the exchange rate). 12 issues in the newsagents would cost me $155 ! However, I took out a subscription and get it delivered (from the US) usually before it hits the shops over here and 12 issues have cost me $54.97 - over $100 cheaper.
Books are the same, bought my mother in law a copy of Mao's Last Dancer for Christmas, cost me nearly $40 from local bookshop/newsagents. If I'd of had time, I could have got it from Amazon UK for £6.99 (with free shipping).

[ali]

I think it's to do with the GST. We buy a lot of books from book depository, saved over $40 on my daughters year 12 literature books

[Stu]

I read a loyt of books and was shocked at the price of normal paperback which you could be for GBP 5 (I think I've paid up to $35 for 1 book!) in Tesco's. After that I checked out amazon in the UK, and they were doing a free delivery deal for orders over GBP 30. I think they're doing that deal again just now. We do the same for DVD's as well :)

[portlaunay]

I am starting to rethink coming to Perth

Wow, no offence but I find that a pretty extraordinary reaction to magazines being expensive. IMHO Perth has a lot to offer and I've enjoyed immensely the four months I've had here. There are challenges, differences and barriers but the same may be true of life anywhere in the world, it's how we approach, overcome or adapt that makes it a successful, rich and nourishing experience.

Perth may not be right for everyone, I think it's a great adventure.

Books? Might I suggest a Kindle? Alternatively there are loads of Op shops and s/h bookshops around.

[phil]

After that I checked out amazon in the UK, and they were doing a free delivery deal for orders over GBP 30. I think they're doing that deal again just now. We do the same for DVD's as well :)

It's a permanent thing (I guess until they get an Oz-based store). We've done a good few orders and they usually arrive super quick too. I think it's only books/DVD's they'll ship for free - they turned down free delivery on the 80 litre kitchen bin I wanted :D