Shipping only plays a small part, American parts cost more to buy in Australia because the mark up is ridiculous. The exchange rate is a factor but that doesnt justify the mark up. Most of my scooter has been ordered from America because even with shipping costs added its still cheaper than buying the same part in Australia, even without shipping costs. I paid $120 for my Nimbus fork (including shipping) when the coloured ones first came out (from Skyhigh), yet to buy it in Australia its like $135 without shipping. Everything in Australia is expensive compared to America though.