[eye30]

UK consumers are getting a "raw deal" by paying significantly more for technology products than US shoppers, a watchdog has reported.

Which? compared the prices, excluding tax, of 13 identical products ranging from televisions and gaming consoles to desktop applications and security software and found UK consumers are paying more than they would in the US.

The price difference of some items, calculated on June 18, ran to hundreds of pounds.

The consumer group found a Samsung television was £402 more expensive in the UK, and an Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch laptop cost £194 more here than in the US.

The Microsoft Xbox One and the Sony PlayStation 4 were both £57 more expensive here.


Tech goods 'more expensive in UK' - BT



Wonder how do US prices compare to Oz prices?

[Phil №❶]

Surely prices are formulated as a result of taxes levied, transport costs from the manufacturer and competition form other brands, storage costs commissions, etc. Very difficult to make comparisons internationally.

[diablo]

For more years than I can remember they tend to change the $ sign to a £ in front of the same number on lots of stuff.

I doubt that transport costs make much difference, they just have to put them in different boats from the far east.  Though taxes do make a difference, we have 20% VAT on all our stuff where the US prices will be quoted without any taxes - they have local sales taxes which vary from 0% to 12% or so.

You can order stuff from the states but the shipping may cost a bit plus customs may well impose VAT and charges. So rarely worth it.

[Dazzler]

We are in the same boat in Australia (just compare Apple product prices and TVs) They will charge what people will pay...

My supposedly very intelligent Son-in-law bought a wireless speaker and some other heavy electronic stuff while in the UK to save a few $$ and then they had to pay something like $125 excess baggage .. 

[Phil №❶]

 

[Surferdude]

I've seem similar studies which make the same claims about what Aussies pay. You'd think we'd pay less because we are closer to the source of manufacture (Asia), but I think one of the things is the very competitive nature of the US market.
You can buy on-line in Australia and save a considerable amount on what you'd pay at, say, Harvey Norman (Major electrical retailing chain run as franchises). But there's no GST for starters and for the average punter, nowhere near the same face to face information availability you get in a store. A bit harder to get after sales service, too.

There's been a big thing with wetsuits over the last couple of years with guys importing them from US and UK suppliers but each channel has been progressivley shut down by the manufacturers, Rip Curl, Quiksilver, O'Neill etc who simply told their outlets offshore to stop shipping to Australian buyers - or else. Because the communications are between the US/UK manufacturers and their retail outlets, Australian consumer laws aren't able to be invoked.

[Phil №❶]

Why would 3 wetsuit manufacturers collectively make a ruling like that. A wetsuit sale is a wetsuit sale in any country, that's collusion isn't it. Illegal in Australia IO believe.

[Surferdude]

Why would 3 wetsuit manufacturers collectively make a ruling like that. A wetsuit sale is a wetsuit sale in any country, that's collusion isn't it. Illegal in Australia IO believe.

Not "collectively" Phil.
One "advice" at a time to one re-seller at a time by one manufacturer at a time, as it becomes aware of sales to overseas markets.
There would be some sort of supply arrangement with re-sellers as to the market they could service. I don't know the ins and outs of the legal position, but it's happening. And those in the know as far as the law is concerned tell me it's not a breach in Australia - I think because it's happening overseas.

[Just Rick]

Why would 3 wetsuit manufacturers collectively make a ruling like that. A wetsuit sale is a wetsuit sale in any country, that's collusion isn't it. Illegal in Australia IO believe.

Price and Market fixing is alive and well here in Oz Phil,don't be led to believe other wise,you just have to look at the oil companies and banks just for starters.