Mac Mini Price disgrace

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Hi, Just check out the price differences here :
http://virtuelvis.com/archives/2005/01/mac-mini-prices

I think its a real shame because for me(in Ireland)the emac seems like a better option) neye:

thats not cool of apple.

I knew the prices were different, but I did know that they were that bad.

Read the discussion below though. This exaggerates the price difference. Europe is still paying more, but once you subtract VAT the difference is not nearly as bad.

EDIT:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/01/20/apple_pricing_confusion/

A counterpoint article that I do not completely agree with either. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.

I don't think Apple USA sets the prices for foreign sold equipment. Rather the distributor does. Even if the distributor is an Apple subsidiary, they are going to include import duties as well as applicable taxes imposed by local governments. This is usually why the prices are so different. Try buying a new Mini when your in California or somewhere in the states, then when you go back to your home country your going to get popped for import duties on it if customs finds it in your luggage.

ed724

Here some info for Norway

TAX: There is a 24 percent value added tax on most products applied on CIF + duty. And thats just the middle man. What about the retailer. Don't blame Apple, talk to your Government reps.

Thanks Kokopelli, I read your link after I blurted out here. Good find.

One line response to this whole thread...

Welcome to life in a quasi-socialistic government/economy...get used to it...or have a talk with your government and/or representatives.

Who cares? They're Europeans. Spike the prices on them. Make them pay a few extra bucks. I'm sure they can afford it.

..And if not, who cares? They're Europeans.

If regional prices are due to factors beyond Apple's control then it would show up in higher prices across the product range, not just for one model. If the price differential is limited to one product then it is an arbitrary and preditory company policy. Apple is already facing legal action because of pricing differences among its European music stores. Perhaps it is time to look at its other products.

Not necessarily, Apple may be willing to subsume some of the VAT and take lower profit margins on other merchandise. The Mac Mini is (by Apple standards) a marginalized product so they can't afford to do it with that line.

The ITMS case is something else entirely. As I understand it (and I may very well be wrong) ITMS had to make deals with the distributors in each country/region. The U.K. distributor is demanding more, thus the price differences. What is in question is whether Apple can limit distribution by region and charge different rates. If not I suspect all of Europe will be leveled out at the high point or slightly below it.

There is nothing stopping someone from going to another country and picking up a Mac. But whether you will need to pay a VAT on it when taking it home is something I do not know.

245_Trioxin said:

Who cares? They're Europeans. Spike the prices on them. Make them pay a few extra bucks. I'm sure they can afford it.

..And if not, who cares? They're Europeans.

Click to expand...

please don't speak again :closed:

thank you

245_Trioxin said:

Who cares? They're Europeans. Spike the prices on them. Make them pay a few extra bucks. I'm sure they can afford it.

..And if not, who cares? They're Europeans.

Click to expand...

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I do agree the exchage rate is higher now, but if Apple cuts EU off (or overcharges them), thats a significant source of revenue lost.

245_Trioxin said:

Who cares? They're Europeans. Spike the prices on them. Make them pay a few extra bucks. I'm sure they can afford it.

..And if not, who cares? They're Europeans.

Click to expand...

Hmmm maybe..... the European's care?? :O

And i think they apple realizes this because they already lowered the Canadian prices in the Canadian apple store a month ago or so. Just becaus eof the exchange rate and taxes ...

It's great to be an American