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From: Spehro Pefhany
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: best *personal* buys of the year 2002
Organization: Rather
Message-ID:
References: <3e11c516$0$37211$1b62eedf@news.euronet.nl> <3E121FCC.7000904@eclectic-web.co.uk> <3e12d9de.4933223@news.planet.nl>
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Date: Wed, 01 Jan 2003 16:18:52 GMT
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On Wed, 01 Jan 2003 12:08:52 GMT, the renowned nico@puntnl.niks (Nico
Coesel) wrote:
>"Mike" wrote:
>
>>
>>"Mike Page" wrote in message
>>news:3E121FCC.7000904@eclectic-web.co.uk...
>>
>>> Well, I guess it is my first PDA (Clie SJ20), bought in the US as it
>>> would be double the cost "over here", if available at all (whyyyy???).
>>
>>Why indeed. Technology is comparatively cheap here in the US. Does anyone
>>know why?
>
>Strong competition? Short distribution channels? Try to buy computer
>hardware in Singapore. Very expensive...
Distribution channels in the US are very efficient, and they use their
muscle to get incredible concessions from manufacturers- in some cases
the manufacturers may not get paid for 6 months after shipping goods-
the retailer can charge for shelf positioning - they must accept back
any goods that don't sell etc. Very competitive.
US retailers are also very good at putting their best (perhaps
loss leader) deals up front, and getting well with accessories and
such like (extended warranties). Check CAT5 prices at Best Buy,
for example, they are least triple what you pay if you shop around.
Also, almost 20% of the apparent difference and about 10% of the
real difference is accounted for by direct sales taxes- prices are
conventionally shown net of sales tax (state and perhaps municipal)
in the US, whereas it is usually built into consumer pricing in the
UK (VAT is something like 17.5% IIRC). Canada has one of the more
complex systems with 7% GST and 0-8% PST (depending on province,
8%-ish in the more populous provinces) added to the tag price.
Other than direct taxes, Canadian prices are close to US prices
for consumer electronics. UK prices for just about everything seem
double to 1.5x.
Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com
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