Quote:
Originally Posted by djgreedo
That may be the case in the UK, but you need to take more factors into consideration when comparing prices using exchange rates. For example, in Australia (as the OP stated) book prices are a lot higher than in other countries. A big factor in this is that Australians have a relatively high cost of living as well as relatively high incomes.
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Geographical restrictions are horrid, and a relic of old business ways. I'm sure that eventually they will erode as publishers consolidate and places like Amazon expand. I've noticed at least one pretty minor Australian author is now on Kindle, so that critical mass point is approaching. In fact, I've noticed quite a few books become available in Australia that I couldn't buy a few months ago.
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My point is that with digital media and no translation requirement I simply don't have to take any other factors into consideration. I can chose not to buy or buy something different. The internet makes it very difficult to price by geography and your customers not notice it. Cost of living/average income levels have absolutely nothing to do with it - if I see the same product is sold elsewhere for less I feel I am being ripped off, no two ways about it.
As a customer I don't have to put up with this, if I have the option I will go with another supplier who gives me better value for money and if I can I tell the ex-supplier why he has lost my business. If the ex-supplier has been particularly nasty then there are plenty of forums to highlight their behaviour.
BTW - Geo restrictions have been with DVDs from the start and have not gone away.