Quote:
Originally Posted by fjtorres
Different indeed.
Ouch.
The practices you described were outlawed decades ago round these parts and most states have well-publicized mechanisms to oversee and enforce consumer protection, especially on sales. Which isn't to say that abuses don't happen but savvy consumers know they don't have to take it.
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On the other hand we have quite strict consumer-protection laws regarding warranty.
And if there is a price-tag on the shop floor for some merchandise they HAVE to sell it to you for that price.
A friend of mine discovered some furniture with a discount price and when he went to pay for it he was billed full price. The clerk laconically informed him, that all she can do is scan the barcode and enter number of units. After bloody battle with *all* levels of management in department store that lasted for more than 2 hours he got that dicsount. He had to threaten them repeatedly with calling special bureau we have for overseeing of all merchants. But my friend is a special case. He knows his rights and is very ... determined.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fjtorres
Now, I've no special insight into Pocketbook's strategy, but I would hazard a guess that after a week of big pricing news from Kobo, B&N, and Amazon, the loss of revenue from a few days' sales might be worth it to them to raise their new product's visibility a bit in the largest and most competitive market.
Just a guess, mind you.  |
My guess (based on Dulins comment) is that the seller made almost no profit on that sale and that the Kiev headquarters have nothing to do with that particular discount.
The question is, how much more expensive are the operating costs of business in Europe and how much of the price difference comes from: "*Everyone*(1) rips off European consumers, so why shouldn't we?"
(1) Amazon is THE only company that sells e-ink readers for the same price in Europe. They make up the difference on that usurious $2 "wireless delivery fee" they tack on each e-book (even if you only own WiFi-only Kindle). ;-)