Kobo UK discount coupons and publisher pricing

ShellShock · 03-04-2012, 05:18 AM

I keep getting money off emails (30% this weekend) from Kobo (UK), with a long list of publishers with whom the discount cannot be used. Sure enough, whichever book I try to buy, the coupon cannot be used because of publisher restrictions, so effectively the coupon is useless. I believe this is because of "agency pricing". Can someone please remind me of the legal status of this practice, in the UK/EU? Is it being challenged? Is there somewhere I can go to constructively express my frustration at this anti-competitive practice, and hopefully help to get it banned, or at least get awareness raised?

HarryT · 03-04-2012, 05:38 AM

The European Commission is currently investigating eBook pricing. As it stands, though, the practice is not illegal.

ShellShock · 03-04-2012, 07:01 AM

Thanks, at least it is being investigated. Is it true that it is not illegal though? Is it more that it may be illegal, bit it has not been tested in the courts yet?

HarryT · 03-04-2012, 07:10 AM

Agency pricing arrangements are certainly not illegal (eg most car dealerships are agencies). What's being investigated is whether publishers have acted jointly to fix prices as a cartel. That would be illegal.

SensualPoet · 03-04-2012, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShellShock

I keep getting money off emails (30% this weekend) from Kobo (UK), with a long list of publishers with whom the discount cannot be used. Sure enough, whichever book I try to buy, the coupon cannot be used because of publisher restrictions, so effectively the coupon is useless. I believe this is because of "agency pricing"

I suppose it depends on what you read but I am able to make good use of the Kobo coupons. Sure, there are lots of exceptions -- but lots of "mainstream" stuff is eligible, at least in Canada.

03-04-2012, 05:18 AM	#1
ShellShock Wizard Posts: 1,178 Karma: 2431850 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: IPad Mini 2 Retina	Kobo UK discount coupons and publisher pricing I keep getting money off emails (30% this weekend) from Kobo (UK), with a long list of publishers with whom the discount cannot be used. Sure enough, whichever book I try to buy, the coupon cannot be used because of publisher restrictions, so effectively the coupon is useless. I believe this is because of "agency pricing". Can someone please remind me of the legal status of this practice, in the UK/EU? Is it being challenged? Is there somewhere I can go to constructively express my frustration at this anti-competitive practice, and hopefully help to get it banned, or at least get awareness raised?

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03-04-2012, 05:38 AM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	The European Commission is currently investigating eBook pricing. As it stands, though, the practice is not illegal.

03-04-2012, 07:01 AM	#3
ShellShock Wizard Posts: 1,178 Karma: 2431850 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: IPad Mini 2 Retina	Thanks, at least it is being investigated. Is it true that it is not illegal though? Is it more that it may be illegal, bit it has not been tested in the courts yet?

03-04-2012, 07:10 AM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Agency pricing arrangements are certainly not illegal (eg most car dealerships are agencies). What's being investigated is whether publishers have acted jointly to fix prices as a cartel. That would be illegal.