Kobo Discounts: Coupon Codes + Discussion

[crumpet]

Has anyone else had some problems redeeming any codes on the Christmas sale ebooks? I could be wrong, but I read that the code (in Australia, 30voucher) was valid for the books on the sale page. Some of them have worked in conjunction with the already reduced prices (I had 75off, 70comic, 85off and a 50% off one), but others just tell me the code can't be applied (I've tried a few that are supposed to be multiuse - on the book on its own and on a cart with a few books at the same time).

I emailed Kobo to figure out why and they said to clear my cookies/cache, but no change. Anyone else having the same problem?

[Lynx-lynx]

Crumpet try bookriot50 on the books that aren't accepting the 30voucher code.

If when using bookriot50 you don't get a discounted price then you know that the book is not discountable.

[crumpet]

Thanks for the reply. No, it doesn't work - bum! How odd that the actual list has books that won't discount when this is at the bottom of the page .

Unlimited use voucher!
Get 30% OFF
Stock up on bestsellers, award winners
and top authors in every genre.

Unlimited use voucher: 30VOUCHER

Up to 70% OFF
Offer valid from December 24, 2013 at 12:00 AM EST through January 5, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST for select eBooks from this page. This offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer or promotion and cannot be used to adjust amount paid on previous purchases. We reserve the right to change or end this offer at any time without notice.

30% OFF
Discount code is valid for 30% off select eBook purchases from this page. Discount will be confirmed at checkout. Offer valid from December 24, 2013 at 12:00 AM EST through January 5, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST. This offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer or promotion and cannot be used to adjust amount paid on previous purchases. Promotional code must be entered at time of purchase to qualify for this discount. Discounts cannot be applied nor the discount value refunded once a purchase is complete. We reserve the right to change or end this offer at any time without notice.

[Lynx-lynx]

Oh yep, Kobo doesn't get it's own message right all the time, lol.

You could try changing your country code to Norfolk Island or New Zealand and see if you can use any of the codes on the book/s you want. Kobo charges Norfolk Island books in USD.

[Rev. Bob]

Originally Posted by crumpet

Thanks for the reply. No, it doesn't work - bum! How odd that the actual list has books that won't discount when this is at the bottom of the page .

The key there is "select" purchases. Some of the books are publisher-discounted but not promo-eligible.

Speaking of which, has anyone heard anything about when/if the Big Five will again be promo-eligible in the US - or, for that matter, why they were and then were not eligible?

[crumpet]

Ah, that makes sense, Rev Bob. Doesn't make me happy though

Edit: Would ePenguin, Simon & Schuster UK and Macmillan Australia happen to be publishers that are routinely excluded?

[Rev. Bob]

Originally Posted by crumpet

Edit: Would ePenguin, Simon & Schuster UK and Macmillan Australia happen to be publishers that are routinely excluded?

I can't speak for non-US restrictions, but all three of those houses are in the "Big Five" that are not promoable on Kobo-US...despite being routinely discounted at Amazon-US.

[crumpet]

Ah, I have good taste then . Thanks.

One more question, sorry! Is there a reason when I try the NZ site, it tries to charge me in HKD? It works out to the same amount, maybe a little less, but it seems odd..

[Lynx-lynx]

Crumpet had you been in the Hong Kong site prior to the NZ site?

After I change sites I close it and come in fresh because of wobblies like you described.

[taming]

I've been amazed at the pricing in India vs Canada. The book "The Everything Store" is 405 rupees ($9.21 CAD) and the Canadian price is $14.99. Coupons apply in India, but not in Canada. Even with the currency conversion fees, the Indian price is astoundingly less. My experience is that the savings in taxes alone covers the currency conversion fee.

[Lynx-lynx]

Taming I've also found the India store to be an excellent alternative. Not only were the Rupee books cheaper but the conversion is directly Rupee to Aus. I was concerned it might have gone from rupee to US to Aus - but it didn't.

I'm not sure that there are any pub restrictions either.

Edit
I bought a number of Louise Penny's books frm there at an excellent base price + coupon for much less than AUD2 each.

[waslosmann]

Hello. First of all: Thanks a lot for all those awesome codes.

A second question: Are there legal problems using a shop from another country (like India). Especially, might Kobo block my account if I use the Indian shop with e.g. a german IP adress?

[taming]

Originally Posted by waslosmann

Hello. First of all: [B][COLOR="Red"]
A second question: Are there legal problems using a shop from another country (like India). Especially, might Kobo block my account if I use the Indian shop with e.g. a german IP adress?

It's a violation of the Terms of Use in Canada (and I assume elsewhere), and you could lose your account if Kobo started to enforce it.

It's interesting that Kobo does not rely on your IP Address once you are signed in. If the account information has India as a country, you will get the Indian website and Indian pricing. The credit card country of issue does not matter either.

FWIW, I've explored all sorts of things like this, but it does not mean I use these "tricks" myself.

Most interesting (to me at least) is that publishers have decided to price books so differently from country to country. I would guess that they don't lose money any place (though Kobo may when they discount). IMO, this probably speaks to Kobo wanting to show sales figures outside of North America and publishers gouging people in places like Canada.

[Fbone]

Originally Posted by taming

Most interesting (to me at least) is that publishers have decided to price books so differently from country to country. I would guess that they don't lose money any place (though Kobo may when they discount). IMO, this probably speaks to Kobo wanting to show sales figures outside of North America and publishers gouging people in places like Canada.

Also, the retailer's commission differs from country to country.

[waslosmann]

Originally Posted by taming

Most interesting (to me at least) is that publishers have decided to price books so differently from country to country. I would guess that they don't lose money any place (though Kobo may when they discount). IMO, this probably speaks to Kobo wanting to show sales figures outside of North America and publishers gouging people in places like Canada.

Thx. Yes I was a little surprised, too. I expected some differences (because of taxes mostly). But the book I checked costs in India less than half the price it costs here in Germany (3€ instead of 8€). I honestly didn't expect this. Now I am a little tempted...