Here is the link: "A Christmas Carol Gift Pack"

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Laura81

Hiya Robert,

I just realized I can't take you up on your generous offer as you said I need a US mailing address and I'm in Australia.

Dear Laura:

ARGGHH!! We have SO many Pocket PRO users in Australia.

Maybe I should check with Books On Board and see if their coupon can be used in Australia and we can send numerous to you and you can help send them to your fellow Aussies that have Pocket PROs.

Do not give up. Astak is considering a possible solution for all Pocket PRO owners. No promises but it is under discussion.

[Laura81]

Awesome, sounds good! Look forward to hearing what solutions you come up with. And sure, I'd be willing to send them on to others.

[Solicitous]

Robert, not sure if you're able to answer my question at this time or not, but the website says the PP is only on sale for $199 until the end of November. Is it expected to remain at $199 afterward or will the price be going up? Just asking out of curiosity as I want to order one for the wife but doubt we'll be able to until the new year.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Solicitous

Robert, not sure if you're able to answer my question at this time or not, but the website says the PP is only on sale for $199 until the end of November. Is it expected to remain at $199 afterward or will the price be going up? Just asking out of curiosity as I want to order one for the wife but doubt we'll be able to until the new year.

Dear Solicitous:

Presently, our website sells at $199. Brick & mortor type retail stores sell from $229-$249, but there is no freight so they do fine.

We know one definite thing. We are handing out coupons at CES, and have advertised as such, that the CES promo price is $199 until the end of January.
After that is anybody's guess. The retail stores want it raised. The reviewers want it to stay. We mainly keep the $199 price on our website for reviewers AND for MobileRead Forum members... and do not advertise the website.

[Solicitous]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear Solicitous:

Presently, our website sells at $199. Brick & mortor type retail stores sell from $229-$249, but there is no freight so they do fine.

We know one definite thing. We are handing out coupons at CES, and have advertised as such, that the CES promo price is $199 until the end of January.
After that is anybody's guess. The retail stores want it raised. The reviewers want it to stay. We mainly keep the $199 price on our website for reviewers AND for MobileRead Forum members... and do not advertise the website.

Thanks for that Robert, good to know I'll still be able to buy the wife one just after Christmas (or buy myself a second one and "lend" her one of mine )

[Laura81]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear Solicitous:

The retail stores want it raised.

Probably just so they can make a larger profit on it.

Oh and yesterday I ordered a second PP for my partner! Couldn't order the Christmas gift pack though as it's US only.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Laura81

Probably just so they can make a larger profit on it.

Oh and yesterday I ordered a second PP for my partner! Couldn't order the Christmas gift pack though as it's US only.

It is considered very bad form for a Wholesaler (Astak in this case), to undercut the "Suggested Retail", of products that they sell, the same exact product model to their Retailers.

There are all sorts of "outs" to this conflict.
1)Wholly owned (but not advertised) Retail subsidiary company (It is Not Astak nod ).
2)Different "Bundles", Paint/Trim = different model numbers = not the same product = "No Conflict"
3) Seconds/blemished or Demo units with a Reduced warranty.

A new product line may give a company a short "factory discounted", grace period, but then it has to stop or they lose Retail stores as customers.

[DaleDe]

Originally Posted by theducks

It is considered very bad form for a Wholesaler (Astak in this case), to undercut the "Suggested Retail", of products that they sell, the same exact product model to their Retailers.

A new product line may give a company a short "factory discounted", grace period, but then it has to stop or they lose Retail stores as customers.

Astak has been up front about this from the beginning. Originally they did not intend to sell them via retailers at all to be able to keep the price down for us by cutting out the middle man. Then the Pocket Pro was so good that retailers basically pressured them, I believe, to be able to offer it. So long as Astak is up front with their dealers I think they won't have a problem.

Dale

[theducks]

Originally Posted by DaleDe

Astak has been up front about this from the beginning. Originally they did not intend to sell them via retailers at all to be able to keep the price down for us by cutting out the middle man. Then the Pocket Pro was so good that retailers basically pressured them, I believe, to be able to offer it. So long as Astak is up front with their dealers I think they won't have a problem.

Dale

I agree with all your statements. (How long will they be able to hold out?)
They chose to carry a "Direct Market" Item in this case.

Astak is also willing to stock the "Support" and Accessory items (Batteries, Covers...) that most Retailers will never bother with
I won't tell you how many times I have opened a Manual and have seen an "Optional Item" and returned to the "Full service" dealer and left empty handed ("We don't carry that")

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by DaleDe

Astak has been up front about this from the beginning. Originally they did not intend to sell them via retailers at all to be able to keep the price down for us by cutting out the middle man. Then the Pocket Pro was so good that retailers basically pressured them, I believe, to be able to offer it. So long as Astak is up front with their dealers I think they won't have a problem.

Dale

Dear All:

It can be a thorny issue. On the one hand, the retail stores do not have to charge freight. Therefore, they can charge $229 and really still be a good deal. Plus, they have the display and people can try the device before buying. We also try to do occasional rebates to stimulate their sales.

The latest retailer to carry Pocket PROs also got the Books On Board coupon to go with their devices to give them a solid start. That coupon will save about $100 in Rewards Dollars on the first ten eBooks. Trust me, we try to make the retailers very successful.

As you know, we are up against the Sony PRS-300 which, while pretty stripped, is advertised ad nauseum by famous sports figures. MOST buyers do not have the knowledge that MobileRead Forum members have... so they go for the brand name and pay little attention to the huge list of features on the Pocket PRO. That is a real shame; but it is reality. Most reviewers also overlook the main features. WHY on earth a reviewer would neglect to see the value in an SD card slot and a user-replaceable rechargeable battery I cannot grasp. To me, they are absolute necessities but reviewers sometimes overlook the obvious and accept the false concept that a relative unknown like Astak cannot sell a better device for the same dollars. This does not imply the Sony is anything less desireable... it is a good machine... I just feel the Pocket PRO is clearly the better value.

[carman63]

Hi all
First post here, and I'm considering the Christmas Pack. I'm wondering if they are shipping immediately, or if they are due to ship on a certain date? I'm the impatient sort and would like to get a reader in my hands soon. If my wife and I like it, we might end up with a second one.

Thanks!
Jim

[LoganK]

Originally Posted by carman63

First post here, and I'm considering the Christmas Pack. I'm wondering if they are shipping immediately, or if they are due to ship on a certain date? I'm the impatient sort and would like to get a reader in my hands soon. If my wife and I like it, we might end up with a second one.

Based on experiences reported here on the forums, Astak is extremely good about shipping almost as soon as the order is placed. The holiday weekend might be a factor, but if you order today I wouldn't be surprised if it was shipped Monday.