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From: jtc@latcs1.oz.au (John Catsoulis)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc
Subject: Australian Prices (was Re: The New Macs: Greedy Compromises?)
Message-ID: <9293@latcs1.oz.au>
Date: 3 Dec 90 07:24:38 GMT
References: <1990Nov30.201432.19210@Neon.Stanford.EDU>
Reply-To: jtc@ee.latrobe.edu.au (John Catsoulis)
Organization: Elec Eng, La Trobe Uni, Australia
Lines: 32

rfischer@Neon.Stanford.EDU (Raymond C. Fischer) writes:
>>Is Apple greedy? YOU BET THEY ARE.
>
>Either that, or your government is being greedy and charging high import 
>duty taxes.  From what I know about how Apple works and how Australia
>works, I'd say it's more likely that it's the Australian government 
>that is making the money.  Either that or the US gov't making money on
>export duties.  Maybe both.  Maybe all three.
>
>Ray Fischer

I can't comment on the US govt, but yeah we do have high taxes on computers 
(high sales tax on Aus-made systems too). However, it appears that Apple 
Australia is also taking a large piece of the action over and above what 
Apple US do. My reasons for saying this are twofold. The prices are excessive
even when you do take into account government charges. Also it is still cheaper
to buy a system in the US, pay to have it imported, pay the duties and shipping
insurance, etc, than it is to buy one here. Sad but true. And from talking to
people in other parts of the world, it appears that Australia is not alone in 
this.

I don't mean to critise Apple Australia. I have always been impressed by the
professionalism and efficiency with my dealings with them. It is just that 
I think the prices could be reviewed.

A side note: A dealer told me that it is the prices that Apple US
charges Apple Aus for systems that causes such high prices here. I don't
know how true this is, but it is interesting.

John.
____________________________________________________
The above is only my opinion.