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Core explains iPod pricing
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StrontiumDog
Honorary Master
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Hmmm... this news makes me want to jump for joy and rush out and buy a Touch from the ZA Store now that we're told that they're not overcharging!!! 
- NOT!!!!
- NOT!!!! This whole argument is a load of hogwash. The pricing cannot be compared with Europe as the Apple pricing in Europe is higher due to the buying power of European customers. In a nutshell, they earn more then their US counterparts. In SA, we earn far less then both the US and European countries and the pricing should be compared accordingly.
The question to Core should be "Where do you get your stock from and what sort of margins do you have?". They are obviously not battling as they have an office in West Street.
The question to Core should be "Where do you get your stock from and what sort of margins do you have?". They are obviously not battling as they have an office in West Street.
The sad truth is that if you want to pay less for your iPod you need to get someone to bring one back from the US for you. At the same time you then give up the luxury of local support.
These guys are not in business to keep us happy they are there to make money. If you don't like it buy something else. I love my iPods and wouldn't buy anything else.
As for the touch I think I'll wait till they sort out the video issues before spending my hard earned cash on it.
These guys are not in business to keep us happy they are there to make money. If you don't like it buy something else. I love my iPods and wouldn't buy anything else.
As for the touch I think I'll wait till they sort out the video issues before spending my hard earned cash on it.
scud
Expert Member
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Who do Core Group compete with localy, surely there is some competition happening?
i have bought about 10 macs over the lasst 2 years, all from overseas, as the prices in sa are extortionate .
the uk apple store website has a section selling refurbished macs and ipods, all as good as new, for up to 40% less then usual. all you need is a uk address to deliver too.
anyone know any other alternatives to buying apple locally ?
i have bought about 10 macs over the lasst 2 years, all from overseas, as the prices in sa are extortionate .
the uk apple store website has a section selling refurbished macs and ipods, all as good as new, for up to 40% less then usual. all you need is a uk address to deliver too.
anyone know any other alternatives to buying apple locally ?
The Middle East is cheaper than SA because they have no VAT and no import duties.That is 20% right there. They are also closer to Europe so shipping is cheaper and you will probably find they sell a lot more so they get a better price on the products.
And higher volume means that they can drop the margin on the product as well.
There is always a reason for these things.
And higher volume means that they can drop the margin on the product as well.
There is always a reason for these things.
Who do Core Group compete with localy, surely there is some competition happening?
i have bought about 10 macs over the last 2 years, all from overseas, as the prices in sa are extortionate .
the uk apple store website has a section selling refurbished macs and ipods, all as good as new, for up to 40% less then usual. all you need is a uk address to deliver too.
anyone know any other alternatives to buying apple locally ?
There is no competition locally if you want official support. Some stores do buy on the grey market and their prices are almost exactly the same as you would get through the official channel.
Yes I do wish they would sell refurbed macs through the store, then I would buy more.
Tiny little market = no reason for Apple to start up a local operation.
And remember that Core is more than a distributor, it is an Apple IMC (independent marketing company) which is official Apple recognition and one step below an official Apple presence.
And remember that Core is more than a distributor, it is an Apple IMC (independent marketing company) which is official Apple recognition and one step below an official Apple presence.
scud
Expert Member
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the tiny market is also due to the rip-off prices in SA.
the last time i did the math on overseas prices, macs worked out cheaper than the same spec pc. but in SA we are different , and Macs are priced at the very high end of the market. it's no wonder nobody wants to switch.
the last time i did the math on overseas prices, macs worked out cheaper than the same spec pc. but in SA we are different , and Macs are priced at the very high end of the market. it's no wonder nobody wants to switch.
You are not totally wrong here, but if you do the maths against Thinkpads and Sony's in SA then it is a different issue.
Also most of the budget entries in the local market are celeron machines and all the apples are dual core systems.
I think Apple (internationally) is screwing up in one particular area focusing too much on processor speed and not figuring out how to get rid of the god-awful combo drive on the entry level systems. It is the one thing I hate and which is stoping me from getting a new machine.
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Wonder why the market is so tiny
Fortunately all my devices are portables and therefore carry a worldwide warranty regardless of where I purchase them. I have a certain satisfaction in only feeding core the scraps in the rare instances when something needs fixing.
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Who needs a dealers price list when you have Amazon at your fingertips
The screen issues seem to have only been with a small batch of the first shipment products. I'm looking at mine now and its perfect.
How are you measuring this? Airplane route from China to Europe = up over the top of Russia to Europe.
China to SA = The same distance in terms of longitude + there is no short cut you have to go all the way round to get there.
You don't think iPods get sent by ship do you?
And then there is the issue of volume.
The Core group are also now the importers of Nintendo products to South Africa. Looking at the prices they charge for games, it is cheaper to import games through Take2.co.za from the UK than it is to buy them locally.
Don't beleive me? Check here:
http://www.take2.co.za/product.php?id=2093194
http://btgames.co.za/btgames/infoPages/04051.asp?IndexNo=21
You would think that it'll be cheaper to buy the local version, since Core imports on much much larger scales than Take2 does... Guess that isn't the case...
These guys are ripping us off.
Don't beleive me? Check here:
http://www.take2.co.za/product.php?id=2093194
http://btgames.co.za/btgames/infoPages/04051.asp?IndexNo=21
You would think that it'll be cheaper to buy the local version, since Core imports on much much larger scales than Take2 does... Guess that isn't the case...
These guys are ripping us off.
freematrix
Senior Member
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- Mar 7, 2007
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- 821
These guys are ripping us off.[/QUOTE]
100% agreed. Over and above that, the service at Core is shocking. Makes me what to source my MAC's from elsewhere. Their stock levels are also poorly managed and you have to wait for stock for orders.
There should not be 1 distributor. This is poor as they do not make the effort to compete and improve service. Their prices are definitely higher no matter what excuses they make.
100% agreed. Over and above that, the service at Core is shocking. Makes me what to source my MAC's from elsewhere. Their stock levels are also poorly managed and you have to wait for stock for orders.
There should not be 1 distributor. This is poor as they do not make the effort to compete and improve service. Their prices are definitely higher no matter what excuses they make.