Mac versus PC

morebroadband, I can't decide who to blame, Core's history of ripping us off because they've got the exclusive distribution rights pisses me off. However, if Apple has the contractual right to drop them as a distributor without good reason (and judging by Apple's recent business dealings, they've probably got a clause like that in the contract), I can see why they would try make as much money as possible while it lasts.

And we can be sure that when Apple does drops Core, it will be because our market is lucrative enough for them to open up shop directly. I don't see Core wanting to build up the local market for another player to reap the rewards when it reaches critical mass.

Could be a catch 22: Core doesn't want the market to get big enough for Apple to take over their cash cow, and Apple doesn't want to keep Core as distributor because they aren't growing the market.

In the end, as with all monopolies, it's the consumer that suffers.

Edit: Actually, the solutions quite simple, Apple must appoint more distributors into our market, and keep adding more until they start to compete. Core gets to keep their contract (if the spoilt brats still want it), the consumer gets lower prices and Apple grows market share. Yes, I know, my idea's got a snowballs chance in hell of being applied, but it might work.
 
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I don't think Apple are charging Core more than other distributors. Apple's price are already high.

Core South Africa purchases through the UK distribution (which controls Africa) - and if you compare their prices with ours it seems to make more sense.

Apple is dealing with unprecedented demand for their products. The Ipod and Iphone & ITUNES store have been a major success for them, as well as very strong demand for their legacy computer hardware. Sales in Africa are very small when compared with the rest of the world, and due to this I think Apple have dismissed SA as a major growth market.

Core have proven that even with these VERY HIGH prices, they have managed to beat Apple's sales forecasts for SA. What Apple might be realizing is that Africa is worth investing in, and this may be why Core have not been able to re-sign their Exclusive Distribution Agreement. I am only speculating here!!

The recent price increases Core have set is going to do them a lot of damage. They may well have to decrease their prices (in light of recent Forex changes downward) and this is going to leave them with a lot of egg on their face. I seriously doubt they are going to be able to sell much hardware at these prices.....MacPro (Baseline Model) at R35000 (as I am typing this I notice they just dropped the price R3k - it was R38000!)

and the new Macbook at R20000 !!

Macbook Pro 17 inch baseline R32000

I just hope that the changes happen soon.
 
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