(apple)mac geek

Incredible Connection have been playing in the Apple space for a while now, and they have a great deal: new Macbooks are R1500 cheaper than those being sold anywhere else in South Africa.

You just need to bring down some old hardware – any old hardware! – for a trade-in. They’re repairing those computers and donating them to schools and charity – brilliant!

So why is ZA Store so expensive? That’s the question which has been asked for many years by Apple lovers in South Africa. Not only do we pay more here but we get worse service – and no recourse. I couldn’t resist writing this email:

From: roger [at] macgeek dot co dot za
Date: 05 Feb 2009 12:55:04 PM
To: enquire [at] zastore.co.za
Subject: MacBook prices

Hi ZA Store

There is a perception amongst Apple users in South Africa that they are sold computers at vastly inflated prices. For instance, a new Macbook is being sold in the States for $999 – which is about R10,000. You are selling it for R12,999 – R3000 more! Incredible Connection is running a special right now – http://www.incredibleblog.co.za/ic-news/trade-in-your-old-goods-for-new-upgrades-during-february/ – where MacBooks are being sold at R11,500 – which seems a lot more reasonable considering import duties are 15-20%.

Can you explain why you are so much more expensive?

Regards
Roger

 
[Update] Resent, April 23rd:

From: Roger Saner
Date: 23 Apr 2009 9:31:39 AM
To: enquire@zastore.co.za
Subject: Fwd: MacBook prices

Hi ZA Store

Does anybody read these emails?

I sent you an email back in February asking why you are so expensive. I also emailed you through stopgrey.co.za, a website which makes no definite claims, but makes lots of hints – and a fair amount of scare tactics – as to what will happen to you if you buy a grey Apple import.

What hoops do I have to jump through to get a response from you?

Regards
Roger

[Update] 2nd email sent, April 23rd

From: Roger Saner
Date: 23 Apr 2009 9:50:22 AM
To: enquire@zastore.co.za
Subject: Fwd: MacBook prices

Hi ZA Store

To rephrase my question in my first email, sent Feb 5th (included below), which you didn’t reply to:

The current Rand/Dollar exchange rate is R8.88 = $1.

You charge R24,000 for the 15 inch 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro ( http://www.zastore.co.za/macbookpro0810.php ) and it’s available from the Apple site for $1,999 ( http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro )

Using the above exchange rate, $1,999 = R17,742.72. That’s a difference R6,257.28 which is 35% markup. Do you apply 35% markup to all of your products?

Regards
Roger

 
A reply! Hooray!
From: Rene Firsing
Date: 23 Apr 2009 12:15:34 PM
To: Roger Saner
Subject: Re: MacBook prices

Hi Roger,

I do get these mails, and unfortunately do not deal with pricing, so was unable to answer you.
I have no idea with regards to what the costs are for importing technical equipment and therefore would like to ask you to chat to one of our Executives who may be able to assist with the pricing issue.

He will also be able to assist with the grey products website, as unfortunately I do not get any mails from that site.

His name is Greg Hill
087 940 3000

Thanks so much,
Rene
ZA Store

 
I’ve emailed Core with the above questions.
The contents to my email to Greg Hill are at http://www.macgeek.co.za/2009/05/31/open-letter-to-core/

Technorati Tags: Apple, Core, Incredible Connection, Macbook

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