Apple Canadian Prices - changing anytime soon?

[SpaceJello]

I have friends that have never bought an Apple computer in Canada JUST because of the difference in price and not to mention the added taxes (depending which province/state you are in).

Unfortunately, if you look at bestbuy.ca, it is still asking for higher prices than bestbuy.com in the US. I am still waiting for the day that Amazon.ca to sell electronics.

Considering all the taxes on blank CDs/DVDs, no TV shows on iTunes Canada etc, there are many areas Canada can improve within its economic policies. Please don't say that taxes are for the healthcare considering how much of it is in decline in recent years.

 

[Edwin the Elder]

Unfortunately, if you look at bestbuy.ca, it is still asking for higher prices than bestbuy.com in the US. I am still waiting for the day that Amazon.ca to sell electronics.

Bestbuy.ca is charging higher prices than Apple Canada for some reason. Hiigher than list price on many items - wireless mouse, airport express, etc.

I have no idea why they haven't even adjusted to Apple's list prices.

 

[stuff99]

like most companies they are quick to jack up the prices when our loonie was down but slow to lower the prices when the loonie soars....

 

[stcanard]

like most companies they are quick to jack up the prices when our loonie was down but slow to lower the prices when the loonie soars....

Actually this price difference thing is finally exposing a dirty little secret that's been in the Canadian retail industry for a number of years now.

Remember when the GST was introduced it was described as "revenue neutral"? That's because it was replacing a 15% "hidden" federal tax that was charged at the manufacturing level. This should be a good thing -- a tax you see is better than one you don't (you should be reminded every time you buy something that you are paying tax).

The problem is -- the retailers didn't pass that 15% to the consumer. They just absorbed it into their margins.

Now with parity this is finally obvious, and the retailers are *finally* being forced to pass that tax saving onto the consumer.

 

[SpaceJello]

Actually this price difference thing is finally exposing a dirty little secret that's been in the Canadian retail industry for a number of years now.

Remember when the GST was introduced it was described as "revenue neutral"? That's because it was replacing a 15% "hidden" federal tax that was charged at the manufacturing level. This should be a good thing -- a tax you see is better than one you don't (you should be reminded every time you buy something that you are paying tax).

The problem is -- the retailers didn't pass that 15% to the consumer. They just absorbed it into their margins.

Now with parity this is finally obvious, and the retailers are *finally* being forced to pass that tax saving onto the consumer.

I never knew that... wow, are you saying that we have been paying more than we have to for at least a decade? Wait... that came in early 90s before Chrietien. Wonder why we get GST rebates.

 

[galstaph]

I too wonder if/when the prices will be changed. I have noticed a slight difference as the dollar has risen the prices on some items has comemore inline, but high ticket items still have a large difference. Perhaps we will have to be patient.... with our dollar closing today just over 1.07 us this means that there is justification in lowering prices, even matching 3000$ canadain still gives apple more than 3k us, so they'll still make more money then they do off of our neighbours to the south. Maybe ol' steve will give us a christmas break on product...

 

[notjustjay]

This is exactly what I had the opportunity to do this past weekend when I was in Charlotte, NC for a conference. ... Bought Leopard on the spot.

And then I come home to find that Staples is selling it for $109.99! Doh!

 

[drake]

The issue is solved for me. I waited over a month for Apple to drop prices to reflect the lower US dollar, they didn't. Prices on Windows based machines have dropped dramatically. I bought one of those.

 

[CRAZYBUBBA]

The issue is solved for me. I waited over a month for Apple to drop prices to reflect the lower US dollar, they didn't. Prices on Windows based machines have dropped dramatically. I bought one of those.

 

[drake]

Hey, I can buy four of these for one mid-level Macbook. The specs on mine are Athlon 64 X2 TK-53, 120gb Seagate SATA, DVD x8 burner, 15.4" display, Vista Premium and one gig of ram (which I swapped for 2gb using the ram I pulled from my previous Macbook). Total cost, $350. Now, it was an Acer so I probably will have to toss it in the garbage in a year, but I'm still further ahead. I could buy one a year at that price, throw them in the trash at the end of the year, buy another for four years and still be ahead.

To me, the sensible thing would be to buy a cheap Windows machine, and hold out until Apple comes to their senses.

 

[drake]

Great deal, where did you buy this?

Wally World. But they said it was a "price error". I suspect they'll be selling them at this price everywhere shortly. Most people who got in on the Walmart sale last weekend got the Aspire 3100 which has the single core AMD, 80gd drive, 512gb ram, and Vista Basic. I'm guessing they wanted to sell those off first, then will move to the Aspire 5100s. Lots of got in on the "price error", with the Walmart managers fully aware. Keep your eyes open at your local Walmart.

 

[scienide09]

[snip] Now, it was an Acer so I probably will have to toss it in the garbage in a year, but I'm still further ahead. I could buy one a year at that price, throw them in the trash at the end of the year, buy another for four years and still be ahead.

To me, the sensible thing would be to buy a cheap Windows machine, and hold out until Apple comes to their senses.

I don't want to preach, but that's an absolutely horrible plan. That kind of rampant consumerism is a) why MS and other companies can get away with crappy products, b) not economically sustainable, and c) environmentally irresponsible.

One Apple machine at current specs should last you 4 years easy. It is a one-time purchase instead of four, has a better build quality, environmentally more sound, and will probably cost about the same when you account for the time and energy you spend researching and shopping for new craptops each year.

 

[drake]

That's okay by me. I'm a rampant consumer. Unlike your one time purchase, each year I'll get the latest technology. As for the environmental concerns, isn't Apple considered one of the worst violators in this regard?

Anyway, I don't necessarily recommend that you actually buy one a year and toss them (though I'm sure many Mac users do just that). I'm suggesting that people buy a cheap laptop to hold them over until Apple changes their ways. If they don't want a disposable laptop, buy a better Windows machine.

 

[scienide09]

That's okay by me. I'm a rampant consumer. Unlike your one time purchase, each year I'll get the latest technology. As for the environmental concerns, isn't Apple considered one of the worst violators in this regard?

As a company, Apple is pretty bad. However, they've publicly claimed that they are changing their ways. Let's hope that proves to be the case.
Still, the point wasn't that the company is environmentally irresponsible, but that as a consumer, constantly replacing a year-old laptop with today's latest and greatest is even worse. Not to mention the fact that by the time you get your hands on that new laptop, it's no longer the best out there.

Anyway, I don't necessarily recommend that you actually buy one a year and toss them (though I'm sure many Mac users do just that). I'm suggesting that people buy a cheap laptop to hold them over until Apple changes their ways.

A possible solution, but you're still buying into the consumerism and supporting the poor business practises so-loved by the many companies who care more about the bottom line than the customer. Generally speaking, if customers continue to purchase from such companies, the companies have no incentive to change their ways.
BTW, I include Apple in the above. I too would love to see the purchasing power of my mighty Canadian dollar realized, and the same for those overseas who pay more than we do even when the Canadian dollar is lower than the USD.

If they don't want a disposable laptop, buy a better Windows machine.

A better Windows machine? Hmmm. Show me a better Windows first. How about one that doesn't require me to upgrade my current Windows box, which runs XP like a champ?

 

[drake]

As a company, Apple is pretty bad. However, they've publicly claimed that they are changing their ways. Let's hope that proves to be the case.
Still, the point wasn't that the company is environmentally irresponsible,

Thought that was your argument?

but that as a consumer, constantly replacing a year-old laptop with today's latest and greatest is even worse.

Not sure how. I guess if I actually tossed it in the garbage, but my systems get handed down. Still have ones that are nearly ten years old. My point is, you COULD toss it and still be further ahead than buying a $1500 Macbook.

Not to mention the fact that by the time you get your hands on that new laptop, it's no longer the best out there.

And a two or three year old Macbook would?

A possible solution, but you're still buying into the consumerism and supporting the poor business practises so-loved by the many companies who care more about the bottom line than the customer. Generally speaking, if customers continue to purchase from such companies, the companies have no incentive to change their ways.

Which is MY point, isn't it? It is Apple that needs to respond to its Canadian customers, which it isn't in ANY way. They won't even publically justify the higher prices. Seems to me, I'm the one keeping Apple honest by taking my business elsewhere. But thanks for making my point.

BTW, I include Apple in the above. I too would love to see the purchasing power of my mighty Canadian dollar realized, and the same for those overseas who pay more than we do even when the Canadian dollar is lower than the USD.

Guess they need to do something about it too. Though I can see why Apple charges Europeans more. They get free three year (or more) Applecare included with their purchase ("thanks" to European consumer law).

A better Windows machine? Hmmm. Show me a better Windows first. How about one that doesn't require me to upgrade my current Windows box, which runs XP like a champ?

I've used both XP and Tiger. Since I've used XP much longer, I find it simple to use and doesn't give me serious issues. Neither does Tiger, and for some, I'm sure its superior because any idiot can easily use it. But it can't play Bioshock or 80% of the games out there without booting into windows. And that's a huge drawback. For laptop use, I prefer OS X, for desktop XP. That's because on my laptop, all I do is surf the web. I wouldn't pay a $1000 plus premium to do that.

I conclude that my method is completely sound.

 

[SpaceJello]

I agree with the issue of price disparity, however when did ANY stores in Canada sell goods at the same price as their American counter parts (with currency conversion etc).

What is Walmart charging for a dvd player in Canada vs the US? What about Sears?

I think its only cause we are so close to each other and relatively similar culture (thats debatable), its easy to compare pricing as opposed to other countries. However, I am sure there are some hidden fees and taxes somewhere.

For example: the Canadian blank media tax (DVDs etc).... and soon the portable media player tax....

 

[drake]

I agree with the issue of price disparity, however when did ANY stores in Canada sell goods at the same price as their American counter parts (with currency conversion etc).

What is Walmart charging for a dvd player in Canada vs the US? What about Sears?

Lets compare apples...no wait...computers with computers. Apple's prices have not changed despite a huge drop in the US dollar. Other computer manufacturers and computer parts makers have dropped their prices over the six months since the last Macbook update. Why does Apple hold out when others are responding either by offering more goodies or lower prices?

 

[yadmonkey]

If the EU is any indication, then no, Apple won't be changing their prices in Canada any time soon. The Euro has been spanking the dollar for much longer than this recent shift in the value of the Canadian dollar versus ours, yet their prices have remained static for Apple stuff. That's why my German in-laws always ask me to bring them Apple stuff from here so they can reimburse me in Euros.

 

[drake]

If the EU is any indication, then no, Apple won't be changing their prices in Canada any time soon. The Euro has been spanking the dollar for much longer than this recent shift in the value of the Canadian dollar versus ours, yet their prices have remained static for Apple stuff. That's why my German in-laws always ask me to bring them Apple stuff from here so they can reimburse me in Euros.

But like I pointed out, charging the Europeans more can be justified. But they too should stop buying Apples until the price reflects the price American customers are getting. But hey, some people have to have a Mac just like some people have to have a fancy watch.

 

[DevinC]

I've seen the same problem everywhere and is not limit to Canada. My logic is either:

1) Apple originated from USA so they offer their people better deal

or

2) USA is the economic powerhouse so therefore mean their people will get better deal on ANY products than the rest of world

If you don't care much for warranty, customs fee, gas/shipping, time, etc, then your only option is to get it from the US instead of here.

 

[drake]

I've seen the same problem everywhere and is not limit to Canada. My logic is either:

1) Apple originated from USA so they offer their people better deal

or

2) USA is the economic powerhouse so therefore mean their people will get better deal on ANY products than the rest of world

If you don't care much for warranty, customs fee, gas/shipping, time, etc, then your only option is to get it from the US instead of here.

My option was to by a windows based laptop.

 

[naftalim]

The problem is that they and many other companies set barriers to consumers even though we supposedly have a free trade agreement between our 2 countries, that is they stop us from buying the same product for less in the US.

For example, Amazon US was selling .Mac at $54 more at their Canada site then the US Site but the US site would not ship to me in Canada, even if its only a subscription. So I had it shipped to my niece in New York who opened the package and read me the subscription number.

I can buy books at Amazon USA and have them shipped to Canada, but they wont ship me the .Mac subscription, and thats because Apple does not allow them to do so.

As a Canadian, I too wish the prices would reflect the exchange rate.

But Apple is an American company that states its revenues and profits in American dollars. The American dollar is falling against any number of currencies - including Canada's. That endangers Apple's revenues in foreign countries.

 

[drake]

Interesting theory. But what currencies do the other computer hardware manufacturers have their revenue and profits stated in? They're all dropping. I couldn't even buy this crumy Acer for $350 before the drop. And what about Walmart? How are their profits stated? They're, at least in theory, dropping their prices to reflect those in the States. My cheap Acer is a reflection of that (they had a sale on them in the States for the same price, and did it here too).

 

[Love]

Just a little tidbit... If you're in the market for a new Ipod.. DONT buy it from Apple.ca... This is gonna hurt saying this but, BUY IT FROM FUTURE SHOP or BEST BUY! It looks like they are updating their prices.

I just checked their website, and both list the 8gb Nano for 200$ (same as US vs 220$ on apple.ca) without any indication of a sale going on. The 4gb nano is at 160$ (Apple.com: 150$, Apple.ca: 170$)

There is only a 10$ difference on the 80gb classic as well. The rest are still closer to the apple.ca prices...

...but its a start!

Unfortunately, I'd only reccomend Future Shop. Best Buy is a bit flaky on pricing. Look at the PS3 40 GB, which retails at 399. From Sony. You buy at the Sony store at 399. BB wants 419 for it, but it's on sale for 399.

 

[heatmiser]

The issue is solved for me. I waited over a month for Apple to drop prices to reflect the lower US dollar, they didn't. Prices on Windows based machines have dropped dramatically. I bought one of those.

That's exactly what I would have done. If one manufacturer is willing to price cut to reflect a changing economy and the other isn't, go with the company that exists in the reality-based community.