Rip Off Britain?

[longdrag]

16GB iPhone 5 - £529 in the UK this equals $860

The same item in the US?

$199 - £122.42

There is a discrpancy of £406.58 somewhere in the mix


What the hell is going on........

If I have the wrong end of the stick - then someone tell me please...

 

[jabingla2810]

The $199 price is with a 2 year contract.

Plus they handle taxes differently.

 

[alvse]

^^ What he said

 

[MonkeySee....]

16GB iPhone 5 - £529 in the UK this equals $860

The same item in the US?

$199 - £122.42

There is a discrpancy of £406.58 somewhere in the mix


What the hell is going on........

If I have the wrong end of the stick - then someone tell me please...

The US don't offer the phone out of contract as far as i'm aware. Their price is with a contract attached.

 

[rovex]

Did you actually think the handset costs $199 unlocked?

 

[OllyW]

16GB iPhone 5 - £529 in the UK this equals $860

The same item in the US?

$199 - £122.42

There is a discrpancy of £406.58 somewhere in the mix


What the hell is going on........

If I have the wrong end of the stick - then someone tell me please...

I think the unlocked contract free 16GB costs $649 which would work out at $779 with 20% VAT. They still get it cheaper but it's not as bad as you think.

Also, if you compare the cost of the iPhone on contract between the US and the UK you will find it's a lot cheaper here.

 

[Deako]

16GB iPhone 5 - £529 in the UK this equals $860

The same item in the US?

$199 - £122.42

There is a discrpancy of £406.58 somewhere in the mix


What the hell is going on........

If I have the wrong end of the stick - then someone tell me please...

A big fat FAIL there unfortunately.

 

[antdawe]

In terms of contract price Britain is actually cheaper than the USA.

I get mine free on a two year contract.

Unlimited Mins, text, internet and international calls around europe.

£30 a month with a half price discount added.

Approx $48 per month

 

[buryfan]

They don't pay 20% vat as far as I'm aware so it does work out slightly cheaper unlocked for them

 

[striker33]

Why do the English have such a hard time recognising tax laws?

(and yes, I'm English)

It really is embarrassing.

 

[Deako]

They don't pay 20% vat as far as I'm aware so it does work out slightly cheaper unlocked for them

They still have to pay sales tax.

 

[andybno1]

In terms of contract price Britain is actually cheaper than the USA.

I get mine free on a two year contract.

Unlimited Mins, text, internet and international calls around europe.

£30 a month with a half price discount added.

Approx $48 per month

you got the phone free for £30 a month or is it £30 a month after discount?

 

[charlieegan3]

They don't pay 20% vat as far as I'm aware so it does work out slightly cheaper unlocked for them

they pay sales taxes that vary between states.

 

[buryfan]

My point was it isn't 20%

 

[illutionz]

In the US 16GB iPhone 5 UNLOCKED will cost $649 + sales tax.

Let's make 8.5% the average.

Total cost will be $705.
Only around $150 difference from the UK price.

 

[KPOM]

They still have to pay sales tax.

Not if you purchase something in New Hampshire, Delaware, Oregon, Alaska, or Montana.

That said, generally sales tax is between 6-10% in most states. It varies from city to city, which is why prices are quoted pre-tax here.

On the whole, mobile prices are better in the UK and the rest of Europe since there is more true competition. We tend to pay $80-$120/month for mobile plans.

 

[brand]

16GB iPhone 5 - £529 in the UK this equals $860

The same item in the US?

$199 - £122.42

There is a discrpancy of £406.58 somewhere in the mix


What the hell is going on........

If I have the wrong end of the stick - then someone tell me please...

A classic example of no research and poor assumptions.

 

[Kissaragi]

If I have the wrong end of the stick - then someone tell me please...

You have the wrong end of the stick.