Why is Epson so expensive here in the UK?

[Ian]

I put a couple of questions raised here recently to Epson and here they are, with responses:

Why is the Epson Stylus Pro 3800 so much more expensive, even after VAT and exchange rates have been taken into account, here in the UK than in the USA and why are Epson inks in Japan reportedly half the price they are here? This was the response:

"A straight price comparison between different geographic markets is not always possible as the pricing of Epson products is dependent upon local market and channel structures. Epson UK strives to offer value for money and provides the customer with added value benefits such as product set up. Regular promotions from Epson UK, such as the current 'Go Large, Pay Less' offer which gives existing Epson Stylus Pro customers a loyalty bonus of up to £700 when purchasing an advanced Stylus Pro Series printer, offer customers additional value."

Discuss?

Ian

[JSR]

Frankly, that's a load of baloney!

Epson R1800 - UK: £346, US: $549 (~£390+VAT=~£341)

Epson R2400 - UK: £521, US: $849 (~£447+VAT=~£525)

Epson 3800 - UK: £999+VAT=£1173, US: $1195 (~£630+VAT=£740)

If the R1800 and R2400 are, taking into account UK VAT, the same price in the US and the UK, why is the 3800 going to be £430+ (~US$815+) more expensive in the UK than in the US? It's a simple question that doesn't require a convoluted answer about "promotions". They don't need "promotions" they just need to sell at the same price to everyone - it's not rocket science.

If they can sell the A3 printers in the UK at the same price as the US, then they should sell the A2 printers for the same price too.

Anything else is just a blatant rip-off. All of that cobblers about promotional prices is just, well, cobblers.