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Does this apply in the US? I'm only aware of mandatory warranty periods in the EU. Personally I think they're a bad thing overall, since they preclude inexpensi

by wyager 10y ago

Does this apply in the US? I'm only aware of mandatory warranty periods in the EU. Personally I think they're a bad thing overall, since they preclude inexpensive short-term-use or disposable electronics. I haven't done a thorough market survey or anything, but last time I was there, electronics were generally much more expensive than in the US.

shakna 10y ago
They exist in Australia, too. And electronics are more expensive, but so is everything.
vinay427 10y ago
Keep in mind the VAT is also includes by law in the price in EU countries. This is almost never the case in the US where sales tax (~ 0%-10%) is added on top of the listed price.
Fnoord 10y ago
> but last time I was there, electronics were generally much more expensive than in the US. There are various factors: * VAT is always included unless (if its aimed at business solely, like IBM, then this doesn't seem to be the case, but then that is being mentioned) * Relatively low EUR. The EUR also isn't doing so well compared to the USD. * Storage tax. This to compensate the entertainment industry. * Environmental taxes. The price you see in store is the price you're gonna pay (excluding S&H but the seller has to inform you on that before the sale is finalized). I find that practical. > since they preclude inexpensive short-term-use or disposable electronics. Which I consider a great thing because its better for the environment (although not good enough). I'm not interested in buying a new phone every year because the software isn't updated anymore, or because the battery isn't allowing me to use the phone for a whole day anymore. That's why -after burning myself with various cheap and expensive brands- I got myself a Fairphone. No, it isn't perfect and it won't run the latest version of Android, but at least it will have all security & reliability fixes backported. Monthly. At the very least its a step in the right direction, and the Fairphone is leading by example.
- vinay427 10y ago
  > but last time I was there, electronics were generally much more expensive than in the US. > * Relatively low EUR. The EUR also isn't doing so well compared to the USD. For a non-Euro holder visiting Europe, doesn't that mean things are cheaper in Euro [the currency] countries? Most companies do not adjust the price of their products often.

by wyager 10y ago

shakna 10y ago

They exist in Australia, too. And electronics are more expensive, but so is everything.

vinay427 10y ago

Keep in mind the VAT is also includes by law in the price in EU countries. This is almost never the case in the US where sales tax (~ 0%-10%) is added on top of the listed price.

Fnoord 10y ago

> but last time I was there, electronics were generally much more expensive than in the US. There are various factors: * VAT is always included unless (if its aimed at business solely, like IBM, then this doesn't seem to be the case, but then that is being mentioned) * Relatively low EUR. The EUR also isn't doing so well compared to the USD. * Storage tax. This to compensate the entertainment industry. * Environmental taxes. The price you see in store is the price you're gonna pay (excluding S&H but the seller has to inform you on that before the sale is finalized). I find that practical. > since they preclude inexpensive short-term-use or disposable electronics. Which I consider a great thing because its better for the environment (although not good enough). I'm not interested in buying a new phone every year because the software isn't updated anymore, or because the battery isn't allowing me to use the phone for a whole day anymore. That's why -after burning myself with various cheap and expensive brands- I got myself a Fairphone. No, it isn't perfect and it won't run the latest version of Android, but at least it will have all security & reliability fixes backported. Monthly. At the very least its a step in the right direction, and the Fairphone is leading by example.

vinay427 10y ago
> but last time I was there, electronics were generally much more expensive than in the US. > * Relatively low EUR. The EUR also isn't doing so well compared to the USD. For a non-Euro holder visiting Europe, doesn't that mean things are cheaper in Euro [the currency] countries? Most companies do not adjust the price of their products often.