[Leica] Re: Int'l price differences

[Bill Erfurth <m6rf@yahoo.com>]

Wolfgang Frei wrote:

>I think the discussion that Martin started about price >differences
of new and used Leicas interests many >LUGers.
>A new M6 titan for example costs 4780 Swiss francs >(about 3190 US$)
at a leica specialist in Zurich, the >Summilux M Asph. silver 2750 US$.
>Why are M3s cheaper in the US then in germany?

>Wolfgang Frei, Zurich, Switzerland

Hello Wolfgang,

I think Leica and other companies are going to start having problems
with their pricing.  The Internet is the "great equalizer" because it
gives people instant access to information...Price information...and
that is a problem for companies that are selling the same product in
different places at different prices.

For example, when I am in Europe, I buy clothes and shoes because I
can get the same (European made) products that that I can get here in
the US, but at about half the price. 

The same goes for cameras.  For example, an M6 is the same no matter
where you buy it.  So if I am going to Europe and the price is roughly
the same as it is in the US, plus I get the VAT tax refunded why not
buy it there?  And, as merchants in Europe start doing more mail
order, why pay $2,000 for it in the US when I can buy it mail order
and save 12% to 20%.  Or in Wolfgang's case, he could purchase the
same M6 titanium in the US for about $2,200 to $2,400 (USD).

The same thing goes for buying in Hong Kong.  It is only a matter of
time before buying outside your own country is common thing to do.

Maybe it would be a smart move for Leica to offer factory direct
pricing?  You go to the Leica factory and they have a store there that
sells at dealer prices.  The European car companies do it...why no
Leica?

Regards,
Bill Erfurth







 
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