Panasonic world-wide pricing policy?

[lifepo4]

Recently I have communicated with HMC153 users in China and they all felt that $3450 is too pricey. In China, you can get the factory package (just the basics) for RMB 21,000-22,000, equivalent to $3075-$3221. Since 15% VAT has already been imposed when imported, there will be no additional fees, so for $3075-$3221, you will get the 50i/50p/25p Panasonic AG-HMC153.
Common sense is the Japanese-made electronics are always least expensive in the states. I know folks in UK will pay much more even the camcorder does not necessarily have both NTSC/PAL.

 

[Barry_Green]

Panasonic doesn't have any sort of global pricing policy. Every territory has its own sales company, which is entirely responsible for setting all marketing policies, warranty service, promotions, everything. In some ways Panasonic China is actually competing against Panasonic Asia Pacific, which is competing against Panasonic Europe.

The price differential that comes from different countries' marketing and the currency exchange rates, etc., is what leads to the gray market.

It's not a Panasonic thing either, every major Japanese manufacturer works this way.

 

[Barry_Green]

Common sense is the Japanese-made electronics are always least expensive in the states

And, oh, this is most definitely not true. It may be true at any certain point in time, but we've had plenty of times where we were way more expensive than many other territories. But yes, Europe usually seems to have the highest-priced stuff.

 

[shaun1970]

And, oh, this is most definitely not true. It may be true at any certain point in time, but we've had plenty of times where we were way more expensive than many other territories. But yes, Europe usually seems to have the highest-priced stuff.

The HMC in the UK is waaaay more exe than here in OZ. Try $7k + for the HMC152 here Barry. I thought stuff it, I can't really afford that much so I bought mine from Global Media Pro for $5100 landed. It did get shipped from a Singapore warehouse somewhere but its an Aussie delivery model, not too sure on how warranty would still go though. And yes, from where we sit, it does appear the USA has the cheapest electronics prices in the world.

 

[jeff9329]

The HMC in the UK is waaaay more exe than here in OZ. Try $7k + for the HMC152 here Barry. I thought stuff it, I can't really afford that much so I bought mine from Global Media Pro for $5100 landed. It did get shipped from a Singapore warehouse somewhere but its an Aussie delivery model, not too sure on how warranty would still go though. And yes, from where we sit, it does appear the USA has the cheapest electronics prices in the world.

Shaun1970, currently 1 USD = 1.17 AUD, so the USD has a 17% advantage. Probably more importantly is that AU is such a small market because of the very small population that the manufacturer overhead and carrying costs would have to be much higher. Most of the states in the US have a larger population than AU. It must be nice to have all that open space in AU, but you are paying for it in electronics.

Even here there is a lure of the grey market. A local buddy got a 151 at a too good to be true price which was advertised as a 150 by a NY web seller. Now he has no warranty and no support whatsoever. What Barry said about the different regions being separate is totally true. A camera destined for another region will not even be reckognized by other Panasonic regions. I don't think you can even get paid repairs. You would have to send it back to a service center in it's proper region.

 

[shaun1970]

Well then if the USD buys $1.17 AU then the pricing has got nothing to do with exchange rate here then.

We have a much higher cost of living than in the US. Wages are much higher here our taxes are higher, everything is just higher. Its gonna cost you $2.05 for a can of coke here if you were to visit ( we pay around $2.50) thats based on 1USD buys $1.17AU. I bet you guys are paying around $1.50 for a can of coke?

I won't even begin to tell you what a 42" Sony Bravia fetches here! And you are probably most likely correct, its comes back to a supply/demand thing, on top of greed to simply rip into us Aussies!

 

[Superfresa66]

i paid $0.60 to $1.00 for a can of coke at the red fridge looking machines, $1.25 for the plastic half a litter bottle =)
but if you get them at the store they're cheaper!

I want a coke now =(

 

[jeff9329]

Shaun, pretty interesting stuff the way the AU economy is currently mega inflated. I read a few AU news stories and you guys are just entering the same trouble (bubble) the US did. Sounds like tough time ahead.

With many prices so high, I would just take a holiday to the US and buy your gear. Even with a $2,000 plane fare and expenses, it would still be cheaper to buy in the US.

Some AU news on real estate:
http://www.news.com.au/business/money/story/0,28323,26070663-5013951,00.html

At first I thought your posts were exaggerating, now I know AU is screwed.

 

[lifepo4]

I checked Panasonic HMC15X camcorder and blu-ray player, looks like if it is sold for $3000/$200 US dollar in the USA, they would be $6000/$400 AU dollar in Australia. Average salary here in Florida is about $30K, no state income tax, federal tax about 10-15%.