Hi Blkdog The Europe pricing is in the FAQ, but I'm still troubled by a 30% markup (after deducting VAT) for an English-language product. Granted Apple uses the same 1:0.85 exchange rate sleight of hand (but with a German-language menu and manual for FCP), but it is very, very unfair for us here in Europe. It would be great if Avid could explain why it uses the USD-EUR exchange rate from November 2005. Cheers,

I sent that exact question up to the folks that run the Avid store Rodney. I'll let you know if I get an answer.

I heard back from the folks who price out the European products there is a simple error on the site:

"VAT is included in all prices in the European webstores, the Euro amounts will be different as the VAT percentages are different per country.    The only error is the text of the Help file: This will be changed to say that VAT is now included."

Now, if you are saying that you are deducting the VAT for your country and are STILL seeing a 30% markup...I'm not sure they'll get into that with me but I can ask.

Hi Blkdog, even after subtracting the highest Euro VAT (Ireland's 21%) from the €500 price, the AXP -> MC upgrade is still 30% more expensive to buy in Europe than it is in the US. The VAT free price of Media Composer software is €2149, an approx. 35% marrk up on the US price. I can appreciate that international companies don't want to have to change their prices every day to follow the ups and downs of exchange rates, but for Avid to use the rrate from November 2005 is really very unfair.

SO please do ask :D

I did. Supposed to hear back later today.

So Avid wrote me back (ya gotta love this new "Open Communication with the customer stuff) and they are aware of the disparity. The issue has been escalated to Marianna and she is all over it with the director of the web team. They are going to run this down with the folks who set prices for you guys. If and when I hear back from them, I will post here.

Hi BLKDOG,

thanks for all your efforts. I hope you get paid by Avid for keeping on the hotline...

I must say that only now I understand the €595,00 price is including VAT which does make a difference, but still... Although currency fluctuations  are a terrible thing for a company on a day to day  basis, I would say Avid could be getting much more business when they keep their prices in Euro on an even foot with the Dollar.

But then again it happens everywhere. Apple has only recently changed their pricing to a better rate, not charging dollars:euros on a 1:1 ratio. And even now the same  computer is more expensive overhere. Take a basic Mac Pro. It turns out to be over $500,00 more expensive excluding VAT.

Pricing of the upgrade seems to differ where you order. One supplier in Holland is advertising the upgrade at €450,00 ex VAT, which including 19% VAT (the Dutch rate) comes down to €535,50 opposed to 595,00 on the Avid website. It seems to pay off to shop around.

So my question is related somewhere to all the rants on this thread are around the upgrade to MC. Myself, like I'm sure many others, have an older Mac (G5 dual 1.8) and it is maxed out on updates and works great. I also have a Macbook Pro with the latest versions that works great as well. I bounce between the two with the dongle. My question is.... if I upgrade to MC and use my Macbook Pro with the MC software, will the dongle also work with my older G5 with the AXP? Would like to make that change in baby steps...

Not really sure Greg. My MC Dongle would run 'Pro but not the other way around. Do the newer dongles still do this? Don't know but, if you find out, let us know.

Hey folks......

More to report - but first a major shout out to BlkDog for helping me with this issue and a gazillion other questions.  He is a life savor.  Thanks to Job as well for pinging me on email.

Turns out the caluclations for the store pricing outside of the Americans were entered incorrectly and the US web team is working with the Europe folks to resolve as soon as posible.  Note
that Europe is closed for a few days due to the holidays - Oh how I
wish I worked over there sometimes... :)

We will fix it and resolve orders already placed at the higher price so dont worry. The only bad news is I am not sure how quick it can be fixed with people on "holiday". Stay tuned.

Marianna

Concerning the pricing, it seems Avid is very good at listening, just saw that the price her  in Holland has gone down to €536,-- including VAT in the avid store.

Although with the going rate it should be around 330 euros, I will give them credit for keeping an eye on the forum.

Edit: Ah, Marianna was a bit quicker: thanks for your reply! I am glad I am not in the money trading business, but I hope you'll agree with the current rates there is some discrepancy. There's probably some tariffs that have to be paid as well to get the stuff into Europe, but you'll agree that we'd love to be treated equally over here on the other side of the pond.

Anyway, Thanks for the quick intervention.

Marianna! Blkdog! What wonderful people you are! Where do we post the Swiss chocolate Easter bunnies!

No, thanks to you guys for brining it to our attention. Glad we can get it worked out.

Hi Richard, there are no tarifs on the import of software into the EU, the only real add-on would be freight. Thanks again folks!