November 11th, 2011

I’d like to buy Adobe Fireworks via a download from the adobe.com website.  Why does this cost me £100 more (or £60 if you add VAT) than if I’m in the U.S. and download it from the very same website.  How annoying!  Here’s a record of my chat with Victor from Adobe.

Please hold as we route your chat to an Adobe Representative.

Welcome to Adobe.com! My name is Victor. May I assist you with your selection today?

Victor: Hi, How are you doing today?

Anthony: Great. Just trying to buy Adobe Fireworks

Anthony: I’m based in the United Kingdom

Victor: That’s good to know.

Anthony: There’s no option for that in the “country” drop down

Victor: I’ll help you with that.

Victor: What do you think the most convenient way of getting the software, downloading or getting CD shipped to you?

Anthony: downloading

Victor: Alright.

Anthony: although if it can be shipped quickly that would be OK

Victor: Let me provide you the direct link to place the order. Okay.

Anthony: ok

Victor: Click here to buy Adobe Fireworks CS5

Victor: Please let me know, if you get any error in the order process.

Anthony: That’s £100 more expensive!

Anthony: it’s $299 on the other page

Anthony: = £186

Victor: In Adobe UK store, Adobe Fireworks CS5 is priced at £285.60.

Anthony: how do you explain the price difference?

Anthony: even if you add VAT it’s still £50 more

Anthony: i’m downloading it

Anthony: from the same domain

Victor: We understand your concern. We want to make sure that we are giving our Customers the best products and at the right price.

Victor: Just so you know, there are many factors that decide pricing like ‘the cost of doing business in each country’ and the ‘difference in the perceived value of the product’.

Victor: However, we’re sure that the Adobe products add value by helping you get the desired output at ease, efficiency and speed.

Anthony: for me the right price is not £285

Victor: I understand price is your concern.

Anthony: $299 plus VAT sounds like the right price to me

Anthony: £224

Victor: just to make sure, do you own US credit card with the US billing address?

Anthony: no. i’m based in the UK

Anthony: i have a UK address and credit card

Victor: In that case you need to buy the software from UK store online.

Anthony: I thinking I don’t need it that much

Anthony: thanks for your help

Victor: You’re Welcome.

Anthony: I appreciate your time but I feel like I’m being ripped of

Anthony: off

Anthony: so won’t be purchasing the product

Victor: Do you’ve any further questions for me?

Anthony: no thank you victor

Victor: It was nice chatting with you today.  :)

Victor: Thank you for visiting Adobe.com. Have a great day!

Thank you for chatting with us today.