Book prices down under
Ben Dover
Ranch Hand
Posts: 91
posted 13 years ago
This is my rant for the day.
<rant>
Why are computer books sold in Australia still so riduclously high? It may have been understanable to an extent if the exchange rate continued to be as low as $US0.55 as it was a few years ago, but these days it is around $US0.75. SO how do they justify it?
The EJB Head First book cost me $AUD99.00. Which equates to $US74.25. Although it is being sold on amazon for $US31.47. That's double the price in relative terms!!! Surely import tax cannot be 100%. (nned to investigate).
In response to the author's "... for the price of 3 large pizzas and a six pack", it's more like "5 large pizzas, a carton of beer, and 10 weekly DVD rentals".
</rant>
<rant>
Why are computer books sold in Australia still so riduclously high? It may have been understanable to an extent if the exchange rate continued to be as low as $US0.55 as it was a few years ago, but these days it is around $US0.75. SO how do they justify it?
The EJB Head First book cost me $AUD99.00. Which equates to $US74.25. Although it is being sold on amazon for $US31.47. That's double the price in relative terms!!! Surely import tax cannot be 100%. (nned to investigate).
In response to the author's "... for the price of 3 large pizzas and a six pack", it's more like "5 large pizzas, a carton of beer, and 10 weekly DVD rentals".
</rant>
Serge Adzinets
Ranch Hand
Posts: 166
Nicholas Cheung
Ranch Hand
Posts: 4982
posted 13 years ago
Hi Serge,
Although Amazon sells HF EJB a US 30+, it is NOT the whole cost!
We need to pay for the postal and handling charge as well.
For example, I live in Hong Kong. If I buy books from Amazon, it charges me US 5 for handling fee, and US 10-15 (I forget) for postal.
Then, the book become US 45-50, which maybe even more expensive than the list price!
But lucky, there is one bookstore that sells it at US 40, and thus, at least, it is a bit cheaper than the list price. In fact, I prefer purchasing E-book as I do not need to pay for the postal, and I have no need to wait for it.
Nick.
Although Amazon sells HF EJB a US 30+, it is NOT the whole cost!
We need to pay for the postal and handling charge as well.
For example, I live in Hong Kong. If I buy books from Amazon, it charges me US 5 for handling fee, and US 10-15 (I forget) for postal.
Then, the book become US 45-50, which maybe even more expensive than the list price!
But lucky, there is one bookstore that sells it at US 40, and thus, at least, it is a bit cheaper than the list price. In fact, I prefer purchasing E-book as I do not need to pay for the postal, and I have no need to wait for it.
Nick.
SCJP 1.2, OCP 9i DBA, SCWCD 1.3, SCJP 1.4 (SAI), SCJD 1.4, SCWCD 1.4 (Beta), ICED (IBM 287, IBM 484, IBM 486), SCMAD 1.0 (Beta), SCBCD 1.3, ICSD (IBM 288), ICDBA (IBM 700, IBM 701), SCDJWS, ICSD (IBM 348), OCP 10g DBA (Beta), SCJP 5.0 (Beta), SCJA 1.0 (Beta), MCP(70-270), SCBCD 5.0 (Beta), SCJP 6.0, SCEA for JEE5 (in progress)
Ben Dover
Ranch Hand
Posts: 91
Aji Dharma
Greenhorn
Posts: 10
posted 13 years ago
Hi Louis,
I usually buy computer books from AnyBooks (www.anybooks.com.au)
It's not an online bookstore. You should email or call to check prices & availability. Deliveries cost only $5-7, for any number of books you order. It's cheaper compared to bookstores such as Borders etc. Might wanna give it a try.
Aji
[ January 31, 2004: Message edited by: Aji Dharma ]
I usually buy computer books from AnyBooks (www.anybooks.com.au)
It's not an online bookstore. You should email or call to check prices & availability. Deliveries cost only $5-7, for any number of books you order. It's cheaper compared to bookstores such as Borders etc. Might wanna give it a try.
Aji
[ January 31, 2004: Message edited by: Aji Dharma ]
Ben Dover
Ranch Hand
Posts: 91
posted 13 years ago
Thanks Aji,
I will take a look.
Also, if you're a co-op bookshop member: (Coop Bookshop) you do get 10% off but stocks can vary, but postage is around $8 - $10 so it evens out. But every few bucks counts when you're a book nut like me.
I will take a look.
Also, if you're a co-op bookshop member: (Coop Bookshop) you do get 10% off but stocks can vary, but postage is around $8 - $10 so it evens out. But every few bucks counts when you're a book nut like me.
Aji Dharma
Greenhorn
Posts: 10
Ben Dover
Ranch Hand
Posts: 91
posted 13 years ago
HI Aji,
I did mine in Brisbane. Once you pay through Sun Education, they send you a set of instructions with test centre details Go Here when you are ready to order. But prometric locations are here. I wouldn't book directly with prometric, i think they are more expensive, but at least you can see where the centres are.
I did mine in Brisbane. Once you pay through Sun Education, they send you a set of instructions with test centre details Go Here when you are ready to order. But prometric locations are here. I wouldn't book directly with prometric, i think they are more expensive, but at least you can see where the centres are.
Serge Adzinets
Ranch Hand
Posts: 166
Ben Dover
Ranch Hand
Posts: 91
posted 13 years ago
Hi Serge,
yes the Amazon option is getting more attractive with the stronger $aus but shipping is closer to $30US than $30AU, and it takes 3 - 4 weeks to deliver. I could have passed the SCBCD exam in that time! And we are also supposed to pay import duty, and customs might just get onto it.
Yes, we are being seriously ripped off, it's disgusting. I paid $AU145 for Rod Johnson's J2EE Design & Dev't book last year. Thats $108 US. Do you believe that crap?
yes the Amazon option is getting more attractive with the stronger $aus but shipping is closer to $30US than $30AU, and it takes 3 - 4 weeks to deliver. I could have passed the SCBCD exam in that time! And we are also supposed to pay import duty, and customs might just get onto it.
Yes, we are being seriously ripped off, it's disgusting. I paid $AU145 for Rod Johnson's J2EE Design & Dev't book last year. Thats $108 US. Do you believe that crap?
Aji Dharma
Greenhorn
Posts: 10
posted 13 years ago
Thanks Louis, I'll check it out.
That's very expensive. I ended up buying that book from Amazon, turned out cheaper (approx. AUD$ 80) and that time it wasn't available here either.
But it's true, technical books down under are so expensive..
[ January 31, 2004: Message edited by: Aji Dharma ]
That's very expensive. I ended up buying that book from Amazon, turned out cheaper (approx. AUD$ 80) and that time it wasn't available here either.
But it's true, technical books down under are so expensive..
[ January 31, 2004: Message edited by: Aji Dharma ]
Mcgill Smith
Ranch Hand
Posts: 178
Ben Dover
Ranch Hand
Posts: 91
Adrian Ferreira
Ranch Hand
Posts: 118
posted 13 years ago
For us in Brazil, normaly Amazon or Bookpool is the best option.
From Amazon:
Item Subtotal: $31.47
Shipping & Handling: $12.98
Total: $44.45
International Shipping (averages 13-21 days).
I received my book after just 9 days. It is expensive for us but better than bying at bookstores.
Adrian
From Amazon:
Item Subtotal: $31.47
Shipping & Handling: $12.98
Total: $44.45
International Shipping (averages 13-21 days).
I received my book after just 9 days. It is expensive for us but better than bying at bookstores.
Adrian
Kathy Sierra
Cowgirl and Author
Rancher
Rancher
Posts: 1589
5
posted 13 years ago
Geez... this whole thread is depressing! I take it for granted here in the US that I have easy access to discounted books, and especially that others will have easy access to *my* books, at a discounted rate. Pricing, and especially outside the US, is something that we have absolutely no control or involvement in. It just doesn't seem like it should be that bad. I'm sorry for you folks who have to pay like that!
When we wrote that part about the six-pack and pizzas, we *meant* that. There shouldn't be any DVD rentals in there or large quantities of alcohol.
Or maybe just one.
And it better be a damn good movie, too.
-Kathy
I take it for granted here in the US that I have easy access to discounted books, and especially that others will have easy access to *my* books, at a discounted rate. Pricing, and especially outside the US, is something that we have absolutely no control or involvement in. It just doesn't seem like it should be that bad. I'm sorry for you folks who have to pay like that!When we wrote that part about the six-pack and pizzas, we *meant* that. There shouldn't be any DVD rentals in there or large quantities of alcohol.
Or maybe just one.
And it better be a damn good movie, too.
-Kathy
Andres Gonzalez
Ranch Hand
Posts: 1561
posted 13 years ago
I did mine in brisbane too (spherion). I bought the book in amazon. It's impossible to buy it in libraries here. it even costs less with S&H included.
Originally posted by Louis M@lenica:
HI Aji,
I did mine in Brisbane. Once you pay through Sun Education, they send you a set of instructions with test centre details Go Here when you are ready to order. But prometric locations are here. I wouldn't book directly with prometric, i think they are more expensive, but at least you can see where the centres are.
I did mine in brisbane too (spherion). I bought the book in amazon. It's impossible to buy it in libraries here. it even costs less with S&H included.
I'm not going to be a Rock Star. I'm going to be a LEGEND! --Freddie Mercury
