Book prices down under

[Ben Dover]

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>

[Serge Adzinets]

Why not just to buy it on Amazon?

[Nicholas Cheung]

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.

[Ben Dover]

Because Amazon ships from the US of A, and shipping is an extra $AUD30. That is why.

[Aji Dharma]

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 ]

[Ben Dover]

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.

[Aji Dharma]

No worries.
Btw, where did you do your SCJP test ? I live in Sydney and am planning of doing it. How do I check for Prometric testing centre ?
Rgds
Aji

[Ben Dover]

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.

[Serge Adzinets]

Louis,
If shipping is AUD 30 that is USD 23, then the book would cost you USD 23 + 31 = USD 54 less than USD 74.25. Wouldn't it?
Your bookstores in Australia seem to be doing a good business
I'd buy e-books if I lived there. No shipping costs

[Ben Dover]

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?

[Aji Dharma]

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 ]

[Mcgill Smith]

I live in Australia.
Got the book from Amazon
Item(s) Subtotal: $31.47
Shipping & Handling: $11.98
-----
Total Before Tax: $43.45
Estimated Tax: $0.00
-----
Grand Total: $43.4

[Ben Dover]

Yeah, if you dont mind waiting a month to get it.

[Adrian Ferreira]

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

[Kathy Sierra]

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

[Ben Dover]

thanks for the sympathy. Can I have a free book?

[Andres Gonzalez]

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.