Why Creative Cloud for Europe is so expensive?

[YahorShumski]

Just curious why the price of Creative Cloud for Europe is 60% higer? Okay, maybe there are some taxes etc but World of Warcraft online game with the same business model charges pretty the same for subscription in US and Europe.

Looks like discrimination, yeah?

[Guest]

total ripoff in the UK. you can chat with them here: https://sales.liveperson.net/hc/89901003/?cmd=file&file=chatStart&site=89901003&sessionkey=H79823342...

or ask on facebook

but they never say why are the prices 50% more expensive outside the US. shame on you adobe

[gd2012]

RegisMachado wrote:

total ripoff in the UK. you can chat with them here: https://sales.liveperson.net/hc/89901003/?cmd=file&file=chatStart&site =89901003&sessionkey=H7982334...

or ask on facebook

but they never say why are the prices 50% more expensive outside the US. shame on you adobe

They rip us off because they can. That's all there is to it. Pure and simple greed from a company that is a monopoly.

[kyleh28545588]

In Canada, I have been hit with a 50% price increase with my Creative Cloud subscription. it looks like a global ripoff.

[YahorShumski]

Good news

Australia trying to deal with Adobe overpricing issue on goverment level. I hope EU will join soon:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21406745

[DeanUtian]

Here is some news:
Adobe drops price of Creative Cloud in Australia ahead of government inquiry
http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/12/3979690/adobe-reduces-price-of-creative-cloud-in-australia-ahead-o...

[Billygunn111]

I am glad to hear that the Austrailian government has stepped into help its consumers. Adobe can see that it is wrong to discriminate against other countries and should carry a consistent pricing structure to all subscribers worldwide.

If they do not, then the uk people should approach our own government for similar action. A complaint to watchdog uk would be a great way to start things rolling.

[John Waller]

Bear in mind that it has taken 12 months for the Australian Government pricing probe to get this far following the dogged persistence of Labor MP Ed Husic (and others).

After lots of polite requests from the Govt (followed by polite refusals and the proverbial middle finger from the vendors) to appear voluntarily, the software vendors have finally been compelled with threats of fines to appear before the pricing inquiry and justify their pricing policies in Australia.

As welcome as they are, there's nothing altruistic about these price drops.

[JSalmela]

I wouldn't expect anything else, when behind their masked excuses are just drooling, greedy businessmen. Adobe is doing nothing out of the ordinary, it is common US policy to think their dollar is actually worth more than it is, and that they can make it worth more by telling people so. It's still a step to right direction, even if it is a bitter one.

[gd2012]

A step in the right direction for the Australian people. Now if only the EU would do the same.

There are plenty of software companies that charge the same price on downloadable software for overseas customers as they do in the US. Some will add local VAT but none seem to blatantly overcharge as much as Adobe as. Public pressure on local governments seems the only way this will ever change.

If people only realized how much power a consumer has... but then again this thread only has a little over 100 comments.

[Patrick_N2]

The question is where to the EU to complain. They will only take actions if people and companies complain...

[AntoineM_]

Anyone in th EU can file a petition here and ask the European parliament to examine the issue and protect EU customers from such practices:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/aboutparliament/en/00533cec74/Petitions.html

[StephenMcMaster75]

Many thanks for the information. 

I have raised a petition with the European Parliament.  I will let you guys know if and when the petition is accepted and becomes active.

This is more a matter of principal than anything else.  We should not be charged more here in Europe.

For people (such as myself) who run startups, price hikes of 40% make all the difference, for representatives of established companies speaking on here, it may seem like a small amount, but for many others, it is a barrier.  Everyone has to start somewhere!

[AntoineM_]

So that's 2 petitions so far.

The only thing is that these procedures take time...

[Guest]

please keep me up to date on the EU commision .... I have written to them and OFT the office of fair trading and filed a complaint.... adobe is appauling

[StephenMcMaster75]

Today, I recevied a response from the EU commission (dated 18th June).  My petition has been entered under the EU General Register.

This has now been forwarded to the committee on petitions for consideration to check to make sure it is wtihin the remit of the EU (which, as it concerns trade it should be).

I will let you hear when I learn more.

[Guest]

wonderful...... keep me posted

[Screenway Media]

Please keep us posted to ...

[BITESBITER]

Nice one!

I wrote something here about about the subject:

http://blogs.ec.europa.eu/neelie-kroes/young-advisors-ideas/#comment-3204

[TheFauch]

Stephen,

Is there any up to date new with regards to this?

Matt

[Alex-Walker]

Sent from my Windows Phone

[Alex-Walker]

Nothing will change.

Sent from my Windows Phone

[_ray_]

Wow! Nearly 41'000 views and no proper reply from Adobe

[PNLCG]

Adobe don't give a dam. They are too busy making money.

Kind regards

Paul

Sent from my iPad

[George_Lit]

Got a written letter response from the EU commission (if I remember correctly - threw it away immediately). They said it's not in their competence to deal with this, and also added that it is not their place to control pricing of private companies. There you go. Well, there's not much to be expected from the EU lately, anyway...

[gd2012]

Thank you for taking the time to take this up with the EU.

I propose that we start a crowd funded project to develop a serious professional alternative to Adobe's products.