Canadian Pricing!!!

[Petra_Kalbrain]

I've been sitting idly by watching the U.S. pricing for new releases steadily meet with the announcement details regarding studios aggressively establishing a $19.99 pricepoint. However, here in Canada, I have yet to see this policy enforced.

I'm not complaining as I have the means to import any BDs at a very reasonable cost that still allows me to save $6-$10 per title (including exchange rates + shipping). I just wanted to voice my opinion regarding the matter on behalf of my fellow Canucks and give them a forum in which to express any of their sentiments on the issue.

Examples

Terminator Salvation
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Terminator-Sal...0823342&sr=8-1
Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/Terminator-Salv...0823394&sr=8-1

District 9
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/District-9-Blu...0823434&sr=1-1
Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/District-9-Blu-...0823466&sr=1-1

Inglourious Basterds
Amazon.com:http://www.amazon.com/Inglourious-Ba...0823653&sr=1-1
Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/Inglourious-Bas...0823562&sr=1-1

The Hangover
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Hangover-Unrat...0823676&sr=1-1
Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/The-Hangover-Bl...0823708&sr=1-2

[Hayabusa85]

This applies to much more than Blu-Ray and has been the case since a Canadian bought a pet dinosaur for more than somebody in the US and you act as if you are surprised we pay more

[Zman2k2]

I agree with you. Since I've been watching prices drop for US releases, I've decided to hold off on ordering movies until I have 4-5. Then I place an order through amazon.com. It's crazy to have to pay up to $12 more for a movie, and unacceptable, I think.

[rocks off]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

I agree with you. Since I've been watching prices drop for US releases, I've decided to hold off on ordering movies until I have 4-5. Then I place an order through amazon.com. It's crazy to have to pay up to $12 more for a movie, and unacceptable, I think.

Not just up to $12. I ordered ROME blu-ray from Amazon US and that saved me $40 from the Amazon.ca price.

If even ONE store would begin to price match Amazon.US, I can guarantee that this type of shit would stop across the major Best Buys and Futureshops.

[thecroshow]

yeah i hear ya! i wonder, are BDs/DVDs pressed, packaged and shipped from the USA? Why are our prices so high? I am a Columbia House member and must place an order of say 5-6 BDs in order to see any kind of savings. Recently preordered the following, total came to around $115? This is It, Zombieland, The Hangover, District 9, Inglourious Basterds, Moon.

If brand new BDs retailed here for around say $20-$25, I would be more inclined to stop at my local Rogers video on my way home. Instead my money goes out of the country. Online deals > Brand new retail ranging from $29.99-$34.99 sadface.jpg

[BLUCanadian]

this topic has been discussed on this site repeatedly!
Everything in Canada is more expensive than in the USA, so why would blu-rays be any different?
sucks, but dont know if there is anything to do to change it...

[CreatineSteve]

yup, one of those things im not sure will ever change, it seems lik its on everything tho, even after taxes, xchange rates its still cheaper gettin to the states which is ridiculous, sick of seeing 32.99 blurays UGH

[Syber]

the problems is, people will still buy them at the inflated prices keeping the high priced market moving along. I am sure its the same at your Futureshop on new release Tuesday...tons of people buying up the new blu's over 30 bucks a piece. I know...I do it too.

[BLUCanadian]

Originally Posted by Syber

the problems is, people will still buy them at the inflated prices keeping the high priced market moving along. I am sure its the same at your Futureshop on new release Tuesday...tons of people buying up the new blu's over 30 bucks a piece. I know...I do it too.

I dont...

[Fishy]

Originally Posted by BLUCanadian

this topic has been discussed on this site repeatedly!
Everything in Canada is more expensive than in the USA, so why would blu-rays be any different?
sucks, but dont know if there is anything to do to change it...

See the problem is that when the Canadian dollar was higher than the American dollar, many prices went down. For example: video games went from $69.99 to $59.99, on par with American pricing.

As soon as the Canadian dollar went down, all the stores jacked the prices again. So obviously, the excuse isn't because Canada's population is only 11% of USA's population or that their economy is much stronger.

Even comparing how much we pay for our cell phone bills to what Americans pay is ridiculous.

The main reason lies in competition. No store in Canada is willing to drop the high prices because 1) Canadians don't complain. 2) They don't have to.

Until more stores from the States come into Canada and put in a realistic pricing strategy, only then will the prices change.

I mean if you're Amazon.ca, why have Inglorious Bastards priced at $17.99 when the Canadian average price is $29.99(HMV: 32.99, Best Buy: 26.99, Future Shop: 29.99). Amazon uses a low price strategy but when the average here is $30 for a new release, well instead of 18 dollars, 25 to 26 dollars works just fine for them.

There is not enough competition in Canada. This involves almost everything, from telecommunications to furniture.

Stepping aside from bluray prices, check this out, http://www.windmobile.ca/learn-about-WIND/ Theyre a new provider and the prices are unbelievable when compared to Rogers or Bell. With their prices, they will grow fast. Another thing to watch for is how Bell and Rogers will cut down on prices within 2010 to compete with WIND.

It's all about competition.

[master_8ball]

^
Rogers, Bell and Telus were in the news last night, I guess they went to the government and said that Canada couldn't support a 4th provider... Always great when the corporations get to make those calls, 3 providers is best for Canada not whats best for the telecom companies, ya sure.

[Fishy]

Originally Posted by master_8ball

^
Rogers, Bell and Telus were in the news last night, I guess they went to the government and said that Canada couldn't support a 4th provider... Always great when the corporations get to make those calls, 3 providers is best for Canada not whats best for the telecom companies, ya sure.

Exactly. It doesn't matter though, Federal Government opened the doors for WIND, all they can do now is *****. In the end, they can't prove squat, as competition is great for Canada, it only improves the standard of living.

It's pure greed as they know that their prices will have to go down. Best part is that for those customers who hate their Bell, Telus or Rogers service, they now have new place to go to, a much cheaper place. You know now though that Bell and Rogers will advertise the heck out of WIND, claiming a larger coverage area, etc. It's going to be hard for WIND to compete against the big two on a advertisement level but with their prices, they'll grab a large market share quick.

I wouldn't be surprised if in the next 10 ten years, almost all of the American providers will be in Canada. The Government isn't stupid. WIND btw, is not American.

[TheZoof]

Thankfully for cell phone at least there is finally some real competition.


windmobile.ca is the place to go. Almost 50% cheaper than Rogers/Bell for packages.

As far as blu-rays are concerned! I have been getting my new releases at Columbia house and it seems to work out for the most part.

It would be great to be able to buy them at the store though.

I am hoping Boxing day is 'good' for purchases!

[Shadowdragon]

Thankfully, because the Canadian dollar is almost equal to the US dollar, it's often cheaper to buy from US vendors. Hopefully, once more people clue into the same fact and start buying form the US, Canadian vendors will get it through their thick skulls that maybe they'd get more business if they dropped their prices to be closer to US prices.

[Rhylliam]

Originally Posted by Shadowdragon

Thankfully, because the Canadian dollar is almost equal to the US dollar, it's often cheaper to buy from US vendors. Hopefully, once more people clue into the same fact and start buying form the US, Canadian vendors will get it through their thick skulls that maybe they'd get more business if they dropped their prices to be closer to US prices.

That's one big "if".

[ryoohki]

People seem to forget that Movie company MSRP and MAP in Canada are completly different. Just read Press release you'll see that season are like MRPS 59.99$US/79.99$CAD or even 89.99$CAD

this affect the MAP a lot.

First the Studio must take the MSRP down the +5$ difference top on all titles. This won't happen because sell are 'good' enought in Canada.

I mean it's not normal that the whole season of Gallactica cost me 168$ (about 175$CAD) US (shipping included) from UK, when here it costed 249$

[JacksonLee]

i was about to get Star Trek on blu- its 34 bucks here, 19.99 in the USA.

I dont really want to import- its basically the same price after the tax, shippting ( ten dollars for 2 blus? forget it) and customs.....

sigh...

[Rhylliam]

Originally Posted by JacksonLee

i was about to get Star Trek on blu- its 34 bucks here, 19.99 in the USA.

I dont really want to import- its basically the same price after the tax, shippting ( ten dollars for 2 blus? forget it) and customs.....

sigh...

Star Trek was $30 everywhere, then marked down to $23 within 2 weeks at Future Shop.

I don't have many issues with the pricing in Canada at the moment. Sure I'd like to save a buck like anyone else, but I also like to have the discs in my hands on release day. This means that ordering it from the US it can take time for it to arrive. Its its a matter of just a few dollars, forget the online ordering.