We’ve received a few enquiries as to the difference between US and Australian pricing for Windows 7, so I wanted to explain some of the factors involved in local pricing.
First, every market is different and Microsoft prices vary by region and are determined based on a variety of location-specific factors including, but not limited to exchange rate, local taxes, duties, local market conditions (such as the size of the market) and logistics. These factors have an impact on all kinds of consumer goods - Cars, Petrol, Clothing, Electricals, Software etc all cost less, on average, in the US than in Australia.
Also, when looking at US prices and drawing a comparison to Australian prices it’s important to understand that the US prices are quoted without local sales tax (in the US it is added after the sale) – whereas estimated retail price (ERP) in Australia is quoted including GST.
Finally, in terms of Retail pricing, we provide recommendations to our retail partners in terms of an Estimated Retail Price (sometimes called the RRP or recommended retail price) based on the above factors – but at the end of the day, each retailer makes their own pricing decisions – the evidence of this is seen in the wide variety of ‘street’ prices now available at major retailers around the country.
We are currently working with our retail partners to bring additional offers to market on an ongoing basis but we’re not able to provide further details at this stage. I’m confident, with the range of retailers available in Australia that you’ll be able to find real value, whether you’re looking for a new PC, or to upgrade an existing PC and if you’d like to post the great deals you find at retail as a comment to this blog, please feel free.
Jeff Putt, Windows Consumer Lead, Microsoft Australia
I've seen OEM versions down as low as $99 for Home Premium (see http://www.fluidtek.com.au today - as prices varies from day to day). However this does not really compare favourable with the $150 home pack (3 licenses) available in the US, even taking into account GST.
I think I, like many others, has had a friend buy the pack in the US for me, and just email me the license details. Getting hold of the RTM install disk is the easy part and I just need the codes - so the transaction is simple.
And while price disparity remains in Australia, this practice will happen more and more.
It still doesn't really explain the price on the US family pack for the Premium upgrade with 3 licenses, compared with what is available in Australia.
Are you serious. Not only are the prices above and beyond any taxes differences, but we also don't have access to "family" packs that are available in other markets. MS in Australia really don't push hard enough for a fair playing field. This is also evident in the fact we don't have the ZuneHD (or the original for that matter). It'd be nice to have someone here in OZ grow some balls and actually put some good arguments forward to HQ.
I hope this includes a family pack. I cannot believe that MS needs to trial it in other countries. Looks like a no brainer to me.
I was going to buy W7 upgrade today and found I had to buy one for each machine - I'll get a family pack from the UK as a Christmas present.
i have been backwards and forwards on your site, to find a price in Australia, and the difference between 32 and 64 (what ever that is),no mention of either yet, and what am i supposed to do with my old xp - probaly the same as vista throw it away? another $130 gone,how about an even exchange my vista for your windows 7? save us both time ,as you have not even finished fixing that one, did I mention ,i paid $130 for it , is there a best before date ?, when hopefully,you can supply a product that has the bugs taken out, and if not you will fix them, unlike vista, did I tell you that I paid $130, so thats it Jeff, when can i expect my money back and how much are you going to knock off this windows 7 ? for you not honouring the deal of me purchasing ,that heap of crapcalled vista? A week ..............................................................................................i wait with baited breath for your lack of response ................
regards Bert
Hi Bert - you can certainly upgrade from Vista to Windows 7.
If you have Windows Vista, you can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions. You can do a clean install (back up your files, clean install, and reinstall your applications) or an in-place upgrade (Windows 7 installs over Windows Vista).
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor can help - a complimentary download of this is available for download. See more info at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor
what I'm really needing is 3 licences for windows 7 full version as i have windows xp on 3 computers and i cant upgrade and have to do a full install
Hi Noel,
There is currently a Windows 7 Family Pack available which is a upgrade licence for 3 machines for Windows 7 Home Premium. You can upgrade from Windows XP or Windows Vista, you will need to complete a clean installation from Windows XP.
To try to explain away a $200 price difference with taxes/gst is simply ridiculous taxes are not $200. Price difference between US and AU for Windows 7 Professional Upgrade. You also most obviously have not taken into account the exchange rate as the AU and US dollar are close to equal now. If I convert the AU price to US dollars with today’s exchange I would have to pay $353 US and not $199 US which they are offering. I certainly agree with other posts regarding simply ordering in the US. I work for a US company I will have them order it for me and give me the download details. This price difference is just unfair.
How can an anytime upgrade from home premium to Pro which is just a small packet of info sent over the internet cost AU$200 instead of US$70?