Adobe's spin: the flimflam man must do better

Adobe has put forward several excuses, I cannot call them arguments in the proper sense, for price differentials between the US and the rest of the world, particularly Europe. They're documented more fully here.

Let's take a look at them, and see if they hold water.

  1. The US is a homogenous market, Europe has 10 languages and 4 currencies.
    1. The US is not a homogenous market. Adobe offers three language versions for Photoshop (English, French, Spanish.)
    2. Australia is a homogenous market, one language, one currency. Over 30% mark-up compared to the US.
  2. Extra development and testing required for language variations.
    1. In the US, Photoshop language variations (Spanish, French) are the same price as the English version.
    2. The English version sold internationally is US English, yet still heavily increased in price.
    3. Lightroom is offered in three language variations (English, French, German) at the same price in Europe.
    4. In Switzerland, Apple sells the French and German language versions of Final Cut Studio for the same price as the English version.
  3. Complimentary warranty support.
    1. 'Complimentary' means 'free'. In other words, you don't pay for it.
    2. Do US customers not enjoy complimentary warranty support?
  4. Seminars and training in Europe.
    1. Presumably there are no seminars and training in the US then.
    2. Adobe was present at both NAB and Photoshop World. These were not held in Europe.
  5. Strength of the British pound and euro compared to the US dollar.
    1. The Swiss franc and Australian dollar are both weaker than the US dollar, yet Adobe's products are still more expensive in those countries.
    2. Lightroom is priced at more reasonable levels in Europe compared to the US.
  6. Exchange rate fluctuations.
    1. Exchange rates go in either direction. As I write this (18 April) the US dollar has weakened further against the pound and euro, thereby increasing the pricing disparity still further.
    2. Apple works in the same sector and geographical markets as Adobe, but still manages to maintain margins less than ca. 20%.

If you come across any more, please let me know!