Xbox 360: Higher price in Ireland - inconsistencies in Microsoft’s VAT reason

Ireland and Portugal were given a higher ERP, but not Belgium, which has the same VAT rate.

After lengthy questioning by Games Toaster, Microsoft has maintained VAT is the reason for the extra charge on Irish consumers. “Finland and Portugal both announced ERPs the same as Ireland”, said Orla Sheridan, Home and Entertainment Division Manager of Microsoft Ireland.

However, for some unknown reason, consumers in Belgium will only be charged the general euro price, “Their messaging was €399.99 and €299.99 and that retail could determine their own pricing” Sheridan stated, even thought the country has the same rate of 21% VAT as Ireland and Portugal.

Ireland, Portugal, and Finland, all have an ERP of 309.99 and 409.99 euro for the lower and standard consoles, Finland actually has the highest VAT rate at 22%.

Although, the 10 euro difference is only a fraction of the console’s price, some consumers have taken issue with the questionably reason for the variation.

Comments

[Gérard]

That's still crazy. The US get it for just $300/400, that's only like >€350 for the premium.

[benkid77]

It's obviously geography that has influenced this decision.

Buyers in the relatively flat and small country of Belguim would just nip across the border to either the Netherlands or France, and buy their X-boxes there instead.
Not quite so convenient for many in Ireland, Finland or Portugal I'd guess.

[xbox 360 for less]

Try to import it from oversea. Find it on ebay is a good choice.