(edit title) Buying a TV from outside Sweden Prices here are just ridiculous Options

[Snood]

Hi folks,

I'm now looking at getting a TV here in Sweden. The issue of license really isn't that much of a problem and isn't why I'm looking to get something outside of Sweden. I keep getting told by my colleagues that Sweden might be expensive, but for electronics it isn't... well, with the research I've been doing i call bull***t on that. some models I am looking at are in the region of 3-5000 crowns cheaper in the UK.

Ideally I think a non-UK source would be best, Germany i should think (the UK uses some slightly different technologies with the TVs sold there) Does anyone know anywhere?

Regards

[Bender B Rodriquez]

Have you tried http://www.prisjakt.nu/ ? They also include European sites in their price comparisons.

EDIT: Never mind, it looks like there are not many European stores at Prisjakt anymore. However, it is the default site if you want a good price comparison in Sweden.

I think TVs handle all the European digital standards nowadays, so I doubt there should be any problem buying in the UK. Of course, you need a new plug though...

[skogsbo]

buying cheaper abroad is great, until it breaks!

What about buying in Sweden, to help keep employment in Sweden, maybe even another immigrant in a store or the supply chain!?

Just buy a smaller TV, have a clearer conscience, rather than be materialistic and want the biggest or best, at all costs? Or am I alone in thinking shop local?

[byke]

I don't think I agree in terms of buying in Sweden for helping Sweden.

Most TV's are made in foreign countries, owned by foreign companies and usually shipped by foreign companies. The only part of the Swedish hand is to retail it .... And if they are being too greedy then why support such?

While Europe may not be the blue eyed child right now, it is still one of the biggest driving forces to the Swedish economy. Buying from a European retailer still in turn makes its presence felt in Sweden and also sends a clear message to Sweden that they need to pull their socks up.

I personally would have no problem buying an electrical device from outside of Sweden, and would go as far as to actually endorse it.

Why pay extra for half assed?
Reward those who put in the work, not those who simply expect it based on their surname.

[*Trowbridge H. Ford*]

I am just amazed by posters who think they can shop around and save big money on common appliances while believing that their purchase price will really help the workers who really make them.

Better just buy what is located nearby, and can be easily repaired than believe that you can make up for your own limitations, and those of global capitalism.

[Willy]

An important thing to keep in mind is that is often irrelevant to compare the price of the same exact model number. This is because in different European countries, slightly different models are mass marketed. For example, the Swedish market demands built-in DVB-T2 for terrestial HD, while the Germans do that via satellite and DVB-S2. The other ones might well be available in every place, but as niche models they are more expensive.

The proper thing to do is to pick, for each country, the cheapest model that best matches your requirements (manufacturer, technology, size, etc) and then do the comparison between countries.

[skogsbo]

While Europe may not be the blue eyed child right now, it is still one of the biggest driving forces to the Swedish economy. Buying from a European retailer still in turn make ... (show full quote)

While Europe may not be the blue eyed child right now, it is still one of the biggest driving forces to the Swedish economy. Buying from a European retailer still in turn makes its presence felt in Sweden and also sends a clear message to Sweden that they need to pull their socks up. ... (hide full quote)

how would buying in germany do anything for Sweden?
Plus, Sweden doesn't need to pull it's socks up, it costs more because tax, wages etc. are higher here, which is what is probably funding the other elements of Sweden that you do 'approve' of. You can't have you cake and eat it forever, something has to fund your cake?

[byke]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_Mark...European_Union)

[skogsbo]

perhaps you can tell me how well the EU, the Euro and the internal market is functioning on Monday or Tuesday? Once the Greek elections have happened again and it's knock on effects?

The knock on effect in Sweden of you buying a TV from Germany, that was shipped there from Asia, is at best described as miniscule, when compared to you buying it here in Sweden. You know it's the truth. I just presume that you aren't one of those people who ever complains about employment problems in Sweden.

[byke]

If the market dictates that the prices and taxes are too high, resulting in outside trade (which is what sweden signed up for in the first place) resulting in high unemployment as you claim. Then the fault must lie within the structure that doesn't work (along with the government).

[skogsbo]

what does in the long term is equal markets out, if you buy from a country with a lower standard of living, then progressively that countries standards will increase, because sales exports bring in external revenue. Clearly there is a presumption that some of this new money goes to the common man, not just a few industrialists.
There are large examples where the west continues to try and remain competitive against the East, say the UK/USA and China. Or smaller European examples, or even city to city where living standards and labour cost vary massively. Either way, if Swedes keep spending their krona elsewhere, eventually they won't have the tax revenue.
A nation of buyers, not sellers, doesn't work unless you are making your money elsewhere. Look at the UK whose manufacturing base has shrunk, the service sector isn't big enough to fill the gap. The public sector is no substitute either, look at the UK or other southern European countries for proof of that.

I didn't claim it results in high unemployment, but it doesn't create or sustain any employment, other than delivery staff, maybe a few dockers, a few petrol station people, but even these are automated.. so the continental truckers might not spend any money in Sweden delivering your TV. They probably tanked on the continent too, as it's cheaper, automated bridge tolls etc. So almost zero benefit to Sweden from your TV purchase. How long can you have the services in Sweden you 'might' enjoy, if it doesn't get the revenue?
I think I'm in a minority, but I beleive you should support the economy you live in, shop local to support your neighbours etc.. everyone moans when say a car plant shuts down because of the knock on effect of local employment, but then all those employees are quite happy to buy their own goods abroad. Short sighted double standards.

[Snood]

I'm all in favour of buying locally when relevant. In the case of the price range of TVs i'm looking for, it's around 1.5 times more expensive here. that it not at all justified by the difference in costs and tax alone.

As byke has pointed out, Sweden is part of the EU common market, if the country wants to remain competitive and relevant in that market then it must compete on price, especially at a consumer level.

Unsurprisingly, the thread has digressed, the question of where I might be able to buy in elsewhere in Europe still stands.

@ Willy, I am aware of the slight technical differences between seemingly similar models and am indeed looking out to make sure it is suitable for use here. some of the ones I'm interested in support DVB-T2/C/S so it's pretty universal.

[gplusa]

Personally, for a more complicated piece of electronics, such as a new TV, PC etc, I buy locally for the back up support security. I'll take the risk on something cheaper or something that has a lesser risk of failing under the warranty period, but otherwise I'll happily pay for the peace of mind. That has value for me. I couldn't be bothered with the hassle of having to negotiate with an overseas supplier, I have better things to do with my time. But then that's just me. Probably deluding myself as usual, as has already been pointed out to me here.

[skogsbo]

As byke has pointed out, Sweden is part of the EU common market, if the country wants to remain competitive and relevant in that market then it must compete on price, especially at a consumer level.

Sweden will never compete, smaller economies, that are very widespread (ie 1500+km), just don't have the economies of scale to compete with large countries like the UK or Germany. But, each person can do their bit to help it at least stay in the same contest, even if it never wins.

[Swinglish 1]

Skogsbo, Did you not say you bought your Childs car seat from Sweden when living in the Uk?