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TimKent
Contributor I
February 13, 2017

UK Price Rises

I was very disappointed to be informed of the Sonos price rises in the UK. Although the dollar rate is blamed it doesn't account for why the products are much cheaper in some countries? £100 rise on the Sub and Playbar is just too much. I am very lucky that my system is now pretty complete but think UK sales will suffer
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      bockersjv
      bockersjv
      Local Superstar
      February 13, 2017
      I'm a huge fan of Sonos products, but a price hike is a mistake. Sonos prices are now in the realm of the Bluesound Node 2 which quick frankly blows Sonos out of the water as it streams in Hi-res, something sadly lacking in Sonos products. I agree with Tim, UK sales are bound to suffer. Is there any thread where there is not an opportunity to promote the Hi-Res rubbish. Seeing as the consensus is that Hi res adds nothing and can make things worse I'm not sure how it an ever blow away and non high res system. Another novice posted banging the bluesound drum :8
      Diesel 123654
      Lyricist I
      February 13, 2017
      if the reason for the increase is down to USD/GBP exchange rate changes, then why do the prices not drop when the exchange rate goes the other way? Also why is the increase ranging from 15% to 25%, surely the increase would be the same for all products?
        acinsa
        Lyricist I
        February 13, 2017
        If there is a statement to the effect that HiRes and Echo voice support will be added in line with the price increase then that may make it easier to swallow. However, a 25% hike when inflation is running at very low levels will make many prospective buyers rethink.
        ifonlyalabama
        Lyricist I
        February 13, 2017
        https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/feb/13/sonos-hikes-uk-prices-by-25-due-to-brexit

        "Some of the company’s products are increasing in price by up to 25%, as a result of the collapse in GBP induced by the Brexit vote of June 2016.

        “We pay for everything we make in US dollars,” the California-domiciled Sonos said in a statement. “Over recent months, there has been a significant change on the US dollar to GBP exchange rate. As a result, our existing pricing has become unsustainable and, like many other companies, we have to increase prices for all products priced in GBP.”

        Sonos joins a growing list of technology companies announcing significant price increases following the vote to leave the EU."
        Stuart_W
        Stuart_W
        World-Class Superstar
        February 13, 2017
        If there is a statement to the effect that HiRes and Echo voice support will be added in line with the price increase then that may make it easier to swallow. However, a 25% hike when inflation is running at very low levels will make many prospective buyers rethink.

        Forget Hi-Res

        Sonos have already announced Echo support is on the way
        Arc + Sub (Gen 1) + 2 x Play 1/ Stereo Play 3s/ Era 100 Stereo in Kitchen, One Stereo in Bedroom, Play 1 stereo pair in Study, Play 1in Bathroom, Sonos Move 2
          John B
          February 13, 2017
          if the reason for the increase is down to USD/GBP exchange rate changes, then why do the prices not drop when the exchange rate goes the other way? Also why is the increase ranging from 15% to 25%, surely the increase would be the same for all products?It's a commercial decision. Prices clearly cannot fluctuate day to day. And they will judge for each product what gives them the optimal (in the circumstances) mix of lost sales versus higher revenue per item. I have no idea whether they have done the right thing for their business. I have no intention of trying to defend it. But please, can we have criticism that isn't quite so ignorant of business than this?
          jgatie
          jgatie
          February 13, 2017
          Where's Ratty & Jgatie to celebrate the price rise and say how good it is? Lol. ;)

          As a US resident, I couldn't care less about a price increase in a country my hometown bounced out exactly 242 years ago.

          Nice try, though. 😛
          John B
          February 13, 2017
          In the retail world, old products (such as the Playbar which is 4 years old this month) depreciate in cost. That is how retail works..No it isn't. Profit maximising companies sell at the price where marginal cost equals marginal revenue. If that is the same price today that it was 4 years ago, then it's still the price they will sell it for. If competitor improvements mean the market will no longer support that price, then it has to drop. Sonos can charge what they want. We can all choose to pay it or not. That is how retail works.
          Stuart_W
          Stuart_W
          World-Class Superstar
          February 13, 2017
          Where's Ratty & Jgatie to celebrate the price rise and say how good it is? Lol. ;)

          As a US resident, I couldn't care less about a price increase in a country my hometown bounced out exactly 242 years ago.

          Nice try, though. :P

          We're coming to take America back - "Make America Great (Britain) Again"!
          I'll sell you some pounds too
          Arc + Sub (Gen 1) + 2 x Play 1/ Stereo Play 3s/ Era 100 Stereo in Kitchen, One Stereo in Bedroom, Play 1 stereo pair in Study, Play 1in Bathroom, Sonos Move 2
          John B
          February 13, 2017
          Where's Ratty & Jgatie to celebrate the price rise and say how good it is? Lol. ;)

          As a US resident, I couldn't care less about a price increase in a country my hometown bounced out exactly 242 years ago.

          Nice try, though. :P          And why should you? Also, @Alberto98 has so far demonstrated complete ignorance of basic maths, currency markets and retail pricing decisions. Or maybe just a determination to make mischief? Who might this be in disguise do you think?
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