Izvestia journalists compared prices for iPads in various Russian stores. The analysis showed that the price difference between “gray” stores and large retailers exceeds 100 thousand rubles. Experts say chain stores fulfill warranty obligations and pay customs duties.
The publication compared the prices of the iPad 2021 with a screen diagonal of 12.9 inches, a 2 terabyte memory module and an LTE module. In “gray” stores, the tool is presented at a price of 121 thousand to 160 thousand rubles. As for the stores, the cost of the device is 249,000 rubles.
Re: Store representatives commented on the situation and said that “gray” stores do not pay for product certification and often import new devices for personal use into the country, and then sell them. Therefore, the prices for these tools are lower. In addition, large stores fulfill warranty obligations, which are included in the price.
Employees of the “gray” stores told the newspaper that they import devices in small batches, and the price depends on the purchase price and depends on the current exchange rate. Also, these stores don’t have a lot of stock in the warehouse, so specialized devices like the iPad sell at a better price.
Experts also note that chain stores include logistics costs in the price, which, when buying in large quantities, can raise the final price of the device. “Gray” stores buy gadgets as an individual entrepreneur or natural person, which allows them not to pay taxes in the country of supply.
