Apple blocks iPods to 'grey' UK e-stores

Apple is reportedly blocking sales of the iPod to 11 UK-based e-business firms that are purchasing the device from suppliers in the US in order to sell it at a £15 discount. According to The Register, the "grey iPods" breach the sales agreement between Apple and the e-stores, which normally states that companies selling Apple products either get supply direct from Apple or through legitimate third-party supply chains.

An anonymous representatives from one of the businesses accused Apple of "price-fixing the market", calling the practice a "farce", but one that is unavoidable since no one would rise to the occasion in the coming legal dispute.

Law firm Bird & Bird is representing Apple in the matter, with the electronics manufacturer demanding that the retailers hand over any and all information regarding to the import suppliers.

Filed under: iPod, industry
Other story tags: UK, sales, supply, retailers

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chucker

"grey"

04/26, 9:55am, EDT

The grey market exists because Apple screws the rest of the world with ridiculously high prices. How about passing on some of those favourable exchange rates on to us, hey apple?

Until that happens, I say viva grey.

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ophiochos

VAT anyone?

04/28, 8:05pm, EDT

if we're saving 15 quid then they are pocketing a lot extra. Thanks to the 'low-tax' Tory government of the 1980s, VAT is 17.5% here. Apple's prices roughly match the exchange rate plus VAT, and have done for years.

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