[Sussex] A minor "spat" that I've had with mandrakesoft recently

[John D.]

This dropped into my inbox this morning (when the gentoo had finished 
"emerging").

Am I being unreasonalbe ? or does anyone know the "legal situation" in respect 
of this ?

Any comments would be appreciated, because the apparent change of heart that 
someone seems to have had (though I may be reading things into the final 
reply that aren't there)

On Monday 15 Dec 2003 2:55 pm, Denis - MandrakeSoft Customer Service Europe 
wrote:
> Dear sir,
>
> We understand your disappointment.  You are right, "the linux operating
> system is, afterall, about choice". But as a company that cares about its
> customers, we can not change our rules on every requests.
>
> Good news is fact that you pay in euro or in USD will remain your choice by
> next version of MandrakeStore.com. This version will be available in the
> next few weeks, so please keep an eye on it.
>
> You may have noticed that we do not use generic answers. We always take
> time to find the best way to satisfy our customers. We would feel very sad
> to see you go after these two years of cooperation.
>
> Please do not hesitate to recontact me for further information.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Denis
> MandrakeSoft
>
> Le Lundi 15 Décembre 2003 15:42, John D. a écrit :
> > On Monday 15 Dec 2003 10:25 am, you wrote:
> > > Dear sir,
> > >
> > > Regarding your request, we have to inform you that the money (US or e)
> > > depends from your country, so if you live in European country, you will
> > > pay in Euro. And if you live outside Europe, you will pay in Dollars.
> > > So unfortunatly, we can not you to be able to pay in US if you live in
> > > European Country. We hope we have answered to your request, please do
> > > not hesitate to recontact us for further information.
> > >
> > > We wish you a nice day and a merry christmas.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Thomas
> > > MandrakeSoft.
> > >
> > > Le Dimanche 14 Décembre 2003 21:03, vous avez écrit :
> > > > I have looked around the mandrakestore website, and read the help
> > > > info, but it doesn't explain why I can't pay for an order with a
> > > > credit card in US dollars.
> > > >
> > > > When converting the prices, 79 $US is a lot less than 79 Euro. And I
> > > > would like to be able to benefit from the beneficial exchange rate
> > > > offered by my credit card (American Express).
> > > >
> > > > Could you tell me how I can go about making my transaction in $US
> > > > please.
> > > >
> > > > regards
> > > >
> > > > John Davis
> >
> > Thank you for your prompt reply.
> >
> > It is my understanding that your insistence in charging "European"
> > countries only in euro's is anti-competitive. Thus would also be
> > considered illegal under EU trade legislation. In as much the 79 $US/Euro
> > price equates to about 45 GBP, whereas 79 Euros = approximately 55GBP
> >
> > As you are aware, the UK is outside what is considered the "euro zone",
> > and as such should qualify me to be able to pay in any available
> > currency. Obviously, given the current state of the US dollar, it would
> > be beneficial for me to purchase the product in $US as explained above.
> >
> > I will, of course, be contacting my representative in the European
> > Parliament to find out whether your company are in fact acting
> > incorrectly.
> >
> > As an "aside", as someone who has purchase the last two versions of
> > mandrake linux directly from you, I am somewhat disappointed in your
> > stance.
> >
> > The linux operating system is, afterall, about choice. It would seem that
> > you are denying me that choice. I have closely watched the "up's and
> > down's" of mandrakesoft, over the last 2 years, and now feel that I can
> > no longer support you, by obtaining genuine boxed copies of the mandrake
> > linux OS.
> >
> > regards
> >
> > John Davis


regards

John D.