Because most philosophies that frown on reproduction don't survive.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Amazon.com vs. France

It seems there is a law (supported by the French booksellers' union) in France which makes it illegal to sell books at a discount of more than 5% off list price. Last December, the booksellers' union took Amazon to court, and it was ruled that Amazon's free shipping is illegal in France because it constitutes a discount of more than 5%.

Faced with a fine of €1,000 per day until they comply, Amazon has decided to pay the fine and keep offering free shipping, while gathering signatures on a petition to have the law changed. (So far they have over 120,000 signatures.)

Perhaps the theory is that if everyone has to sell books at list, then French shoppers will pick their bookshops by picturesque location and charming staff. Still, I find all my sympathies with Amazon on this one -- and the poor French public, who are stuck paying list price for all their books.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Some forms of government regulation of the economy are not bad, but some are really, really bad. Price regulation is usually one of the worst forms of government interference in markets. It distorts incentives, creates shortages or surpluses, and disguises the vital information that prices convey about available resources.

When will France learn?

Rick Lugari said...

Amazon.com vs. France

Well if the historical trend continues, I'd say France will surrender within a couple of weeks and maybe even subsidize Amazon.com.

;)