My reply is not about Dell, but about EVERYTHING in Australia. It is now common knowledge globally that Australians are willing to part with their money without question. 'Illicit substances' lords across the world go to great lengths to get their wares into Australia because they can make a lot more here than anywhere else. Perhaps if the people were not so willing to pay, the 'illicit substances' problem would not be as great. A few of us are angry, the rest merely exacerbate the situation by not standing up.
To use the excuse that we are distant, therefore shipping costs are higher, is just another way of taking us for the fools that we are. Trend Micro is an electronic download, no shipping; yet they charge over $100 more (2 year cover) in Australia than in USA or UK. When I complained, they used the excuse that the extra was to cover 'after-sales support' which is not offered in the other countries. My reply to them was, if their product is working correctly, we should not require after-sales support; if it is not working correctly, we should not have to pay to fix their mistakes.
I purchased Trend Micro via USA as I also have a land address there. However, on renewal, they pick up on where you are and it reverts to Australia; and they attempt to charge you the higher price for renewal. So, I merely re-purchase every time. Not every Australian has this opportunity. This goes totally against my grain as I previously tried to buy Australian to keep our economy growing, and our people in work; but no-one returns the favour, they merely abuse it. And usually you will find the money goes overseas in the long-run anyway.
Man up, Australia! It is time we refused to be taken for fools. Do NOT accept the higher prices. Find a way of beating them at their own game, no matter what it takes.