Boxed Retail Software from US v UK

happywarmgun

I need some pretty chunky adobe software for my business. It'll be used commercially (and will be my main tools of trade) and so I want to stay legal.

The boxed set in the UK is £1700 including VAT.

I can also get the exact same boxed set via ebay direct from the US for £950 (+ tax I guess if customs decide to add it).

Is there any reason in the detail of the license why I should not be able to use the US box version? I've had a look at the detail but cannot spot anything. On the face of it this is an easy 500 odd quid saving - but just wondering if anyone knows of any pitfalls I should watch for?

enigma52

is it obtainable as a download or must it be shipped, I once bought software valued at $210 from USA but when it arrived I had to pay £30 duty/tax on it directly to postman, add this to shipping/handling charge and it suddenly became expensive for what it was.

happywarmgun

It can be downloaded - but you can only get the US Prices online from a US Address = so that wont work. I am fully factoring in the handling/shipping and potential tax - but it would still be several hundred quid saving - providing it is still legit...

Hughjanus

If you Google "OEM software" and choose a US site, you can do MUCH better than eBay! You download the software from Adobe and buy the activation serial number from the OEM supplier. Even though this is legit in the US, I have no idea whether the terms of service allow it - you would have to read the small print!

enigma52

cannot see how it wouldn't be legit in any way else surely e-bay would be at fault. But would I want to send my money to USA and hope seller sends my goods, would have to think long and hard on that!

happywarmgun

enigma. Yup that is a thought at what would be around a grand. That said, I would do it on credit card and if possible ring the merchant to buy directly off them cutting out ebay as the middleman thereby keeping my section 75 protection.

Marty_J

happywarmgun wrote: »

enigma. Yup that is a thought at what would be around a grand. That said, I would do it on credit card and if possible ring the merchant to buy directly off them cutting out ebay as the middleman thereby keeping my section 75 protection.

It's easier just to pay for it with PayPal. eBay is a buyer's market, so you're not gaining anything by cutting them out.

sharkie

computershack wrote: »

Depends on the EULA. It could be worded that that copy is only licensed for a particular region.

Then in theory, if that software leaves a region, the person should uninstall it and buy a version for the region they are in, or an upgrade fee? Would cause chaos when people fly to other countries/continents. Think there would be a whole load of bad feeling between the supplier and the public he is trying to milk.

RobTang

The main issue is the terms of the sale.

most eulas dont restrict region but the sale of that eula is the region restricred part if you see what I mean.

Its really not just as simple as the supplier just adding a mark up for certain countries, not to mention the same product (even software) may be supplied by different companies in different regions.

davb

Looking around, there have been a few people looking at doing this. Here is something I found from a couple of years ago

I've just spoken to Adobe's UK sales office.

Adobe products bought in the US must be registered within the US and any technical support issues must be dealt with through Adobe US, also only US upgrades will work with products bought from the US.

I really can't see there being much difference between US and UK versions, so I guess the main issue would be support.

happywarmgun

Marty_J wrote: »

It's easier just to pay for it with PayPal. eBay is a buyer's market, so you're not gaining anything by cutting them out.

I'm was under the impression if you pay with paypal you lose your section 75 protection (even if the funds are drawn from your CC into paypal). Can someone confirm or otherwise?