Microsoft Store South Africa is finally live

Technology giant Microsoft today launched the South African version of the Microsoft Store. This ecommerce site is dedicated to selling all things consumer under the company’s robust product belt. The store was launched at the #MicrosoftSummer event in Johannesburg, South Africa.

While Microsoft creating a South African store is an excellent move, it has made some curious decisions regarding its product ranges and pricing. Upon closer inspection of the product listings it appears the site is missing quite a few products compared to its international counterparts.

The PCs and Tablets category only houses a single unit, the Acer Aspire Switch 10e, which is selling for R5399.

The same model, albeit of a different colour, is selling on Takealot for R4999. With Microsoft having their own series of tablets and notebooks – the Surface series – it’s curious as to why those products aren’t listed. Launching the store with the Surface Pro 4, Surface 3, or even the Surface Book could have proven to be a pull factor.

The Surface range is already available through the Orange store.

Read more: Could a Microsoft Surface Phone be in the works?

Under the video games department — which sells Xbox 360 and Xbox One items — the selling prices are higher than that of other South African ecommerce stores. Minecraft, for example, is R429, while Raru is selling the game for R199 and Takealot for R343. Another missing item is that of the recently released Xbox One Chatpad.

Microsoft’s Office products fair better in pricing, but not in the way the consumer may take notice of. While the recommended retail prices (RRP) on these items are around R50 lower than other stores, they are still more than what competitors are selling these products for.

It is understandable that that Microsoft may want to sell at the stipulated RRPs in order not undercut or upset its retail clientele. At the same time, the question of Why purchase from the Microsoft store? has to be asked.