A survey has found South Africans spent more on consumer technology than Americans in 2012, with spending set to increase in 2013.
The 2013 Consumer Electronics Products and Services Usage Report by Accenture found the average South African spent US$940 in 2012, with Americans spending US$848.
South Africa was also ahead of the likes of the UK, Germany, France and Sweden in consumer electronic spending, with the report also noting spending was set to increase this year to US$1,164.
The survey, which questioned 11,000 consumers in 11 countries, found Chinese consumers spent the most, averaging US$1,251.
While the consensus is that South African electronics are generally more expensive than elsewhere in the world, a report by BusinessTech last year found that differences may not be as high as commonly thought.
JD Group, holding company for Incredible Connection and Hi-Fi Corporation, said the gap between prices in South Africa and the rest of the world is closer than many believe.
“Because South Africa is often grouped under European territories, when it comes to tech products, it is important to look at prices in Europe when making comparisons, and not the US, as they are very different markets,” the group said.
The group said when it comes to pricing tech in the country, duties, freight and other applicable taxes are taken into account, along with the volatility of the rand.
