Do you not shop locally for photo gear due to taxes?

[Doc Fluty]

A situation came up today during my attempt to get back into photograghy.

I walked into a local samys and asked their prices on a 5d2, zeiss 100mm 2.0, zeiss 21mm 2.8 and a zeiss 50mm 1.4. After he said that its the same price everwhere i said thanks anyway and began to walk out. He asked me why i was leaving and i told him that if i buy from B&H that i wouldnt have to pay sales tax and in this purchase that i would add almost $700 to my bill.

So he went and talked to the manager and agreed to not charge me sales tax, but he only had the zeiss 100 and 21 in stock. So i did buy those two from him, and by not paying sales tax i saved over $350 on two lenses alone.

Had California not just charged me $700 for registration for my truck and not had a 10.5% sales tax i would shop locally more often. But when i go to the store and get two 12 packs of soda for $8 and after tax and crv it comes out over $11.. so i just hate this state.

I had to pay outrages taxes including a weight tax and gas guzzler tax on my truck and just 12 months later i had to pay $700 for registration that would have went over $1000 had i not had the money and paid 30 days late.

CA taxes are preventing people from shopping in this state.. this is why i am currently in the process of buying a home in indiana to move me, my family and the business i own (not photograghy related) out of here...

the sales tax raise was supposed to be temporary, after voters passed it the gov then made it permanent. Had it been a more resonable 6-7% i would have considered it.. just the thought of double digit sales tax irks me when some states have NO sales tax and dont have the fiscal debt we have each year

i would have loved to drop $7000 today in a local store..but after the way this state makes you fix the sidewalk in front of your house or you can get sued and charges you for calling 911 and an ambulance ride... ive decided this state has enough of my money

(yes i know your supposed to claim any out of state purchases on your taxes each year, but ive read reports where only 2% of CA does this)

[number six]

Byeeeeee....

[robertwsimpson]

I don't shop locally due to there not being a shop anywhere near me.

[20droger]

I would prefer to shop locally, i.e., in a brick and mortar store, but that is not an option. There's nothing of any value closer than about 300 miles, and the gas and time spent are killers.

[krb]

CA taxes are preventing people from shoping in this state..

Shopping there? They are one of the main things keeping me from living there.

[Lazuka]

When I was a Canon shooter, I bought most of my gear at Adray Camera in Michigan. I paid a little more than I would at Bh, but being able to talk to someone and try it out was priceless. Sadly they went under because they couldn't compete.

[crn3371]

I try to buy locally, I'll even pay a little extra to patronize a local shop, but on high ticket items California's 10% sales tax can be a deal breaker for me.

[Joe Ravenstein]

I make it a point to buy gear from one brick and mortar shop in the town where I live. buying locally puts taxes back into your infrastructure. buying on line ducks the taxes but you are supporting a distant citys businesses instead. One positive bennie to buying local is you get to use an item and see that it is functioning before you buy it. on-line you are buying a pig in a poke and have no idea if they shipped it damaged or if it got damaged enroute. If wolf camera were the only store in town only then would I only buy online excusively.

[rklepper]

I have nothing local so not an option.

[number six]

CA taxes are preventing people from shoping in this state..



Shopping there? They are one of the main things keeping me from living there.


You're both right. This is a horrible place to live. Or to visit. You wouldn't like it at all. Crowded. Traffic. Crime. Taxes.

Stay away, you'll be glad you did.

:cool:

[krb]

You're both right. This is a horrible place to live. Or to visit. You wouldn't like it at all. Crowded. Traffic. Crime. Taxes.

Stay away, you'll be glad you did.

:cool:
Grew up there so I know what I'm missing. You can keep it, I'll just drop in and visit whenever I need a reminder of why I'm staying out.

[Doc Fluty]

You're both right. This is a horrible place to live. Or to visit. You wouldn't like it at all. Crowded. Traffic. Crime. Taxes.

Stay away, you'll be glad you did.

:cool:

very true

[20droger]

Grew up there so I know what I'm missing. You can keep it, I'll just drop in and visit whenever I need a reminder of why I'm staying out.
Too many ex-Californians are moving to Arizona. I know, I'm one of them.

Still, they're not as bad as those from back east who move here and want to bring their green lawns with them.

[krb]

Too many ex-Californians are moving to Arizona. I know, I'm one of them.I hear the same complaint about ex-Californians from my friends and relatives who left CA for Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Colorado.

Seems like there might be a pattern... :D

[PhotosByEric]

For me it's not just the taxes but also the fact that the local B&M store has a very small selection with a very huge markup. Between the higher prices and taxes, it makes no sense to shop there.

I was in there about 6 months ago looking at a Lowepro bag that I wanted for an up coming trip. They were almost twice that of B&H. I needed it right away, but wasn't willing to pay twice as much. Went home, looked on B&H, and even with overnight shipping I still came in under what the store wanted before taxes.

[20droger]

Forget the international fence along the Mexican border! Let's fence in California! It's more meaningful!

[Doc Fluty]

For me it's not just the taxes but also the fact that the local B&M store has a very small selection with a very huge markup. Between the higher prices and taxes, it makes no sense to shop there.

I was in there about 6 months ago looking at a Lowepro bag that I wanted for an up coming trip. They were almost twice that of B&H. I needed it right away, but wasn't willing to pay twice as much. Went home, looked on B&H, and even with overnight shipping I still came in under what the store wanted before taxes.

perfect example... if i buy something for $1000 and have 10% tax.. i might as well do like he said and buy it froom b&h with overnight or two day shipping and still save $60-$80

you would think that smaller store you went to would realize this and adjust their practices. the internet changed the game for small retailers

[J_TULLAR]

Shopping there? They are one of the main things keeping me from living there.

pretty much! Ex- californian now washingtonian here. I think if I move to another state I would go Hawaii... way cheaper than california these days.

[kfreels]

Depends on what I'm buying. If it's something I may need to return I'll buy local. Take advantage of the online sales tax exemption - it's only a matter of time before the various states gather together and develop a plan to get this lost revenue.

[hawkeye60]

Sales tax is a consideration for me. The closest camera store, sells the 5DII for about the same price as B&H, but sales tax raises the price to over $2700. For me, and a lot of other people, that's significant.

I'd do much more shopping locally, if it weren't for sales tax.

[suecassidy]

I used to buy locally before the economy went south, just because I like to support local business. i use b&h now on large purchases because it really does save so much money. i feel guilty not supporting my independent camera store of 20 years but....

[Jill-of-all-Trades]

Try buying something in Canada.
Here in Ontario we have 13% sales tax.
580EX II at Henry's is $599.99 which is $677.99 after taxes. It's an hour's drive to the closest store.
Same flash at Adorama is $445.00 and the cheapest shipping is $37.75, for a total of $482.75 USD. Convert that to Canadian... $499.79
$178.20 cheaper. (if they don't tag me with taxes at the border)
Having it shipped to an American address, crossing the border and visiting a friend, bringing it back. $6 in tolls, and is closer than the Henry's store. Go with a group of friends in the car, buy nothing else, and I don't even have to claim it. "How much did you spend today?" "About $500 total for everyone." "Ok, have a nice day."

[Doc Fluty]

that sounds like a lot of effort jill

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I plead the fifth.

[20droger]

I plead the fifth.
Me too! Scotch, preferably.

[kinghong1970]

i have a great local camera shop that i go there to just chat...

sadly, as much as i love to buy from them... the price difference, not only in taxes but the retail markup is tough to justify by mere acquaintance...

i do buy "some" stuff there... but big ticket items are mail orders via internet... sadly...

[mastersryan.]

Sales tax is a consideration for me. The closest camera store, sells the 5DII for about the same price as B&H, but sales tax raises the price to over $2700. For me, and a lot of other people, that's significant.

I'd do much more shopping locally, if it weren't for sales tax.

well said.

[gulfphoto]

It's not just California..... Sales tax is 10% here.

And to answer the question, yes. 1/3 because of raw price, 1/3 because of lack of selection / real camera stores, 1/3 because of 10% sales tax.

[k-lo]

It's not just California..... Sales tax is 10% here.

And to answer the question, yes. 1/3 because of raw price, 1/3 because of lack of selection / real camera stores, 1/3 because of 10% sales tax.


where the heck are you? 10%?

[tjames]

There is only two camera stores in my area and both are a 30 min drive at least, one has a ton of stuff mainly due to the fact that they are pretty much the only store around and are willing to deal somewhat, but big ticket items are still purchased online since after tax I'm still quite a bit ahead.

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

I'll second Jill of all trades!
Ontario sales tax is a killer, and it is not even the highest in Canada.
What's even worse is the difference in pricing in Canada for Canon product. Melody's example of the flash is pretty accurate on the %. Bodies are close, but that is it.
I'm currently assembling a couple of other buyers for the 7D and will get them from Alberta, and pay only the 5% GST and shipping. Working a deal on volume should help too.
I regularily get equipment from the US, even with overnight shipping, the taxes applied at the broker, lens and accessories are way cheaper in the US.
I buy little things from the local Henry's, but big will not happen at these price differences.

[docgipe]

I took my $3400.00 package to my local. Everything was on top of the table. They needed to only get in the ball park. Sadly they did not even want to talk about it. I had a sales resale tax number so that was not part of the issue. Sadly they were three hundred higher on just the one lens. We did not even talk about the second. I hated to turn and walk out of there but guys they wanted me to be a good guy and give them $500.00 difference. They are not so dumb as to not know where the real deal is. B & H, New York shipped Wednesday. All will be here tomorrow. I gave them an excellent rating on all parts of the transaction.

[steve3d]

Most of the time I will purchase online just to save. Seems like not only do the B&M stores have sales tax, but the price before tax is higher than the online stores as well. Just doesn't really make sense to buy in the shop unless you need it immediately.. Makes it tough because I'm impulsive! When I want something I want it now so online doesn't cater to that nearly as well as a B&M store..

[Socket7]

Do you people realize that your California tax forms have a line that says

"How much have you spent on items bought over the internet that you were not charged tax on"

It's there because in California you have to pay sales tax on internet orders. It's all well and good if you want to play the tax evasion game, but perhaps you should not be telling the entire internet how you're evading hundreds of dollars of taxes. It seems a bit foolish.

[PhotosByEric]

Do you people realize that your California tax forms have a line that says

"How much have you spent on items bought over the internet that you were not charged tax on"

It's there because in California you have to pay sales tax on internet orders. It's all well and good if you want to play the tax evasion game, but perhaps you should not be telling the entire internet how you're evading hundreds of dollars of taxes. It seems a bit foolish.


What's foolish is the fact that I pay countless dollars in sales tax and income tax, without alot in return. Roads are terrible, schools are overcrowded,state offices are closed due to lack of funds, and our elected officials get paid way to much for way to little.

The OECD says that the tax system is good for economic growth, savings, and investments. All of which CA fails at miserably.

I'm all about paying taxes, as long as they are reinvested in stuff that will improve my surroundings.

[Doc Fluty]

Do you people realize that your California tax forms have a line that says

"How much have you spent on items bought over the internet that you were not charged tax on"

It's there because in California you have to pay sales tax on internet orders. It's all well and good if you want to play the tax evasion game, but perhaps you should not be telling the entire internet how you're evading hundreds of dollars of taxes. It seems a bit foolish.

thats what the last line of the original post talked about. Only about 2% of CA residents admit to buying things out of state... thats over 97% of tax dollars that the state looses because of its fleecing of its citizens

There trying to make people pay to go to the park, ban all free parking in the state and even make you pay hundreds of bucks per year if you have a dog (while having the water company snitch on you because they keep a listing of who has a dog or not).

Hardly none of my $9000 down payment on my truck went towards paying for my truck.

sales tax, gas guzzlers tax, weight tax, Vehicle License Fee, California Highway Patrol fee, Smog fee, Smog High Polluter Repair Fee, Auto Theft and/or DUI Crime Deterrence Program and a bunch of other stupid little fees.... then 12 months later you get a $700 registration fee

I hate Cali... and cant wait to leave

[tgamron]

You're both right. This is a horrible place to live. Or to visit. You wouldn't like it at all. Crowded. Traffic. Crime. Taxes.

Stay away, you'll be glad you did.

:cool:

That seems to the attitude of the State Government towards business. Enjoy your shrinking tax base.

[tgamron]

thats what the last line of the original post talked about. Only about 2% of CA residents admit to buying things out of state... thats over 97% of tax dollars that the state looses because of its fleecing of its citizens

There trying to make people pay to go to the park, ban all free parking in the state and even make you pay hundreds of bucks per year if you have a dog (while having the water company snitch on you because they keep a listing of who has a dog or not).

Hardly none of my $9000 down payment on my truck went towards paying for my truck.

sales tax, gas guzzlers tax, weight tax, Vehicle License Fee, California Highway Patrol fee, Smog fee, Smog High Polluter Repair Fee, Auto Theft and/or DUI Crime Deterrence Program and a bunch of other stupid little fees.... then 12 months later you get a $700 registration fee

I hate Cali... and cant wait to leave

I was considering taking a job, and moving back to CA. After looking at costs like taxes and such. Nah. It's a great state in some respects, but politically, it's messed up.

[it`s me]

here in Japan sales tax is 5%, was 3 when I got here but the gov`t is talking of doubling it...over the course of a few years mind and won`t start to raise it for a couple more so we won`t be here but 5% is ridiculously low especially compared to some European countries or even Quebec where I`m from. But it evens out some I reckon considering differences in prices on certain items to begin with.

[telomerase]

I'm also in CA and I probably buy almost anything I can online these days. Between Drugstore.com and Amazon.com, I can get almost anything with free shipping and no tax. The only thing I probably buy in person is food and clothing. With photo equip, I just go to Adorama, B&H, etc... Cheaper even before the tax issue.

[SillyGuy]

being an amazon.com prime member is the best. :)

[20droger]

being an amazon.com prime member is the best. :)
Not really. It just means you buy far too much from that one place.

[GoFaster2]

I went in to the local camera store to look at a Lowepro bag I need now that I have acquired some stuff, The Lowepro AW200 was $199.99 plus tax, its $80.00 on Amazon and I can have it in a few days, as I looked around, they had a few modern lens for sale but most of there stuff was 20+ yrs old. Brick and Mortar stores need to wise up and figure out how to market themselves better. The way I look at it is, if the item I want is the same price as buying online with shipping, then I buy it and just pay the sales tax, I get it that day, but if its double no way!! I am surprised around here there isn't a great camera store.

[waynethegiant]

The only time I buy in store is when Samy's Camera has a no tax sale. Even if it costs a little more, its good to know you're buying a good copy.

[Jericobot]

I try to buy odds and ends kinda stuff from the locals but it's too hard for them to compete with online and big box stores. But their cosign and used prices can be very tempting

[Raizer]

I would love to buy locally but a lot of things are over priced compared to the rest of the world, just for an example a YN-468 flash would run me NZ$235/US$173 shipped, when I can buy the same flash for NZ$125 to my door from Ebay

[Doc Fluty]

I wonder how some places even stay in business with their prices compared to the internet.

they must be relying on the customer who doesn't use the internet for shopping, like to have stuff shipped to their home or pays cash for everything. As the younger generation grows up, that citizen will become extinct to an extent.

[scubadaddy]

In Canada our income is heavily taxed to begin with. Then on top of that we pay up to 13% tax on purchases (depending on where you live and what you buy).

If I can buy it online and avoid paying taxes I will. Better yet, I prefer to buy stuff locally, second hand from places like Kijiji or Craigslist. I save a lot of money doing this and in many cases I can resell an item for what I paid for it when I don't want it anymore.

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

I'm currently assembling a couple of other buyers for the 7D and will get them from Alberta, and pay only the 5% GST and shipping. Working a deal on volume should help too.

Unbelievable!

I assembled a very good list of equipment, 2 x 7d, 400L, 24-105L, CF tripod, and could not even get answers in a reasonable time from the MAJOR Calgary supplier, even after escalating to a floor manager. And then when they finally get around to answering me, it is all list off the website. Including a higher, unexplained, tax rate! Not even a response to my follow up question!

Add it up, at least $7K in business has been blown away and sent south.

Nevermind my embarrasment for "highly" recommending this store!

Even the good in Canada seem to have forgotten customer service! No wonder we look over the border.

Photography suppliers have passed away in Canada, only retailers left.

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

~ Including a higher, unexplained, tax rate! Not even a response to my follow up question!~

Finally got an answer after I replied to the original quote and copied every name I knew at the store. I attached a link to the post.

Very clear as to what I can do with my business. Not in so many words, but still, very clear.

Do these people not understand the power of social networks?

So much for yet another retailer!:confused: