Canon Refurbished Store

jbrackjr wrote in post #16660194
Yes, that is probably true. When purchasing from B&H, if they don't collect it, I don't voluntarily pay it. But I usually wind up breaking some kind of law every single day. But I'm ok with that.

I also break the speed limit every time I drive... Shame on me!

MNUplander wrote in post #16659946
The sales tax at the Canon refurb store kills the appeal for me. For example:

Refurb Store
Canon Refurb price: 2719.00
Sales Tax @ 6.5%: 176.74
Free Shipping: 0.00
Total Sale Amt: 2895.00

BH Photo
In-cart Price: 3169.00
Sales Tax at 0%: 0.00
Free Shipping: 0.00
2% BH Rewards: -63.68
Total Sale Amt: 3105.32

Difference: 210.32 or a savings of 6.6% over BH new price. Even less when there are 5DIII promotions happening. For me, a savings of just over 6% is nowhere near enough to steer me away from a brand new product with a retail box. I get the fact that $200 is still $200 no matter which way you analyze it, but it seems trivial on a $3000 purchase.

Having said that, even though the gear I have today was mostly bought new by me, I have had very good luck (50+ transactions) buying used from POTN and FM boards. Good condition, low mileage 5DIII's sell for $2500 and under every day. Now we're talking a savings of over 20% - that's more like it for me. If I'm going to buy a used piece of equipment, I better take a significant savings.

Try using the loyal program and get another 15% off at Canon.

Coral wrote in post #16660414
Try using the loyal program and get another 15% off at Canon.

How to use Loyal program?

The number one reason I buy everything online is to save the sales tax and get a better price than at the brick and mortar store. I bet most people are not going to buy something online and then contact their local state sales tax collection people ask them where I can send some sales tax that my online vendor did not collect. I buy all my Canon products from the Refurb store that I can, always in a white box and always the best deal in spite of having to pay sales tax.

guruofall wrote in post #16660433
How to use Loyal program?

1. Get a junk Canon Point and shoot to trade in. ( They will want S#)
2. Call the 800 number from the Canon store....only available over the phone.
3. Tell them you want the Loyalty Program for the 5d3
Done

Sibil wrote in post #16659745
I am not sure about this. I once called about a refurb body and was told the battery and charger must be purchased separately.

Canon, and the reputable stores like Adorama & B&H supply the same accessories you would get if you bought new.

mclaren777 wrote in post #16660064
Unless your state is really weird, you should be paying use tax on your B&H purchases. You're probably breaking the law if you aren't.

I purchased a inflatable pontoon boat (to use for photography, of course). In my state, licensing a boat is only required if a motor is used. I wanted to use a motor, so I went to get the license. Game and Fish wouldn't license it without a sales receipt showing sales tax paid.

So, I went to the Dept of Revenue and paid the tax. A couple of months later, I received a notice from DoR saying I was in arrears for not paying a $12 small business tax. I have never had a small business....ever.

After several months of letters from them threatening to send the $12 bill to collections, I sent all of the documentation of my phone calls to them along with a bill for the postage to send the letter. I haven't heard from them for a while, so maybe it is resolved.

This reinforces my view about never inviting the government into my life.

Just back on topic, but I have bought both a refurbished body and lens. Both came in a plain white box with a label. the products are also marked to identify a refurbished unit. on lenses, there is some red paint on the barrel mount end and on cameras IIRC there is a punched hole in the serial sticker. You won't know unless you look, but it is an easy way to tell.

Coral wrote in post #16660467
1. Get a junk Canon Point and shoot to trade in. ( They will want S#)
2. Call the 800 number from the Canon store....only available over the phone.
3. Tell them you want the Loyalty Program for the 5d3
Done

Thank you. I have an old 350D that could be traded in. Let me search for 800 number and contact them. Thanks again.

guruofall wrote in post #16660768
Thank you. I have an old 350D that could be traded in. Let me search for 800 number and contact them. Thanks again.

Search for a thread Canon Loyalty Program. All the information is in there.

guruofall wrote in post #16660768
Thank you. I have an old 350D that could be traded in. Let me search for 800 number and contact them. Thanks again.

The trade in does not have to be a working camera or a DSLR, it just needs to say Canon on it. I advertised for an old non working Canon - must be Canon camera on Craigslist and cost me $10. Saved me 15% on my purchase from Canon.

I'm surprised that so many of you are playing fast and loose with tax fraud.

It is a real crime with real penalties. Stealing money from the government is no laughing matter.

WWJD?

Most of us just delay the payment until we get the bill.

mclaren777 wrote in post #16660937
I'm surprised that so many of you are playing fast and loose with tax fraud.

It is a real crime with real penalties. Stealing money from the government is no laughing matter.

They take enough of my money. When 30%+ goes away each paycheck in taxes, why should I pay more state tax on top of it when I buy something... Not to mention fuel taxes and all that as well.

I am a rebel!! I will continue to buy all my expensive items tax free as long as I can!