New lenses or new body?

mxwphoto wrote in post #2413007
Web prices do not include sales tax if you order from another state, however they do apply if you order it from within the state. Aside from some exceptions, sales tax are intra-state only for each state. But if you're going to bring it back to England, yeah it probably would be worth purchasing in NY and paying the sales tax rather than ordering and sent to England along with incurring a fatty VAT.

Currently, the sales tax is at 8.375% in B&H's district.

Sorry to seem stupid (most prices in the UK include tax) but does that mean that, if I walked into BH in New York, I would pay the web prices plus NY sales tax? And do you happen to know what NY sales tax is?

Sorry - I've just noticed the tax percentage quoted in your post!

Yup. That's how pricing in USA works. Kinda deceptive that way, but you get used to it. Some states like Nevada don't have sales tax.. go figure :P. And yes, it would mean that if you walked into the store, you would pay at least web prices + the sales tax. I say at least because some stores post different web and in-store prices with in-store being slightly higher to cover the cost of owning a brick&mortar establishment. I doubt B&H does this, but unfortunately that's something I can't check up at the moment. Give them a call on the phone when they're open or e-mail them to find out.

Thanks for that. It seems that the lenses woudn't be as cheap as I first thought. I'm trying to think of a way of not paying the tax. I will be visiting some friends in San Francisco next year (before going to NY) and I suppose they could buy them for me - I assume they wouldn't have to pay the tax? (0r would they have to pay CA tax?).

CA tax won't apply for stuff bought from other states and neither will the NY tax be levied; just the shipping cost. Have your friend buy it, ship the stuff over (takes around 5-7 business days for the ground shipping... around $20 or less I think, though might be longer due to Christmas season), and pick it up when you visit. That way, not only will you be able to use them in SF and NY, there won't be any tax. Additionally, ask your friend to help do the rebates for you. Canon is currently running double rebates in the US and lasts till Jan 15, saving you more $$$.

To make things easier regarding the rebates, if you can, have your friend buy it with his/her credit card and ship it under their name. The rebate is valid in US only, so it will be easier to take care of if everything is under your friend's name in the US.

Thanks a lot for the help and advice - I'll try what you suggest.

You can also pay on your own credit card and ship it to your friend. That's what I did (ordered a 17-55). I paid with my Australian CC, and had B&H ship it to my sister in San Diego. I'll be flying there this week. However, this way I'm not sure you can get the rebates... but there's no rebate on the 17-55 at the moment, so makes no difference in my case.

Another good idea! Thanks guys for all the tips.