isthataone

Yes, this happened on my most recent purchase.

no12mo

I have purchased from both stores - on line. No special treatment. They had what I needed at the time. The price was doable. What more can a buyer ask for?

My experience was a good one. I do, however, appreciate the idea of going to a photographer's "candy store."

MichaelL

Also sales tax requirements still vary from state to state (I did sales tax compliance nationally for a bunch of years). B&H sent a very nice and informative letter explaining why they had to charge (which we used as a model for our customers). They used to charge in Illinois but not down here in Missouri yet.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

This "We don't charge sales tax" pitch is just an advertising gimmick. Plain and simple. There's no magic to this.

Sales tax law, at least in NY, does not say that a seller has to charge the sales tax as a separate item in the sale transaction. I ran a business where we did not "add" sales tax to purchase prices. The merchant reports sales taxes owed to the state as a percentage of the selling price. So if B&H or anyone else wants to advertise "We pay the tax", it's because they are willing to keep a smaller part of the sell price for themselves.

Example 1: Item sells for $100.00. Add 8% sales tax as a separate cost, and total cost to customer is $108.00. Remits the tax to the state (less a piece of the $8.00 the seller gets to keep for being a collection agent for the state).

Example 2: Seller charges $108.00 and says "NO sales tax!" You think the price is good and you buy it. Seller has to remit 7.5% of the sale to the state (because .925 is the reciprocal of 1.08), and ends up with $100.00, same as in example 1.

Examples 1 & 2 give the seller the same end result, $100.00.

Example 3: Item sell price is $100.00, and seller doesn't add sales tax. Seller reports sales of $100.00 to the state, and has to remit 7.5% or $7.50 to the state. So the seller is accepting $92.50 for his take.

The seller might eat the sales tax because: 1. He wants the sale, even at a lower profit, or, 2.he makes it up as follows:

If you use a B&H Payboo card, and avoid sales tax YOURSELF, and pay the credit card bill right away, then good for you. If you CARRY A BALANCE on the credit card though, at the very high interest rate they charge (there is a bank behind the credit card, with B&H getting a cut of the interest from the bank), you may end up paying in interest what you would have paid in sales tax.

And where sales tax rate is less than in the examples, B&H stands to benefit more quickly from the interest on the credit card.

It's just math, folks. And it's just business, and getting the order.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

I have been using them for many years and share the experiences. I am located a bit too far away (in western Washington) to walk into one of their stores, but feel that it is safe to trust what they say when they answer my questions. They have always given good advice and have never tried anything nefarious like bait-and-switch

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

That service to the customer is the difference between reputable and non reputable dealers.

johneb21945

I also live on Long Island and have visited their store numerous times. That is an adventure in itself. Nobody comes close to their selections, and inventory of photography material. If you plan on visiting the store, remember they are closed on Saturdays, and Jewish holidays. You will not be disappointed though it is a great experience. Their pricing is reasonable, and their customer service is excellent. I have purchased many items from them over the years, both in person and via mail order, and have never had any problems. They are my go to place for photography equipment. As far as the sales tax, they have a promotion where they will reimburse you the sales tax if you use their special card. You need to setup an account with them. I am not affiliated with them, but am a satisfied customer with them for over 15 years.

ltatko

B+H is a unique store---still offers service!!!

All my purchases have been a good experience!!

Mozultof !! (that's congrats for you Gentiles)

LenT

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

I formerly lived in New York state and never went to the Big Apple without stopping at B&H. The store is gigantic. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Even though I now live in Alaska, all my camera equipment and supplies come from B&H. My motto is: if B&H doesn't have it, you don't need it.

jwinberg1

<<Visiting the B&H facility in person is on my bucket list.>>

May your bucket be filled - B&H is an enchanting place to photographers!! :-)

spaceytracey Loc: East Glacier Park, MT

They're great! I used to go there when I lived in NYC. Now I get their catalog.

zensu Loc: Montgomery, AL

Been buying from B&H for many years, since our local brick and morter store closed its doors. If I ever had a problem I just call them and they always fix it. I am one happy B&H customer!

tomcat

It is an unbelievable experience to visit their store. I was fascinated by the conveyor system that delivers the merchandise to you and the double check with a clerk before you get to the checkout. A most efficient system, although unusual. I just "had" to purchase something in order to get the bag--ha

mackolb

I trust B&H staff; they're not incentivized to sell anything, only to provide good information and support. No commissions on sales means no urgency to make us buy, only to help us buy what's right for our needs.

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

Great place! I have to order online and have bought all my camera gear, three TV's, a Multi-Media Projector for church, printers, cables . . . .etc. Great technical info and customer reviews. I'm not Jewish, but I figure any place that closes their store and shuts down email orders on Friday night and Saturday for religious reasons has to be a good place to do business.