B&H and Adorama Observation
Feb 1, 2020 14:52:27 #
Ah, I was hoping to quickly get through this issue of the Hog but see I must log in and comment. Those of you who are arguing about Adorama, both of you are correct in a way. I live in California. Over the Christmas holidays, I order some stuff (Godox flashes on sale) from Adorama two different times and both times, no sales tax. Then, just recently, I ordered something (toner) from them and yes, sales tax. Also, if you go to their web site, you can "start" your check out process, which I did a few days ago on a Nikon 24-70 2.8 FL (just reduced in price btw) and yes, the "free" shipping and the sales tax (yes, sales tax "was" added) popped up. So, bottom line, California has just recently "caught up" with Adorama with the collection of sales tax as does Amazon. Please remember, though, if they drop-ship from a third party (Amazon for sure........not so sure about Adorama), it is "possible" there will be no sales tax. Oh, btw, I checked in with BuyDig and yes, they are charging sales tax for Ca residents too. Even when you guys are arguing and "flaming", I still love this site as I am always learning. For those of you with the nasty comments, try being nice; it is not so hard :).
Feb 1, 2020 14:57:24 #
Starman441
Loc: Iguana Land, Fl.
DaveO wrote:
More than that, they remit the sales tax, as required, to the appropriate state.
Whining scofflaws want others to pay their share.
Whining scofflaws want others to pay their share.
Correct! Just because taxes didn't appear on my invoice Doesn't mean that they were not paid. Just figured into the selling price. Point made.
Feb 1, 2020 15:15:25 #
Feb 1, 2020 15:28:53 #
KEH has always been taxing all orders since I got to know them back in the 80-90’s when I was working at Penn Camera in D.C. Even got to meet the owner, “King,” I believe was the name the owners called him. His associates Grant, Vicky, and Tony sometimes came up to our store to look through our used gear in the lock-up to purchase for themselves for resale. I still purchase items from KEH randomly, especially when they offer discounts. Even though KEH is only a 5-6 hour drive from where I live, delivery still takes 2-3 days with free shipping. I guess the tax goes to offset the free shipment.
Feb 1, 2020 15:34:23 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Vladimir200 wrote:
Ah, I was hoping to quickly get through this issue... (show quote)
Nikon 24-70 2.8 FL?
Feb 1, 2020 15:36:07 #
Vietnam Vet wrote:
You are supposed to report the sales tax you don't pay for online purchases at tax time anyway.
While I do not positively KNOW but my understanding is the store is charged the sales tax by the government. The normal sales tax we would have paid must be paid to the government in any case. If the store does get charged the sales tax and is able to pay it by losing some of the profit they would have made is there any reason for that sales tax to be paid twice, once by the store and once by the honest consumer? I am all for paying my fair share of taxes but I refuse to pay more than my share.
Dennis
Feb 1, 2020 15:38:13 #
scubadoc wrote:
Why are you distinguishing between online and brick and mortar stores? Would you walk into your local camera store, where you have done business for years, and ask them to eat the sales tax? Good luck with that. When you charge a B&H purchase to a Payboo credit card, owned by B&H, they are counting on people to not pay the balance by the due date. The high monthly interest rate applied to the balance more than makes up for the sales tax which is being “eaten” by B&H.
Many stores, Samy's in California for one, offer tax paid sales from time to time. Their sales flyer advertises the tax will be paid by them. I have also made large dollar purchases from that store and the store manager told me the store would pay the tax on that item.
Dennis
Feb 1, 2020 15:58:55 #
Feb 1, 2020 16:56:00 #
ButchS
Loc: Spokane, WA
I am afraid that sales tax is a part of life now. Most online retailers are required to collect sales tax for states that have a sales tax. Currently, there are still some loopholes that allow some retailers to skip collecting sales tax. But bit by bit state and federal government lawmakers are shutting the loopholes down. All retailers do you have the option to not collect sales tax, but they still have to pay it, at least in their state of residence. What is coming will be laws that require them to pay the tax in other states.
Feb 1, 2020 16:57:39 #
Feb 1, 2020 17:41:16 #
rwww80a
Loc: Hampton, NH
send me your order and money and I'll order for you no tax in NH, but I do charge for shipping to the final destination.
Feb 1, 2020 17:51:39 #
rwww80a wrote:
send me your order and money and I'll order for you no tax in NH, but I do charge for shipping to the final destination.
You also have Hunt Photo in Manchester. I may be checking them out on my next booze run.
- FTn
Feb 1, 2020 18:09:45 #
In the near-socialist State of New York and the socialist City of New York, we pretty much pay high taxes on everything... online, offline and no line...
Feb 1, 2020 18:13:12 #
Feb 1, 2020 19:20:52 #
a6k
Loc: Detroit & Sanibel
Starman441 wrote:
I recently made a $400 purchase from Adorama and NO sales tax was charged. Free shipping & great accessories (filters, Corel, Case,etc.) also included. Same deal not available at B & H.
The change in federal law allows states to collect sales tax. Some have not done it yet. Michigan did, for example. When I checked last year Florida hadn’t yet. B&H follows the required law. That may explain the difference between California and Florida in this thread.
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