Torchman, I don't want your money. I only want you to see the light that, as a part of a democratic republic, the needs of one are subjugated to the needs of many. And that the individual's contribution, in the end, makes things better for everyone--including you.
Our constitution is the oldest national 'living' document in the world, that has continued to govern it's people. No matter what we all think about our politicians and the way 'they spend our money'. The beauty is that every two years/4 years/6 years, we can change those same people. And your state and local representatives for your community change in a similar manner. Our history has made us what we are today. And we will continue to change--always within the framework of our republic. It is inevitable that all states, with a sales tax, will collect sales tax on merchandise sold in or delivered to their state. Go forth and buy 'tax free', until you can't. And then, maybe, we can talk about photography.

"The needs of the one". . .? Star Trek. Where in our Constitution does it say that government can impose taxes on top of taxes? It was The Supreme Court that decided (before Kavanaugh was elected) to allow states to collect tax on items bought through the internet, They, and Congress, are NOT changeable, but are there FOR LIFE ! Taxes are a reality, but taxing things your state NEVER had a hand in creating is going too far. One reason I refuse to vote Democrat is because they have blatantly stated that they will raise taxes. If you want to give your money to a state that coddles illegals with welfare, free medical and housing, while our Vets and common citizens go hungry and homeless, that is your choice. Not mine !

I received this as an email this morning. This is not a matter of me pushing Service Photo - although it is definitely my photo equipment and supply store of choice - but a comment on the state of the marketplace, related to Internet purchasing. Moreover, could this mark the resurgence of the retail camera store?




Oct. 12, 2018


Important Message Regarding Sales Tax

Starting today, many large internet sellers of photo & video gear will be required to charge sales tax to their customers in many states - including customers from Maryland.

As MD's only specialty camera store, we've always worked hard to keep our prices competitive. Our prices for most major brands of gear & accessories are identical to those of our largest online competitors. Still, many Maryland photographers have purchased their cameras, lenses, lighting, & accessories from outside MD, simply to avoid the 6% sales tax. This disadvantage has now been erased, and we are now on an equal playing field with our online, out-of-state competitors.

We're hoping that this new development will allow us to serve more Maryland photographers than ever before. Of course, we'd love to welcome everyone to our Baltimore showroom & present our wide selection of new & used camera gear. But, we're equally excited to ship camera gear to photographers from Western MD, the Eastern Shore, & other outlying areas of MD who have traditionally ordered from sources out-of-state. (Ground Shipping is always free for orders over $50)

Our business outside MD is very small, & we do not need to charge sales tax to those customers at this time. We will monitor this situation continuously, and keep you informed if anything changes.

Please contact burke@servicephoto.com with any questions about the new sales tax changes, or anything else. We appreciate the opportunity to serve photographers throughout the USA, including our home state of MD, more than ever before!


Join us on a trip to PHOTO PLUS EXPO in New York City!
With so many NEW Products to see, This is a great year to attend Photo+!

Service Photo presents round trip bus transportation to & from Photoplus Expo on Thurs.10/25.
We'll fill 2 or 3 buses with photographers from this region, and the cost is just $60 per person.
Paid riders on our buses will each receive a $25 Service Photo voucher + other promotional
products from various vendors. Total value worth HUNDRED$ from our vendors!
• Buy your bus ticket here
• Register for Photo Plus Expo - FREE - HERE
• Click to see all of the exhibitors at the Expo
• Find out why you should attend here.
Registering for this event can be a little bit of a chore. Take your time, and go through the process
step-by-step. You can get through this registration process without paying anything -
just decline all of their offers, and use our special LINK!

Remember - our bus trip ticket is a separate purchase from the Expo registration. You must register for the PhotoPlus Expo& buy a ticket for our bus separately at the different links in this email!

Please call us, or email salesteam@servicephoto.com
for more information. This will be a fun & productive day trip for Maryland Baltimore area photographers!

Torch Dude, you don't get it.
You go on about taxing things your state never had a hand in creating....meaningless. And you are right about the D party wanting to raise taxes...not good for anybody. If you want your 'state' to be fiscally responsible, then vote for those who believe in fiscal/spending restraint. And, giving the states more 'authority' to govern their residents is exactly what the other party--R-- has done and wants to do. It is called decentralization; less central government. And, the SC will be the end game for determining that the Federal Government is empowered to regulate it's borders and determine how federal grant monies will be spent. Give it a little time. FYI....the Justice Dept is now looking to get involved with Federal judges that are not presiding and ruling on the law, but their own prejudices. You need to better understand what you are actually talking about and needing than blabbing meaningless phrases. I gave up with the last email--clearly you yearn for more. Go take some pictures.