Buying local or from B&H or Adorama
Mar 17, 2019 14:39:31 #
Jim70
Loc: Delaware
My rule is that if the item is over $100, I look online at prices. If the prics at my local camera store is no more than 10% higher than the online price, I buy local. I want to support my local store but $$ for camera gear is hard to come by, so I need to stretch it.
Since Delaware has no sales tax, the ethical arguments about sales taxes don't apply to me.
Since Delaware has no sales tax, the ethical arguments about sales taxes don't apply to me.
Mar 17, 2019 15:30:03 #
Hey, Zario, well done. How I wish I had a local camera store. In the very least I would go back to that store and give them a chance to compete on a final deal. You did. Well done!
Mar 17, 2019 15:52:59 #
One feature of B&H I have used with no hassle is the 100% satisfaction guarantee, no restocking fee. They are a fine company.
Mar 17, 2019 15:58:40 #
chipc
Loc: Clifton Park. New York
I buy all me equipment from B and H. I even visited the store it's incredible.
Mar 17, 2019 16:27:10 #
wrangler5
Loc: Missouri
My son lived in NYC (Manhattan) for several years, and said B&H was the biggest candy store he'd ever been in. 
Mar 17, 2019 16:29:45 #
Zario wrote:
I've finally decided to buy the Fuji X-T3 w/18-55m... (show quote)
Are you sure about the “no tax?” I understand that B&H now is charging tax because of new federal requirements. Also, my preference has always been to use my local retailer. They have been very good to me.
Bud
Mar 17, 2019 16:31:54 #
WF2B wrote:
Are you sure about the “no tax?” I understand that B&H now is charging tax because of new federal requirements. Also, my preference has always been to use my local retailer. They have been very good to me.
Bud
Bud
It depends on the individual state. Some require the vendor to collect it for them, some don't.
Mar 17, 2019 16:32:59 #
jdubu wrote:
Careful, both also sell gray market cameras and lenses. Usually differentiated in the small print and sometimes a different warranty.
Adorama has NEVER sold grey market cameras. And right now, the only grey market lens I see in the inventory is from the used department!
Mar 17, 2019 16:35:06 #
I don't know about Adorama, but B & H sends you an itemized list of your purchases at the end of the year. They also report this to the IRS. It is up to you to pay the appropriate tax when you file income tax. This may only be the case for Colorado?
Mar 17, 2019 17:09:50 #
SuperflyTNT wrote:
While it’s good to support your local store, that tax is a chunk of change. As for online, it doesn’t get better than either Adorama or B&H. Both offer top equipment and great customer service at good prices. I’ve dealt with both many times and had no issues, even when I’ve had to return an item.
I do not know what state you live in but B&H puts a little caveat regarding sales taxes on it's website.
To paraphrase, "we don't collect taxes but your state does and we cooperate with their requests".
That being said I buy mainly online because there are no camera shops anywhere near my home other than Best Buy, not exactly a small local dealer. Adorama, B&H, Cameta, Roberts, and Amazon are quite safe to due business with, taxes or not. Shy away from those other dealers offering prices too good to be true.
Mar 17, 2019 17:12:06 #
Zario wrote:
I've finally decided to buy the Fuji X-T3 w/18-55m... (show quote)
If you decide on the online route B&H is excellent. No questions asked 30 day return policy and free advice by phone before you buy. If your local camera shop has a similar return policy and a good local reputation, go that way and keep the money in your community. >Alan
Mar 17, 2019 17:35:48 #
sgt hop
Loc: baltimore md,now in salisbury md
SuperflyTNT wrote:
Yada yada yada...I’m all for paying my fair share when the fat cats start paying theirs. Not only are those businesses not in my state, but sales tax is one of the most regressive taxes there is. Really I pay taxes all the time. If there were a decent camera shop near by I would use it. Adorama and B&H are more convenient and good to deal with.
you said it........
Mar 17, 2019 17:39:17 #
aellman wrote:
If you decide on the online route B&H is excellent. No questions asked 30 day return policy and free advice by phone before you buy. If your local camera shop has a similar return policy and a good local reputation, go that way and keep the money in your community. >Alan
Re: B&H - Plus you get store credit for future purchases (once you are past the return period)...I think it's 4%?
Mar 17, 2019 17:55:39 #
Zario wrote:
I've finally decided to buy the Fuji X-T3 w/18-55m... (show quote)
I always buy from B&H, never had a problem. Delivery is usually 1-2 days, returns are easy also. That said, they just started charging tax when shipping to Connecticut so the price is the same as local stores now.
Mar 17, 2019 18:26:07 #
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