Where do we buy cheaply.
Dec 3, 2002 | 10:43 pm
#16
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 782
I've found that a good sale on electronics and computer items in the US will beat overseas prices. And sometimes there's also manufacturer or store rebates on top of the sale. Furthermore, don't forget its much easier to deal with a local store if something goes wrong.
Dec 4, 2002 | 4:30 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Polegate,Sussex,England
Posts: 41
The goods I am likely to buy will come to about $10,000.00 so the saving on UK prices would certainly pay for a trip anywhere, I hope. The beauty of Canada or the USA is that model numbers and specifications are usually the same as in the UK. Certainly I will take advantage of tax refunds and hopefully not get stung for VAT when I bring the items into the UK.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by yyzflyer:
Topdog
You can't go wrong shopping in Canada unless you live here. The US Dollar and the British Pound buy a lot of merchandise in Canadian $, then Americans and Europeans get all the tax we pay (15% here in Ontario) rebated on purchases they take home.
Add to this that Toronto is an extremely competitive market for the items you are seeking. Almost makes a trip here worthwhile.</font>
Topdog
You can't go wrong shopping in Canada unless you live here. The US Dollar and the British Pound buy a lot of merchandise in Canadian $, then Americans and Europeans get all the tax we pay (15% here in Ontario) rebated on purchases they take home.
Add to this that Toronto is an extremely competitive market for the items you are seeking. Almost makes a trip here worthwhile.</font>
Dec 4, 2002 | 4:36 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Polegate,Sussex,England
Posts: 41
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by yyzflyer:
Actually on your average purchase you are correct, however on a major item such as the computer or camera described you could avoid paying the PST in the first place by proving you were going to export the item. Not the sort of thing to pursue with the checkout clerk at Best Buy, but something that could be arranged with advance planning.</font>
Actually on your average purchase you are correct, however on a major item such as the computer or camera described you could avoid paying the PST in the first place by proving you were going to export the item. Not the sort of thing to pursue with the checkout clerk at Best Buy, but something that could be arranged with advance planning.</font>
Dec 4, 2002 | 4:43 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Polegate,Sussex,England
Posts: 41
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by stimpy:
VAT back is a great deal for frequent flyers/shoppers.
South Africa is one of the best places in the world to shop. I can't think of another country with the triumvirate of a depressed economy, high inflation and a significant middle class. This means that general goods that you actually want to buy are cheaper than anywhere else in the world. Other countries that are poor with no middle class don't have such cheap shopping for quality goods.
That said, going to the source is usually a good bet. Ideas such as glassware in Italy, cashmere in Scotland, etc. are good.</font>
VAT back is a great deal for frequent flyers/shoppers.
South Africa is one of the best places in the world to shop. I can't think of another country with the triumvirate of a depressed economy, high inflation and a significant middle class. This means that general goods that you actually want to buy are cheaper than anywhere else in the world. Other countries that are poor with no middle class don't have such cheap shopping for quality goods.
That said, going to the source is usually a good bet. Ideas such as glassware in Italy, cashmere in Scotland, etc. are good.</font>
Dec 4, 2002 | 4:48 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Polegate,Sussex,England
Posts: 41
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gregseattle:
sorry to be redundant but it's true.
COSTCO
</font>
sorry to be redundant but it's true.
COSTCO
</font>
Dec 4, 2002 | 5:58 am
#21
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,927
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Sorry Greg but I have just been on Costco's website and they do not seem to sell the stuff I want, which is top end equipment.</font>
Dec 4, 2002 | 6:43 am
#22
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: Marriott LTT, AA LTG MM, AC 25K
Posts: 3,983
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Topdog:
There are other advantages for me in buying in the US or Canada. The instructions are in English, I have a hell of a job with Japanese. I can search on the Internet for suitable stores and probably pre-order, and finally you lot over there are a friendly bunch. </font>
There are other advantages for me in buying in the US or Canada. The instructions are in English, I have a hell of a job with Japanese. I can search on the Internet for suitable stores and probably pre-order, and finally you lot over there are a friendly bunch. </font>
Dec 4, 2002 | 7:59 am
#23
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 3,081
Dubai is fairly good for electronics, especially for sim free cellphones and of course also well known for selling Gold jewellery by weight.
Diamonds, Laddro and Spectacles are good value in Cyprus, certainly cheaper than the UK and you get the tax back at the airport
As for the tax rebate in Canada, it always seems to take months to get the tax back on your card. I'm still waiting for one from July.
Diamonds, Laddro and Spectacles are good value in Cyprus, certainly cheaper than the UK and you get the tax back at the airport
As for the tax rebate in Canada, it always seems to take months to get the tax back on your card. I'm still waiting for one from July.
Dec 4, 2002 | 1:01 pm
#24
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: (SMV) St. Moritz, Switzerland
Programs: LH SEN, AA AAirpass, IC Ambassador Platinum, *wood Gold
Posts: 1,343
For skiers, Austria and Germany during the end of season sales. You will pay about a third of what you pay in the States (depending on exchange rate) for ski gear.
Dec 4, 2002 | 1:31 pm
#25
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: The road less traveled
Programs: UA Gold MM, AA EXP, Delta Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HHonors Diamond, Natl EE, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 5,189
How about suits? Anyone have preferred tailors in Asia that they frequent? What kind of prices should one expect -- and bargain for?
Dec 4, 2002 | 2:42 pm
#27
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Iowa...Delta Charter Diamond, now Gold
Posts: 2,069
I won't let my wife read this thread...how many times can she say, "guess what I saved today when i bought -__-_-_"
What I hear is, "Guess how much I spent today so I could save $100"...it always costs me more than she thinks she saves us.
What I hear is, "Guess how much I spent today so I could save $100"...it always costs me more than she thinks she saves us.
