Bought in the USA

[Olaf]

Is it really that bad guys?
_____________________

Sun, Dec 22, 2002

Bought in the USA
From BRIAN FLYNN
in New York


SHOPPERS are flying all the way to New York to do their Christmas shopping – because it works out CHEAPER.

Incredibly, tax and price hikes on the most popular presents in Rip-Off Britain make it more affordable to journey 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to buy them.

Even after paying for flights and a hotel room, tourists still find themselves quids in.

The Harry Potter toys, this year’s must-have gifts, are an amazing 40 per cent cheaper in the US. It is bargains such as these that have lured a record 500,000 Brits to the Big Apple this month.

The mass exodus reveals the real state of Rip-Off Britain, where we are expected to pay more than other countries for the same goods.

The Sun launched a campaign a year ago to stop shoppers being robbed blind.

Yet the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express train set, which millions of kids hope to find under their Christmas tree, costs £99.99 in Britain — but just £37.49 in the US.

And gifts ranging from a Top Ten CD to a digital camera cost 25 per cent less in New York.

A Nintendo Gamecube costs £122.99 in the UK but only £97 in America, while Justin Timberlake’s Justified album can be bought for £9.36 in the States compared to £12.99 here.

The same goes for DVDs, where The Lord Of The Rings box set sells for £21.87 compared to £29.99 here.

And a £19.99 Rapunzel Barbie is just £12.49.

Sales tax in New York is only eight per cent, compared with 17.5 per cent VAT in Britain.

An American Express survey last month found popular gifts were an average 20 per cent cheaper in New York than London.

So while a pre-sales slump in Britain has left stores like Marks & Spencer warning of a downturn in profits, shops in New York are swarming with Brits keen for a bargain.

Thousands are taking advantage of the city’s cheap hotels rates which have been slashed to tempt back tourists after the September 11 terrorist attacks. A double room costs less than £50 per person.

Many Brits are even bringing empty suitcases so they can fill them with Christmas bargains.

Retail buyer Anthony Howells, 31, and wife Amanda, 29, flew out from Southampton and reckon they will recoup their ticket prices with the money they saved.

Anthony says: “Everything is far cheaper here, especially designer label clothes. We have got £1,000 to spend and I’m buying an empty suitcase to bring stuff back.”

Pipeline construction worker Trevor Johnson, 55, and wife Wendy, 56, reckon they will save 50 per cent on shopping in New York. Trevor, of Welwyn Garden City, Herts, says: “We’d shop in England but it’s so expensive. You get more for your money in America.”

Special needs worker Tracy Deeley, 41, and daughter Rachel, 19, of Dudley, West Midlands, also saved a fortune.

Tracy says: “I’ve packed an empty suitcase with everything from clothes to perfume and CDs — most of it half the price.”

Receptionist Pat Stapleton and pal Tammy Smith, 47, flew out together from Staines, Middlesex, for six days.

Pat, 48, says: “I bought the same mink ear muffs that cost £100 in Britain for £60 here. It makes sense to come to the US when prices are so much lower.”

 

[WDWfan uk]

..... well let's see what Astrid says when she returns from her shopping spree but I remain sceptical when you consider you have flights and accommodation to pay for which would surely cancel out the gains but maybe I'm wrong......

 

[Kevin Stringer]

Er... I may be wrong, but aren't you suppossed to pay tax on all those goodies?

Kev

 

[Olaf]

That's what I was wondering Kevin. I mean aren't these people running a huge risk when they come back through customs?

I would love to be able to "pay for" a trip to London on my shopping savings, but that just doesn't make sense. Especially after you factor in hotel, food, taxis, tickets.

We do have some terrific sales going on. I made a quick run out this morning and one of our local toy stores (not a chain) has already marked everything 20 percent off. I don't think sales have been very good overall, although I certainly put a dent in my Visa. Thursday is going to be a madhouse at the mall.

 

[BevS97]

we had this discussion recently when someone got caught by customs and had to pay a couple of hundred pounds.

When I was in Orlando I did buy a lot of scrapbooking supplies, which are definitely cheaper in the USA, but the savings aren't so great that I could justify a flight over there just for shopping.

Bev

 

[BONZO]

There have also been a number of instances where people have been buying cheap CD's, games etc via the internet from places based in the US.

They come into this country with a label that states what the goods are i.e. Electronic media, and have a value placed on them.

Our beloved Post Office (Postal Service) - then holds onto them until you pay the VAT etc.