Tax Free Shopping

[Admiral]

Hi all, only a couple of days now and I am wondering if anyone can answer a query. Last year we cruised out of Miami with DW doing some shopping at Macy's before we returned home. A sales assistant informed us that if we went to Customer services we could get a card giving us tax free shopping because we were overseas visitors. We promptly went to customer services, showed our passports and received the card. On our return no one we spoke to had ever heard of this and I am wondering whether I dreamt this or is it genuine. If genuine is it exclusive to MAcy's or is it a general rule across Florida.

Thanks

 

[UKDEB]

You didn't dream it - all the department stores offer this facility (and not just in Florida). In my experience, some of the customer services desks can be a little out of the way (read, "difficult to find" ) and the discount doesn't apply to all goods - make-up and fragrance spring to mind - but it's well worthwhile seeking out.

 

[tony64]

You didn't dream it - all the department stores offer this facility (and not just in Florida). In my experience, some of the customer services desks can be a little out of the way (read, "difficult to find" ) and the discount doesn't apply to all goods - make-up and fragrance spring to mind - but it's well worthwhile seeking out.

Debs does this only apply to department stores or would it include the likes of Sheplers and Bass pro?

 

[jackieleanne]

Ohh this is good to know ill be looking around for the customer services when i go into the department stores this time. Thanks

 

[Claire L]

Yes Macy's is 11% off most goods including sales items but not including fragrances or make up.

Claire

 

[disneyholic family]

wow - i've never heard of this...

that's fantastic!

i wonder if they do it in michigan...

 

[Admiral]

many thanks for the reply, I was beginning to wonder if I had a 'senior moment'! We fly out tomorrow and DW is looking forward to the 4th july weekend sales at Macy's and Bloomingdales.

 

[Tialuccy]

ooooooooooooh, I could have saved lots of $ if I knew about this before... but at least I know now Thanks.

 

[Admiral]

Does anyone know if walmart provide this service?
thanks

 

[UKDEB]

Thinking about it, I'm not entirely sure that this is "tax-free" shopping, rather just a discount offered by the department stores. Sales tax varies from state to state and Macy's at least (not sure about the others) offers the 11% discount at all its stores. Florida's general sales tax rate is 6%. I'm not aware of this discount being offered anywhere other than department stores.

It's worth bearing in mind that discount coupons are often to be found in local newspapers (such as the Orlando Sentinel) at up to 15%.

 

[dc1964]

we use this everytime we go. it is even better if purchasing items off the discount rails which are often 75% off anyway, they almost pay us to take the clothes away.