US or UK online stores for Cameras

[amsurfer]

I am based in London UK, not a professional photographer but not bad though.... I have been using Internet for shopping most of the time,,, and now when i feel the need to update my camera from Yashica to a better brand though the one i have been using is not that bad, still,,,,,, I tried pricerunner.co.uk (http://www.pricerunner.co.uk)kelko.co.uk (http://www.kelko.co.uk)and some other price comparison sites, on checking some good stores in UK online through kelko e.g. www.microglobe.co.uk (http://www.microglobe.co.uk), i compared the price of an article manualy with one in a US store, the price in US store was quoted without VAT,shipping cost, and lense cost, I need to know if the prices in US are better then UK,,, or it effect the same with the inclusion of all excluded factors above.??Thank You:dunno

[ian408]

You probably have a better idea of VAT and other taxes on purchases made
outside the UK. Look up the exchange rate at a site like finance.yahoo.com,
do the calculation and then add the appropriate taxes. Don't forget you
will also pay for shipping which definitely drive the price up.

To start you off, right now, one pound is roughly 1.8 U.S. Dollars.

[Stan]

Yes the grass is greener on the other side of the pond, but don't bother. Apart from the cost of shipping, you have import tax on the value of the item and the shipping, plus if you are trying to find a cheap deal in the US you will probably end up with one of the less reputable firms who will take your order and then keep you waiting months.

If you are determined, try one of the Hong Kong sites on Ebay with loads of good feed back. Somewhere on the Ebay site there is a page explaining what charges you will face in import duty and VAT.

For alot of my stuff I use Warehouse Express (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/)
You can get cheaper but then you get peace of mind too.

Good luck with your search

Stan

[ian408]

Alternatively, you could plan a trip to the US and purchase while you
are here...not like anyone does that or anything :D

[gubbs]

Alternatively, you could plan a trip to the US and purchase while you
are here...not like anyone does that or anything :D

All you need to do is make sure you spend enough to make it all worthwhile....
I managed to save/spend a fortune :rofl

warehouse express :thumb
Got a good price & good service from T4 Cameras (http://www.t4cameras.co.uk/index.asp) for my Manfrotto tripod & head

[3rdPlanetPhotography]

damn, I'm looking for a Metz flash and looks like I have to make a LONG swim to the UK.