Buying eletrical items in New York ?

Snow-Munki · 8 Jan 2008 at 10:37

Off to New York in a few weeks for the first time !!!

Going to buy a shed load of clothers but was wondering is it a good idea to buy any eletrical items ?

nothing in particular really, just is it much cheaper ? Guess I would get no warranty ?

Things like iTouch ? TomTom's ? etc ?

#Chri5# · 8 Jan 2008 at 11:03

I was there at the end of November. Even with the slightly better £/$ rate I decided against buying an iPod Nano as it would have only saved £10 or so. Quite a lot of shops on Broadway with previous generation Nanos in the window and a distinct lack of prices (even inside the shop). We did get some camera bits from B&H Photo who have a huge shop near Penn Station. That's worth a look around just to see the fantastic stock handling system through the shop.

Don't forget the shelf / sticker price doesn't include sales tax (IIRC clothing + shoes under 110USD are exempt).

I came back with two new pairs of Nike running shoes. The pair I got from the Nike shop 5th were ~£30 cheaper than here in the UK.

Leatherman multi-tools are a good deal. I picked up a Charge TTi from Tents and Trails (in the financial district) for ~£60. They are over £100 from decent retailers in the UK.

Rotty · 8 Jan 2008 at 11:06

be aware they are starting to get tough on NY shopping trips in relation to import taxes

Snow-Munki · 8 Jan 2008 at 11:07

Rotty said:
be aware they are starting to get tough on NY shopping trips in relation to import taxes

Thanks, is there a certain amount I can buy before I get ... 'questioned' ?

Rotty · 8 Jan 2008 at 11:12

Snow-Munki said:
Thanks, is there a certain amount I can buy before I get ... 'questioned' ?

£145 iirc

Eriedor · 8 Jan 2008 at 11:18

Difference in electricals isn't so great, clothes it is.

SDK^ · 8 Jan 2008 at 11:21

Eriedor said:
Difference in electricals isn't so great, clothes it is.

^^ Yup
Electrical items don't offer much (if any) saving.

#Chri5# · 8 Jan 2008 at 11:24

It's due to go up £290 this year but I don't know when.

Customs was spookily quiet when coming back Manchester from JFK but I bet somebody was watching somewhere. I guess they are looking for people with lots of bags...

You need to do your homework. For instance, flash memory (ie Sandisk Extreme III CF cards) were the same, if not, more expensive in NYC. A genuine Sony Li-ion battery for an Alpha DSLR works out to be half price though.