Don’t assume that goods are VAT-free

Thursday 18th September 2008, 2:56PM BST.

From Jeannine Hochet.
AS my digital camera decided to give up on me while I was away on holiday recently, I was looking to buy a new one. I decided to look on the internet so that I could compare cameras and find the one I really wanted.

One of the websites I used gave reviews and detailed various prices at UK stores and online suppliers. The camera I decided on was listed at prices ranging from £124 to £160, depending on where you shopped. The cheapest deal was £124 through the online retailers amazon.co.uk.

However, I decided that for peace of mind, I would prefer to buy locally if possible, so I phoned a local camera shop to inquire about the price of the particular camera I was interested in buying. I was quoted £159.95.

I decided to buy online at amazon.co.uk, so I logged onto the site and went through the straightforward ordering procedure. To my surprise and delight, the VAT was taken off and delivery was free.

The end result was that I bought the camera I wanted for £105, which is a saving of £50 on local prices.
The moral of the story is, shop around, and don’t assume that goods in Jersey are VAT-free, as we are led to
believe they are.
74 La Collette Flats,
Green Street,
St Helier.

1
Mike

September 18, 2008 at 4:17 pm

Hi, pass the word on most goods are not VAT free in Jersey I will not buy anything in local shops if I can buy the same on the internet at the same price or at lower cost

I dont have to go to St Helier and struggle to park, or risk getting parking tickets from over zealous Traffic wardens

My purchases are delivered to my door and on 99% of my purchases I recieve far better service and quality of items than if i brought them localy

There are many bargins to be had online, use a secure card like Barclaycard and enjoy the savings to be had on the net

We are constantly ripped off in Jersey by most companies

Good luck

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2
steve

September 18, 2008 at 8:01 pm

same here, bought a digital camera last week on -line (surprised to find amazon wasnt cheapest this time) cost £119, with case and memory card. Delivered to my door within 2 days. Same camera in town £186. I buy everything i can on the internet and have saved a fortune.

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