Small ticket items, I go local. At over 8% tax, my big items, like wheels and speedo/tach, I saved a bundle with Zanotti's.

 

saved over $100 on my last order not counting 6.25% ma sales tax

 

Often just the savings of sales tax (assuming you don't live in the same state) will offset the shipping charges.

Small light expensive things cost less to ship but the tax savings is big. The reverse is true for large inexpensive things that are expensive to ship but the tax savings is small.

In any event add in the discount and it is always a net savings.

This online tax savings will not go on for ever, states are licking their collective lips to try to find ways to get it. In reality you are suppose to fill out the applicable forms and pay the sales tax in most states that I am aware of. It is just almost nobody does it and there is no audit trail.

I have shopped in NYC where the sales tax is 9.5%, I think, and stores commonly ask if you are a tourist and if so would you like us to mail it you and save the tax.

There have been a few prosecutions for tax avoidance by wealthy individuals that buy expensive art, as an example, in another state or online and don't file the forms and pay the tax. They got the Enron guy for this, in addition to fraud, as I recall.

 

Lake shore HD saved me over $500 on my last purchase. I saved 20% + 9% tax and got free shipping. Delivered to my door, I didn't even factor in the gas I saved for not having to drive 60 miles to go get it.

LSHD has been great for me. Top notch service from great people.

 

Absolutely, unless you order inexpensive parts one at at time. An example, to upgrade a pre '07 spring loaded tensioner setup to the full '07 OEM cam plate, oil pump, hydro tensioner/roller chain setup was $370 plus about $12 shipping. Same parts from local dealer, plus sales tax would have cost another $100 plus.

If you need the one off cam cover gasket, etc. just buy from the dealer.

 

Not a Zanotti's question, but an aftermarket purchase question. Does anyone have a valid coupon code for ordering from Pro Pad www.thepropad.com They have nice stuff, no tax for me and free shipping on my $150 order. I noticed an enter coupon discount on the online order site so I figured I'd ask.

 

Depends on how much you're spending. There's a threshold where a discount and shipping cost for online purchases outweighs a local purchase which is taxed.

 

Depends on the price of the item of course. Saving 10 bucks then paying 10 bucks for shipping is a wash in my opinion. However when you are buying a $200 part for the price of $160(20% off) and paying 10 bucks to ship it, you come out ahead $30
Shop around and compare.

 

I found a dealership, that marked their stuff 20% ABOVE msrp... sure, they offer the local HOG members 15% off.... but not us non-HOG folks... That means Zanotti is 40% cheaper than that other shop....even with shipping, Zanotti is way better.... plus, I don't support a dealership, I don't care for

FWIW, their service "menu" is about TWICE, the price of the other nearby dealerships.
funny thing is, folks who go to the high priced place, think it's a WONDERFUL place to go

 

Chit, you guys call us Tax-a-chusetts. Our sales tax is 6.25% and I don't even pay that. I buy in NH which has NO sales tax.