Buying from B&H, am I missing something?

[raathistle]

I'm considering moving up to 8x10 and just trying to work out the economics of it, when I started looking at the cost to import film. It seems like buying from B&H and having them deal with the import duty is a reasonable amount cheaper than buying from here is the UK (and the rest of the EU I think).

For example, a box of 10 sheet of Portra 160 is $150. When you add shipping and duty/tax that's $235ish.

AG have it lists as £277 (out of stock), Maco are €275, Silverprint is £290.

It seems to be a similar story for Portra 400 and Provia as well. Have I missed something or is it actually worth my while buying from the other side of the Atlantic?

 

[Retune]

I imagine a big supplier like B&H would have some sort of arrangement with their transatlantic couriers not to X-ray film packages?

 

[Kodiak Qc]

Have I missed something or is it actually worth my while buying from the other side of the Atlantic?

In Europe, it is practice to include sales taxes in the final
sale price… but not in the US. Make sure…

If any claim, try claiming in the US. to B&H, You'd be giving
them your money, they will take it for sure but…

I would buy any where in the EU or UK. uUless you have,
like me, friends in the US that will fight your case eventually.

 

[raathistle]

The B&H price includes all duty and taxes. I've just been looking at a box of Delta 100, delivered from the states is $139, whereas the UK price £139 from Silverprint or £144 from AG.

That makes it seemingly cheaper to fly the film over the Atlantic twice than it is for it to be sold in the country it's made in.

 

[Woodsy]

When you say they include taxes, are they referring to the US sales tax, or the VAT applied once over here?

I imagine a big supplier like B&H would have some sort of arrangement with their transatlantic couriers not to X-ray film packages?

I don't believe this is possible. The couriers, and indeed the airlines, have nothing to do with security screening. This is done by the airport and hence the rules are governed by the host country authorities.

 

[raathistle]

It's the VAT and duty over here, there's not state sales tax as it's delivered outside of new York and New Jersey states. From their site:

Customs and VAT

• International orders are generally subject to local import duties and taxes (VAT). B&H offers the convenience of handling these fees on your behalf for specific countries and for many items. If your order qualifies for this option, it will be presented to you during the checkout process.
• If you choose to use this service, B&H will collect and pay any local import duties and taxes on your behalf. By choosing this service, you authorize B&H to charge your credit card used on this order for your additional import duties, VAT or taxes. You also authorize B&H to charge your credit card used on this order for any subsequent delivery fee resulting from incorrectly identifying your address as a business vs residence.

The amount added looks to correlate with about 7% duty then 20% VAT, plus a small handling charge. I'll send them a message to check

 

[srichards]

With current exchange rates Maco are only £7 more at £242 for it. For the sake of £7 on a £200+ I'd order from them as it is within the EU. I'd think the Maco order would also be on your door step a lot sooner. Their service also covers loss in transit. Does B & H offer the same at their price?

 

[StephenM]

For what it's worth, I've bought from B & H; the site always shows me the final price in sterling and that's what I've paid. I haven't bought film though.

 

[FruitFlakes]

If you order from B&H, be prepared to have their catalog delivered to you (for free ) every year. I get one for ordering a cheap lens cap for one of my 5x4 lenses.

 

[StephenM]

I quite enjoy the catalogue just to see what's available; but if you do sign up to their emails, it is one (or possibly more) per day. My orders have been for things that I couldn't find anywhere in the UK.

 

[raathistle]

With current exchange rates Maco are only £7 more at £242 for it. For the sake of £7 on a £200+ I'd order from them as it is within the EU. I'd think the Maco order would also be on your door step a lot sooner. Their service also covers loss in transit. Does B & H offer the same at their price?

The $235 works out at £195 using PayPal's conversion and transaction fee (which is likely to be worse than the banks I would imagine).

The second transaction in Euros at Maco's price is £248, so basically 25% more expensive (or 20% cheaper from the states if you prefer)