When traveling to the United States, you will of course have to shop. It would seem that finding out the price of the purchased product is very simple - just look at the price tag. But be prepared for the fact that the quoted price will not always correspond to the actual purchase costs.
Instructions
Step 1
The first difference between the American price tag, which immediately catches the eye, is the absence of round numbers on it. Instead of one hundred dollars, $ 99.99 will definitely be put down. This technique is often used today in our country. It fully corresponds to the peculiarities of the psychology of the buyer, who does not want to step over a certain price level.
Step 2
Another difference in US prices is that in addition to the quoted price, you will often have to pay sales tax. It does not exist in every state; in different cities, such a tax may be less or more. Sales tax is levied on a wide variety of goods, for example, alcohol, tobacco, luxury goods. The tax is expressed as a percentage of the value of the goods subject to it. It is recommended that you find out what goods are taxed in your area before buying, and also find out the amount of this tax.
Step 3
The full value of the goods, including tax, will not always be indicated on the price tag. Sometimes the price tag has a special line typed in smaller print (“Plus tax”), which just indicates that you have to pay additional tax. However, this is not done everywhere and not always, so be prepared for unpleasant surprises.
Step 4
Sometimes the tax summed up with the price is still indicated on the price tag, as a rule, it is written in a clearly visible font: “Tax included”. Seeing such an inscription, know that you do not need to add anything to the price indicated on the label.
Step 5
Additional tax related payments can be significant when purchasing high value items. So, in New York, the amount of taxes on the purchase of a computer for $ 3000 can reach more than eight percent (about $ 250). Naturally, in this state of affairs, it is more profitable to purchase individual items in those regions or cities where taxes are absent or minimal. However, the tax does not particularly affect the price of everyday small purchases.
Step 6
A separate moment is the purchase of goods from catalogs. Here you also have to face taxes. In this case, the laws of the state from which you will be supplied with the ordered goods will apply. Usually catalogs contain the necessary information regarding taxes. Pay attention to the tax rate when ordering by phone, especially if you are ordering in another state. You may also need to pay for the carriage of the goods, which is desirable to inquire about when ordering.
