Wednesday, 14 August 2013

OBSERVATIONS FROM TORONTO - Get over it.

In 1985 New Zealand introduced GST (at that time 10%) and everyone complained about it forgetting that at the same time import duties and tariffs were drastically reduced.
Retailers at the time played silly games, advertising and listing the prices of their goods without GST and adding it on purchases. This got to be such a problem that government had to legislate to make it compulsory to advertise and list the final price the consumer must pay inclusive of all duties, tariffs and taxes. This made a lot of sense and is very comforting to customers.

In USA and, I've noticed, in Canada retailers advertise and list products and services exclusive of State tax and GST (about 15% combined). This means that when you buy a $199 product it really costs you about $229. Bastards! The tax is real. It is there and isn't going to go away. Get over it.


3 comments:

THE CURMUDGEON said...

Give an example

THE CURMUDGEON said...

The law says that retailers selling to end consumers must show GST inclusive price. Wholesale and commercial transactions are different.
If you see retail advertised/listed in the way you mention then lodge a complaint

Richard (of RBB) said...

This was a short post Nanook. Tell us about what you are doing, not just their tax system.