Ok, so that sounds like an incredible and possibly far fetched headline. But read on to find out if it is true…
When comparing prices, the are a lot of variables to be taken into consideration: shipping, duties, taxes, handling fees, etc…
For this experiment, we are going to compare NET prices (e.g. the selling price excluding tax/VAT) and in Euro. All pricing in I-CANOE includes duty which varies between 3 – 16% AND VAT at 23% whereas on other websites, in the USA for example, the selling prices exclude any taxes which are added on to the final order at checkout depending on which State you reside in – no taxes are added for export. What’s VAT? VAT stands for Value Added Tax. It sounds like something good that you get included free with your purchase but in reality its a sneaky little tax that is included in everything you buy within the EU. The seller collects this tax on behalf of the government and then returns the tax to the government at regular intervals throughout the year.
For comparing different currencies, we will be using the following exchange rates (correct Jan 2012):
$1.30 US Dollar = 1 Euro
£0.80 UK Pounds = 1 Euro
We will ignore all shipping costs, duties, etc… to make things a little easier.
First up, the Kokatat Gore Tex Meridian Drysuit:
US RRP $999 = 769 Euro
I-CANOE Price 1000 Euro, less web discount (10%) = 900 Euro, less VAT = 732 Euro!!
If you were to order this suit from the US, apart from delivery costs, you would also be liable for duty (approx 10%) and VAT (23%) so the suit could easily end up costing 1040 Euro (assuming shipping is free).
Secondly, let’s look at a Werner Powerhouse, Straight Glass:
US RRP $250 = 192 Euro
UK RRP £199 = 202 Euro (excluding UK VAT at 20%)
I-CANOE Price 250 Euro, less web discount (10%) = 225 Euro, less VAT = 183 Euro!!
If you were to order this paddle from the US, apart from delivery costs, you would also be liable for duty (approx 6%) and VAT (23%) so the paddle could easily end up costing 250 Euro (assuming shipping is free).
Lastly, let’s try a Whitewater Kayak, the NEW 2012 Jackson Fun Runner:
US RRP $1149 = 884 Euro
UK RRP £899 = 936 Euro (excluding UK VAT at 20%)
I-CANOE Price 1100 Euro, less web discount (10%) = 990 Euro, less VAT = 805 Euro!!
If you were to order this kayak from the US, the shipping costs would be HORRENDOUS, and we wouldn’t advise it.
So there you have it. It’s not exactly scientific and of course different shops will have special offers and yes you might even get away without paying all those nasty taxes and duties but we have illustrated how I-CANOE offers you some of the best prices in the World… along with the best aftersales backup and support in the Universe!
