I just discovered something, I think. I only have one example, but if your state charges sales tax on things bought on E-bay and other places, Which Arkansas does, it seems that they might not charge on the shipping. So if the price is near the same after adding shipping and getting free shipping, paying the shipping seperate might save some money. I am still befuddled on how they can charge sales tax on something that you buy in another State, but they do. Seems to me like if it is charged at all, the state where the item was sold, should get the money. miles
Online shopping is fickle, ya really gotta pay attention or you'll end up paying too much.
I default to Amazon for a simplified search and most every conceivable distributor is represented there in one form or another.
I also get 6% cash back on many items through my Amazon Prime Visa.
Amazon shipping is anything but 'free', it's obvious in the pricing at the links I posted above.
The taxes are another thing.
If a business is not in your state you should not be charged state sales tax.
As Amazon added shipping and warehouse facilities across the country it makes for them doing business in the states they build them in and they have to add states sales tax for 'in state' purchases in those states.
It wasn't so long ago the tax thing became controversial and Amazon had to start adding state taxes.
I took heavy advantage of it prior, Florida has a 6% sales tax.
I was also in favor of them making Amazon do this because of the unfair advantage it offered Amazon over local brick and mortar stores that struggle to stay alive and have to charge the tax.