Where should I get a new DS Lite?

[Ivo]

Hi guys,

I may get a DS lite as a present, and although I'm not in the US I intend to get it there as the exchange rate and the lower retail price make it about half the price I'd have to pay in Europe (I'll sort out the charger later, and it will still be much cheaper).

I'm very ignorant of US shops, so I thought I'd ask if there is a specific place where it is cheaper / better to get one at - maybe even amazon or another online place, instead of a physical store. The place where my "courier" will be purchasing is Portland, in Oregon (may be relevant, with the different state taxes and so on).

[racketboy]

Hi guys,

I may get a DS lite as a present, and although I'm not in the US I intend to get it there as the exchange rate and the lower retail price make it about half the price I'd have to pay in Europe (I'll sort out the charger later, and it will still be much cheaper).

I'm very ignorant of US shops, so I thought I'd ask if there is a specific place where it is cheaper / better to get one at - maybe even amazon or another online place, instead of a physical store. The place where my "courier" will be purchasing is Portland, in Oregon (may be relevant, with the different state taxes and so on).

Target is a good bet. One of my favorite places to shop, excellent return policy, and they usually will have them in stock.
If you can't find one there, I know my local Best Buy had a bunch.

Pricing is pretty standard unless you want a bundle, so there isn't much room for deals.
I've seen Circuit City throw in a free case sometimes.

[Pullmyfinger]

you are aware you have to pay over 25% in taxes at customs right?

[Ivo]

you are aware you have to pay over 25% in taxes at customs right?

Well, not if the pack is opened, right? My courier (a family member) should have a right to buy one and travel with it. I actually want the box, but it can come in the dispatched luggage with the unit itself in the personal items.
I'm interested in details of this issue, actually, if anyone has experience.

In any case, it probably would still be cheaper In Europe the retail value in Portugal is 150 Euros, for example (is cheaper in France, I think is 140 or so). In USD, there it is typically 130 as far as I see. Now, you may know the exchange rate is currently very favorable, so 150 Euros is currently some 220 US... Although I still need to count whatever a Euro charger costs on top.

Ivo.

[racketboy]

you are aware you have to pay over 25% in taxes at customs right?

Well, not if the pack is opened, right? My courier (a family member) should have a right to buy one and travel with it. I actually want the box, but it can come in the dispatched luggage with the unit itself in the personal items.
I'm interested in details of this issue, actually, if anyone has experience.

In any case, it probably would still be cheaper In Europe the retail value in Portugal is 150 Euros, for example (is cheaper in France, I think is 140 or so). In USD, there it is typically 130 as far as I see. Now, you may know the exchange rate is currently very favorable, so 150 Euros is currently some 220 US... Although I still need to count whatever a Euro charger costs on top.

Ivo.

I know there are a lot of people from Canada and the UK that routinely buy stuff here now because of the exchange rate.

[Pullmyfinger]

As you said, pricing is pretty much the same everywhere ~130, so you can scrap the whole looking in different stores unless you want a specific color or bundle. As for taxes in the US, you can evade them by having your courier order online but there wouldn't be much point because shipping will make up for it.

Also, if your courier has the ds in his hand and the box in his luggage he probably wont have to pay taxes

[Ivo]

As you said, pricing is pretty much the same everywhere ~130, so you can scrap the whole looking in different stores unless you want a specific color or bundle. As for taxes in the US, you can evade them by having your courier order online but there wouldn't be much point because shipping will make up for it.

Also, if your courier has the ds in his hand and the box in his luggage he probably wont have to pay taxes

Thanks, that was what I was thinking.

I normally am not one to go to such complications, but in this case the price difference is just stupid. 150 Euros to 130 USD, with the exchange rate as it is... But before the rate changed a lot, the prices were already slightly skewed (the rate was close to 1 to 1 when they set the prices - now, Europe has higher VATs which needs to be considered as well).

Ivo.

[racketboy]

As you said, pricing is pretty much the same everywhere ~130, so you can scrap the whole looking in different stores unless you want a specific color or bundle. As for taxes in the US, you can evade them by having your courier order online but there wouldn't be much point because shipping will make up for it.

Also, if your courier has the ds in his hand and the box in his luggage he probably wont have to pay taxes

Thanks, that was what I was thinking.

I normally am not one to go to such complications, but in this case the price difference is just stupid. 150 Euros to 130 USD, with the exchange rate as it is... But before the rate changed a lot, the prices were already slightly skewed (the rate was close to 1 to 1 when they set the prices - now, Europe has higher VATs which needs to be considered as well).

Ivo.

150 Euros? Wow -- that's like $300 USD

[Ivo]

150 Euros? Wow -- that's like $300 USD

Yeah, it's a huge difference currently. The older DSs are cheaper, but I think they are still more expensive than a Lite in the US.
I think in the UK the DS Lite is 90 GBP, which is still a good hefty more (185 USD or so) than the US price - but the Euro ones are really out of whack due to the exchange rate.

Ivo.

[mason]

target is the shit, i work there. And you can get a used ds lite for 75 bucks easily off of craigslist, thats your best bet if your not uptight about it being *new*