The sales tax thing would have been priceless to get on tape :P Great log though. Fun to watch behind the scenes and stuff

The sales tax thing would have been priceless to get on tape :P Great log though. Fun to watch behind the scenes and stuff

I want way more of these vids. It may turn out to be the very best thing ever recorded xD

This is great Spoony. I look forward to future entries. It weird to think that all of you guys were just a hop skip and a jump away from my home state in Wisconsin.

This is great Spoony. I look forward to future entries. It weird to think that all of you guys were just a hop skip and a jump away from my home state in Wisconsin.

Lol… I just saw this at thatguywiththeglasses.com. I thought the video was going to be longer, but it’s was good. I’ve heard about some tax thing, but never really believed it until now. I feel for ya Benzie. Anyway nice to see some behind the scene diary.

We have sales tax in the UK, it’s called VAT but it’s included on the shelf price dammnit.

We have sales tax in the UK, it’s called VAT but it’s included on the shelf price dammnit.

lol Sales Tax is here too. GST and PST

Here in Holland those taxes are just included on the price tags, as in any other civilized country. I remember a very painful experience when visiting Chicago myself and wanting to buy a cool souvenir with my last travelling money. I thought I could JUST afford it…… :-(

Here in Holland those taxes are just included on the price tags, as in any other civilized country. I remember a very painful experience when visiting Chicago myself and wanting to buy a cool souvenir with my last travelling money. I thought I could JUST afford it…… :-(

Yeah, same in Sweden and I guess the rest of the civilzed world (Europe;) ). You pay sales tax, but its always included in the price-tag

7 to 8 percent! I wish, Chicago sales can go as high 11.5% with the minimum being about 10%.

7 to 8 percent! I wish, Chicago sales can go as high 11.5% with the minimum being about 10%.

come to Oregon, there is no sales tax here. In fact, Washingtonians come here all the time to their major shopping trips because of this. There is hope yet Benzai.

Holidome – Two men enter, one man leaves….

Holidome – Two men enter, one man leaves….

Those lollypops with bugs in them were trendy in Germany around the year 2000 or 2001 or so. They were sold everywhere.

I’m glad that Spoony did a vlog of the trip. Looking forward to following videos.

WTF USA?! In Winland sale taxes are included in the price tag.

WTF USA?! In Winland sale taxes are included in the price tag.

hahah im guessing the US service tak is the same as UK vat :S i dunno :P

thanks for posting this good to see it :D

Europeans are used to having the items tagged with prices that already include the sales tay / VAT / etc.
WYSIWYP(ay)

Europeans are used to having the items tagged with prices that already include the sales tay / VAT / etc.
WYSIWYP(ay)

well worms in lollipops would be pretty gross as ass considering after the movie poltergeist 2 i hate those damn worms.

haha oh I can so relate to Benzaie on this. I remember when I first moved to the States and went to the store for the first time the absolutely mind – blowing shock I had at the cash register. Seriously, America – what the hell is wrong with your prices? Why cant you put the final price on the tag? Oh well, I guess that when you come to Rome you have to do as Romans do:P

haha oh I can so relate to Benzaie on this. I remember when I first moved to the States and went to the store for the first time the absolutely mind – blowing shock I had at the cash register. Seriously, America – what the hell is wrong with your prices? Why cant you put the final price on the tag? Oh well, I guess that when you come to Rome you have to do as Romans do:P

we have GST in australia but they at least had the sense to legislate to make businesses include GST in prices so you know what you’ll really be paying when you get to the checkout

I was just in Chicago, sales tax in the city is about 10.25%. The tax on soda was around 13.25%. The hotel tax is nuts. But at least your paying for something, Chicago is the cleanest large city I’ve been to.

I was just in Chicago, sales tax in the city is about 10.25%. The tax on soda was around 13.25%. The hotel tax is nuts. But at least your paying for something, Chicago is the cleanest large city I’ve been to.

Heheh cool vlog. And yes that sales tax is freaking annoying. First time I went to the USA on vacation I had the same reaction as Benzaie. Here in Holland they have that already included in the pricetag.

Noah, you are my idol!!! making a vblog during those days it’s a great idea!!!
good job
and by the way, benzai got all the rights to complain, in italy it ‘s even illegal to make pay a prize different from what you saw on the product… so, FAQ you USA ;-)

Noah, you are my idol!!! making a vblog during those days it’s a great idea!!!
good job
and by the way, benzai got all the rights to complain, in italy it ‘s even illegal to make pay a prize different from what you saw on the product… so, FAQ you USA ;-)

I can relate to Benzaie. First time I went to USA I went to buy some cigarettes and the tag price was already about double than what I would pay in Brazil. When I get to the cashier she throw me some random number even higher and I was like “WTF?. Can’t you people print the tag with tax included? How do you expect me to calculate 8% of 4,86USD??”

DR

In the UK there is no added sales tax on the counter, instead we get VAT tax which means that the government put 17.5% tax on the product price which you see when you look at the price on the item.

In the UK there is no added sales tax on the counter, instead we get VAT tax which means that the government put 17.5% tax on the product price which you see when you look at the price on the item.

By far, sales tax is the least inconvenient… Those of you who are foreign and think it’s bullshit…

We have a LOT more taxes than just that, and those tend to be FAR WORSE.

We’re almost at the point that they tax the air we breathe.

Still, it is interesting that people didn’t know America had sales tax.

Then again, depending on the state you live in, some sales tax is non-existant too. Some states near mine don’t charge sales tax on food items. Others don’t charge it on clothing items.

That doesn’t mean they take in less taxes than other states. No, they just tax the crap out of you somewhere else, with some other commodity or service. Yeah, you pay it eventually.

Hooray Benzaie! NC and Linkara and such are pretty good, but you two are my favorite part of TGWTG.

Hooray Benzaie! NC and Linkara and such are pretty good, but you two are my favorite part of TGWTG.

You know, Spoony, I can’t help but imagine you getting off the plane like this:
“Woohoo rain!” *happy dance*

First time posting on these boards.

Awsome idea tapping your adventure up there. I was wondering how everyone reacts with each other and this is really cool to watch. I look foward to seeing more of this.

First time posting on these boards.

Awsome idea tapping your adventure up there. I was wondering how everyone reacts with each other and this is really cool to watch. I look foward to seeing more of this.

Ugh, Spoony was in my home town and I had to be at college… damn higher education! Damn it straight to hell!

Oh man, you really need to get some regular sleep Spoony. You have some rather large bags under your eyes. :/

Oh man, you really need to get some regular sleep Spoony. You have some rather large bags under your eyes. :/

That stuff with the price tags is bullshit. I work in a shop here (Britain) and the price tags should always say exactly how much the customer has to pay. If the price tag is wrong for whatever reason and the customer complains because they have paid more than the price tag says, we’re required to give them back whatever extra they had to pay, because we’ve displayed it at that price.

I feel for Benzaie, since I reacted the same way when I visited the US for the first time last November and was surprised that the price increased from that on the shelf to that from the cash register. My now fiancee explained to me what was going on. I can understand the reasoning behind not adding the tax on to begin with because then prices would be different everywhere and so I suppose nationwide advertising of a product would be really difficult. Much easier for us since tax is already added on to the price.

Anyway, I can’t wait to see more vlogs, it looked like you guys had a great time, and it’s awesome to see you all together. Really looking forward to the crossover stuff all you guys have come up with.

I feel for Benzaie, since I reacted the same way when I visited the US for the first time last November and was surprised that the price increased from that on the shelf to that from the cash register. My now fiancee explained to me what was going on. I can understand the reasoning behind not adding the tax on to begin with because then prices would be different everywhere and so I suppose nationwide advertising of a product would be really difficult. Much easier for us since tax is already added on to the price.

Anyway, I can’t wait to see more vlogs, it looked like you guys had a great time, and it’s awesome to see you all together. Really looking forward to the crossover stuff all you guys have come up with.

In Soviet Russia, tax adds you ….
Benzai and Spoony in the same room? Thats like seeing a rabbit dancing around with a platypus
Nice video

Welcome to New Hampshire: Screw Sales Taxes!

Welcome to New Hampshire: Screw Sales Taxes!

GOD I MISS THE RAN! T_T
I live in Arizona too.

You have to consider America’s business-oriented mindset. In a lot of cases, the government (be it federal, state, or local) feels they should interfere as little as possible in business, so they don’t set laws that require businesses to include tax in the price tag. I know some businesses that do it anyway in my home town though. (Well, just one, but my point is, it happens, and it’s not required.)

Also, whoever said the French have bad hygiene?

(I apologize if this is a double post. I keep getting error messages, no doubt due to a high volume of traffic.)

You have to consider America’s business-oriented mindset. In a lot of cases, the government (be it federal, state, or local) feels they should interfere as little as possible in business, so they don’t set laws that require businesses to include tax in the price tag. I know some businesses that do it anyway in my home town though. (Well, just one, but my point is, it happens, and it’s not required.)

Also, whoever said the French have bad hygiene?

(I apologize if this is a double post. I keep getting error messages, no doubt due to a high volume of traffic.)

Damm, they realy do that in USA? What a rob.
!Love the shirt!

In the UK there is a special law not allowing something like this to happen =) The product has to be sold for the price it is advertised. Otherwise they break the ‘Trade Description Law’

In the UK there is a special law not allowing something like this to happen =) The product has to be sold for the price it is advertised. Otherwise they break the ‘Trade Description Law’

Great vid Spoony!! poor Benzaie you cruel americans! you should put the full price on the shelf dam it…..

Interesting vid blog. I’m looking forward to the next one where the shit will hit the fan, as they say, when the rest of the group fly in.

Interesting vid blog. I’m looking forward to the next one where the shit will hit the fan, as they say, when the rest of the group fly in.

It’s like 14% in Canada…

Haha. Try living in Canada fricken 13% tax.
The US has it good.

Haha. Try living in Canada fricken 13% tax.
The US has it good.

I said this in your photo gallery, but I think it’s worth repeating:

It is really cool of you to be thoughtful enough to record your experiences for your fans like that. Thank you so much for being so dedicated toward your loyal viewers. Congratulations on your fantastic success!

Benzaie is right – why can’t the tax be included in the quoted price? It’s not like the store is going to straddle two states or something.

Benzaie is right – why can’t the tax be included in the quoted price? It’s not like the store is going to straddle two states or something.

Yeah, it’s nonsense that the full price is only calculated at the counter. Makes wanting to buy stuff you don’t really need a lot more common, but then again maybe that contributes to the economy…

It’s awesome how Spoony can spice up a story about buying deodorant like this, moar!

You know, of all the TGWTG’s crew, I always thought Spoony and Benzai were the best of the bunch, so its pretty cool seeing them together. If a crossover comes out of this, I greatly look forward to it. :-)

Ugh… that said tax in California just went up to 9.25% last month or so… and its supposed to keep rising! For fuck’s sake, man…

You know, of all the TGWTG’s crew, I always thought Spoony and Benzai were the best of the bunch, so its pretty cool seeing them together. If a crossover comes out of this, I greatly look forward to it. :-)

Ugh… that said tax in California just went up to 9.25% last month or so… and its supposed to keep rising! For fuck’s sake, man…

Make sure you take the time to visit the Field Museum, The Science and Industry Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Get to the Science and Industry early in the day as they close the Nazi Sub near midday. The Aquarium and the Navy Pier are fun too. Maybe you can film an Insano spot In front of the Science and Industry as well.

Everywhere has sales tax (VAT here in Britain) but we INCLUDE the tax in the quoted price. Its always obvious if they’re quoting a price ex. VAT here because its clearly stated and there’s usually a slightly higher one with VAT inc. beside it.
Sounds like you americans have the dumbest system possible…

Everywhere has sales tax (VAT here in Britain) but we INCLUDE the tax in the quoted price. Its always obvious if they’re quoting a price ex. VAT here because its clearly stated and there’s usually a slightly higher one with VAT inc. beside it.
Sounds like you americans have the dumbest system possible…

I live in Delaware where we don’t have sales tax. I remember when I was a kid and went on a trip and went to buy something. I felt just like Benzaie did, I thought I was being ripped off.

You think 9.25% is bad, in the UK we’re currently at 16% VAT on EVERYTHING we buy, and that’s down from 17.5%. That being said, at least they don’t quote a price and then raise it at the counter…that’s like they charged you for the privilege of carrying the item to the counter. Great vid by the way, I too love me some Benzaie action, and it doesn’t get any hotter than fibreglass gorilla-on-game critic action!!

You think 9.25% is bad, in the UK we’re currently at 16% VAT on EVERYTHING we buy, and that’s down from 17.5%. That being said, at least they don’t quote a price and then raise it at the counter…that’s like they charged you for the privilege of carrying the item to the counter. Great vid by the way, I too love me some Benzaie action, and it doesn’t get any hotter than fibreglass gorilla-on-game critic action!!

Come on up to New Hampshire. No sales OR income tax.

Come on up to New Hampshire. No sales OR income tax.

Also, Spoony, let us know how the Song of Ice and Fire RPG is already!

Sorry it has to be said…at the end, Spoon was in the closet. Probably cause R Kelly was fucking Benzaie. And charging him sales tax for it, haha. Great stuff, hope everyone enjoyed their visit to our fair state.

Sorry it has to be said…at the end, Spoon was in the closet. Probably cause R Kelly was fucking Benzaie. And charging him sales tax for it, haha. Great stuff, hope everyone enjoyed their visit to our fair state.

So I heard you and Benzai are dating each other now?

Yeah, here in Washington, we don’t pay sales tax on food items.

Spoony you need to come out of the closet.

Benzaie should be happy he wasn’t in TN, he really would have had a shitfit, our sales tax is like 9.25%

Yeah, here in Washington, we don’t pay sales tax on food items.

Tax is actually easy to calculate in your head. You don’t have to do any math what-so-ever.

For every $1 you spend, you have to pay six to nine cents on it (depending on the tax law in the state you’re in).

And the reasoning behind them not putting the tax on the price tag is because of the factor in that every state has different taxes. We also have some states with programs which allow you to deduct or completely elminate tax on your items if you pay in certain ways (like if you’re on welfare and you use the EBT card for it).

It’s honestly not that complicated to understand why it is the way it is.

However, if government would STOP interfering in business (whomever said government tries to interfere as little as possible with business desperately needs their head examined, or needs to take some business/law/business law courses in their off hours) you wouldn’t have this wacky problem with the prices to begin with.

If our tax code was “universal” like some of the countries across the big drink… Like, everyone pays the same for the items, regardless of where they are in Europe (or wherever) you could put our taxes on the pricetags as well.

But, you also have to account that their system hasn’t worked out that great either. Look at how much they ARE taxed. Sixteen percent is quite steep. If I lived there, I’d look at import tax and if it was lower, I’d go to importing everything I need/want from retailers outside the country instead of paying the huge tax within it.

Tax is actually easy to calculate in your head. You don’t have to do any math what-so-ever.

For every $1 you spend, you have to pay six to nine cents on it (depending on the tax law in the state you’re in).

And the reasoning behind them not putting the tax on the price tag is because of the factor in that every state has different taxes. We also have some states with programs which allow you to deduct or completely elminate tax on your items if you pay in certain ways (like if you’re on welfare and you use the EBT card for it).

It’s honestly not that complicated to understand why it is the way it is.

However, if government would STOP interfering in business (whomever said government tries to interfere as little as possible with business desperately needs their head examined, or needs to take some business/law/business law courses in their off hours) you wouldn’t have this wacky problem with the prices to begin with.

If our tax code was “universal” like some of the countries across the big drink… Like, everyone pays the same for the items, regardless of where they are in Europe (or wherever) you could put our taxes on the pricetags as well.

But, you also have to account that their system hasn’t worked out that great either. Look at how much they ARE taxed. Sixteen percent is quite steep. If I lived there, I’d look at import tax and if it was lower, I’d go to importing everything I need/want from retailers outside the country instead of paying the huge tax within it.

Well if you think that Tax is bad, Canada has more taxes,

GST and PST for most places (Add up to around 15% or so usually)

I can totally understand where Benzaie is coming from even though I’ve always lived here in the states. Honestly, when you think about it, it really is a stupid concept. Why not include the tax in the price tag? What is and isn’t tax isn’t very relevant to the customers. All we need to know is how much money we’re supposed to be handing over.

They put scorpions in tequila bottles like worms, they are apparently worms 2 the extreme! You must have hated the bug scene from Temple of Doom like me.

By the way – some people mentioned that here in Europe we have VAT (Value Added Tax) but it’s actually a bit different to the sales tax even though it’s meant to accomplish a similar goal.

Read it up on Wikipedia – it’s actually pretty interesting. ^^

By the way – some people mentioned that here in Europe we have VAT (Value Added Tax) but it’s actually a bit different to the sales tax even though it’s meant to accomplish a similar goal.

Read it up on Wikipedia – it’s actually pretty interesting. ^^

Dude! That was by far the best thing in the whole Chicago trips, I guess! More Vlogs!

I believe I’m some sort of exception around here, because even though I am very entertained by the game/movie reviews (which are in fact what builds up the Spoony Mythos), what really gets me going are the Vlogs.

I mean, reviewing and ranting with loads of acting, funny characters, jokes and video editing are awesome, but there are lots of other guys out there who do it similarly. Sharing personal thoughts and experiences is something not many people do. Even more so REASONABLE and SOUND thoughts. That’s one thing we only get from Spoony.

And that’s how I feel about Spoony in a sense: he’s more like a “friend across the globe, talking to us behind the camera”, more than a character or a showman.

About the sales tax: I don’t really know how it goes in Europe, but comparing with Brazil, the U.S. way to do it is much more honest. Here we get a single price tag, hence we never get to know how much of the product is being paid to the government (our blood-drinking, inneficient government) at all. I think the VAT, if it works as I understood, might be the best of both worlds solution: single price tag, but you get a discriminate value of how much the product is really worth and how much goes to the suited leeches.

i know this might sound stupid, but i had no idea you lived in arizona. So do I ! , also if you dont already have a dreamcast i might be willing to part with it.

i know this might sound stupid, but i had no idea you lived in arizona. So do I ! , also if you dont already have a dreamcast i might be willing to part with it.

Haha, sales tax in P.E.I. was the worst. It used to be that we had a 6% GST, then a 10% PST on top of that, and another few cents taxed on the taxes.

Still waiting for the 2nd part of benzai and spoony in his sexy bath robe lol!

“Oh boy!”

Still waiting for the 2nd part of benzai and spoony in his sexy bath robe lol!

“Oh boy!”

I can’t wait to see the crossover videos; you two just being TOGETHER is hilarious

Spoony, glad you had the foresight to do these vlogs and making of videos of the epic trip. That’s really cool you guys were able to get EVERYBODY to come out like that. I bet coordinating the whole trip was quite the challenge since everybody is from different places.

Spoony, glad you had the foresight to do these vlogs and making of videos of the epic trip. That’s really cool you guys were able to get EVERYBODY to come out like that. I bet coordinating the whole trip was quite the challenge since everybody is from different places.

I Have to agree with Benzaie… the first time i got to USA i was preety upset with the sales taxes too.

Man, am I jealous. Being someone who watches these reviews (And who does not have the vocal power for making them), all of you guys between TGWTG and the AVGN are basically legends to me. Sorry to hear about the lame-ass arcade (Seriously, 3 games that may or may not steal your money?) but hey, at least you got to meet everybody in person. That must have been pretty awesome.

Also, I have to agree with F-Valves on your Vlogs. I love watching the reviews (I’m still quoting ‘I *heard* that, Curtis’ and ‘You’re in my way, sir’), but I’m always excited to see a new Vlog up. A lot of people do just reviews and such, including the NC and, to a slightly lesser extent, the AVGN, but you actually do occasional videos of just you talking about something you did recently, like saw a movie or played a game. It’s neat to hear your honest opinions without added dialogue, jokes, and animations.

I’m excited for the next one, and I love the crossovers (Poor Benzaie). Can’t wait!

Man, am I jealous. Being someone who watches these reviews (And who does not have the vocal power for making them), all of you guys between TGWTG and the AVGN are basically legends to me. Sorry to hear about the lame-ass arcade (Seriously, 3 games that may or may not steal your money?) but hey, at least you got to meet everybody in person. That must have been pretty awesome.

Also, I have to agree with F-Valves on your Vlogs. I love watching the reviews (I’m still quoting ‘I *heard* that, Curtis’ and ‘You’re in my way, sir’), but I’m always excited to see a new Vlog up. A lot of people do just reviews and such, including the NC and, to a slightly lesser extent, the AVGN, but you actually do occasional videos of just you talking about something you did recently, like saw a movie or played a game. It’s neat to hear your honest opinions without added dialogue, jokes, and animations.

I’m excited for the next one, and I love the crossovers (Poor Benzaie). Can’t wait!

dude its awesome how you actually filmed a vlog on location… if i were you i would of assumed before arrival that there would of been alot of shooting going on for the next few days and kept away from the camera… but i guess the difference between ordinary and extradorinary is that little extra, lol. Good stuff, good content here, and i’m sure everybody else is eating it up too. Keep it up man, we’ll still be watching…
Yeah, and i dont know whassup w/ avgn doing dragonstrike either… didja piss the nerd off in Chi or something? I mean its not like he really does board-game reviews (yeah, i’ve seen the mousetrap), and it wasnt really all that well done… doesnt smell right, man… odd coincidence.

When I heard about the tax in the US the first time I was also like “WTF?”. Yeah, we also have tax, but the price labels in shops already have the tax accounted for. Why can’t you also do that?

When I heard about the tax in the US the first time I was also like “WTF?”. Yeah, we also have tax, but the price labels in shops already have the tax accounted for. Why can’t you also do that?

Now that you mention it, yeah, the whole sale’s tax thing does seem kind of a rip off if you live somewhere where you aren’t accustomed to having to pay it. I’m not exactly how it works in other states, but where I live, in Michigan, its a 6% sales tax on everything except food. Also, be glad you didn’t buy that 12 case of Pepsi here because you would have been charged an extra 10 cents per can for deposit, for an extra $1.20. And then you have to bring the cans back to the store when you’re finished with them, but in the process you get your deposit back. I suppose they do this to make sure people are actually going to recycle the containers or whatever. Anyway, I just kind of laughed at the whole sales tax thing.

Spoony, of all the tgwtg guys your the best, and that includes AVGN.

Spoony, of all the tgwtg guys your the best, and that includes AVGN.

Ah yes, the evil power of sales taxes. They get you every time.

BTW Spoony, next time you guys do something like this, for a hotel I would recommend trying to get reservations at Great Wolf Lodge. Forty arcade games, all of which work. Full sized indoor water park, a starbucks, a pizza-hut, and three other resteraunts.

I think theres like, twenty of them scattered across the country.

@ Tai MT

Remember Reagan and the 80s and deregulation. Yes, the US government is more lenient when it comes to regulating business as compared to other companies in the rest of the world. Why do you think there’s so many English inventors here? Like that Dyson guy. (Wait, he’s the only one I can name…) I gotta say, I really hate it when people get all butt-hurt on the internet, and believe me I’m not trying to do that. I would appreciate it if you didn’t say I need to have my head examined, though.

Of course, no hard feelings. (smiley)

@ Tai MT

Remember Reagan and the 80s and deregulation. Yes, the US government is more lenient when it comes to regulating business as compared to other companies in the rest of the world. Why do you think there’s so many English inventors here? Like that Dyson guy. (Wait, he’s the only one I can name…) I gotta say, I really hate it when people get all butt-hurt on the internet, and believe me I’m not trying to do that. I would appreciate it if you didn’t say I need to have my head examined, though.

Of course, no hard feelings. (smiley)

Good God, that’s a Robin doll from the original animated Batman in there. That’s dated a bit. That show ended, what, in 95′ 96′?

I’m proud that I’m that person to notice this and have to bring it up.

I get it my Arizona brother, Rain is shit
and no one buys those damn thing except for people who aren’t really here often

I get it my Arizona brother, Rain is shit
and no one buys those damn thing except for people who aren’t really here often

I get it my Arizona brother, Rain is the shit
and no one buys those damn thing except for people who aren’t really here often

Why is he so surprised about sales taxes? They have VATs in Europe

Why is he so surprised about sales taxes? They have VATs in Europe

In Finland, sales tax is (rarely) 8% or (usually) 22%, however, the tax is included in the price tag, so you will always know what you’re paying. It’s not the tax that’s surprising, it’s just stupid in my opinion not to tell you in the price tag what you’ll actually have to pay.

Sales tax around here is crazy and has gone up a bit the last couple of years. I am not sure if anyone has over taken us yet but Chicago does have the highest tax in the country last I heard.

Sales tax around here is crazy and has gone up a bit the last couple of years. I am not sure if anyone has over taken us yet but Chicago does have the highest tax in the country last I heard.

25% in Sweden…. 13% for food.

19% currently for everything is Germany. And the tax is already included in the price.

19% currently for everything is Germany. And the tax is already included in the price.

As an American, I still remember how much it blew my mind when I learned about sales tax. I had wanted to buy a giant plastic fly toy for a dollar and ninety nine cents, only to discover that the price was actually more or less arbitrary. So now I associate taxes with a big plastic fly toy that I never even ended up getting! That still kind of bothers me. I mean, I don’t want it now — what would I do with it? — but it should’ve been mine!

In the UK we have VAT instead of Sales Tax. Basically the government slap on 15% to the price of goods (excluding certain items) but that is included in the advertised price.

In the UK we have VAT instead of Sales Tax. Basically the government slap on 15% to the price of goods (excluding certain items) but that is included in the advertised price.

Tostinos pizza! Those things are getting me through college.

Yeah, it’s hard to include the sales tax in the price in the US because major manufacturers have no idea where each individual thing is going and the sales tax could range from 0-10% so they don’t put it in. Stores don’t put it in either because, honestly, can you imagine wal-mart going through every item they place on their shelves and adding in the sales tax? It’s easier to just let the computer do it. If you notice though, a lot of smaller stores do include the sales tax in the advertised price already. It’s just the bigger ones can’t bother.

Yeah, it’s hard to include the sales tax in the price in the US because major manufacturers have no idea where each individual thing is going and the sales tax could range from 0-10% so they don’t put it in. Stores don’t put it in either because, honestly, can you imagine wal-mart going through every item they place on their shelves and adding in the sales tax? It’s easier to just let the computer do it. If you notice though, a lot of smaller stores do include the sales tax in the advertised price already. It’s just the bigger ones can’t bother.

It’s 18 cents. Get over it.

The sale tax is quite stupid that way in america then, in my country we already have it calculated in on the labels.

The sale tax is quite stupid that way in america then, in my country we already have it calculated in on the labels.

I love that bit when Ben says “It’s a holo-gorilla” and Spoony goes “Yeah, it- hey, it IS a hollow gorilla, ‘coz there’s nothing inside it!” He sounds so enthusiastic. “I made a funny!”

LOL @ 7:40!! I dont see much people sit like that but i sit like that!!

LOL @ 7:40!! I dont see much people sit like that but i sit like that!!

I actually had no idea that they add something like that. NO idea at all. I’d be fucking pissed off too, the first time.

Hah, I just happened upon those scorpion lolipops recently as well, at some place called IT’SUGAR on the Atlantic City boardwalk. My friend actually ate one, but I didn’t really have the stomach to do the same.

Hah, I just happened upon those scorpion lolipops recently as well, at some place called IT’SUGAR on the Atlantic City boardwalk. My friend actually ate one, but I didn’t really have the stomach to do the same.

Chumbawumba!

I’m pretty sure they have sales tax where Benzaie is from (in fact, it’s probably higher than 7 %) but I would imagine in most of Europe, as it is in Sweden, the price on the tag is the price you pay at check out. I actually don’t think stores are allowed to put one price on the tag and charge another; it would be considered fraudulent. Ah, the consumer protection socialism has awarded us. =D

Aw, I wish I new about this before I left. I was in Chicago until Monday night :(
Id have stopped by and said hi or something

Anime Central was over the weekend, so did you run into any remaining crazy cosplayers?

Aw, I wish I new about this before I left. I was in Chicago until Monday night :(
Id have stopped by and said hi or something

Anime Central was over the weekend, so did you run into any remaining crazy cosplayers?

Dude, I would kill for a deodorant that cost ONLY 2.15$. In Norway a regular deodorant cost 7$ or more =P
I love France, everything is extremely cheap and it’s the same quality as anywhere else. =P
Awesome log!
Would be wonderful if you brought your camera with you whenever you went on a trip =D
Love Your Work Noah!!!
Keep up the good work!

Well, in Lithuania, like other European countries you pay the price that is written on the price tag. There is a VAT (19% for most items), but that is included in the price. So, if I buy something that has a price tag with 10Lt written on it, 10Lt is the amount of cash that will be leaving my wallet.

Well, in Lithuania, like other European countries you pay the price that is written on the price tag. There is a VAT (19% for most items), but that is included in the price. So, if I buy something that has a price tag with 10Lt written on it, 10Lt is the amount of cash that will be leaving my wallet.

That hotel is rather scary – you could have filmed a decent horror flick while there.

Benzaie, we European bastards understand. Sales tax my ass, they’re robbing you. If there’s a tax, just put it in the damn price so I can know.

I live in Spain and there’s a tax, IVA, which is 16% for most things (except food and stuff), and it’s usually already added to the price or indicated either by indicating both prices (let’s say 1.00€ and 1.16€) or telling you it’s not included (then you’ll do easy math because you know what the taxes are and that they’re not already in the price).

On another topic, I DEMAND an explanation on that gorilla, as well as some proof of those tequila scorpion lollipops (I never thought I’d say or write that).

See ya, gonna watch Day 2 now.

Benzaie, we European bastards understand. Sales tax my ass, they’re robbing you. If there’s a tax, just put it in the damn price so I can know.

I live in Spain and there’s a tax, IVA, which is 16% for most things (except food and stuff), and it’s usually already added to the price or indicated either by indicating both prices (let’s say 1.00€ and 1.16€) or telling you it’s not included (then you’ll do easy math because you know what the taxes are and that they’re not already in the price).

On another topic, I DEMAND an explanation on that gorilla, as well as some proof of those tequila scorpion lollipops (I never thought I’d say or write that).

See ya, gonna watch Day 2 now.

In Australia any tax that is on the items you buy is added on to the display price. So in Aus the price on the tag would have said 2.15 becouse that’s what you are paying. I think not displaying the tax is kind of strange.

Good video though. Cool little story.

I stayed in that same Holiday Inn in 2006 and I remember being just as unimpressed as you seem to be with the “Holi-Dome.” In fact, I think that those are the same arcarde games that were there when I was! And they didn’t work then, either!

I stayed in that same Holiday Inn in 2006 and I remember being just as unimpressed as you seem to be with the “Holi-Dome.” In fact, I think that those are the same arcarde games that were there when I was! And they didn’t work then, either!

Cool, Benzaie! Hey Spoony, is Benzaie actually from France or is he from Canada? I always wondered and now he mentions being in the UK at one point so….also, I thought he’d know about a tax like that since in the UK we have VAT.

lmao that wall mart story had me lmao …………….FUCK MART!!!

lmao that wall mart story had me lmao …………….FUCK MART!!!

Pretty much any country have a sales tax but its usually already included in the price.

Try living in Germany. We almost as much rain as the british !

Try living in Germany. We almost as much rain as the british !

Man, I should have watched this when it was first posted.
That´s an interesting little piece of trivia with the sales tax not being included in the labelled price. Gonna save me an argument if I ever get to the U.S. for vacation.

I remember being pissed off too when I first learned about sales taxes. Why can't you just put it in the price tag? Why do you have to shaft the customers? It's just unbelievable!

I love how excited Spoony is, you can just feel the energy, and he's just so darn cute! The bit about the sales tax is really funny to me now, I've been living in the Netherlands for the last 3 monthes, prior to which I've spent my whole life in the US, and I had never thought it was weird to have the sales tax added extra at the register . . . until now. I mean, if other countries can add it in and put it on the sign, why can't we do that in the US?

Still, I don't know how retail stores work here in Europe, but at the retail store I worked at in the US any coupons were applied prior to taxes, and when we did $10 rewards for every $50 you spend, it was for every $50 spent without including tax. So . . . maybe the corporate retailers like having the tax not automatically included, and you know they have big clout in the government. Also, if other countries don't have their taxes broken up by territories, then it would make it easy for the manufacturer to just one price on the tag, unlike in the US with each state having different taxes and corporations and manufacturers supplying products to multiple states.

Sales tax… my god the US is silly.

Sure, we have that here in Finland too, BUT IT IS ALREADY INCLUDED in the price.
Adding it at the cashier is bullshit.

I live in Chicago and yeah i mean the city part, i laughed SO hard about the sales tax.

I can totally sympathise with the sales tax thing. I moved to the US from the UK about 7 years ago and I still have trouble with it.

In the UK we have sales tax, but it’s included in the price, so if something says 1.99 on the shelf, you pay 1.99. I had a few instances over here where I had a ten dollar bill in my wallet and tried to buy something for 9.99.

Benzaie is right.

you only paid 2 15? shit, my axe usually cost 3.50

let me share this family history story with yah.
my grandfather was a police officer in the Netherlands, a guy walks up to him and tells him this shop is scamming him. so grand dad goes over there and asks the owner what the problem was: the man wanted to pay with….an egg and an apple! and the man was angry he didn’t accept the payment! really weird you would say? well on the shops window it said something like ”we are so cheap it would only cost you an egg and an apple!” meaning its as cheap as those two products, however the man wanted to LITERALLY pay with an egg and an apple! and here is the joke, the man wasn’t a fool he must have known Dutch law
witch says what is advertised has to 100% true! or its false advertisement, well that makes sense. the story goes that grand dad told the shop owner that the man didn’t do anything wrong and that he should be allowed to pay with just an egg and an apple as the advertisement says!
as this story was told to me the owner removed the advertisement as quickly as he could :P

I know I’m two years late, but just a little tip for Benzaie. DON’T go to Quebec. Here you have to pay the 5% federal tax… PLUS a 9.5% PROVINCIAL tax.