Huge differences in film prices between US and EU

[RenFra]

I was wondering why there are such huge differences in prices of flim stock between Europe and the USA. The difference balances between 15 and 40% in favour of the US. I don't think this can be explained by the difference in exchange rate between the two currencies. I think a whole world of 8mm filmers could be won if the prices in Europe were a bit lower! Consequently prices would drop and filming 8mm would be attractive again.

[aj]

In US it is common (and accepted) to advertise consumer goods ex sales tax. In Europe retailers are obliged to advertise including sales Tax. Since this tax is usually something like 20% it takes up a huge part (1/6) of the retail price.

Still, Kodak Tri-X is indeed a lot cheaper in US than in EU. Somebody ought to start a relay service
6 pcs easily fit a USPS flatrate envelope.

[RenFra]

I took the EU-price without VAT.
E.g.: 1 cartridge of about 15m S8 Kodak Ektachrome 100D processing included and VAT excluded: EUR 25 = USD 34 I think this is about 30% more expensive than a US-average price.

[Mana]

1 euro = 1.3755 US dollars

Isn't that a 30% difference?

[Will2]

Sales tax in the U.S. varies from 5% to 8.5% (a couple states don't have sales tax at all).

If you order something from a company that doesn't have a physical store or office in your state no sales tax is added.

[RenFra]

1 euro = 1.3755 US dollars

Isn't that a 30% difference?

No, that's not the point I want to make. 1 EUR is about 1.34 USD So if we in Europe pay for 15m of film (processing included and tax excluded) EUR 24 (which is about USD 34) you have an idea of how much the difference is with the price(s) you are accustomed to in the USA.

[camera8mm]

exchange rate or not it would also factor in the cost of living in europe, which is higher than the US. Would it be cheaper to buy it in estonia or an eastern european country with a low cost of living? There is probably some import tariff on the film as well. Kahl looks affordable in europe but factor in the shipping, it becomes expensive. In the us generally most film is not sold with processing included. This was done changed some years ago as some labs felt they were losing out on being able to process film, so film is generally not sold with processing included. Buy from a one-one kodak reseller and it is cheaper on that end but some places are a third string film reseller, having bought from a middle man, and the price goes up. gas here in the us is relatively cheap, compared to europe because they still get huge government tax breaks. just an economonic example

[aj]

Of course the standard Hamburger or classic pair of jeans index must be applied too.
I.e. how much is the value of a film expressed relative to these.

A 100D S8 50ft costs $17 in USA and Euro 12.20 at Super8.nl No processing.Both ex tax.
Neither are price-stunters.

Seems only Kodak Direct makes better deals. But these can not be used from outside USA

[RenFra]

Of course the standard Hamburger or classic pair of jeans index must be applied too.
I.e. how much is the value of a film expressed relative to these.

A 100D S8 50ft costs $17 in USA and Euro 12.20 at Super8.nl No processing.Both ex tax.
Neither are price-stunters.

Seems only Kodak Direct makes better deals. But these can not be used from outside USA

[aj]

meaning what?

[aj]

Even better, although past 31st december things will get worse

At Wittner's website: S8 100D at 10.88 Euro (ex tax)

+++ WEIHNACHTS-SPECIAL +++

KODAK Ektachrome 100D, Color Umkehr

Super 8 Kassette ca. 15m / 50 ft.
ISO 100/21° Tageslicht (5500K, ohne Filter)
ISO 25/15° Kunstlicht/Filmleuchte (3200-3400K, mit Filter Wratten 80A)
Entwicklung (E6) im Filmpreis nicht eingeschlossen.

SONDERPREIS
Nur gültig für Online-Bestellungen, die uns bis einschl. 31.12.2011
erreichen.

Solange Vorrat reicht!

Best.-Nr. A1600 - (10.88 EUR netto) 12.95 EUR brutto