First, a disclaimer: This blog really is only of interest to Massachusetts customers! (Sorry VT, NH, CT, RI shoppers.)
Of course, if you live in the Granite State, I'm sure you could care less about a sales tax holiday, right?
If you live in one of the great states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Vermont this blog is going to be of little help to you (unless you are willing to drive to your nearest Massachusetts Manny's.)
But -- if you reside in the Bay State, then I'm sure you're already well aware of our state's no-sales-tax weekend, this year occuring on August 12th and 13th!
Massachusetts is one of 30 states that implemented a sales tax holiday in recent years, with the intent of both helping consumers with back-to-school purchases, and to help retailers in what is normally a bit of a slowdown in traffic.
What makes the Massachusetts sales tax holiday different from other states? The biggest, actually by far the most important difference, is the dollar cap. In Massachusetts, you can save the entire 6.25% sales tax on any purchase up to $2500! (Do note - over $2500, and you pay the full tax.)
Keep in mind: The cap is $2500 per product, NOT on the entire purchase. So, go ahead and add a new dryer to your washer, or upgrade your kitchen while saving a couple of hundred dollars!
As far as our neighboring states are concerned, only Connecticut has any sort of program, and it is far more restrictive:
Connecticut: Clothing and shoes under $100 per item are tax-exempt from the state sales tax of 6.35%.
Rhode Island or Vermont. Currently there is no such program, although it appears RI is considering a holiday similar to Massachusetts'.
The result (perhaps unintended originally) of the unusually high limit in Mass is that sales in certain businesses (such as the household appliance business) spike - dramatically! Most, but not all, of our products fall neatly into the under-$2500 category. As a result, many of our customers will time their appliance purchases to take advantage of the extra savings the tax holiday offers (plus, let's be honest... who doesn't want to find a way to pay less tax, yes?)
Have you ever shopped in a mall or big box store on a tax holiday weekend? If you have, you were probably frustrated by the huge crowds of shoppers, which can make getting the attention of salespeople challenging! (Personally, I haven't had the pleasure of shopping the tax holiday - I've always been on the other end, doing my best to at least try to take care of our customers. The experience can be stressful, for employees and customers alike!)
There is a solution to beating the crowds, and a solution we strongly encourage: Come in between now and Friday August 11. We will be busy, but not overwhelmed. We can work with you and help you with your purchase. Whether it's a basic washer for an apartment you're renting, a new range to replace the old coil top unit you've been nursing along, all the way up to putting together an appliance suite for a remodel or kitchen upgrade, we can help!
Here's the procedure we've developed over the years:
- 1) You come in ahead of time and speak with one of our experienced salespeople, so we can assist you in picking out your appliances.
- 2) We put together on paper a "quote", outlining your purchase.
- 3) On the 12th and 13th Manny's dedicated staff gets up early and drives to work, usually a large cup of strong coffee in hand, and begins processing these payments.
The only stipulation to this strategy, which we have used effectively in past years, is that your purchase must be paid in full on August 12 or 13. (That means no deposits or layaways. Sorry -- state rules!) during those two days.
Now, please keep two thoughts in mind:
- 1) This tidal wave of business is going to stress inventory levels that are still recovering from the Great Pandemic.
- 2) As hard-working as our delivery and warehouse guys are, there are only so many deliveries we can perform each day.
So, as in past years, please be patient with us! We will do our best to get your tax-free appliances to you as quickly as possible.
If you have any questions regarding any of the above, you can always reach out to any of our staff at our various locations.
Finally, one last thought:
Happy Shopping!!