Attention Massachusetts Shoppers : The Tax-Free Weekend Is Coming!!

That's right; that time of the year is upon us.  If you live or shop in Massachusetts, you'll be able to save the 6.25% sales tax on any item under $2500 (which includes about 99% of our appliances) this August 9 and 10.  

From the crowds that descended on us in past tax holidays, we expect business that weekend and the days leading up to Aug 9-10 (see "how to preshop" below!) to be bigger than on "Black Friday."

One thing we have learned from the excitement and increased business the tax holiday creates:  

Nobody wants to pay sales tax!!

But what if you don't live in the Bay State?  

Sorry, but sadly the tax savings (and this blog) are really only going to be interesting to Massachusetts customers!  (Sorry VT, NH, CT, RI shoppers.)

(Of course, I'm sure our customers who live up in the Granite State couldn't care less about a sales tax holiday, right?)

If you do 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, in which you will be able to save our sales tax as long as you can pick up the merchandise.  If we deliver than we have to charge you your state's sales tax.)

Now if you do reside in the Bay State, there's a good chance you are already aware of our state's annual no-sales-tax weekend, this year occuring on August 9th and 10th!

Massachusetts is one of 19 states that implemented a sales tax holiday in recent years.  The original intent was to help consumers with their back to school purchases.  It also has the added benefit of helping to generate business at what is normally a slow time of year for some businesses. 

(In case you were wondering, the link below shows the specifics of the tax holidays throughout the country:)

https://taxadmin.org/2025-sales-tax-holidays/

If you look at the list, you will see what makes the Massachusetts sales tax holiday different from other states -- It's the dollar cap!! 

In fact, the only other state that comes close to our $2500 limit is Texas - and Mass. is still more aggressive.  (Besides, you don't really want to drive to Texas to buy an appliance, do you?)

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.)

One very important point to remember: 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:  Clothing and shoes under $100 per item are tax-exempt from the state sales tax of 6.35%.

The result (perhaps unintended) of the unusually high limit in Mass. is that sales in certain businesses (such as the household appliance category) dramatically spike!  Most, but not all, of our products fall neatly into that under-$2500 category.  As a result, many customers time their appliance purchases to take advantage of the extra savings by not paying the sales tax (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, the huge crowds of shoppers, and getting the attention of a salesperson, very challenging.  Maybe the crowds even discouraged you from venturing out. (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 attempt to take care of our customers.  This weekend can be stressful for employees as well as customers!)

But David, do I have to fight the crowds? you may ask.  Can I come in ahead of time? 

The answer is a resounding "Yes you can!!"

How to preshop:

We have developed a perfectly legal and acceptable plan over the years to make your shopping experience easier. We strongly encourage you to consider coming in early!

Come in to any of our twelve stores between now and Friday August 8th.  We expect to be busy, but not overwhelmed.  We will work with you and assist you with your purchase. 

Our newest location in Pittsfield MA)

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 a matching appliance suite for a remodel or kitchen upgrade, we can help!

Here's the procedure we've developed:

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 9th and 10th Manny's dedicated staff gets up early - very early! - and drives to work, robust cup of black coffee in hand, and begins processing these payments.  

One important stipulation to note: Your purchase must be paid in full on August 10-11. (That means no deposits or layaways.  Sorry -- state rules!)   

Now, we ask that you please keep the two following thoughts in mind:  

1. This tidal wave of business always stresses inventory levels.  There will be temporary stockouts - if past years are a reliable indication, expect 20-30% of items to be -temporarily- on backorder.  We just don't know which pieces will be affected yet.
2. Our delivery and warehouse teams will be working their tails off, but there are only so many deliveries we can perform each day. Delivery turnaround is always longer the first few weeks after the tax holiday.

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 twelve locations (Don't forget we are now open in Pittsfield!! Store numbers and addresses can be found on our web page just to the left of the blog link.

And finally...Happy Shopping!!