Your ‘must buys’ and stock ups when visiting the US

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firefuze

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#306244 6-Jul-2023 20:07

Keen to hear what others deem a ‘must buy’ or stock up on when visiting the US.

Electronics, unique snacks or food items, clothing or collectibles? I don’t really know what opportunities id be passing up so want to make the most of it while I’m there. Already looking at a couple Apple products (not a huge difference) and stock up on all the different M&M favours! (not for me) and a few Keto foods I can’t get here. Will be in the San Fransisco area.

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#3100999 7-Jul-2023 15:20

Ross dress 4 less
Marshall’s
TJMaxx
Basically, all the same store, all of the name brands, clothes, shoes, etc at a fraction of the price you would pay here, and of course a lot more to choose from.
San Francisco has had major shops close due to the theft etc.
Home Depot if you are after any power tools.

shk292

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#3101003 7-Jul-2023 15:51

I always buy clothes, especially trousers, because of NZ's inability to stock any trousers with leg length less than 34"

Less important now that I've discovered nextdirect but still great shopping in the US

mrdrifter

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#3101005 7-Jul-2023 15:55

Home Depot was my go-to in May - For things like Sanding Mesh even after the sales tax, the packs were 1/3 the price of here in NZ. Tools were 1/2 the price or better, especially for any combo kits. Amazon Prime trial with an Amazon pick up box was also handy for those items that don't ship to NZ.

networkn

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#3101023 7-Jul-2023 16:43

As a foodie, I'll typically buy up stuff I can't easily buy here, esp BBQ rubs and sauces. We buy some medications like Panadol, not solely because they are cheaper, but they do 'nicer' versions of them in massive containers.

Electronics if they are significantly cheaper or just not available here (usually must be 30% to cover no warranty).

Clothing places like Target, Kohls, Sears etc.

I have taken to buying most stuff off Amazon and shipping to our hotel.

I am cursing because right after our trip in Feb, where I could have gotten a couple of super duper laptops cheap, got back and our kids laptops died within weeks of each other :(

Senecio

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#3101024 7-Jul-2023 16:55

networkn:

Electronics if they are significantly cheaper or just not available here (usually must be 30% to cover no warranty)....

If I could give this a +2 I would.

Some manufacturer's do provide a global warranty but many still don't. When it comes to electronics I wouldn't give up a warranty and the protection afforded by the CGA for anything less than a 30% discount.

cshwone

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#3101038 7-Jul-2023 17:40

Home Depot for all sorts of stuff.

A1 Steak Sauce :)

surfisup1000

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#3101044 7-Jul-2023 17:49

I don't believe shoes are a fraction of the cost. In fact, like-for-like high-end shoes of quality main brands, I didn't think there was a huge difference in price between NZ and the US.

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networkn

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#3101045 7-Jul-2023 17:52

surfisup1000:

I don't believe shoes are a fraction of the cost. In fact, like-for-like high-end shoes of quality main brands, I didn't think there was a huge difference in price between NZ and the US.

My experience says it's quite a significant difference in most regards. But even being able to get sizes there you can't get here is useful.

bendud

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#3101049 7-Jul-2023 18:06

The dollar is pretty strong currently, so differences tend not to be huge - but availability is usually much better. Agree with the Amazon/hotel option but as ever beware re guarantees i.e don't purchase if you aren't ok to wear the cost if it goes wrong as it's a long way to take it back and posting gets expensive and risky.

Bear in mind the 110V electrics thing. Don't forget biosecurity on the way back in - once got stopped with a parmesan cheese grater I had been given that had a wooden handle....

California sales tax is added after so you will pay more than advertised - only a few states have no sales tax e.g. New Hampshire.

Thinking about the sleep apnoea thread - CPAP spares are cheap and so is melatonin!

I'm in Texas in September and the youngest only really want bottles of Prime brought back. Madness...

Books are usually significantly cheaper and Barnes & Noble have fairly good choice. Camping and outdoors - REI (slightly dodgy area in SoMa but bus stops close by and I usually just walk there and keep my eyes open). There are a lot of homeless and mentally ill people around SoMa (or at least there were last time I was there and suspect it hasn't got any better). It can be a bit intimidating at times getting ranted at.

have fun

From the Antarctic Riviera

gzt

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#3101059 7-Jul-2023 19:34

I'd be off to Best Buy or Walmart for the latest Pixel phone deal and a watch after carefully checking the bands and sku and then off to Verizon or whoever to get the unlock.

Dynamic

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#3101065 7-Jul-2023 20:05

If anyone can get me one of these Home Depot 12 foot skeletons for under NZ$800 landed incl GST I'd take it in a heartbeat.

https://mashable.com/deals/home-depot-12-foot-skeleton-restock-2023

I asked them about shipping and they said they absolutely could.... US$700 to get it to the port in Sydney, and from there it was my problem. They were unable to supply dimensions so I could query YouShop or similar.

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Scott3

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#3101080 7-Jul-2023 20:56

Make up is normally massively cheaper than NZ, and compact to put in your luggage.

Clothes are typically much cheaper & Much more range.

A visit to Ross, or a competing outlet store is typically worthwhile. Stuff like branded suitcases can be extremely cheap.

Do you have niche interests? Marine stuff (wet weather gear, hardware etc) is often good value in the USA. If you are into DIY battery power tools often have great specials in the USA. Have one item eyed up for next time I travel. (note battery power tool chargers from the USA are often 110V only, so don't plan on the charger being any value.

firefuze

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#3101087 7-Jul-2023 21:31

Dynamic:

If anyone can get me one of these Home Depot 12 foot skeletons for under NZ$800 landed incl GST I'd take it in a heartbeat.

https://mashable.com/deals/home-depot-12-foot-skeleton-restock-2023

Well, this is something I didn’t know I needed! Looks like they are sold out again.

Hadn’t considered going into Home Depot but looks like it could be worth while

Geektastic

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#3101089 7-Jul-2023 21:42

Levi’s at $40/pair last time I was there.

Hunting clothing - much wider range and better quality.

Trainers and casual shoes.

Expensive camera accessories so I don’t have to pay to import them.

afe66

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#3102210 10-Jul-2023 15:31

A bit strange, but I'm thinking if picking up model engine kits, cast iron puts up the postage quite a lot...ie nearly more than the item costs to buy

I'm in NY in December and will try the amazon deliver to hotel option too.

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