The only thing larger merchants could do is not to mark up the vat, as they get vat back.

The smaller merchants who get a portion of the vat back could exclude that portion.

Let's say:

$1000 CFI
$ 300 customs duty
$ 130 vat
$ 170 broker

1600.00

markup 80%

Sell for 2880

But, since you get the vat back

your out ot pocket becomes 1470

markup 80%

sell for 2646

That is all one can do. and I think some larger merchants do that already. Many do not, but I do not patronize these establishments.

I do not understand why govt will "talk' to the merchants unless they are prepared not to charge VAT on top of duty to further reduce the thing.

> the healthcare system may not be overwhelmed.

I do not exist to safeguard the health system.

I avoid hospitals because that's the most likely place to catch covid.

The vaccine does not work for omicron. If you have not been vaxxed, why bother?

If you have been vaxxed, why bother?

Soon it will be lower than 40%. I have heard many people say they will not take a booster.

Well, I said this before, I do not mind the current restrictions as they are not enforced.

I wear a disintegrating mask so people leave me alone. Not buying any more masks.

Let's just hope the truckers can stop this so called annual shot mandate for all age groups. And that a couple of these emerging lawsuits get through.

Nah. No republic, they all want to be Sir.

The local honours are a consolation prize tothe minor living legends.

You could try. But shipping, insurance, freight , brokereage and govt duties and vat is staggering.

Try to price a washing machine and let me know what happens. I bet it is just easier for your to order from the local shop and get it delivered within a day or two.

I once saw these fellas with a bag of 50 lbs of rice at the airport, customs seized it as there was no permit from agriculture.

Also if you buy, let's say 50 lbs of chicken and ship it, you will never get the rate supervalue gets with a whole container out of Brazil, so there will not be much difference in price.

Years ago, I and 2 friends used to buy a box of 100 apples and share. The one who did the counting kept the extra apple. That is also a way to save if your weekly earnings is low, 4 or 5 people can buy a case,.

The wholesaler cannot markup execessively because the independent food stores might beat them.

To save money, I either purchase from the whosaler or wait for specials.

You can save money also by making your own pancakes, cookies and breads. Or simply cooking your own food. A deli sandwich or fast food package is at least $10 these days.

I tend to shop the stores where markup is about 33%. You can figure it out by comparing to amazon.

Those places that we call exoensive markup by 80% or even 100%.

Well One time the question arose about a computer which I purchased and I was able to produce a 5 year old invoice from amazon as proof and the email from the freight forwarder to show payment of vat, etc...

I say this because nowadays it is not paperwork only. Those emails with invoices and receipts stay there forever.

Also those notification emails for your credit card can be useful to show you paid your bill.

For 9000 per month, I csn volunteer too.

I drove by a setup they had outside mall at marathon. There were 3 tables. Three workers in medical scrubs were gathered chatting at one table. No customers/patients waiting.

People like free things.
Especially if they get cookie and orange juice after the shot.