bestbrickprice

That might be true in most cases, but recently I found out Amazon Japan had the advent calendar sets (both the regular one and the Star Wars themed one) cheaper. One of my best friends happened to be visiting us for Christmas with her family, so I shamelessly asked her to bring me two advent calendar sets. At that time the best deal I could find in U.S. using my own price comparison web site bestbrickprice.com was still way more expensive than the price listed at Amazon Japan. I don't know whether it is because Advent Calendar is not a big thing in Japan? The sets were sold out at all major retailers, online and in-store right before Christmas here in U.S.. However, the regular set is back in stock now at ToysRUs at the listed price of $29.99. The lowest price for in stock Star Wars Advent Calendar is currently $57.99, still more expensive than the $39.99 listed price. The price on Amazon Japan for the same item is $46 (give or take the fluctuation in foreign currency exchange), cheaper quite a bit. The sales tax there in Japan is 8% right now, and soon to be 10% in October, comparable to what I have to pay here. I already told my friend I'll be asking them to buy and bring me certain LEGO sets next time they visit in Fall, especially those sets that are sold out here on LEGO.com and the prices are jacked up everywhere else online. In Los Angeles County, California, where I live we have a 9% sales tax rate. Ninety minutes to the south in Carlsbad where LEGOLAND is, the sales tax rate is 8%. In addition, as a LEGOLAND pass holder I get a 10% off all purchases. However, my preferred way of shopping is still via online. I am able to shop from the comfort of my home, and often do not have to pay the listed price because I always do my price comparison homework first.