Couple of days ago bought 4 airports/sceneries from Aerosoft's so-called 20% Sale.

What a swizz! Admittedly they were on offer at 20% off, but all that was wiped out with 20% VAT added back on top. Not so much of a bargain, in reality.

Not sure what VAT levels are or if there are none in other countries, but I for one will never again fall for these so-called '20% Sales'!

To be fair, though, you can't blame Aerosoft for VAT. In any case, say a €50 scenery costs €60 with VAT, that same scenery in a 20%-off sale is €48 with VAT which is still a 20% reduction and you've saved €12.

New laws have come in with many  countries where VAT must be charged by suppliers on online sales at the rate of the country.  A few other countries have imposed the responsibility on Paypal etc to pay the tax and then claim it back from you.  I believe Australia is one of these, rather a messy situation. I do not know where I stand as I live in one country but my bank and paypal are in another.  On the other hand some like ORBX have charged a flat rate.  Australia insists prices are quoted including GST so they presumably have been paying the tax to the Tax Office for Australian customers and keeping that amount for others.

https://www.ato.gov.au/business/international-tax-for-business/gst-on-imported-services-and-digital-products/terms-we-use/  is the most understandible I find though I do not understand it completely.  I understand several other countries have used similar changes at about the same time.

Edited September 14, 20187 yr by harrry

This forum is to announce sales for our membership, not to complain about the sales.  I suspect those complaints go to Hangar Chat where you walk into the hangar and tell everyone there that you got robbed last night.  Anyway, I thought the sale was 30% off.  Seems to me you are going to be charged VAT whether on sale or at the regular price.