Time is running out for consumers to save

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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People shop for larger-priced items at Best Buy in Mishawaka (WSBT Photo)

People shop for higher-priced items at Best Buy in Mishawaka before the sales tax increase takes effect. (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

MISHAWAKA -- Shopping in Indiana will soon cost you a little more money. Starting Tuesday, the state's sales tax will increase from 6 percent to 7 percent. This is part of Indiana's new property tax relief plan. The increase is forcing consumers to make some last minute purchases.

With two kids, capturing those memorable moments is important to Criselda Steere. That's why she's been eying a new camcorder.

"I haven't really decided, but I'm looking at one in particular," said Steere.

She may want to decide soon. Starting Tuesday, Indiana's sales tax will increase by one percent.

"I completely forgot about that," said Steere.

We found others who simply weren't even aware of it.

"This is first news to me ... got it from you. Yeah, I didn't know that," said consumer Derrick Dotson.

But for those who do know, they're not wasting any time, especially when it comes to buying big ticket items like appliances.

"I talked to five customers yesterday that were trying to beat the tax increase," said Best Buy Appliance Specialist Floyd Heroy.

While Best Buy isn't offering any special deals because of the increase they say just mentioning it helps sway those customers who may be on the fence.

"I'd say well, you can save another $50 by buying it right now, as opposed to waiting until next week," said Heroy.

Waiting is something many consumers are starting to reconsider.

"One percent, I guess isn't huge in the grand scheme of things. But if you're buying a larger ticket item then I'm sure, yeah we would consider buying before hand,” said consumer John Howard.

Cars are another big ticket item people are cashing in on right now. For example, on a $40,000 car, you can save $400 by buying before the increase.

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