Today is the day that Ireland increase their VAT rate from 21% to 21.5%, while the UK decreases from 17.5% to 15%. Already it seems that some of the popular online stores, feel it’s not necessary to pass on the new savings to it’s customers.

In fairness to these stores, most of the items I have been looking at are sale or special offer items. Here’s a few of my observations.

1. PS3 80GB bundle from Play.com : Last week £299.99 – Today £299.99
2. Asus Eee PC 901 XP from Play.com : Last week £279.99 – Today £279.99
3. LG W2234S 22″ TFT Monitor from Tesco Direct : Last week £119 – Today £119

Generally across the Amazon.co.uk site, prices seem slightly cheaper and in-line with the reduction, but I can’t confirm this.

In Ireland, the rip-off culture seems to have shone through again. From a quick glance, it looks as those most Irish sites have passed on the miserly %0.5 VAT increase to it’s customers rather than trying to absorb the tiny increase.

Initially it seems, most online retailers seem to be taking advantage of the decrease or increase.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Tesco Price scalping…and increased EU consumer protection
• Drop the VAT rate in Ireland
• Amazon intros early VAT cut
• The ASUS Eee PC 1000 shows up for pre-order at Amazon
• Tesco implementing VAT cut three days early
• Charging VAT? Foolish to say the least
• Controversial single EU tax base to be put on ice

Tags: ASUS Eee PC, Online shopping, Play.com, Tesco, United Kingdom, Value added tax