PattBenatar Posted August 8, 2016 #1 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Standard question on most shops I have been at while buying items. I know they log it. Do they hand it over to customs or the ship to hand over to US customs? They never took my name or asked for my card however. While in Amber Cove we were the only ship in port and they still asked. I bought nothing more than 2 bottles of Vanilla in Mexico that would even be considered questionable. I declared it, it was fine. Just curious does anyone know for sure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShakyBeef Posted August 8, 2016 #2 Share Posted August 8, 2016 (edited) From what I understand, this is so that the store can give the appropriate kickback to each ship's onboard "shopping consultant". ETA: I didn't answer your question, I'm sorry. No, I don't know for sure. Edited August 8, 2016 by ShakyBeef Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattBenatar Posted August 8, 2016 Author #3 Share Posted August 8, 2016 From what I understand, this is so that the store can give the appropriate kickback to each ship's onboard "shopping consultant". Interesting answer, makes sense. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joepeka Posted August 8, 2016 #4 Share Posted August 8, 2016 (edited) I am going to guess they collect that info for the cruise lines rather than for Customs purposes. If a shop is a cruise line "recommended" business, it may help them maintain that status; if a shop is not a recommended business, it may help the business demonstrate that the cruise line should add them to their preferred business list. Just a guess. :) P.S. Shakybeef also provided a very good answer/guess. Edited August 8, 2016 by joepeka Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgttami Posted August 8, 2016 #5 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I know in St. Thomas they used to ask but I just told them "I'm not on a cruise." Most of the time I wasn't. I was staying in St. John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maldenmusic Posted August 8, 2016 #6 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I don't think I've ever been asked that question Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riffatsea Posted August 8, 2016 #7 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Sometimes folks just want to know what ship is in port that day. I would really be surprised if they all kept records of which ships sent their passengers to their shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcarney Posted August 8, 2016 #8 Share Posted August 8, 2016 My understanding it is used for customs ... my BF was 'summoned' to the customs area when disembarking for cigarette purchase (2 cartons --- 1 for him and 1 for me, so he took my passport and declaration and was released) but while in line, the lady in front of him was 'caught' lying ... she had purchased a ring while in port for $2600 but did not put it on her declaration form - the custom's agent gave her several times to declare it but she didn't -- so, he was like what about the ring you purchased for $2600 in XXX port? She was floored that he knew about it --- her explanation was that she was wearing it and didn't think that counted ...SMH. Anyway, she got escorted to the naughty table where she had to fork out $$$. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QTPieRye Posted August 8, 2016 #9 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Up until recently we had never been asked that... however, this past January on the Carnival Liberty, we were asked this multiple times from various shops, including Harley Davidson. One shop required us to show your S&S card and another asked us to write down the ship name on a log they had at the counter. I asked why and they said it had something to do with taxes... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QTPieRye Posted August 8, 2016 #10 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Up until recently we had never been asked that... however, this past January on the Carnival Liberty, we were asked this multiple times from various shops, including Harley Davidson. One shop required us to show your S&S card and another asked us to write down the ship name on a log they had at the counter. I asked why and they said it had something to do with taxes... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruizinisthebest Posted August 8, 2016 #11 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I don't think I've ever been asked that question Me either. Ever. And we always shop in port. But I would say so if asked. No big deal. Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
almitra Posted August 8, 2016 #12 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Been asked that MANY times over the years, especially in Coz. I suspect it's for purposes of kickbacks, but know for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted August 9, 2016 #13 Share Posted August 9, 2016 I would tell them that I LIVE there! None of their business.....I guess they need to know who to give a "kick-back" to! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wecamp Posted August 9, 2016 #14 Share Posted August 9, 2016 (edited) On our cruise in 1984 certain shops had signs and if you bought there you gave your ship and room number. They delivered what you bought to your room. Wish that still happened! Edited August 9, 2016 by wecamp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenjiRodney Posted August 9, 2016 #15 Share Posted August 9, 2016 The stores have to be able to prove to the local authorities why they did not collect taxes. In Belize and they have always had us to sign a second copy of the receipt that they keep for their tax purposes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod in Az Posted August 9, 2016 #16 Share Posted August 9, 2016 Up until recently we had never been asked that... however, this past January on the Carnival Liberty, we were asked this multiple times from various shops, including Harley Davidson. One shop required us to show your S&S card and another asked us to write down the ship name on a log they had at the counter. I asked why and they said it had something to do with taxes... The stores have to be able to prove to the local authorities why they did not collect taxes. In Belize and they have always had us to sign a second copy of the receipt that they keep for their tax purposes. I asked the clerk on our last cruise and she told me because they are duty free shops (no tax) they have to ask. While not all of the shops had us initial a slip, some did. She said if someone who actually lives there purchases something they are required to pay tax on the purchase. Seemed reasonable to me..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruzeluver Posted August 9, 2016 #17 Share Posted August 9, 2016 Only happens at the shops "recommended" by the cruise line. Those stores apy big bucks to be on the "recommended" list. Has nothing to do with whether or not its a good store or not. It is most definitely not for tax purposes. We rarely got into the "recommended" stores but when we have, we tell them we did not arrive on a ship and have never been told we would then have to pay tax. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted August 9, 2016 #18 Share Posted August 9, 2016 Not necessarily asked only in shops on the recommended list. They like to get an idea that if their traffic is heavier on ship days. We've been asked in Victoria's Chinatown. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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